Baringa Barambah is a Songwoman of the Turrbal People and is the daughter of late Turrbal Elder, Maroochy Barambah. She grew up on her ancestral homelands of Meeanjin (Brisbane) learning the traditional laws and customs from her elders. She is passionate about working with Indigenous communities to improve social, cultural and economic outcomes. I would now like to invite Songwoman Baringa to deliver the Welcome to Country.

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 16,000 members globally. AusIMM delivers a growing range of professional development, including technical conferences and online courses, and plays an influential role in upholding professional standards and shaping some of the mining industry's most important conversations. Stephen has extensive experience leading professional associations, including five years as CEO of Engineers Australia, and prior to that over 20 years experience in executive leadership roles.

Professor Ross McAree is Head of the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at the University of Queensland, specialising in machinery dynamics and control with emphasis on mining automation. He has led pioneering research in autonomous mining equipment through collaborations with major industry partners including Caterpillar and Joy Global Surface Mining (now Komatsu) leading to commercial outcomes. From 2007-2015, he held an industry-funded Chair in Mechanical Engineering and served. He has secured over $25M in research funding and established UQ's Mechatronic Engineering Program in 2002. He is an elected fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.

Kate Sommerville is General Manager of Hay Point Coal Terminal and a senior mining, operations and transformation leader with more than 30 years' experience spanning underground and open-cut mining, processing, business improvement, supply chain and executive leadership roles across Australia, North America, Africa and South America. She has held technical, operational, consulting, corporate and general management positions across multiple commodities and global operations. Kate is recognised for leading complex operational and cultural transformations, including mine and business turnarounds, closure and repurposing strategies, operating system implementation and organisational performance improvement. She combines global operational experience with contemporary leadership thinking gained through MIT's Chief Operating Officer program, focused on supply chain, digital transformation and AI, and Oxford's Women Transforming Leadership program. Kate is a Fellow and Chartered Professional of AusIMM and served six years as an elected AusIMM Director. She is passionate about helping leaders connect people, systems and technology to build high-performing organisations and navigate the future of mining.