Tim Day is the Asset President of Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO). Prior to this appointment, Tim held a global role as VP for the Resource Centre of Excellence and Legacy Assets, based in Perth. Tim has an extensive understanding of the resources industry with 25 years of experience in iron ore and coal operations, mine planning and technical, resource engineering, maintenance, new mine design, construction, and site commissioning. A major focus of his working career has been integrating technology into operations to improve safety and productivity. Tim has held multiple Vice President and General Manager roles within BHP and has started two mine sites within the iron ore sector. He is passionate about creating strong, high performance work cultures with demonstrated delivery of results and a bias towards excellence in productivity. Tim was born in Queensland and graduated from the University of Queensland in 2000 with a Bachelor of Engineering, Mining Honours.

Isaac Hinton is the Head of Australia for InterContinental Energy, a global pioneer in large-scale green hydrogen development, now in its 10th year. Isaac oversees the company's strategic initiatives, activities, and partnerships in Australia, supporting long-term growth and project implementation. Isaac also chairs the consortia developing the Western Green Energy Hub and Australian Renewable Energy Hub. InterContinental Energy is an industry leader, with three flagship projects attracting partnerships from energy giants like Shell, bp, and KEPCO. The company's innovative approach has gained support from major institutional investors such as GIC and Hy24. Beyond project development, it has emerged as a leading technology provider through its P2(H2)Node. With a career spanning two decades in energy and resources, including over a decade at BHP in various senior roles across Sales, Procurement, Finance and Operations, coupled with his leadership in key Australian green energy initiatives, Isaac brings a wealth of expertise and insight to the renewable energy landscape.

Kitty is the CEO of the Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry of WA. Kitty has previously held the positions of Presidents of both the RCCIWA (2005 – 2010) and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder CCI (2003-2005) and has owned two small businesses in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the first one at the age of 21. Kitty’s involvement with a regional Chamber of Commerce began in 1991, and she is a strong and driven advocate for regional business communities. Kitty is a past Chair of the board of the Small Business Development Corporation and currently sits on the General Council of CCIWA.

Tamara Bin Amat is the founder and director of Impact Digi, a 100% Aboriginal-owned creative agency headquartered in the Pilbara. With over 15 years’ experience in marketing, she leads a nationally recognised team delivering culturally grounded, impactful work to clients across government, industry and community sectors. Since launching in Karratha in 2013, Tamara has grown Impact Digi into a full-service agency with a team of nine in-house staff and a branch in Port Hedland. Her business is built on the belief that regional communities (particularly the Pilbara) deserve access to high-quality, locally informed marketing without having to look to Perth. Named Best Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Business at the 2025 WA Regional Business Awards, and Best Aboriginal Business at this year’s Port Hedland Business Excellence Awards, Tamara brings deep insight into regional business growth, hybrid team models, and the power of creative industries in local economic development.

Originally from Port Hedland, Byron Klein grew up on a farm in regional South Australia, where he developed a deep appreciation for the importance of regional Australia. His rural upbringing and remote living background inspired a strong commitment to delivering quality and equitable health care beyond the cities. Today, Byron and his young family are happy to be living and working in Port Hedland, where he proudly leads a fiercely independent optometry practice, Hedland Eye Care, which provides evidence-based eye care with cutting-edge technology to the Pilbara.

Daiva is a regional leader who has called the Pilbara home for 19 years, having lived in both Port Hedland and Karratha. She currently serves as a Councillor for the City of Karratha and brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, practical leadership, and deep community insight to the table. Daiva is passionate about building a strong, inclusive future for the Pilbara – one where economic development and cultural preservation go hand in hand, and where local people are empowered to lead the change they want to see. Whether she’s driving operational change, advocating for policy reform, or facilitating conversations between unlikely partners, Daiva shows up with integrity, insight, and a genuine commitment to leaving things better than she found them. At RDA Pilbara, she continues to champion solutions that uplift people, place and purpose. What sets Daiva apart is her authenticity and ability to adapt - she’s equally at home in a boardroom, on a mine site, or sitting down for a cuppa with community elders. Daiva is driven by a clear vision for the Pilbara: a vibrant, resilient region where economic diversification, improved connectivity, inclusive growth, and sustainable investment translate into the place we are proud to call home.

Nick Dawe joined Pilbara Ports as Principal Engineer in November 2013 and has held a range of engineering and project management roles throughout this time including leading the delivery of the Spoilbank Marina, Lumsden Point and Dampier Cargo Wharf Projects. Nick has over 20 years’ experience in engineering and project delivery.

Brett McFadgen is a skilled metallurgist and mining operations leader with extensive experience across multiple commodities including gold, nickel, copper and lithium. Brett is well placed to draw upon his technical knowledge and industry experience to drive strategic and operational success at Pilgangoora. He was formerly the Global Head of Health and Safety for Newcrest where he lead risk, hygiene and safety culture development. He joined PLS in 2023 as General Manager Operations and was appointed as Executive General Manager in 2024, and Chief Operating Officer in 2025. He has oversight of the mine and processing plants including performance, maintenance, safety and quality. Prior to joining PLS, Brett held roles with Newcrest Mining, Mineral Resources OMG Cawse Nickel Operations as well as being part of the Newmont and Barrick Joint Venture at KCGM.

Emma McCullagh is the National Business Development Lead at C-Res, where she drives engagement across the BHP Local Buying Program and Local Buying Foundation. Based in Emerald, Queensland, Emma understands the unique challenges faced by small businesses in regional Australia. Through her work, she helps unlock opportunities by connecting these businesses with BHP, enabling them to grow, diversify, and strengthen their communities with real, lasting impact.

First elected to WA Parliament in 2013 for the East Metropolitan Region, she then went on to win the lower house seat of Morley in 2017. In the McGowan Government’s first term, she served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier; Minister for Public Sector Management; State Development, Jobs and Trade; Federal-State Relations; Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet. Amber-Jade was crucial in delivering Western Australia’s Voluntary Assisted Dying laws. As the Chair of the Joint Select Committee on End of Life Choices she oversaw extensive community consultation, a year-long parliamentary inquiry and debate, and finally the passing of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill. On 21 December, Amber-Jade Sanderson was sworn in as Minister for Health; Mental Health. Prior to this she was the Minister for Environment; Climate Action; Commerce. Before entering Parliament, she was Assistant Secretary at United Voice and remains passionate about the protection of working people’s rights. She holds a BA (Journalism) and lives in Bayswater with her partner Philip and her two children.

Daniel Finch is the Managing Director and founder of Finmec, a proudly local business that keeps the wheels turning across Western Australia’s mining, transport, rail and civil sectors. A qualified diesel mechanic by trade, Daniel didn’t start out with a boardroom or business plan. He started with a ute, a toolbox, and a drive to back the clients who needed someone who’d actually show up. Since 2007, he’s grown Finmec from a one-man mobile mechanic to a trusted operation with over 90 staff and a serious fleet of hire equipment on the ground. These days, Finmec runs major workshop facilities in Port Hedland, provides field support across the Pilbara, and supplies equipment hire to projects large and small. What sets Daniel apart isn’t just the scale of what he’s built, it’s how he goes about it. His approach is straight-up, solutions focused, and built around backing people. He is known for being the person you call when things need fixing, fast. That applies just as much to business strategy as it does to broken gear. Daniel has become a respected voice in the regional business community, especially among other small to mid-sized operators navigating the ups and downs of the Pilbara economy. He is approachable, experienced, and always up for a straight conversation about what it really takes to stick around, grow a team, and support a region. Whether he’s talking with local apprentices or mining execs, Daniel keeps it real. His leadership is grounded in consistency, accountability, and a deep respect for the work, and the people, that keep the Pilbara going.

Saj Abdoolakhan has nearly two decades of experience leading regulatory agencies, shaping government policy, and executing strategic reform across the energy safety, building, and consumer protection sectors. Before joining the Small Business Development Corporation as its Chief Executive Officer and Small Business Commissioner, he held senior roles at the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS), including Deputy Director General of Industry regulation and Consumer Protection, Building Commissioner and Director of Energy Safety. He has led several major legislative reforms across the electricity, gas, plumbing, and building sectors. Mr Abdoolakhan is committed to advocating for small businesses, by promoting fair treatment and greater engagement with all levels of government. He is an electrical engineer by trade and holds postgraduate qualifications in public sector management.

Paul Maney is Manager Operations at Dampier Salt Limited, with over two decades of leadership across mining, operations, safety, and innovation. He has held senior roles at Rio Tinto, BHP, Iluka Resources, and Amira Global, driving operational readiness, infrastructure, and strategic development. Paul also served as Vice President of Coogee Beach Surf Life Saving Club, reflecting his commitment to community. He holds a geology degree from Curtin University and brings deep expertise in resource development and operational excellence.

Evette Smeathers leads the management of major commercial customer accounts for Horizon Power, focusing on end-to-end customer service, business development and customer project delivery. She has held roles spanning the full energy value chain during her nineteen years in the industry, and embodies Horizon Power’s regional business model, covering Horizon Power’s entire service area from her hometown of Karratha. Prior to stepping back into the major customer accounts role, she acted as the Executive General Manager for the Customer and Community division. Evette has also held numerous board and committee roles including twelve years as a Councillor at the City of Karratha and Chair of their Audit and Risk Committee.

Mathew Wilson is a proud Aboriginal man, born and raised in Port Hedland. He is the Managing Director and founder of Wilco Maintenance Solutions, a 100% Aboriginal-owned company providing multi-disciplinary labour, plumbing, and hydrocarbons services across the Pilbara. With more than 70% Aboriginal staff and 95% of the workforce long-term Pilbara residents, Wilco represents genuine local capability and growth, doubling in size year on year. As a father of four, Mathew is passionate about building strong local businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening the Hedland community.

Bernie began her career with Rio Tinto in 2005 and has held a variety of roles across Procurement and Communities. Since 2020, she has been a key contributor to the Winu Project, where she leads negotiations for Land Use Agreements with Traditional Owner Groups. As Manager of the Communities and Social Performance team, Bernie plays a central role in fostering strong partnerships and driving regional economic development through community engagement and sustainable outcomes.

Tash is experienced in business strategy, commercialisation, innovation and agtech and is passionate about sustainable primary industries and new technology. In 2016 she co-founded AgriStart and Innovation Cluster which she still leads. Both businesses focus on empowering innovative businesses to support regional and rural development. They have delivered multiple innovation and entrepreneurship programs and have worked with hundreds of startups from across Australia. Tash holds several board, advisory and volunteer roles including with Busselton Jetty Inc, SW NRM, SIFT, South West Angels, and has previously been on a facilitator in the Federal Government’s Accelerating Commercialisation program and on the judging panel for the WA Innovator of the Year awards.

Jessica Shaw is the WA Program Director for the Superpower Institute, Port Hedland’s Chair of Commissioners and a Director of Tactica Advisory, advising on energy transition, infrastructure, and indust rial decarbonisation. At the Superpower Institute, Jessica leads efforts to position Australia as a global exporter of green energy and industrial products, with a focus on regulatory frameworks, market incentives, and enabling infrastructure. Through Tactica, she supports companies navigating complex commercial, policy, and project delivery challenges. Jessica served in the WA Parliament from 2017 to 2025, including as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. She was responsible for projects spanning energy transition, hydrogen, infrastructure, domestic gas, trade, and economic diversification. Before entering Parliament, Jessica was a senior executive in the energy sector for over a decade, and previously worked in foreign affairs and trade in both the Australian Senate and British High Commission. She holds degrees in law and politics, a Master of Law from Cambridge, and executive training from Harvard. She is an Honorary Life Member of the Australian Institute of Energy.