Organizers

Lucy Hughes Turnbull AO is an urbanist, businesswoman and philanthropist with a longstanding interest in cities, and technological and social innovation. She chaired the Committee for Sydney from 2012 to 2015 and has been appointed Chief Commissioner of the new Greater Sydney Commission, tasked by the NSW state government to assist in delivering strong and effective strategic planning for the whole of metropolitan Sydney.

Father Chris Riley AM, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Youth Off The Streets, has worked with disadvantaged youth for more than 40 years in a variety of roles including teacher, youth worker, probation officer, residential carer, principal and CEO. As CEO of Youth Off The Streets, Father Chris oversees the operation of over 35 programs that employ over 200 staff and involve more than 400 volunteers.

Often referred to as ‘the gang buster’, Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace, has delved into the dark underbelly of crime investigating and dismantling some of the State’s most feared gangs. Throughout a stellar career spanning more than 30 years with NSW Police, Deborah has faced murderers, drug manufacturers and extortionists – to name just a few.

Ruth Medd is a Certified Practising Accountant and former IT professional who has been pursuing a career as a non-executive director since 2000. She is immediate past chair of Australian Ethical Superannuation, a director on the National Foundation for Australian Women and a former director of the NSW Casino Control Authority and the Infants Home at Ashfield.

Carole-Anne is a lawyer, director, CEO, entrepreneur and innovator. She is Deputy Chair, Director and Honorary Legal Counsel of Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway and a Director Sydney Community Foundation and Sydney Women’s Fund. In her role as Director and founding partner of Imalia, Carole Anne is creating innovative financial services’ products that empower women to take control of their financial future.

Lillie Cawthorn has been investing in industrial real estate in Sydney for the past 15 years. She initially invested in residential real estate, where she

Diana Saad is a Senior Financial Planner, specialising in wealth protection and intergenerational wealth creation. She initially began her career with MLC whilst completing her

While Ellie’s disability has landed her in trouble over the years, (she once threw her prosthetic leg at a boy who was annoying her), overall

Melissa started her diving career at Parramatta Diving Club at 10 years of age. She relocated to Brisbane with her family a few years later

Two times World Champion, four times Commonwealth Champion, in the sport of athletics, Jana Pittman swapped the track for the ice, joining the Australian Women’s

Gill Hicks is considered one of the most thought-provoking, powerful and life affirming speakers in Australia and the UK. She is known globally as a survivor of the London Terrorist Bombings of 7 July 2005. She survived, but suffered severe and permanent injuries, losing both legs from just below the knee.
Originally from Adelaide, Gill moved to London in 1991. In 2012 Gill returned to Australia, where she now operates nationally and internationally through her not-for-profit M A D for Peace network and her public speaking engagements.

Chloe Shorten is a communications specialist, Queensland girl, mother of three and an advocate for improving the lives of women, children and people with disabilities.

Layne Beachley is widely regarded as the most successful female surfer in history. The only surfer, male or female, to claim six consecutive world titles

Annabel Crabb is one of Australia’s most popular political journalists and commentators combining astute political commentary with humour, wit and personality. She is the presenter

Tara Moss is an author, journalist, TV documentary presenter, speaker, human rights advocate, and anti-cyberbullying campaigner. She is the host, co-executive producer and co-writer of ‘Cyberhate

Nikki Gemmell is the best-selling author of thirteen novels and four works of non-fiction. Her books have been translated into 22 languages. She was born

Sarah Ferguson is an ABC journalist. She won the Gold Walkley Award in 2011 for her work on the Four Corners investigation ‘A Bloody Business’ into cruelty to animals in Indonesian abattoirs. In 2015, she wrote and presented the critically acclaimed Hitting Home, reporting from the frontline of Australia’s domestic violence crisis. The series won Best Documentary at the 2016 AACTA Awards and the Walkley Documentary Award.

Jelena Dokic has had a storied and well-documented life and tennis career both on and off the tennis court. She started playing tennis when she

Hailing from a farm in Panuara, Country NSW, Grace Hamilton started playing Rugby on a University exchange in the USA. Growing up around Rugby with

Emma Tonegato is a semi-professional Australian rugby footballer. She has represented Australia in rugby sevens and rugby league. Born in Wollongong, New South Wales and playing