Professor Colleen Hayward AM is a distinguished educator, policy leader, and proud Noongar woman whose career spans more than 35 years of exceptional service to education, public policy, and the Indigenous community. Widely recognised as one of Western Australia’s most influential voices in Indigenous affairs, she has demonstrated sustained leadership across academia, government, and the corporate sector.

Professor Hayward began her career in teaching, working in metropolitan and regional schools where she developed a strong understanding of the role education plays in shaping opportunity. Following a transition into policy, she contributed to significant reform through the State School Teachers’ Union of Western Australia, advocating for merit-based promotion systems and improvements to teacher retention. She also contributed to the development of Aboriginal studies curriculum and policy work associated with the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.

At Edith Cowan University, Professor Hayward served as Head of Kurongkurl Katitjin, the Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research, before being appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equity and Indigenous) from 2012 to 2019. In these roles, she led transformative change, embedding Aboriginal knowledge and cultural perspectives across the university curriculum and significantly increasing Aboriginal student participation through culturally inclusive practices.

Professor Hayward has also held leadership roles with the Aboriginal Legal Service, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and the Telethon Kids Institute. In 2023, she became the first Aboriginal woman appointed to the board of an ASX50 company, Mineral Resources Ltd.

Her many honours include Member of the Order of Australia, NAIDOC Aboriginal Person of the Year, and induction into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame, recognising her enduring contribution to education, equity, and community leadership. These qualities are further recognised in the conferral of Colleen as an Emeritus Professor and as a Distinguished Alumni of both Murdoch and Edith Cowan Universities. She is also Patron of the MADALAH Education program and the RUAH Centre for Women and Children.

Elsta Foy is a highly respected Aboriginal health worker, community leader and Elder whose distinguished service to the Broome community spans more than seven decades. A proud Walman Yawuru woman, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, courage and commitment to improving health outcomes, advancing social equity and strengthening community wellbeing across the Kimberley region.

Raised in segregated Broome, Elsta overcame significant barriers to pursue training as a nursing aide in Perth, at a time when opportunities for Aboriginal women were severely limited. She returned to Broome in the 1950s.  She helped establish a community outpatient clinic, in doing so she became the first aboriginal nurse in Australia to deliver care in a community public health setting, playing a critical role in bridging cultural divides between Aboriginal families and the formal health system, ensuring that care was delivered with dignity, respect and cultural understanding.

Elsta was instrumental in the early development of the Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service, the first remote Aboriginal medical service in Western Australia, significantly improving access to culturally appropriate healthcare. A strong advocate for preventative health, she has led and supported numerous outreach initiatives focused on early intervention and community education.

Her service extends to local government, where she made history in 1990 as Broome’s first Aboriginal female Shire Councillor, serving with distinction for 30 years. During this time, she contributed to key developments in infrastructure, housing, youth services and community planning, ensuring Aboriginal perspectives were represented in decision-making processes.

As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Milliya Rumurra Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre, Elsta pioneered a family-focused model of care that continues to deliver lasting benefits to individuals and families across the region.

Elsta Foy’s lifelong contribution is marked by resilience, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to community service.  She emerged as a pioneer in the Aboriginal health movement and became a powerful advocate for Aboriginal people. Her life’s work continues to shape the landscape of Aboriginal health and municipal representation, and her impact endures in the communities she fought for with such determination.

Professor Rhonda Marriott AM is a nationally respected Aboriginal leader whose distinguished career spans more than five decades of service to nursing, midwifery, research, and Indigenous health reform. A proud Nyikina woman, she has made an outstanding contribution to improving maternity care and advancing Indigenous-led approaches to health systems, research, and education in Australia.

Beginning her career in nursing and midwifery, Professor Marriott developed a deep understanding of the systemic barriers faced by Aboriginal women in accessing culturally safe care. This informed her transition into research and leadership, where she has driven transformative, community-led change. Her landmark Birthing on Noongar Boodjar project reshaped maternity services in Western Australia, leading to the establishment of an Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice, the appointment of Aboriginal nursing leadership within Health’s governance, and enhanced cultural education for midwives. The project was recognised nationally by the National Health and Medical Research Council as one of its “10 of the Best”.

Professor Marriott is the inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change at Murdoch University, where she leads Indigenous-led research that informs policy, practice, and workforce development. Her work prioritises culturally grounded, community-informed solutions, including programs such as ‘Baby Coming You Ready’, which support Aboriginal women through antenatal care.

A dedicated mentor, she has supported the development of generations of Aboriginal nurses, midwives, and researchers, strengthening the Indigenous health workforce nationally. Her contributions have been recognised through numerous honours, including Member of the Order of Australia and the Premier’s Science Award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist of the Year (2025).

Professor Marriott’s leadership continues to shape more equitable, culturally responsive health systems for Aboriginal communities.

Ms Carolyn Chard AM is a highly respected arts leader whose distinguished career spans nearly four decades of service to the cultural sector in Western Australia. As Executive Director of West Australian Opera from 2010 to 2026, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in strengthening the sustainability, reach and cultural impact of one of the state’s leading arts organisations.

Under Ms Chard’s leadership, West Australian Opera achieved significant audience growth and financial stability, securing its long-term future through strong governance and strategic partnerships. She has been instrumental in expanding access to opera and ensuring its continued relevance, developing innovative programs that engage diverse audiences and enrich the cultural life of Western Australia.

A defining achievement of her tenure was the presentation of Koolbardi wer Wardong, the first opera in Australia performed in Noongar language. This landmark production elevated Indigenous language and culture on the national stage, creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations artists and fostering greater cultural understanding. She has also championed the development and staging of works that tell Western Australian stories, ensuring local voices are represented in major productions.

Ms Chard has held senior roles across leading arts organisations, including Opera Australia, Black Swan Theatre Company and Barking Gecko Theatre Company, consistently strengthening organisational performance and community engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she ensured continuity of employment for artists while maintaining audience connection to live performance.

A committed mentor and advocate, Ms Chard has supported the development of emerging artists and arts leaders, while advancing inclusion through her board and advisory roles, including as Deputy Chair of ARTRAGE.

Ms Chard’s contribution has been recognised with appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (Queens Birthday Honours 2018) and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Western Australia (2024), reflecting her enduring impact on the arts and community.

Grammy-winning musician and internationally acclaimed steel guitarist Lucky Oceans has made a significant contribution to music in both the United States and Australia. Born in Philadelphia, he co-founded the influential roots band Asleep at the Wheel, earning two Grammy Awards and multiple nominations, and performing with artists including Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Emmylou Harris.

In the 1980s, Lucky relocated to Perth and became a central figure in Western Australia’s music scene. Based in Fremantle, he has worked as a performer, composer and collaborator across live music, film and television, including performances with Paul Kelly and Joe Camilleri. He has been recognised multiple times by WAM as Instrumentalist of the Year and was inducted into the WAM Hall of Fame in 2004.

For 21 years, Lucky hosted ABC Radio National’s The Daily Planet, showcasing global music and supporting emerging artists. He has also contributed to music education through writing and teaching World Music 101 at the University of Western Australia and serving on the Australia Council Music Board.

Lucky has spent decades mentoring musicians and teaching pedal steel guitar, supporting emerging Australian talent and fostering intergenerational and intercultural collaboration in music. He uses music as a tool for social connection, working with the Aboriginal people of Roebourne and creating music with incarcerated people and local communities.

He was Musical Director for Songs for Peace and Songs for Freedom concerts across Australia, supporting awareness of Indigenous incarceration issues.  He currently plays with African, Indian, Country, Jazz, Blues, Folk and Aboriginal musicians in his quest to find a new voice that honours today’s W. Australia.

His 2019 album ‘Purple Sky’ featured Kasey Chambers, Tex Perkins, and Vika and Linda Bull, and received an ARIA nomination. His contribution to the pedal steel guitar has earned international recognition, with induction into the International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame scheduled for 2026.

He has raised a family and expanding a flourishing career from his home in Fremantle. Lucky also co-founded Fremantle’s iconic Fly by Night Club and continues to advocate for the growth and sustainability of live music in Western Australia.

Dr Tania Chambers OAM is a highly respected leader in Australia’s screen and creative industries whose career spans more than 40 years across law, screen agency leadership, production and cultural governance. A self-described “feisty dame”, she is recognised for her significant contribution to strengthening the Australian screen sector and championing local storytelling on the global stage.

She began her career as a lawyer with the ABC before transitioning into screen industry leadership, combining legal expertise with creative and strategic direction. Dr Chambers served as CEO of both Screenwest and Screen NSW, where she strengthened industry capability, supported high-quality productions, and ensured Australian stories and talent were positioned for national and international success.

In her 50s, she founded Feisty Dame Productions, which has since delivered feature films, television series and documentaries including How To Please a Woman, Invisible Boys and Kill Me Three Times. These productions showcase Western Australian locations while contributing to local employment, skills development and industry growth.

Dr Chambers has held more than 20 board and advisory roles across the arts and screen sectors, including Perth Festival, CinefestOZ, the Film and Television Institute of WA, and WAAPA. She is currently a Board Member of Screen Australia and previously chaired the Media Reconciliation Industry Network Group. Her honours include the Medal of the Order of Australia and an Honorary Doctorate from Edith Cowan University.

Alongside her professional achievements, Dr Chambers has made a sustained contribution to community and sector development through governance, mentorship and advocacy. She has supported the growth and sustainability of numerous not-for-profit arts organisations, strengthening their governance and long-term viability.

She is a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion in the screen industry, championing gender equity and supporting First Nations storytelling through industry initiatives and commissioning opportunities. Her leadership has helped expand pathways for underrepresented voices in Australian media.

Dr Chambers is widely respected as a collaborative mentor who gives her time as freely as her expertise – making herself genuinely available to emerging practitioners, not as a formality, but as a real commitment to the people coming up behind her. It is a quality those who have benefited from her generosity are unlikely to forget.

Brea Brand is the CEO and Co-Founder of CONNETIX, a globally recognised Australian toy company and winner of Best STEAM Toy of the Year in 2022.

CONNETIX was co-founded in Perth in 2019 with business partner Dave Alexander, beginning as a small garage start-up. Drawing on Brea’s background in marketing and early childhood education, the business developed magnetic tiles designed to support open-ended, play-based learning. It has since grown into a global brand, with products sold in more than 110 countries and major retail partnerships including Target USA across 1,800 stores.

Under Brea’s leadership, CONNETIX has achieved sustained international growth, selling more than 2.5 million packs worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand built a global online community of more than one million families, strengthening its focus on learning, creativity and child development through play.

Despite its scale, CONNETIX remains headquartered in Perth and employs more than 80 staff, with a strong commitment to local jobs and inclusive workplace practices. The company operates a flexible, remote-first model, with 68 per cent female representation and policies supporting working parents. It has been recognised as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years.

Brea is also co-founder of Brave Toys, which invests in Australian toy businesses including My Creative Box, and co-founder of Toys Down Under, supporting Australian brands to access international markets, including establishing a US base in Los Angeles.

In 2025, CONNETIX introduced product ranges supporting charities FightMND and Australian Breast Cancer Research, reflecting Brea’s commitment to purpose-led business and social impact.

Brea Brand’s leadership demonstrates how a values-driven Australian company can achieve global success while maintaining strong community impact, inclusive employment practices and a commitment to learning through play.

Jim Giumelli is the founder of Ertech, a leading civil construction company built on innovation, integrity, and shared success. Starting in 1981, Jim grew Ertech from a small operation into a $150 million employee-owned enterprise with over 600 staff. His decision in 1993 to give employees ownership of the business was transformative, fostering loyalty, accountability, and long-term performance. Today, 34 employees are co-owners alongside Jim and the CEO.

Jim’s leadership style is grounded in respect and presence—he regularly visited work sites and made sure every employee felt valued. Under his guidance, Ertech secured major infrastructure projects and adapted to market changes, earning its place as an industry leader. He was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the category of Financial, Business and Property in 2007 and EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the category of Services in 2013.

His proudest legacy, however, is the opportunities he has created for others. In 2008, he founded the Ertech Construction Academy to train young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds. Now known as the Motivation Foundation, the program graduates more than 70 students each year into vocational careers.

Jim’s generosity extends far beyond the construction industry. He and his family have made substantial financial contributions to medical research, funding early-stage genetic research into motor neurone disease at the Perron Institute, which has now reached the clinical trial phase. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of WA in 2017, where he continues his support of scholarships for rural students.

Jim continues to mentor emerging engineers and business leaders—quietly and generously building futures the same way he built his business: by helping others succeed.

Tania Stevens is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Eastern Guruma Pty Ltd and a proud Guruma and Yindjibarndi woman, Traditional Custodian of the Muntulgura Guruma people in the Pilbara. She has built a leading Indigenous-owned business in the resources sector over more than two decades of leadership.

Founded in 2004, Eastern Guruma has grown under Tania’s direction into a major civil, mining and integrated services contractor with annual revenue of approximately $100 million and a workforce of more than 300 people. The company delivers large-scale rehabilitation and services projects for major resource companies including Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue, earning a strong reputation for safety, quality and reliability.

Tania is recognised for her leadership in building a workplace culture grounded in accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. She has strengthened governance systems across the business while embedding a model that integrates traditional knowledge with modern engineering practices, particularly in environmental rehabilitation and land management.

A strong focus of her leadership has been creating employment and training pathways for Aboriginal people. Around one third of the workforce is Indigenous, with continued growth supported through initiatives such as the Marangka Training Program and the upcoming Sparks to Flames program, designed to expand opportunities for Aboriginal employment and support people facing barriers to work.

Her leadership has been recognised with the 2026 CME Outstanding Woman in Resources Award, and Eastern Guruma was named AEMEE Indigenous Business of the Year in 2025, reflecting its strong performance and impact across the sector.

Alongside her business leadership, Tania is committed to cultural preservation and community development. Through partnerships with Aboriginal organisations, she has supported cultural mapping and digitisation projects to record language, songlines and heritage knowledge, creating educational resources for future generations.

Tania also mentors Indigenous businesses and supports local community initiatives, combining economic development with cultural responsibility and long-term opportunity creation across the Pilbara region.

Dr Dayna Pool is a globally recognised leader in neurological rehabilitation and Founder of Healthy Strides, an intensive therapy centre transforming outcomes for children with cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. Her work challenges long-held assumptions about disability, demonstrating that children previously considered unlikely to walk independently can achieve significant mobility gains through targeted, intensive intervention.

A trained paediatric physiotherapist, Dr Pool completed a PhD at Curtin University in neurological rehabilitation, where her research demonstrated the brain’s capacity for change in response to intensive therapy. In 2018, she established Healthy Strides, personally taking financial risk to translate this research into practice. The organisation has since grown into a leading rehabilitation service supporting hundreds of families annually.

Healthy Strides is the only community clinic in Australia utilising the ZeroG3D dynamic body-weight support system, which enables children to safely practise walking in a controlled environment. Dr Pool also led a self-funded clinical study evaluating intensive therapy outcomes, demonstrating measurable improvements in mobility, including cases of independent walking achieved within a year of intervention.

Her leadership has driven international expansion, with Healthy Strides now operating clinics in Malaysia and Singapore, reflecting growing global demand for intensive, evidence-based rehabilitation models.

Dr Pool has received multiple awards recognising her innovation and impact, including the Transformative Practice Award from the Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine in 2024, Allied Health Impact and Innovation Award in 2021, Westfield Local Hero in 2021, 40 Under 40 Business Award in 2020, and Allied Health Paediatric Practice Excellence Award in 2019.

Beyond clinical practice, she is leading the development of a Community Hub to support young people with mobility challenges transitioning into adulthood, providing ongoing therapy, life skills and employment pathways. She also leads community initiatives such as the “Move-a-Thon” fundraiser for Telethon, promoting inclusion and celebrating diverse forms of movement.

Dr Pool’s work continues to reshape rehabilitation practice, expanding what is possible for children and families across Australia and internationally.

Mark Glasson is the Chief Executive Officer of Anglicare WA and a leading voice in Western Australia’s social services sector, with more than 25 years of senior executive experience across community services, justice, local government and social policy. He is also President of WACOSS, former Chair of Shelter WA, Co-convenor of the Home Stretch WA campaign, and a Leadership WA Honorary Fellow in 2023.

Beginning his career in social work, Mark developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families experiencing disadvantage. Across senior leadership roles, he has consistently focused on system reform, service integration and improving outcomes for vulnerable communities.

As CEO of Anglicare WA, Mark oversees services delivered across more than 100 locations, supporting over 100,000 Western Australians annually. He is known for a collaborative leadership style grounded in the belief that complex social issues are best addressed through partnership and shared responsibility across government, community and service providers.

A significant achievement of his career is co-convening the Home Stretch WA campaign, which successfully advocated for extended support for young people leaving out-of-home care. The initiative led to a 2021 state government commitment extending care and support to age 21, improving long-term stability and outcomes for care leavers across Western Australia.

Mark has also played a key role in the WA Rent Relief Program, which has distributed more than $18 million in rental assistance to over 4,100 households, helping families avoid eviction and maintain housing stability through targeted financial and wellbeing support. In corrective services, he led a major redesign that increased program delivery by 140 per cent within two years, with a strengthened focus on evaluation and evidence-based practice.

As President of WACOSS, he has strengthened sector collaboration, including initiatives such as the Financial Wellbeing Collective, which coordinates services across 14 organisations to improve access to financial counselling. He is also a strong advocate for gender equity through CEOs for Gender Equity.

Mark is widely respected for his inclusive leadership style, his ability to build cross-sector partnerships, and his commitment to practical, evidence-based solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.

Tracey Cave is the Founder and CEO of Sister Project, a social enterprise supporting migrant and refugee women to build confidence, skills and economic independence in Western Australia. Since its establishment in 2019, she has grown the organisation from a small community gathering into a multi-program initiative supporting more than 600 women from over 30 cultural backgrounds.

Tracey’s vision for Sister Project is grounded in lived experience and a strong commitment to social justice. Having previously lived as a migrant in Japan, she developed a deep understanding of isolation, language barriers and systemic disadvantage. This was further shaped by a personal experience of childbirth in a non-English speaking environment, which highlighted the critical need for accessible support and advocacy for migrant women.

Under her leadership, Sister Project delivers programs focused on English language development, employment readiness, driving skills, digital literacy, health and wellbeing, and entrepreneurship. The organisation also supports women to develop small business ideas and income streams, including micro-enterprises in catering, tailoring, creative industries and service-based work. These initiatives provide both practical skills and pathways to financial independence.

A defining feature of Sister Project is its co-design approach, ensuring programs reflect the lived experience, cultures and aspirations of participants. The organisation also operates a Community Hub in Ellenbrook, providing access to counselling, legal and financial support, employment services, and English language education through partnership programs.

Tracey has placed particular emphasis on supporting women experiencing family and domestic violence, with many participants receiving tailored assistance to understand their rights and access appropriate services. A key focus is enabling women to achieve safety, confidence and long-term independence through education and employment.

Sister Project is supported by a small team and a strong volunteer network, with Tracey personally contributing extensive unpaid hours and financial investment to sustain its growth. Her leadership is underpinned by a belief that when women are supported to thrive, entire families and communities’ benefit.

Through her work, Tracey Cave has created a practical and culturally responsive model of migrant women’s empowerment, enabling social inclusion, economic participation and long-term community integration across Western Australia.

Dr Daniel Hunt is a Jaru and Indjibarndi man, General Practitioner, and nationally recognised leader in Aboriginal health. He was NAIDOC Person of the Year in 2025, AMA WA Advocate of the Year in 2025, and Indigenous Doctor of the Year in 2024, reflecting his sustained contribution to clinical care, public health and health equity.

Inspired by his mother, an Aboriginal health practitioner, Dr Hunt began his medical journey early and has dedicated his career to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities across Western Australia. He spent more than a decade at Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, where he served as Deputy Medical Director and Acting CEO, overseeing comprehensive programs in chronic disease, mental health, sexual health, environmental health and developmental paediatrics.

A key achievement of his career has been leadership in infectious disease control during the Australian syphilis epidemic. He led the implementation of a Syphilis Point-of-Care testing program, delivering more than 1,300 rapid tests, enabling early diagnosis and treatment and contributing to the prevention of congenital syphilis. His work informed state and national strategies, including the WA Syphilis Action Plan.

Dr Hunt is also a Homeless Medicine Consultant at Royal Perth Hospital, where he provides in-reach clinical care and advocacy for people experiencing homelessness. His work supports safe discharge planning, continuity of care and connection to housing, family and social services.

He holds multiple leadership and advisory roles, including Chair of the Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections Advisory Committee (WA), Director of Diabetes WA, and member of the WA RACGP Council, RACGP Aboriginal Health Council, the Kirby Institute governance group, and NACCHO advisory structures. Through these roles, he ensures Aboriginal voices are embedded in health policy and system design.

Dr Hunt is a committed advocate for cultural safety, workforce education and equitable access to care. His work spans clinical leadership, policy reform and frontline service delivery, with a consistent focus on reducing preventable illness and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and vulnerable populations across Australia.

Dr Matthew Lamont is Co-founder and Managing Director of DUG Technology, recognised internationally for his leadership in high-performance computing, geophysics, and large-scale data innovation.

In 2003, he co-founded DUG Technology (formerly DownUnder GeoSolutions) in Perth, identifying an opportunity to apply advanced computing techniques to seismic data processing at a global scale. Under his leadership, the company grew from a small start-up into an ASX-listed organisation (ASX: DUG) with more than 350 employees across Australia, the United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, the UAE, and Brazil, supported by major data centre infrastructure worldwide.

Dr Lamont has been central to DUG’s strategic and technical direction, including its expansion beyond oil and gas into defence, space exploration and broader data-intensive industries. He is the architect behind the company’s Multi-Parameter Full Waveform Inversion (MP-FWI) technology, which significantly enhances subsurface imaging accuracy and speed, and is widely regarded as a global benchmark in seismic processing.

He also pioneered DUG’s immersion cooling system, a patented technology that submerges computing hardware in engineered fluid to improve energy efficiency. This innovation reduces energy consumption by approximately 51 per cent and underpins the company’s reputation for sustainable high-performance computing. In recognition of this work, DUG received the Enterprise Data Centre Design Award in 2019.

Dr Lamont’s contributions have been recognised with the Society of Exploration Geophysicists’ Cecil Green Enterprise Award in 2014 and inclusion in the Business News Power 500, reflecting his influence in Western Australia’s technology sector.

Beyond industry, Dr Lamont has contributed to major scientific and medical research initiatives, including supporting data processing for the Square Kilometre Array project and the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. He has also supported STEM education, Indigenous youth sport programs, and accessibility in the arts.

Through his leadership, Dr Lamont has positioned DUG Technology as a globally significant innovation company while strengthening Western Australia’s capability in advanced computing, research, and technology development.

Professor Nick Gottardo is a Paediatric Oncologist and Clinical Director of the WA Comprehensive Kids Cancer Centre, recognised internationally for his leadership in childhood brain cancer research, clinical trials and paediatric oncology innovation.

He leads a multidisciplinary team delivering cutting-edge cancer care for children in Western Australia, with a strong focus on expanding access to early-phase clinical trials. Under his leadership, the Centre has enabled families to access novel and experimental therapies locally, reducing the need to travel interstate or overseas for advanced treatment. His clinical approach prioritises not only survival but also improved quality of life during and after treatment.

A globally respected researcher in paediatric brain tumours, Nick has contributed to major international clinical trial networks and research collaborations. He led the AIM-BRAIN project (Access to Innovative Molecular diagnostic profiling), which used advanced molecular profiling to improve diagnosis and personalise treatment for brain tumours. The project has analysed more than 300 patients in Australia, resulting in diagnostic and treatment changes in up to 20 per cent of cases, and has now been adopted nationally as a standard diagnostic approach, placing Australia as one of only a few countries world-wide to offer this clinically validated testing.

He has also led ground-breaking international clinical trials in medulloblastoma, the most common childhood brain cancer, designed to change the treatment paradigm by reducing treatment intensity while maintaining survival outcomes to minimise long-term side-effects. He also co-leads an innovative trial in high-grade glioma exploring a promising targeted therapy for these aggressive and lethal brain cancers.

Nick’s work has been recognised with numerous honours, including Cancer Council WA Researcher of the Year in 2022, Cure Cancer Researcher of the Year Runner-Up in 2019, and the Australian Society for Medical Research Peter Doherty Leading Light Award in 2019.

Beyond his clinical and research leadership, he is actively involved in advocacy and fundraising to support childhood cancer research, including participation in major endurance fundraising events and public engagement initiatives.

Nick is widely respected for his compassion, global expertise and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children with cancer, ensuring families have access to world-class care close to home.

Alana King is an Australian international cricketer and one of the world’s leading spin bowlers, currently ranked World Number One in Women’s ODI Bowling as of March 2026. She is an Australian bowling all-rounder (2022–2026), ICC Women’s Player of the Month in February 2025, and was named in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup Team of the Tournament, finishing third in the Belinda Clarke Medal.

Raised in Melbourne, Alana developed her cricket skills playing backyard cricket with her brother before progressing through junior pathways in boys’ teams, where she was required to compete beyond her age group. This early experience-built resilience and a strong work ethic that has defined her professional career. She made her first cricket contract at 16 and debuted for Australia in 2019, going on to represent the country across Tests, ODIs and T20 Internationals. She moved to WA over six years ago and has truly made Perth her home.

Her international career has been highlighted by record-breaking performances, including ODI World Cup figures of 7 for 18, the best by an Australian woman and a tournament record. She has also demonstrated exceptional determination, playing through injury during the 25/26 Weber WBBL season and delivering key performances under pressure for the Perth Scorchers, including match-winning bowling in a semi-final campaign.

Alana is recognised for her composure, precision and ability to perform on the world stage, consistently contributing to Australia’s success in elite competition.

Beyond cricket, she is the Founder of The Alanas Project, an initiative supporting young girls to access cricket pathways by reducing financial and participation barriers. The program is inspired by her own community club, where an all-girls team was named in her honour, and provides support for equipment, travel and participation costs.

Through Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Ambassador Program, Alana also advocates for inclusion and representation in sport. As the daughter of Indian migrants, she is passionate about ensuring girls from diverse backgrounds see pathways in cricket.

Alana continues to balance elite performance with community impact, using her platform to inspire participation and promote a more inclusive future for the game.

Matthew Wearn OAM is a two-time Olympic gold medallist, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, and two-time World Champion in ILCA 7 in 2023 & 2024, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most successful sailors. He is also a Medal of the Order of Australia recipient, AIS Male Able-Athlete of the Year (2023, 2024) and served as Co-Flag Bearer for the Australian Olympic Team at the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony.

Competing in one of the most demanding classes in world sailing, Matt has built a career defined by consistency, resilience and elite performance over more than 15 years. His historic back-to-back Olympic gold medals made him the first male dinghy sailor to achieve this feat, underscoring his ability to perform under sustained international pressure.

Matt has competed in 13 World Championships and secured consecutive world titles in 2023 and 2024, reinforcing his position at the top of global competition. His achievements have been recognised through major national honours, including multiple AIS awards and national sporting recognition.

His journey has included significant challenges, including a severe post-viral illness following the Tokyo Olympics that kept him out of training and competition for an extended period. Through a structured recovery process, he returned to elite racing and resumed international competition, continuing his campaign toward future Olympic cycles.

Beyond competition, Matt contributes actively to the sailing community. He supports youth development programs across Western Australia, including yacht club initiatives, youth sail camps in regional areas, and grassroots sailing events, where he regularly mentors junior sailors.

He is also an Ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, visiting Perth Children’s Hospital, when possible, to support young patients. Within the Australian Sailing Team, he is respected as a senior figure and mentor to emerging athletes.

Matt’s Olympic boat from Paris 2024 has been acquired by the Western Australian Museum and will be displayed at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle, recognising his contribution to Australian sport and sailing history.

Stephen Michael is one of Western Australia’s most celebrated Australian Rules footballers and a highly respected community leader. A proud Noongar man from Wagin and Kojonup, he is a South Fremantle Football Club premiership player in 1980, two-time Sandover Medallist in 1980 & 1981, All-Australian captain, and was selected in the Indigenous Team of the Century. He has been inducted into both the Australian Football Hall of Fame and the WA Football Hall of Fame and is an inaugural member of the Fremantle Football Hall of Legends.

Raised in regional WA, Stephen left school at 15 and developed a strong work ethic through manual labour alongside his father. This grounding shaped both his approach to football and his life beyond it. Moving to Perth to pursue WAFL football, he went on to play 243 games for South Fremantle, earning a reputation as one of the game’s most dominant and respected players. Despite opportunities interstate, he remained in Western Australia to stay close to family, community and culture.

Stephen is widely regarded for his humility, often emphasising teamwork and respect over individual achievement. In recognition of his broader impact on the game and Indigenous representation, he was named Sir Doug Nicholls Round Honouree in 2025.

Beyond football, Stephen is Patron of the Stephen Michael Foundation, established in 2017 to support young people across Western Australia through sport, education and wellbeing programs. The Foundation now reaches more than 5,000 young people annually across over 40 schools, with a focus on improving school engagement, attendance and leadership outcomes.

Its programs use sport as a platform to encourage education participation, build confidence and reduce antisocial behaviour, particularly in regional and remote communities. The Foundation also supports greater inclusion for girls and young women in sport and leadership development.

Stephen remains actively involved, regularly visiting schools and communities to share his story and mentor young people. He is widely respected for his ability to connect across generations and backgrounds, using his experience to inspire opportunity, unity and aspiration in the next generation.

After their own experiences at school and in early adulthood, Gareth Shanthikumar & Dr Haseeb Riaz co-founded MAN UP WA to address how young men are taught about masculinity, mental health and accountability. Gareth, who experienced significant mental health challenges at 19, and Haseeb, who witnessed harmful male behaviours during his schooling, identified a shared gap in education around vulnerability, relationships and peer responsibility.

Founded in 2020, MAN UP WA delivers peer-to-peer workshops in schools and youth settings designed to create open, honest conversations among young men. The program is structured across three sessions: Culture, which examines friendship groups and behavioural norms; Relationships, which focuses on consent, respect and healthy dynamics; and Coping, which supports emotional regulation and mental health literacy. Facilitators often share lived experience to encourage relatability and reduce stigma around speaking up.

To date, the organisation has delivered more than 45,000 sessions to over 25,000 students across Western Australia, including regional communities, sporting clubs, youth centres and detention settings. The program continues to be regularly re-engaged by schools due to its practical, discussion-based approach and strong peer influence model.

Beyond delivery, MAN UP WA has grown into a youth-led organisation supported by more than 120 volunteers, many of whom are former participants who return as facilitators and leaders. Gareth and Haseeb continue to contribute their time voluntarily, with Haseeb overseeing governance and long-term strategy alongside his medical career.

The organisation places strong emphasis on regional outreach, with annual rural programs supporting communities facing higher rates of mental health challenges and family violence. These initiatives aim to provide early intervention through connection and conversation in areas where support services can be limited.

Together, the founders have built a values-driven organisation focused on shifting cultural expectations for young men, encouraging openness, accountability and support. MAN UP WA continues to influence how young people across the state understand masculinity and relationships, creating a growing network of peer-led change.

Jack Anderson is an innovative education leader and Co-Founder of Elucidate Education. His work and academic achievements have been recognised internationally, including receiving the Global Humanitarian Award for Australia in 2025. He was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship in 2025, with a further Fellowship confirmed for 2026, and has been selected as a Schwarzman Scholar for 2026, reflecting his growing influence in global education and policy reform.

Jack holds an Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Western Australia, a Master of Education Technology from Harvard University as a Frank Knox Scholar and has commenced a Master of Global Affairs at Tsinghua University on full scholarship. At Harvard, he became one of the youngest Teaching Fellows, teaching fluid mechanics and entrepreneurship.

He is also a Winston Churchill Fellow, undertaking research in Japan, Denmark, Sweden and Finland to study high-performing education systems and inform reform in Australia.

Jack co-founded Elucidate Education, a not-for-profit producing senior school textbooks written by high-achieving graduates to improve accessibility and understanding. The organisation now supports over 80,000 students annually through textbooks and digital resources. Its two-for-one model funds donations to low socioeconomic schools, with over 55 volunteers contributing to its development.

He also founded Global College Admissions, supporting more than 200 students globally into leading universities.

Jack’s work focuses on reducing educational inequity, particularly for rural, Indigenous and low socioeconomic students. Elucidate resources have helped improve academic outcomes by 20–30% in many cases and are designed to close learning gaps of up to three years.

He leads biannual donation trips to the Kimberley and Pilbara, delivering textbooks and laptops to remote schools, improving access to education and long-term opportunity.

As a Man Up Board Member, Jack also contributes to youth mental health in WA, supporting awareness and prevention initiatives. He has also raised $50,000 for various West Australian charities through endurance fundraising challenges, including a planned world record attempt for one-arm push-ups.

Kate Raston is a sexologist, health promotion practitioner, and Founder, Chair of the Board, Director and Lead Facilitator of We Are W/M.

Kate is a leading advocate for gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence through education and community-led programs. Through We Are W/M, she has helped reach more than 30,000 young people across Western Australia with workshops focused on consent, respect and healthy relationships. What began as a small initiative has grown into a statewide volunteer-led organisation delivering sessions in schools, universities and regional communities.

Kate facilitates near-daily workshops and leads a team of more than 25 volunteers. Her programs are peer-led, trauma-informed and discussion-based, with a strong focus on engaging young people in honest conversations about relationships, gender norms and online influence. A key focus of her work is addressing harmful “manosphere” ideologies and supporting young men to critically examine attitudes around power, entitlement and masculinity.

She also works within FIFO and mining environments, delivering education on gender equality and preventing workplace harassment in male-dominated industries.

Kate’s work extends across education and grassroots community initiatives. She has delivered workshops in regional and remote WA, ensuring access to conversations about safety and respect. She co-organised a large community river walk highlighting women’s safety, bringing together hundreds of participants in solidarity.

She is also founder of Coastal Cadence, a movement group for women and LGBTQIA+ individuals with more than 250 members, providing a safe space for connection and wellbeing.

Kate is an ambassador for Parkinson’s WA, raising awareness and funds in honour of her father, and continues to focus her work on creating safer, more informed communities across Western Australia.