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Hoozie Chapman
Hoozie is the Founder and Director of RneuD, the Kimberley’s first neuroscience-driven framework designed to restore operational agency within high-stakes systems. Having pioneered leadership solutions in the region’s most remote and unforgiving environments, she bridges the volatile gap between institutional capital and operational chaos. Specialising in the cognitive mechanics of high-performance leadership, Hoozie transforms how organisations navigate complexity and human friction. As the MC host for the 2026 Kimberley Economic Forum, she facilitates the strategic synthesis of industry, government, and community to ensure that the dialogue surrounding "Collaboration, Country, and Culture" is translated into decisive action and regional sovereignty. |
Craig Doyle
Chair Developing Northern Australia Conference Craig has had over 40 years experience in northern Australia in executive, operational and project funding roles across multiple industries. Craig’s most recent role was as CEO at the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) which finances critical infrastructure across many sectors in northern Australia. He also served as CEO of Gladstone Ports Corporation, as Executive General Manager of Australia’s largest sugar producer, Wilmar. Craig was also the Global Technical Head for Wilmar’s international sugar operations. As a former CEO of Mackay Regional Council for nearly five years, Craig understands the needs of regional communities and key infrastructure requirements. |
Neil MacDonald
Chief Executive Officer Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Neil MacDonald brings extensive leadership experience across private equity, investment banking, and government in Australia, Asia Pacific, and Europe. Neil is recognized for a thoughtful approach to navigating complex environments, building strong stakeholder relationships, and guiding business transformation. With a practical mindset and a focus on strategic thinking, analysis, and commercial negotiations, Neil aims to deliver value for shareholders. Before joining NAIF, Neil served as Chief Financial Officer of National Intermodal Corporation Limited, Head of Corporate Finance for Klesch Group, and Head of Project Finance, Asia Pacific at J.P. Morgan. Based in Cairns, Neil commenced the role in March 2026. |
Bron Christensen
CEO Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association Bron brings more than 25 years’ experience across a wide range of industries including beef, cotton, irrigation and rural health to her role as the Chief Executive Officer of the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association which she commenced in 2023. Raised on a mixed farming and grazing property in Theodore, Central Queensland, Bron and her husband own and operate their own grazing property in her hometown. Bron has also served in key leadership roles including Executive Officer with The Leucaena Network, Secretariat for the North Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC), Company Secretary for Theodore Water Pty Ltd and Regional Manager and myBMP Auditor for Cotton Australia. She has also served on various boards and advisory groups including Chair of the National Farmers Federation (NFF) Farm Business and Economics committee and previously as a member of AgForce’s Ag Business committee and a Director on the Central Queensland Health and Hospital Service (CQHHS). Bron applies her extensive experience in leadership and project management for the betterment of the Australian agricultural industry, with a focus on the long-term viability of northern Australian beef production and the rural communities that surround them. |
Mala Haji-Ali
CEO Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mala Haji-Ali is the Chief Executive Officer of the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry, providing strategic leadership to advance economic development and business growth across the Kimberley. With 20 years’ experience in regional development, governance and stakeholder engagement, she has led cross-sector collaboration between business, Aboriginal organisations, government and industry to deliver sustainable economic outcomes. Mala has successfully translated community priorities into funded, high impact initiatives, including the Marlamanu On Country Facility and the Ngurra Buru Night Space. A respected board member and mentor, she is committed to building strong regional partnerships and inclusive economic participation, bringing deep regional insight and strategic capability to her leadership. |
Divina D'Anna MLA
Member for Kimberley Divina D’Anna is a proud Yawuru and Nimanburr woman who was born and raised in Broome and has lived in the Kimberley for her entire life. She was first elected to the Western Australian Parliament in 2021 and is now serving her second term as the Member for Kimberley. In recognition of her strong advocacy for regional and remote communities, Divina was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier in 2023 and now serves as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Hon. Roger Cook. Prior to entering politics, Divina worked extensively in community development and Indigenous affairs, with a focus on empowering women, youth and remote communities. Her work is grounded in social justice, cultural perseveration and place-based development. A mother of five children and grandmother of five, Divina is passionate about building stronger, more connected communities and ensuring that the voices of people in the Kimberley are heard in government decision-making. |
Hon Neil Thomson MLC
Shadow Minister for Planning and Lands; Aboriginal Affairs; Seniors Hon Neil Thomson MLC is a Liberal Member of the Western Australian Legislative Council with a strong focus on regional and northern Western Australia, including the Kimberley. First elected in 2021 to represent the former Mining and Pastoral Region, he has consistently advocated for remote communities on issues such as flood recovery, essential services, housing, community safety, and infrastructure. Prior to entering parliament in 2021, Neil lived in the Kimberley and ran a economics consultancy with his wife Debra. Recently, Neil has moved to Carnarvon but continues to be a regular visitor to the Kimberley and has spoken publicly about the need for practical, locally informed solutions for remote towns, particularly following major flood events and ongoing service delivery challenges. He works closely with local governments and community leaders to ensure northern voices are heard in Perth. Before entering Parliament, Neil had a long career in the Western Australian public service, including senior executive roles in Planning and Aboriginal Affairs, and previously worked in Treasury, Agriculture and Fisheries. He also served as a ministerial chief of staff and later as a consultant on regional development projects across northern Australia. |
Jordin Payne
Executive, Strategy, Research and Policy Nyamba Buru Yawuru Jordin Payne is an executive leader in strategy, research and policy focused on driving sustainable outcomes. Based in Broome, Jordin brings a systems lens to complex regional challenges by translating data and community insight into practical strategy, policy, investment pathways and partnerships that deliver measurable impact. With deep experience at the intersection of government, industry and community, Jordin’s work spans education, workforce and skills, regional infrastructure, capability, and First Nations participation. Supporting locally-led development across the Kimberley, Jordin is passionate about pragmatic reform, evidence-led decision making and place-based growth that strengthens the social and economic fabric of the region. |
Vicki O'Donnell, OAM
Chief Executive Officer Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service Vicki O’Donnell is a Nyikina Mangala Aboriginal woman from Derby, who has worked as a Strategic Leader in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health for 20+ Years. Vicki is currently CEO Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service (KAMS) in Broome. Vicki was instrumental in the establishment of both the DAHS dialysis unit and the Kimberley Renal Service. Vicki has been a board member of AHCWA for over 15+ years (8+ years as the Chairperson) and is Chairperson of the WA Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee. She is an advisor on numerous State and Federal Ministerial Committees involved in Aboriginal health issues including representing WA on the Closing the Gap Coalition of Peaks and the WA Aboriginal Advisory Committee. Vicki has a passion for Aboriginal health which is noted on a state, regional and national level. She has gained enormous respect for her knowledge, attention to detail, and communication skills at a grass roots level. |
Nathan McIvor
Chief Executive Officer Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation Nathan McIvor is Chief Executive Officer of the Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation and General Manager of Djarindjin Airport Pty Ltd, leading one of regional Australia’s most progressive Aboriginal-owned enterprises. Known for his strategic clarity and solutions-focused mindset, he is advancing economic independence on the Dampier Peninsula. Together with his Board, Nathan developed the “Djarindjin Way” – a model grounded in ownership, accountability and commercial excellence, empowering communities to drive their own economic futures. He oversees a diverse portfolio spanning aviation, logistics, power, housing and tourism, and serves as Company Secretary across several entities. Nathan is respected for challenging outdated narratives and demonstrating the strength of community-led, commercially disciplined organisations. |
Ben Wyatt
Ben is the former WA Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Energy and Aboriginal Affairs. Ben was in the WA Parliament for 16 years and retired from Parliament in 2021 and now sits on a number of Boards, including Rio Tinto, Woodside Energy and the West Coast Eagles. |
Shelley Kneebone
Chief Executive Officer Derby Aboriginal Health Service |
Vernon Lawrence
Chief Executive Officer Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley Vernon Lawrence is the Chief Executive Officer of the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley, bringing a strong background in financial management, governance and strategic leadership. A Chartered Accountant by profession, his career spans professional services with Deloitte, public sector experience with the South African Revenue Service, leadership as a managing director in the transport industry and local government experience. As CEO, Vernon is focused on ensuring the Shire’s long-term financial sustainability, strengthening asset management planning, and driving organisational efficiency through the effective use of technology. He is committed to delivering sound governance, responsible fiscal management, and improved service outcomes for the community. |
Keda Bond
Chief Executive Officer East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce Keda Bond is a proud long-term East Kimberley resident who is deeply committed to the future of the Kimberley. With broad experience across business, community, local government and not-for-profit leadership, Keda is passionate about building strong regional economies that work for everyone. As part of the Kimberley Chamber Collective, Keda brings a practical and community-grounded perspective to regional economic development. She is a strong advocate for major projects and enabling infrastructure that unlock opportunity across the Kimberley, while also believing just as strongly in the importance of entry-level jobs, workforce participation and financial wellbeing for local people and families. Her focus is on creating communities where economic growth is not only ambitious, but inclusive and felt at every level. In addition to her role with the Chamber, she also serves as an elected Councillor for the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley, Chair of the Board of Boab Health Services, and Secretary of Kimberley Community Legal Services. |
Tim Cusack
Chief Executive Officer WA Return Recycle Renew Tim has worked with some of Australia’s leading companies including George Weston Foods, Fonterra Australia, Lion Nathan, Lion Corporate, Arnott’s, and Detmold Packaging. He has also worked closely with the dairy and potato growing sectors in Western Australia. Earlier in his career, Tim was a Ministerial Chief of Staff in the Unsworth ministry of the New South Wales Government. Tim’s broad experience includes delivering major change and development programs which will assist WARRRL in establishing and operating a world class container deposit scheme for Western Australia. |
Cherie Heslington
Chief Executive Officer Aarnja Cherie Heslington brings more than two decades of experience working across community development, leadership, training and governance across Western Australia. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Aarnja Ltd, Cherie works closely with Kimberley Aboriginal groups, community organisations and partners to strengthen Aboriginal leadership, governance and regional collaboration. Cherie has also worked extensively across education, training, workforce development and economic participation; and has a strong background in facilitation, mentoring and strategic leadership, Cherie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, along with a strong commitment to strengthening opportunities for Aboriginal people and communities across the Kimberley region. |
David Maxwell
Chair Buru Energy Mr Maxwell is a leading oil and gas industry executive with more than 25 years’ experience in senior executive roles with Cooper Energy, BG Group (now owned by Shell), Woodside Energy and Santos. Mr Maxwell was the Managing Director and CEO at Cooper Energy from October 2011 until his retirement in March 2023, where he lead the transformation and growth of the company into a leading gas supplier for South-east Australia. Prior to Cooper Energy, Mr Maxwell worked with the British multinational organisation BG Group, where he led the company’s LNG and gas entry into Australia and South-east Asia. His BG roles included a number of material acquisitions and responsibility for all commercial, exploration, business development, strategy and marketing activities for Australia. Before this Mr Maxwell held senior leadership positions at Woodside Energy, including three years on the Woodside Executive Committee. He was on the board of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association from 2018-2023 and has served on a number of other industry association boards, government advisory groups and public company boards. |
Hon Stephen Dawson MLC
Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research and Minister for the Kimberley Prior to being elected to represent Western Australia’s Mining & Pastoral Region in 2013 he was the WA State Manager for Essential Media Communications. In 2017, Stephen was elected as the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council and was appointed as the Minister for Environment and Disability Services. Stephen has also served in the portfolios of Electoral Affairs, Mental Health, Aboriginal Affairs, Industrial Relations and Volunteering. He has recently served as the Minister for Emergency Services; Innovation and the Digital Economy; Science; Medical Research and Minister Assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade. Stephen has been appointed as the Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation, Medical Research and Minister for the Kimberley. He will also take on the role as Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council. |
Wayne Bergmann
Managing Director Leedal Foundation Wayne Bergmann is a Kimberley-based Aboriginal leader, entrepreneur and advocate for practical, community-led development. Over more than two decades he has worked at the intersection of economic participation, land management and cultural strength, helping build Indigenous-owned enterprises that create jobs, strengthen governance and keep decision-making in the Kimberley. He is widely known for his leadership with Leedal Group and Kimberley Agriculture & Pastoral Company, supporting growth in tourism, hospitality and pastoral industries while prioritising local employment, training and procurement. Wayne also served as CEO of the Kimberley Land Council, helping establish the Indigenous Rangers network to strengthen caring for Country. His work focuses on building sustainable enterprises that deliver long-term benefits for Kimberley communities. |
Chris Shaw
Director General Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration Chris Shaw was announced as the inaugural Director General for Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration on 10 June 2025. Prior to this, Chris held the role of Deputy Director General Approvals at the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. Chris has a track record of leading government organisations through complex change and delivering high priority government reforms, including the recent comprehensive Vogel McFerran reforms to streamline environmental approvals in Western Australia. Previous roles include Deputy Director General – Hydrogen and Future Fuels at Queensland Department of Energy and Public Works where he was responsible for advancing the hydrogen and future fuels industries, Executive Director – Georesources Policy at Queensland Department of Resources where he was responsible for policy direction for the resources sector, and Executive Director – Onshore Gas Reform at the Northern Territory Department of Environment and Natural Resources where he led reforms for the onshore gas industry. |
Aaron Morey
Chief Executive Officer Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA Aaron Morey’s career spans policy, strategy, politics and leadership. He began his career in public policy with the Productivity Commission in Melbourne, Victoria, before returning to Perth in 2017 to take on the role of Principal Economics and Commercial Adviser to former Treasurer Ben Wyatt, and later his Deputy Chief of Staff. Aaron managed significant projects in the Treasurer’s Office, including GST reform, major asset sales, the Bell Group negotiations, and the State’s relationship with China. In 2020 Aaron joined WA’s peak business body CCIWA as Chief Economist and Director of Policy and Advocacy, overseeing the organisation’s significant advocacy agenda across the breadth of WA industry. Mid-way through his tenure at CCI, Aaron assumed additional responsibility for the Strategy, Membership and Marketing directorate, and later served as Acting CEO. Aaron is deeply passionate about the development of the WA economy and is honoured to represent its world-class mining sector. |
Ben Latimore
Director Corporate Governance Buru Rehabilitation Ben comes from the Biripi people on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Ben commenced his career in Environmental Engineering in the Hunter Valley region of NSW(Awabakal and Wonnarua Country) providing site-based consulting services in erosion control and surface water management for coal mine rehabilitation. Ben has worked across WA managing a number of large-scale, dynamic environmental remediation projects and an indigenous-owned industrial services cleaning joint venture operating across multiple sites throughout the Pilbara. Ben has recently come from a Mine Closure consulting role providing supervision of rehabilitation projects in the Gold Fields. |
Natasha Short
Founder and Managing Director Kimberley Jiyigas Natasha Short is a Kimberley-based Indigenous leader, speaker and community development advocate dedicated to empowering Aboriginal women and driving social change across northern Australia. A descendant of the Jaru people of Halls Creek, Natasha was born and raised in the East Kimberley and has spent more than 25 years working in community development, leadership and cultural engagement. She is the founder and managing director of Kimberley Jiyigas (Birds), a movement of Kimberley Indigenous women focused on promoting Indigenous culture, supporting women in business and creating positive community outcomes. Natasha is also known for mentoring emerging leaders, facilitating cultural and community programs, and hosting the Kimberley SHE’ro podcast, which shares the stories and experiences of inspiring Aboriginal women throughout the Kimberley. |
