CHANGE 2026 Agenda
From inspiring speakers and practical workshops to thought-provoking panels and networking opportunities, each session is designed to equip you with tools, ideas, and connections to create meaningful change.
DAY 1
Thursday, 15 October 2026
8:00am
Registration opens
Morning coffee/tea available
9:00am
Conference starts
9:20am
Keynote Speaker
doug mckenzie-mohr, Ph.D.
Founder of Community-Based Social Marketing
and Author of Fostering Sustainable Behavior
Doug McKenzie-Mohr, Ph.D., the founder of Community Based Social Marketing, a globally recognised approach that has transformed the way organisations and governments design behaviour change initiatives. Doug is the author of six influential books, including Fostering Sustainable Behaviour, which was recommended by Time Magazine, and his work has been featured in The New York Times. His pioneering contributions to behaviour change and sustainability have been recognised internationally through inaugural awards from both the American Psychological Association and the World Social Marketing Conference. As this year’s keynote speaker, Doug brings decades of expertise in creating meaningful, community-led behaviour change that delivers real-world impact across environmental, health, and social challenges. doug mckenzie-mohr, Ph.D.
9:40am
Session 1 – Speakers
Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Doing
Dr Tori Seydel is a social marketer and behaviour change scientist at Social Marketing @ Griffith. As a Research Fellow, she works across sectors to design, implement, and evaluate programs that create meaningful social impact. Tori has led conservation initiatives, including koala threat mitigation behaviour change campaigns, and her work has contributed to a 152% increase in reported koala sightings and reduced dog-related koala deaths by 40%. She also works in the area of youth sexual violence and abuse prevention, supporting community-led and owned approaches. With experience across a wide range of projects, Tori brings a practical, evidence-based approach to behaviour change that supports long-term outcomes for people and the planet. DR TORI SEYDEL
CHARLIE ROWE
General Manager - Programs,
Aboriginal Family Legal Services Queensland (AFLSQ)
Charlie Rowe is a proud Kamiliaroi man. Charlie has connections with Jarowir, Giabal and western Waka Waka traditional lands. Charlies passion is supporting and advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and community. Charlie believes that each individual has their own journey to walk, and to be strong and be proud of who they and where we come from. Charlie has developed and provided culturally grounded programs for Indigenous men; leading the Strong Fathers, Strong Families program (Carbal Medical Services) and the Bamba Mari Program (AFLSQ). Charlies’ additional roles include Director - Yumbin community justice group (Murri Court), Board Member: Toowoomba Together Incorporated; Committee member - Bi-Yanga Toowoomba Local Decision-Making Body; and the NAIDOC committee. “Stay Strong”. CHARLIE ROWE
DR JADE LE GRICE
Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Associate Dean Māori for the Faculty of Science,
The University of Auckland
Jade Sophia Le Grice is Indigenous to Aotearoa New Zealand, from Northern tribes Te Rarawa and Ngāpuhi. She works as a Senior Lecturer in Psychology & Associate Dean Māori in Science at the University of Auckland. Her research explores the sociocultural contexts of Indigenous lives informed by colonial pressures, and the vibrancy of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Current research projects explore sexual violence prevention, youth wellbeing, reproduction, and sexual health. Jade is inspired by Māori people working collectively and innovatively in community contexts, and their aspirations for future generations. She is a member of Nga Kaitiaki Mauri, of Te Ohaki a Hine: National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together and He Paiaka Totara: Maori Psychologists. DR JADE LE GRICE
11:00am
Morning tea
Networking break
11:30am
Session 2 – Speakers
Building Health Social Enterprises
Ruth Kent is a workplace wellbeing consultant, trainer, and executive wellbeing coach. She founded Sunrise Well in 2014 to help businesses support the wellbeing and performance of their employees and leaders through evidence-based health and wellbeing education and behavioural change coaching. With a lifelong passion for health and wellbeing, Ruth first learned to meditate at the age of 15. This curiosity sparked her motivation to continue learning evidence-based health and wellbeing studies including Psychology, International Public Health, Yoga Teacher training, a Master's in Biomedical Meditation Therapy and Allied Health, and Professional-level Health Coaching. She lives in Brisbane and loves escaping to the coast on the weekends with her husband and two loud and fun-loving kids. RUTH KENT
She has worked with people from over 25 countries and facilitated over 15000 hours of workshops throughout her 25 year career, working with companies such as ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, Adelaide University, Australian Venue Co., and more.
I’m a social scientist with a diverse background: a marketing strategist turned public health researcher, with experience across the US, EU, Australia’s public sector, and grassroots organizations. My career has been shaped by asking insightful questions and, more importantly, listening carefully to the answers. I focus on using social marketing, systems thinking, and behavioral insights to promote health equity and disability inclusion. From unpacking the cultural roots of salt use in Caribbean kitchens to exploring how digital spaces reflect carer support needs, my work is grounded in the belief that meaningful change starts by listening to people’s lived experiences, otherwise known as everyday research. I thrive at the intersection of dialogue, data, and design, bringing curiosity and humor to complex, multi-level challenges. I believe research can be both rigorous, innovative, and human-centered. I’m passionate about building inclusive solutions with the communities who need them most. ANGELA MAKRIS
Lina Gillespie is the founder of PowerSkillsAi, a cutting-edge company dedicated to helping organizations achieve operational excellence and build capable, future-ready workforces through next-generation learning tools. With a focus on virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and gamification, PowerSkillsAi transforms training into an immersive, fast, and enjoyable experience, making it more efficient and impactful than ever before. With over 29 years of experience spanning operational improvement, digital transformation, and people and change management, Lina has worked across industries including mining, transport, healthcare, and logistics in Australia, Europe, and Latin America. She combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for innovative technology to address the evolving needs of today's workforce. Lina serves as the Director of the Australian-Chilean Chamber of Commerce, a Coach for the Queensland Resources Council, and is an Ambassador for Women in Mining. She is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and advancing diversity in the mining sector. At PowerSkillsAi, Lina leads a dynamic team of experts who specialize in mining, people development, and technology. Together, they’re pioneering the future of workplace learning. Lina has shared her insights as a speaker at prestigious events most recently such as Digitalisation in Latin America, the Mining Electrical Safety Conference in Brisbane and Perth, and the International Mining and Resources Conference. Lina's blend of global experience, industry expertise, and passion for innovation makes her a leading advocate for building the skills necessary to meet the challenges of the future. By helping organizations develop PowerSkills, she’s driving the change needed to create safer, smarter, and more resilient workplaces in an increasingly digital world. LINA GILLESPIE
Dr Gaj Panagoda is the founder and CEO of Xstitch Health, a social enterprise bridging clinical expertise with community-driven health system change. He has dual medical qualifications as a Paediatric Rehabilitation Physician and General Paediatrician, and one of very few community-based specialists in Australia with this unique skillset. He has dedicated his career to building health services within communities rather than institutional settings. DR GAJ PANAGODA
Gaj brings extensive experience from regional areas, including work in the Kimberley region conducting hospital work, remote clinics, and aeromedical rescue for unwell newborns. He holds an MBA alongside his medical qualifications, bringing strategic and operational expertise to healthcare delivery redesign.
After spending eight years primarily in the social sector, an unconventional path for a medical specialist, Gaj founded Xstitch Health as a financially independent consultancy operating without grants or government funding. His approach repositions communities as leaders rather than recipients of health interventions.
Gaj has served as Vice President of the Rehabilitation Medical Society of Australia and New Zealand (RMSANZ), where he led governance innovations such as bringing non-medical directors onto the board. He also holds a position as Chief Medical Officer in the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Queensland.
1:00pm
Lunch
Networking break
2:00pm
Session 3 – Speakers
Storytelling for Sustainability
Jaime Kruusmaa is a passionate advocate for community change, specializing in fire ecology and planning. With over a decade of experience in the environmental and science communication sector, Jaime brings her expertise to a wide range of fields, from fire management to community engagement and threatened species monitoring. Jaime holds a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation Management, and a Master's in Social Change and Development, making her a versatile professional. In her current role, Jaime provides strategic fire planning advice to stakeholders and communities, fostering strong relationships and engaging with various groups. She is a skillful communicator who actively involves communities in crafting effective fire plans and strategies focused on outcomes and easy implementation. Jaime's work empowers communities for proactive fire management, ensuring tailored programs and simplified scientific insights. JAIME KRUUSMAA
Jennifer Boddy is an internationally recognised researcher with expertise in climate change, disasters, and domestic and family violence. Most recently her work has focused on the intersections between these areas, and examined alternative approaches to working with male perpetrators of violence that are situated within the natural environment. Jennifer’s research is grounded in a commitment to social and environmental justice, and through her research, she seeks to create safe and sustainable environments free from violence. In her role as Dean (Sustainability and Rankings), Jennifer is responsible for providing strategic leadership and drive performance against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Her work directly aligns with the vision and mission of Griffith University to transform lives and create a future that benefits all. Mark Grant is an experienced environmental professional who currently leads environmental management policy and planning at Griffith University. He leads the development, implementation, and reporting of university-wide sustainability strategies across emissions reduction, integrated water management, biodiversity conservation, and waste management—aligning both operational and educational activities with Griffith’s strategic goals. With a career spanning environmental research infrastructure, government policy, and international development across Australia, Vietnam, and Japan, Mark brings a collaborative, evidence-based approach to addressing complex environmental challenges. Kerryn Devenny is the Sustainability Manager (Impact and Engagement) at Griffith University, where she leads strategic initiatives to embed sustainability across campus operations and culture. With a background in environmental management and integrated water management, Kerryn brings over a decade of experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building across the education and sustainability sectors. She has a passion for designing campaigns that spark curiosity, shift behaviours, and build community around climate and circularity goals. Kerryn’s work is grounded in collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to practical impact—qualities she brings to her leadership of Griffith’s Plastic Free July campaign and broader waste engagement efforts. GRIFFITH SUSTAINABILITY
PROFESSOR JENNIFER BODDY
Dean, Sustainability & RankingsMARK GRANT
Environmental ManagerKERRYN DEVENNY
Sustainability Manager
FIEN VAN DEN STEEN
Sunshine Coast Biosphere Ambassador
Sustainability Lead, United Nations Association of Australia Young Professionals
As former international investigative journalist reporting on the world’s pressing environmental matters, Fien Van den Steen works as Sustainability Manager for tech startups. She deploys her strengths in communication and sustainability to expand the positive impact of companies, their services and their clients. Fien is driven to close the gap between global environmental policy and localised practice to contribute to a systemic sustainability shift. Locally, she launched the award-winning UniSC Enactus club for social entrepreneurial students and co-founded the Upskilling Sustainability Initiative to unlock collective community knowledge and action. While at a wider level, she contributes to global and national policymaking such as the UN Summit of the Future, and organises and speaks at events as committee member and sustainability lead for the United Nations Young Professionals and the Earth Charter commissioner for UNAA Queensland. FIEN VAN DEN STEEN
3:30pm
Afternoon tea
Networking break
4:00pm
Workshops
WORKSHOP 1
Change by Design: Human-Centered Solutions for Social Impact
Available Thursday only
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR:
PROF SHARYN RUNDLE-THIELE
Professor,
Griffith University
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how human-centered design can be harnessed to drive meaningful and lasting social change. Grounded in behavioural science and co-design principles, the session will guide changemakers through practical tools and processes to deeply understand community needs, co-create solutions with stakeholders, and design interventions that resonate and stick. Whether you're working in health, sustainability, education, or policy, this workshop will equip you to move beyond good intentions and design for real-world impact. You’ll learn why putting people at the heart of change gets results. WORKSHOP 1 OVERVIEW
Change by Design: Human-Centered Solutions for Social Impact
WORKSHOP 2
Using Social Media to Understand and Respond to Community Support Needs. Social Marketing & Public Health Lens on Stress, Routines, and Digital Support
Available Thursday only
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR:
ANGELA MAKRIS
Public Health Social Scientist,
University of South Florida
I’m a social scientist with a diverse background: a marketing strategist turned public health researcher, with experience across the US, EU, Australia’s public sector, and grassroots organizations. My career has been shaped by asking insightful questions and, more importantly, listening carefully to the answers. I focus on using social marketing, systems thinking, and behavioral insights to promote health equity and disability inclusion. From unpacking the cultural roots of salt use in Caribbean kitchens to exploring how digital spaces reflect carer support needs, my work is grounded in the belief that meaningful change starts by listening to people’s lived experiences, otherwise known as everyday research. I thrive at the intersection of dialogue, data, and design, bringing curiosity and humor to complex, multi-level challenges. I believe research can be both rigorous, innovative, and human-centered. I’m passionate about building inclusive solutions with the communities who need them most. ANGELA MAKRIS
This workshop reframes social media as an informal public health infrastructure where communities actively seek support, manage stress, and engage in daily routines. Using a social marketing and public health lens, participants explore how social media use reflects preventive planning and crisis mitigation, and how the information paradox is navigated. The session moves beyond traditional social listening metrics to examine digital support signals in context, what people search for, when they seek help, and why certain platforms and peers are trusted. Participants learn to distinguish preventive from reactive support-seeking online behaviours. The workshop concludes by translating insights into coordinated downstream, midstream, and upstream actions that strengthen and inform systems and policy. Participants will learn: WORKSHOP 2 OVERVIEW
Using Social Media to Understand and Respond to Community Support Needs. Social Marketing & Public Health Lens on Stress, Routines, and Digital Support
• How to Identify digital support signals that reflect routine disruption, anticipatory stress, or mitigation efforts
• Distinguish between preventive vs. reactive support-seeking social media use
• How to translate insights into multi-stream social marketing actions (downstream, midstream, upstream)
WORKSHOP 3
Young Voices, Strong Futures: Lessons from the Resilient Kids Program
Available Thursday only
WORKSHOP FACILITATORS:
Sophie Boyle
Senior Manager, Implementation and Engagement, Healthy North Coast
Aimee McNeill
Director, Integrated Community Wellbeing, Healthy North Coast
Sophie Boyle is the Senior Manager, Implementation and Engagement at Healthy North Coast. With a background in social policy, she brings extensive experience across program management, design, implementation and evaluation. Sophie specialises in place-based, collaborative approaches that aim to strengthen communities and improve outcomes in regional health and recovery settings. She has led the development and implementation of complex social programs, including the award-winning Resilient Kids Program, working closely with partners across sectors to deliver responses tailored to local needs. Her work is grounded in social justice and driven by a commitment to empowering young people and community through innovative, collaborative and evidence-based approaches that build equity and capacity. Based on Bundjalung country in Northern NSW, Sophie is passionate about community-led climate action, food security and regenerative practices that support people and place. SOPHIE BOYLE
Aimee McNeill is the Director of Integrated Community Wellbeing at Healthy North Coast. Over nearly 13 years, she has worked across a range of roles to improve community outcomes, shaping approaches to service design and co-design in mental health, suicide prevention and drug and alcohol health across the North Coast. She has led large-scale commissioning efforts, including the rapid co-design and rollout of four Safe Haven sites supporting communities impacted by the 2022 floods. Aimee advocates for early intervention and prevention, backed by postgraduate training in suicidology from Griffith University. AIMEE McNEILL
This interactive workshop shares a practical place-based example of embedding resilience-building and wellbeing activities within disaster recovery to support confidence, agency and coping capacity of children and young people aged 8-18 years. Using Resilient Kids as a case study, the workshop will demonstrate the value lived experience of young people has in designing a flexible, needs based approach that responds to local contexts. Funded through a $10 million grant from the Australian Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) after the 2022 Northern Rivers NSW floods, the program was co‑designed with young people and delivered through a partnership model across three streams to support those impacted by the catastrophic flooding. Participants can expect an applied exploration on how the program was designed, delivered and evaluated. This includes the influence of evidence, co-design and community insights and partnerships. Through discussion, collaboration and reflections, participants will identify key change mechanisms that support positive outcomes and leave ideas on how these approaches can be adapted to their own region, community or area of practice. WORKSHOP 3 OVERVIEW
Young Voices, Strong Futures: Lessons from the Resilient Kids Program
5:30pm
Networking Function
The Ship Inn, Building S07, Level 2
7:00pm
Day 1 concludes
See you tomorrow
DAY 2
Friday, 16 October 2026
8:00am
Registration opens
Morning coffee/tea available
9:00am
Conference starts
9:10am
Session 4
Cultivating Community in a Fragmented World
LUKE VAN DER BEEKE
Founder and Managing Director,
The Behaviour Change Collaborative (The BCC)
An internationally respected behaviour change and social marketing practitioner, Luke is an unabashed generalist who thrives on tackling health, social and environmental challenges collaboratively, empathetically, and impactfully. His professional and voluntary pursuits evidence his commitment to reducing inequalities, and to amplifying the voice of lived experience in policy and practice. Luke is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Curtin University (Public Health) and Griffith University (Marketing) and serves on numerous voluntary boards and advisory committees. LUKE VAN DER BEEKE
Dr Cathy Boorman is a Co-Director at The Good Shift Pty Ltd, a for-purpose social innovation organisation incubated by Griffith University and spun out in 2024. At The Good Shift Cathy leverages innovation, participation and learning approaches to support ambitious initiatives tackling complex challenges including homelessness, climate health and disaster resilience and domestic and family violence. Cathy has a long-standing interest in multi-actor, participatory and place-based approaches to improving wellbeing. This was the focus of her PhD research and is a feature of much of the work she undertakes at The Good Shift. Cathy’s work is also informed by her diverse professional experiences which span academia, government and the community sector. She was a lecturer in Griffith’s award-winning MBA program, and applied researcher at the Griffith Centre for Systems Innovation. She has contributed to the design and implementation of diverse social policy agendas, citizen engagement initiatives, government-industry collaborations and service system reforms at a Queensland and Local Government level. Cathy has also worked in NGO service deliver. dr cathy boorman
Rowena Cann is a systems leader with over a decade of experience advancing place-based approaches to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities. As Convenor of Places and Hubs portfolios at Queensland Kids Partnership, she plays a key role in convening the Queensland Places Network—bringing together government, philanthropy, and community leaders to strengthen collaboration and drive systems change. Rowena’s work focuses on building the relational infrastructure needed for effective reform—supporting shared decision-making, strengthening local leadership, and translating complex systems thinking into practical action. She has worked across urban, regional, and remote communities, partnering with stakeholders to align policy, funding, and practice with community priorities. Known for her strengths in facilitation and network development, Rowena designs and leads learning environments that enable cross-sector collaboration, accelerate innovation, and embed continuous learning. She is deeply committed to amplifying community voice and supporting approaches that are led by, and accountable to, the communities they serve. Rowena Cann
10:45am
Morning tea
Networking break
11:15am
Workshops
WORKSHOP 4
Why AI Adoption Is Confusing Employees Right Now, and What Actually Works
Available Friday only
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR:
Sam Rykers
Director,
The Change Factor
Sam Rykers is a change specialist and Director of The Change Factor, where she supports organisations to lead and embed technology-driven change with a focus on real behaviour change. With experience across large-scale transformation programs, Sam works closely with teams to turn complex change into practical, usable outcomes, particularly in areas such as AI adoption, modern work, and digital transformation. Her approach centres on helping people move from confusion and overload to clarity, confidence, and action. Sam is known for delivering practical, engaging sessions that balance insight with application, giving participants tools they can take away and use immediately in their own environments. Sam Rykers
This is an interactive session focused on the gap between rollout and real behaviour change. Many organisations are introducing AI tools, but employees are overwhelmed, unclear on expectations, and adoption is often fragmented. The session includes: • A short overview of current AI adoption challenges and patterns we are seeing across organisations • Exploration of the key behavioural barriers preventing meaningful uptake • Practical frameworks to shift from awareness to action • An interactive component where participants apply these concepts to their own context The intent is to provide practical, usable approaches that participants can take back into their own organisations, regardless of sector. WORKSHOP 4 OVERVIEW
Why AI Adoption Is Confusing Employees Right Now, and What Actually Works
WORKSHOP 5
Lean Culture Canvas: From Conversations to Action in Change
Available Friday only
WORKSHOP FACILITATORS:
Kendelle Treloar
Co-Founder & Director, All Teams Culture
| Change Manager | Organisational Coach
Louise Frame
Strategic Advisor, Change Management, Culture and Leadership,
All Teams Culture
Kendelle Treloar is Co-Founder and Director of All Teams Culture, bringing a rare blend of frontline leadership and organisational expertise to her work. With over 10 years’ experience as a change practitioner, qualified in Prosci and Lean Change and a former Australian Federal Police Senior Constable, she has led complex change across law enforcement, national security, intelligence and government- experience that informs everything she does. Kendelle specialises in the intersection of leadership, culture and change resilience, helping organisations create workplaces where people can perform and connect, particularly during uncertainty and pressure. A warm, engaging and experienced facilitator, she regularly presents to senior leaders, teams and organisations across government, sport and industry. Recent engagements include Keynote Speaker for Sport Integrity Australia on Zero Discrimination Day 2026 and change management and culture sessions across private sector and national security agencies. Kendelle Treloar
Louise Frame is a strategic advisor in change management, culture, and leadership at All Teams Culture. A qualified Prosci and Lean Change practitioner with a Diploma in Leadership and Management, she brings over 15 years of experience across organisational change, learning and development, and facilitation. Louise creates collaborative environments where teams move from intention to action, translating values into behaviour and conversations into clear, usable outcomes. She brings a deep understanding of behavioural change and culture activation, helping organisations embed accountability and sustain momentum. A confident and engaging facilitator, she brings strong experience working with senior leaders, teams and organisations across government, sport and industry. Recent engagements include culture and leadership programs with health sector organisations and sporting clubs. Louise Frame
In this high-energy, hands-on session, you will step into a live leadership scenario and use a Lean Culture Canvas - a rapid-cycle change management method designed to move teams from conversation to action. You will work in small groups through a real-world leadership scenario, identifying the behaviours that strengthen performance and those that undermine it- then watch your inputs transform in real time into a working team agreement using AI. Fast, practical, and a tool you can use on Monday. What you will walk away with: WORKSHOP 5 OVERVIEW
Lean Culture Canvas: From Conversations to Action in Change
• A practical method and reusable canvas to run this in your own organisation
• A tool to run culture conversations that actually lead somewhere
• Facilitation techniques to guide meaningful culture conversations
• A clear path from discussion to action
• A firsthand example of AI supporting, not replacing, culture work.
WORKSHOP 6
How to Use Social Marketing Research, Behavioural Insights and Strategic Insights to Influence Government and Change Lives
Available Friday only
WORKSHOP FACILITATORS:
JOAN YOUNG
Behavioural Strategist,
Lonergan Research
MOHAMMED AL-KABOUR
Director,
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (Saudi Arabia)
Joan is a leading strategic social marketer with over 30 years’ experience in behaviour change research and evaluation. She works with government and not for profit organisations to develop, refine and evaluate behaviour change programs, services and communications. Joan has dedicated her career to contributing to better social outcomes informed by best practice social marketing research and is a Fellow of The Research Society. Joan has recently joined Lonergan to establish its Evaluation unit and The Behaviour Change Agency. Joan previously worked with The Behaviour Change Collaborative, Alliance Strategic Research, Arcadia Social Research and Colmar Brunton Australia where she was CEO. Joan regularly speaks at national and international conferences and has trained social marketing researchers in New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, South Africa and Australia, most recently running a half day workshop at the International Social Marketing Conference. She is also highly skilled in evaluation and recently delivered evaluation training workshops for the Australian Evaluation Society (AES) to over 40 evaluators from New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands and South-East Asia and ran a full day workshop on qualitative research in evaluation at the AES Conference 2025. JOAN YOUNG
Mohammed Al-Kabour is currently the Director of the Riyadh Behavioural Insights Center for Labor Market Policies at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. His expertise spans labour market dynamics and employment research, guided by his passion and commitment to ensuring opportunities for all to reach their potential. Throughout his career, Mohammed has worked closely with governments, multilaterals and academia to drive change. He aims to understand the human impact from social and public policies by listening to and engaging with those directly affected and placing their insights at the core of his efforts. More recently, he was the Senior Researcher at the UAE’s Education and Human Resources Council, focusing on labour market and education policy. He also worked with Harvard University’s Evidence for Policy Design, researching SMEs hiring and retention practices of female employees in Saudi Arabia, and at the former Ministry of Labor, exploring topics around youth employment and career progression. MOHAMMED AL-KABOUR
This interactive workshop will draw on a series of case-studies to demonstrate how to use social marketing research, behavioural insights and strategic insights to influence government and change lives. It will draw on the speaker’s expertise. Speakers will share frameworks and processes that participants can use to increase their ability to develop effective behaviour change programs, services and communications and to influence government decision making and policy development. Who should attend? WORKSHOP 6 OVERVIEW
How to Use Social Marketing Research, Behavioural Insights and Strategic Insights to Influence Government and Change Lives
• Practitioners and change makers seeking to increase their ability to influence government decision-making and policy development
• Policy makers seeking a refresher on best practice behaviour change approaches
• Social marketers at the planning, implementation or refinement stages
• Researchers seeking to hone their skills in social marketing
• Academics interested in the application of social marketing research techniques.
12:45pm
Lunch
Networking break
1:45pm
Session 5
Applying Behavioural Science
Joan is a leading strategic social marketer with over 30 years’ experience in behaviour change research and evaluation. She works with government and not for profit organisations to develop, refine and evaluate behaviour change programs, services and communications. Joan has dedicated her career to contributing to better social outcomes informed by best practice social marketing research and is a Fellow of The Research Society. Joan has recently joined Lonergan to establish its Evaluation unit and The Behaviour Change Agency. Joan previously worked with The Behaviour Change Collaborative, Alliance Strategic Research, Arcadia Social Research and Colmar Brunton Australia where she was CEO. Joan regularly speaks at national and international conferences and has trained social marketing researchers in New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, South Africa and Australia, most recently running a half day workshop at the International Social Marketing Conference. She is also highly skilled in evaluation and recently delivered evaluation training workshops for the Australian Evaluation Society (AES) to over 40 evaluators from New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands and South-East Asia and ran a full day workshop on qualitative research in evaluation at the AES Conference 2025. JOAN YOUNG
Jasmine O'Reilly and Alistair Staines are Directors of The Outlier Group Australia, a Brisbane-based change management agency known for developing people-centred change campaigns in some of Australia's largest organisations. They lead on a simple shared conviction - change only sticks when the people living it are genuinely supported and enabled. Drawing on over 15 years experience in complex transformation across healthcare, higher education, finance, government, aged care and not-for-profit. That belief runs through everything they build. Together they co-founded Rhythm Engine™, a change-readiness diagnostic that surfaces the human barriers derailing transformation before it begins, and Outlier Skate, a community-focused advisory helping councils turn audits and real behavioural insight into safer, better-used youth precincts. Whether in a strategy room or a skatepark, their approach is the same: start with evidence, design with people, and measure what actually changes. They also host Change Doesn't Have to Suck, their podcast interviewing standout thinkers who are striving for a better business world. Recognised among Queensland's emerging business leaders, Jasmine and Alistair remain driven by putting people at the centre of change. Jasmine O'Reilly & Alistair Staines
MOHAMMED AL-KABOUR
Director,
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (Saudi Arabia)
Mohammed Al-Kabour is currently the Director of the Riyadh Behavioural Insights Center for Labor Market Policies at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. His expertise spans labour market dynamics and employment research, guided by his passion and commitment to ensuring opportunities for all to reach their potential. Throughout his career, Mohammed has worked closely with governments, multilaterals and academia to drive change. He aims to understand the human impact from social and public policies by listening to and engaging with those directly affected and placing their insights at the core of his efforts. More recently, he was the Senior Researcher at the UAE’s Education and Human Resources Council, focusing on labour market and education policy. He also worked with Harvard University’s Evidence for Policy Design, researching SMEs hiring and retention practices of female employees in Saudi Arabia, and at the former Ministry of Labor, exploring topics around youth employment and career progression. MOHAMMED AL-KABOUR
3:30pm
Day 2 concludes
We look forward to seeing you again at CHANGE 2027
