CHANGE 2026 Speakers
Keynote speaker and five speaker sessions over two days. Hear from world-leading change makers, marketers, scientists, researchers, practitioners, directors, and CEOs with a track record of creating and sustaining positive health, environmental and social change.
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.
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
Session 2 – Speakers
Wellbeing, Innovation & Social Impact
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.
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
Angela Goh is the Sustainability Project Officer at Griffith University, supporting collaborative projects and partnerships that connect people with sustainability through communication, engagement, and behaviour change initiatives. She is also an interdisciplinary designer and creative researcher with a background in spatial, immersive and multimedia design, project management and performing arts communications. Her PhD focuses on ecological storytelling, exploring how immersive, place-based experiences can help people build stronger connections with the natural world. Angela brings these perspectives into her sustainability work, using storytelling and design to engage diverse audiences with sustainability in ways that are accessible, relevant and meaningful. 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
ANGELA GOH
Sustainability Project OfficerMARK 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
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
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
