Speakers

Warwick Squire is an experienced executive specialising in change leadership, policy development, and operational efficiencies with more than 20 years in the government sector.

He has extensive expertise in cultivating productive relationships, particularly throughout rural and regional communities in Queensland.

Warwick currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Coexistence Queensland, a role in which he leads and works collaboratively with landholders, communities, agricultural, energy and resource companies, peak bodies, and all levels of government to achieve positive coexistence outcomes.

His authentic leadership ensures team engagement and aligned focus within teams and across departments, driving change and delivering innovative projects in complex environments.

Warwick has built a reputation for taking on challenging roles and leading teams to deliver exceptional results.

Dan Kelleher is an accomplished industrial and commodity markets professional with extensive experience across the global energy and fertiliser complex working in trading, shipping and business development. For the last 6 years Dan has been working at Incitec Pivot Fertilisers as the Phosphates Trading Manager and as the CEO for Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ trading subsidiary in Singapore.

Aaron joined AIC Mines in 2019 and has led the growth of the Company from explorer to producer through the acquisition of the Eloise Copper Mine in 2021. Prior to joining AIC Mines, Aaron was a founding member of the leadership team of Australian gold producer Evolution Mining Limited, having managed its business development and investor relations program from inception through to 2018. He was instrumental in the multiple merger and acquisition transactions that created Evolution Mining, now one of Australia’s largest gold mining companies.

Aaron was originally an exploration geologist with experience in Australia and Papua New Guinea across a range of commodities. He moved into finance early in his career, working initially as a mining analyst with a global stock broking firm and later in investment banking where he provided strategic advice to junior and mid-tier mining companies in Australia and Asia

Darren’s background is in industry and regional economic development with over 30 years’ experience encompassing a range of industries. This includes more than 20 years in the public service and in 2024 Darren received a Public Service Medal, in recognition of his outstanding public service to regional and rural communities in Queensland.

Darren is Executive Regional Director - North with the Department of State Development and Infrastructure and is responsible for Queensland Government economic development initiatives in the North Queensland region encompassing Gladstone to the south, to Torres in the north and as far west as Mount Isa.

Local economic development opportunities from a decarbonising global economy are a daunting and enormous goal for the public service to action. Mr Cleland has set himself and his team the task to meet the challenge and prepare for the economic future of North Queensland. Included in the important work his team is currently delivering is the Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility project and the Queensland Battery Industry Strategy.

Throughout his career he has used his understanding of key economic and business indicators as well as contemporary issues driving business decisions to provide strategic advice in relation to many varied business expansion, investment, and regional development decisions. He has undertaken and completed numerous strategies and actions to guide and facilitate economic and social development.

Consistent with the department’s vision for driving regional economic development in Queensland, his focus is on ensuring that regional industry and communities are supported by services and opportunities to allow them to grow and prosper.

Paul has 25 years experience working with public and private sector organisations. He has worked for Federal and State Governments in political, policy and delivery roles. Paul is highly experienced in the facilitation and delivery of major projects in Queensland and has a proven track record in delivering major projects in complex stakeholder environments. Paul has held senior executive positions with the Office of the Coordinator-General and the Department of State Development as well as other roles previously with the Federal Government and Economic Development Organisations in Queensland.

Paul has led government assessment for major projects in Queensland for minerals, water, agriculture and tourism projects for the Coordinator-General and has a strong grasp of the regulatory frameworks for the delivery of major projects.

Paul has extensive experience in working with government, industry and community stakeholders to deliver projects in Queensland. His experience in regulatory, facilitation, financing and advocacy roles has helped many industry proponents navigate the sometimes complex approval pathways to accelerate development of projects into construction.

Hailing from Mount Isa, Paul is passionate about developing regional economies and helping to drive the future growth of our critical minerals industries.

Dan White is an accomplished industrial and commodity markets professional with extensive experience across the global energy and fertiliser complex working in trading, shipping and business development. For the last 6 years Dan has been working at Incitec Pivot Fertilisers as the Phosphates Trading Manager and as the CEO for Incitec Pivot Fertilisers’ trading subsidiary in Singapore.

Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae was first elected to Mount Isa City Council in 2016, served as a Councillor for eight years, and was elected Mayor in 2024.

She has worked in many positions within Education Queensland, has been involved in many community groups such as the Quamby Rodeo committee, Zonta, and Commerce North West, and, more recently, as chair of the Country Universities Centre Mount Isa board.

In her time as Councillor, she occupied the portfolios of sport and recreation, tourism and events, youth, community engagement, the pool, and the library.

Her passion for local government has led her to further study, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course and an MBA.

Mayor MacRae believes Mount Isa has a bright future as a leading regional city and is determined to advocate for the people of the North West and creating the lifestyle and opportunities they deserve while living in what has been the economic powerhouse of the state and country.

Maria James is the CEO of MITEZ, a member-based advocacy peak regional development organisation for the North West corridor.  Previous to this she spent more than a decade at Port of Townsville managing the trade and business development unit.  Maria began her career as a graduate economist with the Commonwealth Department of Defence but then spent almost 20 years working in both the UK and USA in Further Education and International Rugby administration before settling in Townsville with her family. A born and bred North Queenslander, Tully to be specific, Maria is passionate about Northern Australia and being part of its development.  She sits on the RDA Townsville and North West Committee, the Athletics North Queensland Board, the CopperString Regional Reference Group and the Premier’s Queensland Leaders Forum.

Qualifications: BSc (Chemical Engineering) (Natal), AusIMM

Experience:

Graham Fyfe has 31 years of experience in the mining and commodities processing industry, with an in-depth understanding of the full project development and value cycle, from scoping studies through all phases of project development and commissioning to operations across a number of projects in Africa and Australia. His diverse experience has been gained as an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management consultant for companies including Wood Australia, Minnovo, Fluor, Murray and Roberts Engineering Solutions Africa) and Calibre Global, where he has held lead process, project manager and department manager roles.

Mr Fyfe has also acted as an Owner’s Executive for companies including De Beers, Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO), Rare Earth Extraction Co. Limited, Bellzone Mining Plc and Battery Minerals Limited (ASX:BAT).

Tara Beazley is an accomplished environmental professional with nearly a decade of experience in environmental management, spanning local and state government as well as the mining sector. Initially starting her career as a Veterinary Science student at university, Tara quickly realized her passion for biological sciences and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Zoology. She furthered her education with post-graduate studies in Environmental Management and a Certificate IV in Government Investigations, which equipped her with the skills to excel in environmental compliance roles.

Tara’s career has included roles within local government, the Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation (DESI) as a Senior Compliance Officer, and as an Environmental Advisor in the mining industry. Since 2017, she has been deeply involved in the North-West Minerals Province, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of the mining world in North Queensland. Her extensive experience has also made her proficient in project management, complex report writing, environmental impact assessment, and navigating legislative and governmental requirements.

Currently, Tara serves as the Regional Manager for the North Queensland Biodiversity team at NGH Consulting, where she continues to indulge her love for ecology by leading innovative projects in a number of different industries, includes the renewable energy space, infrastructure and mining.

BE(Mech), MBA, HFIEAust, FAusIMM, MAICD

Nev is the Owner of Bushy Park Station, a family ran cattle station.

Nev is also the Non-Executive Chair of Future Battery Minerals, Director and Deputy Chair of Strike Energy Limited and he is also a Non-Executive and Lead Independent Director of employment services provider APM Human Services International Ltd.

With more than four decades of experience in mining, minerals processing, construction and steel making, Nev has accumulated a wide range of skills and knowledge across multiple sectors of the commercial and Not for Profit global business landscape.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nev was appointed by the Prime Minister to lead an expert advisory board, the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission (NCCC).  The Commission had two key roles: to help minimise and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 on jobs and businesses, and to facilitate the fastest possible recovery of the Australian economy and communities.

From 2011 to 2018, Nev was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fortescue Metals Group Ltd, one of the world’s largest, lowest cost producers of iron ore. During his time Fortescue more than quadrupled its production to over 170 million tonnes per annum and positioned itself as the lowest cost supplier of seaborne iron ore to China.

Before joining Fortescue, he held Chief Executive positions at Thiess and the Smorgon Steel Group.

Nev also has an extensive background in agribusiness and aviation, holding both fixed wing and helicopter commercial pilot licenses.

Helen Degeling is a PhD qualified geologist with over 18 years’ experience in industry, academia and government. She has worked as an exploration geologist and Exploration Manager in gold and base metals throughout Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, as well as consulting to a variety of mineral explorers and producers both domestically and abroad. During a stint with government as the Director, Minerals Geoscience for the Geological Survey of Queensland she initiated the Queensland Government’s Circular Economy, Secondary Prospectivity, traceability and Sustainable REE processing programs. She is a passionate advocate for the growth and evolution of the minerals sector in line with the demands of a just transition towards decarbonisation and adoption of ESG standards globally. In her current role as Manager, ReMine Plus for Cobalt Blue, Helen aims to realise the opportunities for green metal extraction from mine waste to support the energy transition.

Dr Anthony Bell brings over 20 years’ experience in emergency medicine practices and 10 years in medical administration. He has led departments, hospital medical services, clinical networks, research and project teams and is a well-known having worked in Mount Isa Hospital Emergency department.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Western Australia, Anthony pursued specialised training in emergency medicine across New South Wales and the United Kingdom. He earned Fellowship with the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (FACEM) in 2001. Transitioning between public and private sectors, he sought to broaden his knowledge and clinical proficiency by completing a Master of Business Administration (QUT). Subsequently, Anthony pursued further professional development by attaining Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (FRACMA) in 2014, complemented by a Master of Public Health (QUT).

Anthony’s overarching ambition is to contribute to the enhancement of healthcare systems and improve outcomes in under served populations. This enduring goal acts as a guiding principle in his professional journey towards making meaningful contributions to the betterment of healthcare on a broader scale.

Johannes was appointed Group Chief Operating Officer, Business Development and Growth in February 2023. His focus includes leading the Eva Copper Mine Project into development, progressing the Wafi-Golpu Project in Papua New Guinea (a joint venture with Newmont) and pursuing further growth opportunities in Africa, South East Asia and Australia.

Johannes joined Harmony in 1998 and was appointed the Chief Financial Officer for Harmony South East Asia in 2003. Prior to his current role, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Harmony’s South East Asia operations from 2008 to 2023.

As the Assistant Coordinator-General for New Economy and Transition Coordination, Kerry has over 21 years’ working in the public sector, with a strong focus on economic development. Making things possible for a better Queensland, Kerry is a central and coordinated point of contact for project proponents, government agencies, and stakeholders. Kerry leads complex assessment, compliance, and facilitation of significant projects, planning ahead to ensure the delivery of economic, social and environmental benefits to Queenslanders.

Kerry works as a delivery partner with private and public sector proponents to progress major projects for Queensland, playing a pivotal role in facilitating and coordinating major infrastructure, economic, and environmental projects across the state of Queensland through enacting specific powers under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971.

Richard has been the Managing Director of Maronan Metals (MMA) since the IPO in March 2022.

He is a senior executive with over 30 years of extensive mining operations management experience in Australia and internationally across a range of commodities.

Positions held prior to MMA included General Manager at Edna May in Western Australia (Evolution Mining), Stawell Gold Mines in Victoria (Mining Project Investors Pty Ltd), Waihi Gold Mine in New Zealand (Normandy Limited) and the Westonia and the Golden Crown Gold Mines in Western Australia (Australian Consolidated Minerals Ltd). Mr Carlton’s extensive base metals experience includes North Limited’s mines, the Rosebery underground zinc/copper/lead mine in Tasmania and Elura zinc/lead/silver mine in Cobar NSW.

William Weaver is a third-generation water industry professional with over 30 years of experience. He is currently the General Manager (GM) of North Operations at Sunwater since 2022.

William previously held the position of GM for Central Operations from 2017 to 2022 and served as the Acting GM for Business Development in 2018. With 17 years of service at Sunwater, William has been an integral part of the company's dynamic operations team, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Throughout his career, he has worked on significant projects for renowned companies such as Queensland Gas Company, Melbourne Water, and Origin, leading infrastructure construction ventures across Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland.

William's expertise lies in the areas of operations and construction, and he has been instrumental in the growth of an Australian-owned company, contributing to its evolution from a startup to a leading pipeline infrastructure construction company. His contributions have been crucial in delivering major projects of national significance.

Away from work, William enjoys traveling, exploring different cuisines, and has a passion for country music. Proudly born and raised in Burdekin, William has a deep-rooted interest in his local community and has also enjoyed a social stint playing Rugby league for the Burdekin Roosters.