Refiti Tovi is a proud Turrbal woman and the niece of the late Turrbal Elder, Songwoman Maroochy Barambah. Raised in culture and guided by her Elders, she has learned traditional Lore and Protocol. With over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education, Refiti is deeply passionate about empowering the next generation and strengthening her community through truth-telling, advocacy and cultural connection. Refiti is here with us today to deliver the Welcome to Country on behalf of the Turrbal People of Brisbane.

Helen Degeling is a geologist and recognised, influential advocate for minerals development that delivers positive ESG outcomes and meets the demands of a just transition towards decarbonisation. She has previously held roles as a researcher, exploration and mine geologist, and exploration manager for junior precious, base and critical metal explorers, as well as leadership positions in critical minerals and sustainable mining across government and industry. Helen is now Director of Geoscience and Sustainability at Mining3, where she combines her traditional geological expertise and passion for circularity, sustainability and traceability to drive innovation and deliver practical solutions for the resources industry’s ‘next generation’ challenges.

Stephen Durkin is CEO of AusIMM, the peak body for professionals working in the resources sector. Founded in 1893 and operating under Royal Charter, AusIMM represents 15,000 members all over the world. Since being appointed CEO in 2017, AusIMM has embarked on a significant change program to be a more contemporary organisation with a stronger external focus. AusIMM now delivers an expanded range of professional development and plays a more influential role in upholding professional standards and shaping some of our most important industry conversations. Stephen has extensive experience in association management, including five years as CEO of Engineers Australia and previously over 15 years experience at National Australia Bank in several executive roles.

The Honourable David Crisafulli MP was elected in October 2024 as the 41st Premier of Queensland. He is also the Minister for Veterans and the Member for Broadwater. The son of migrant cane farmers and small business owners, David was born and raised in Ingham, North Queensland. He holds a degree in Journalism from James Cook University and worked in print, radio and television before moving into politics. He served two terms on Townsville City Council between 2004 and 2012, including the last four as Deputy Mayor. In 2012, David was elected as the Member for Mundingburra and was appointed as the Minister for Local Government, undertaking sweeping reforms to empower local leaders. Following the 2013 natural disasters in Bundaberg and the North Burnett, David’s responsibilities expanded to include Community Recovery and Resilience. Between 2013 and 2015, he overhauled the way Queenslanders recover and rebuild their communities after natural disasters. In 2017, David was re-elected to the Queensland Parliament to represent the people of Broadwater. He was elected Leader of the Opposition in 2020. David is a passionate rugby league supporter and enjoys getting back to his roots by spending time on his small cane farm near Ingham. He lives with his wife and two daughters.

Stephen Durkin is CEO of AusIMM, the peak body for professionals working in the resources sector. Founded in 1893 and operating under Royal Charter, AusIMM represents 15,000 members all over the world. Since being appointed CEO in 2017, AusIMM has embarked on a significant change program to be a more contemporary organisation with a stronger external focus. AusIMM now delivers an expanded range of professional development and plays a more influential role in upholding professional standards and shaping some of our most important industry conversations. Stephen has extensive experience in association management, including five years as CEO of Engineers Australia and previously over 15 years experience at National Australia Bank in several executive roles.

Jeremy Cornforth is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service. He assumed the position of U.S. Consul General Sydney in July 2025. Prior to that, he served as the Deputy Director of the American Institute in Taiwan. As Consul General, Mr. Cornforth is responsible for representing the United States throughout New South Wales and Queensland. Joining the Foreign Service in 1998, Mr. Cornforth has served in Israel, the Dominican Republic, India, Tunisia, Lebanon, and China. Domestically, he has served as the El Salvador Desk Officer in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, and as the Director of the Office of Information Management and Liaison in the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Office of Visa Services. Mr. Cornforth has extensive experience leading large teams, strategic planning, and promoting innovation. He holds a BA in History from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is a distinguished graduate of the National War College, where he earned a Master of Science in Strategic Studies. He speaks Arabic, Hebrew, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. His wife Eleanor works in impact investing, and he has twin fourteen-year old children.

Christiane is a partner in KPMG. She is a versatile, adaptable senior executive, Christiane has almost 30 years' professional and leadership experience predominantly in the mining, resources and utilities industries. Christiane focusses on the energy and natural resources industries and enhances our clients’ capital projects delivery through her extensive experience. She has a wealth of knowledge in strategizing and the delivery of major projects. In prior roles. She is a passionate and skilled facilitator for boards and senior decision makers and has extensive experience working with all organisational levels within Australia as well as the Middle East, Eastern and Western Europe, the UK, the US, South America, and India. Christiane uses her unique capability of strategic, technical and authentic leadership to improve competitive positioning, prepare business cases, undertake feasibility studies and improve efficiencies. As an experienced strategic thinker, Christiane can 'paint' a pathway to value creation. Christiane holds International Business and Engineering qualifications and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Helen Degeling is a geologist and recognised, influential advocate for minerals development that delivers positive ESG outcomes and meets the demands of a just transition towards decarbonisation. She has previously held roles as a researcher, exploration and mine geologist, and exploration manager for junior precious, base and critical metal explorers, as well as leadership positions in critical minerals and sustainable mining across government and industry. Helen is now Director of Geoscience and Sustainability at Mining3, where she combines her traditional geological expertise and passion for circularity, sustainability and traceability to drive innovation and deliver practical solutions for the resources industry’s ‘next generation’ challenges.