Keynote speaker

Michael McAfee (USA)

President and CEO of PolicyLink

THE EQUITY CO●LAB is thrilled to welcome Michael McAfee, President and CEO of US-based research and action institute, PolicyLink, as keynote speaker for the 2024 Advancing Equity Summit.

A sought-after speaker on community and economic development, youth development and racial equity, Michael is the catalyst for a new and growing body of work — corporate racial equity. This approach includes the first comprehensive tool to guide private-sector companies in assessing and actively promoting equity in every aspect of their company’s value chain. 

Through his leadership at Policylink, Michael transformed the “Promise Neighborhoods” program into a permanent federal initiative, improving outcomes for over 300,000 children and investing billions in impoverished neighborhoods.  

Michael’s keynote will focus on the importance of equity and creating systems that work for all. He will discuss the importance of leading with evidence-based approaches, the role of humanity and love in advancing equity, and building a thriving democracy. Prepare to be inspired and challenged to drive lasting social change. 

Summit MC

Dr Norman Swan AM

Doctor, Journalist and Summit MC Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Norman, an accomplished broadcaster, journalist, and medical expert, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies at the Advancing Equity Summit. Best known as the co-host of RN’s Health Report and the widely popular What’s The Rash podcast, Norman brings a wealth of experience from his time as a co-host of Coronacast, a show that saw millions of downloads during the COVID-19 pandemic. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including a Gold Walkley and the Medal of the Order of Australia (AM).

With a background in medicine and pediatrics, and a career that spans various prominent roles on ABC’s 7.30, Midday, News Breakfast, and Four Corners, Norman is uniquely positioned to guide the Summit’s discussions on health, equity, and public policy. His deep understanding of the issues, combined with his engaging communication style, ensures a thought-provoking and inspiring event. Norman’s commitment to advancing public health and equity, as reflected in his award-winning journalism and best-selling books, will set the tone for an impactful and meaningful Summit.

Speakers

Dr Peter Dobson

Board Chair, Country to Coast Queensland

Deena Rosalky

Program Director, The Achieve Foundation

Neil Willmett

Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland

Professor Jo Barraket AM

Director, Melbourne Social Equity Institute

Professor Ingrid Burkett

Director, Griffith Centre for Systems Innovation

Matthew Cox

Executive Director, The Bryan Foundation

Megan Kreis

Senior Director, Queensland Health

Amanda Robbins

Founder and Managing Director, Equity Economics

Matt Statham

General Manager - Child, Family and Older Persons, Brisbane South PHN

Roger Meany

Lead – Engagement and Operations, Thriving Kids Queensland Partnership

Lorna McGinnis

Executive Director, Gladstone Region Together

John Mendoza

Co-Director and Adj Professor, ConNetica Consulting Pty Ltd

Olivia Hilton

General Manager, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

Divya Roy

Principal, Consulting Social Ventures Australia

Lina Patel

Facilitator and Collaboration Designer, Revma Consulting

Jack Coghlan

Principal, Consulting Social Ventures Australia

Kathy Oliver

Principal Consultant, GenderWorks

Dujuan Hoosan

Actor Unquiet Collective (In My Blood It Runs, 2019)

Craig Cunningham

Project Manager, Griffith Centre for Systems Innovation

Charmaine Stubbs

Resident, South Moreton Bay Islands

Eula Rohan

Facilitator and Coach, Eula Rohan Consulting

Kate Williams

Researcher, Flinders University's Centre for Social Impact

Anna Powell

Chief Executive Officer, Collaboration For Impact

Sarah Callaghan

Head of Demonstration & Learning and Equitable Democracies Lead, Collaboration For Impact

Abbie Clarke

Director Health and Social Policy Equity Economics

Darryl Walker

Principal Advisor Projects, Country to Coast, QLD

Janine Dureau

Chief Executive Officer, Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Council

Jen Branscombe

Principal Consultant, GenderWorks

Julie Sturgess

Chief Executive Officer, Country to Coast, QLD

Liz Mackinlay

CEO, Australian Business Volunteers

Marion Wands

Chair, Community Advisory Council, Country to Coast, QLD

Olivia Naughtin

Director - Healthy Communities, Country to Coast, QLD

Thalep Ahmat

General Manager, Operations CQID

Rowena Cann

Thriving Kids Queensland Partnership