WA 2025 Region Conference Program + Speakers

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Awards of Excellence

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We are back bigger and better than ever from the 17 to 18 June 2025 @ Pan Pacific Perth, Perth!

The only sector conference brought to you by local government for local government and its supporters, the event brings together industry celebrating the PEOPLE behind the PLACES.

We will be bringing you two full days of content, including guest keynote speakers, 3 concurrent presentation streams, and more than 12 hours of content! 

You can also join us for the social event of the year as we celebrate the best of WA’s parks and leisure industry at our Awards of Excellence cocktail event!

MEET YOUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Stephen Yarwood, Urban Futurist + Former Lord Mayor of Adelaide

Stephen Yarwood is a renowned Futurist, highly respected Urbanist and the Former Lord Mayor of Adelaide. Serving as a catalyst for change for both corporate and community organisations, his passion extends beyond envisioning the future; he educates, motivates and empowers people to shape it. With a strong skill set in cross-disciplinary strategic foresight, Stephen is deeply fascinated by the dynamic interplay between people, places, technology, and change. 

Stephen has a Bachelor of Arts in Planning, Graduate Diplomas in Regional & Urban Planning and Environmental Studies, an MBA from Adelaide University and is an award-winning Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia. He has a wealth of international experience working around Australia and in NZ, Asia the Middle East and North America. He has been on a global advisory board for Airbnb, worked on mega projects in Saudi Arabia and provided keynote presentations to over 150,000 people in the last 10 years in several countries.

During his time as Lord Mayor (2010-2104), his emphasis on collaboration with the private sector and State Government delivered many outcomes and saw Adelaide recognised internationally as an innovative destination by Lonely Planet, National Geographic and The New York Times. Prior to being Lord Mayor, Stephen worked in the South Australian Government and Parliament, in Local Government and internationally as a planner, researcher, educator and speaker.

MEET YOUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr Kelsie Prabawa-Sear, CEO of Nature Play WA and Nature Play Australia

Dr Kelsie Prabawa-Sear is the CEO of Nature Play WA and Nature Play Australia, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the mental and physical health of Western Australian children by growing their connection to nature and community through outdoor play.

Kelsie has had a varied and rich working and academic experience in both Australia and Indonesia prior to joining Nature Play WA, having worked in State government, consulting, and not-for-profit organisations, all with a focus on children, education, and environment. Kelsie has entwined her work with post graduate research degrees, completing a Masters by Research degree and PhD on environmental education.

Kelsie is a published author, parent, and advocate of the benefits of nature for children.

MEET YOUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr Brad Pettitt, Legislative Council of the WA Parliament

Dr Brad Pettitt was elected to the Legislative Council of the WA Parliament in 2021. Until taking up this role in the Upper House of the State Parliament, Brad was the Mayor of the City of Fremantle. He was first elected mayor in 2009 and re-elected in 2013 and 2017. Prior to this Brad was the Dean of the School of Sustainability at Murdoch University. When not working he likes riding his bike, drinking coffee, and playing with his 7-year-old daughter.

Perth’s population is small by global standards, but our physical footprint is larger than mega-cities like Tokyo or Los Angeles, and our emissions per capita are among the highest in the world. So how do we address climate change while accommodating 3.5 million people in Perth by 2050? As this presentation will outline, Perth’s doesn’t need to be a car-dependent, sprawling, city with a declining tree canopy. Our city is heading this way because of the choices we make. But there is another way. As cities such as Copenhagen, Malmo, Utrecht, and Paris demonstrate,there is an opportunity to change the direction of Perth’s urban development to create a better connected, more liveable, sustainable, and low-carbon city.

MEET YOUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Maria Ignatieva, UWA School of Design

Dr. Maria Ignatieva is a Professor of Landscape Architecture at the School of Design, University of Western Australia. She was working in five  countries (Europe, the USA, Australia and New Zealand), teaching as a full-time tenured academic in landscape architecture programs, conducting research in urban ecology (urban biodiversity and design), green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, history of landscape architecture and garden restoration, and implementing research results in practical landscape architecture projects. She is the recipient of the 2024 IFLA (International Federation of Landscape Architects) President’s Award, and the President of URBIO (Urban Biodiversity and Design International Network).

MEET YOUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Nick Cox, Chief Executive Officer at Belgravia Leisure

Nick has over 25 years’ experience in the aquatic and recreation industries. During his time at Belgravia Leisure, Nick has focused on increasing access to our services, engaging the community and delivering innovative programming, all within a strong financial framework. Prior to this role, Nick was Chief Operating Officer of YMCA Australia and General Manager with Maroondah City Council, one of Melbourne’s most vibrant growth areas. Nick is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Director of Physical Activity Australia and Chair of the AUSTSWIM licensing committee.

Speakers

Richard Brown

Richard Brown, the Manager of Parks and Environment at the City of Gosnells, brings a wealth of diverse experiences to his role. His career has spanned operations management in London, as well as work on idyllic beaches and coral reefs in the Caribbean. Over the past decade, he has successfully managed three distinct Local Government Park departments and a Botanic Garden across three different states of Australia. Richard’s ability to draw from this varied experience enables him to devise pragmatic solutions to complex problems.

Tom Cunningham

Tom Cunningham is the Principal Landscape Architect at the City of Joondalup, where he specialises in major projects. He is dedicated to fostering collaboration across diverse fields to achieve innovative, well-researched outcomes. Among his recent works include the award-winning Black Swan Habitat project in South Perth, integrating expertise from ecologists,coastal engineers, and landscape architects to enhance river edge protection and recreational space while restoring local bird populations. This presentation will focus on the Duncraig Adventure Hub, which also applies this collaborative approach, combining the expertise of mental health and activation experts to create impactful community spaces

Tim Yuen

Skate Sculpture is an Australian skate park design and construction company. Within 15 years they have evolved from creating skateable public artwork, to delivering some of the best and most advanced facilities in the country. Proudly, Skate Sculpture delivered the new Bayswater Skatepark that has already nurtured 10 year old Mia Kretzer, the youngest ever X Games gold medalist. Formed by Mat de Koning and Tim Yuen (one of six members of World Skate who oversee the design of future Olympic courses) Skate Sculpture has become globally-recognised. Dedicated to quality, Skate Sculpture is an industry leader in skatepark innovation and efficacy.

Karen Golden

Karen Golden, a deeply experienced Tourism and Wellness Executive for over 20 years, now CEO of Dwell Concepts. Karen is recognized for her pivotal role in transformative projects like Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, whilst leading numerous wellness projects across Australia and New Zealand. A maestro in crafting exceptional & unique wellness experiences, successful business strategies and driving financial success, with global impact. Believing in the power of people and collaboration, a Judge for World Spa Awards and VTIC Tourism Awards, and a Founding Member of Bathing Australia, an Ambassador for the Global Wellness Institute, a member of the GWI (Global Wellness Tourism Initiative). Karen’s influence resonates in international speaking engagements, amongst many events the Global Wellness Summit, showcasing her dedication to shaping the future of wellness tourism.

Mat de Koning

Skate Sculpture is an Australian skate park design and construction company. Within 15 years they have evolved from creating skateable public artwork, to delivering some of the best and most advanced facilities in the country. Proudly, Skate Sculpture delivered the new Bayswater Skatepark that has already nurtured 10 year old Mia Kretzer, the youngest ever X Games gold medalist. Formed by Mat de Koning and Tim Yuen (one of six members of World Skate who oversee the design of future Olympic courses) Skate Sculpture has become globally-recognised. Dedicated to quality, Skate Sculpture is an industry leader in skatepark innovation and efficacy.

Shea Hatch

Shea is a registered Landscape Architect with nearly 20 years’ experience in a broad range of projects across Western Australia including residential, industrial, institutional, environmental and transport orientated projects. Shea has managed large-scale landscape projects from design through to contract administration for both the private sector and government departments.Having also attained a Diploma in Conservation and Land Management, Shea has expertise in designing environmentally sensitive spaces and has had extensive experience designing and rehabilitating foreshores, wetlands and bushlands situated within public amenity.Shea has completed a Master of Public Health at The University of Western Australia with the aim of creating public spaces that not only provide an aesthetically pleasing solution but also improve environmental and community health outcomes.

Mike Beeney

Mike Beeney has 30 years of senior management experience in the health and fitness sector across the UK, Australia, and Asia. He spent 13 years as Director of Asia Pacific at Myzone, a global wearable tech platform, overseeing operations in 10 countries and serving on the global leadership team. Mike remains a part owner of Myzone. He has spoken at international conferences on wearable tech, gamification, and behavior change. Previously, he was a founding director and shareholder of the UK’s largest training provider and has worked as a personal trainer, defense consultant, private consultant, and academic researcher in exercise motivation.

Dr. Maria Ignatieva

Dr. Maria Ignatieva is a Professor of Landscape Architecture at the School of Design, University of Western Australia. She was working in five  countries (Europe, the USA, Australia and New Zealand), teaching as a full-time tenured academic in landscape architecture programs, conducting research in urban ecology (urban biodiversity and design), green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, history of landscape architecture and garden restoration, and implementing research results in practical landscape architecture projects. She is the recipient of the 2024 IFLA (International Federation of Landscape Architects) President’s Award, and the President of URBIO (Urban Biodiversity and Design International Network).

Blake Humble

Blake Humble’s love for horticulture began in his Perth childhood and led him to study Horticulture and Turf Management at TAFE. After starting his career as a greenkeeper, he transitioned into local government, working his way up from Technical Officer at the City of Subiaco to his current role at the City of Perth.

Now managing 120 hectares of parkland and over 16,000 street trees, Blake leads a dedicated team focused on sustainability, heritage, and high-quality green spaces. His leadership blends technical expertise with a passion for Perth’s natural environment and community wellbeing.

Nick Cox

Nick has over 30 years’ experience in the aquatic and recreation industries. During his time at Belgravia Leisure, Nick has focused on increasing access to our services, engaging the community and delivering innovative programming, all within a strong financial framework. Prior to this role, Nick was Chief Operating Officer of YMCA Australia and General Manager with Maroondah City Council, one of Melbourne’s most vibrant growth areas.

Dr Kelsie Prabawa-Sear

Dr Kelsie Prabawa-Sear is the CEO of Nature Play WA and Nature Play Australia, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the mental and physical health of Western Australian children by growing their connection to nature and community through outdoor play.

Kelsie has had a varied and rich working and academic experience in both Australia and Indonesia prior to joining Nature Play WA, having worked in State government, consulting, and not-for-profit organisations, all with a focus on children, education, and environment. Kelsie has entwined her work with post graduate research degrees, completing a Masters by Research degree and PhD on environmental education.

Kelsie is a published author, parent, and advocate of the benefits of nature for children.

Martin Weaver

Martin is a passionate tree advocate and celebrating 25 years of diverse arboricultural background, that includes Local Government, Consulting, Sales and the Curator of the National Arboretum of New Zealand, Eastwoodhill. In late 2022 Martin joined the City of Perth, as their Senior Arborist, and straight into the PSHB crisis.

Francine Van Den Berg

Francine van den Berg joined the SpacetoCo team in 2019 and has since worked with hundreds of local government and community organisations across Australia and New Zealand to promote efficient use of shared spaces, fostering community engagement and reducing theadmin tax so often associated with activating spaces. With a background in marketing and a passion for helping people, Francine loves working with different organisations and supporting them in improving internal workflows that ultimately lead to better customer journeys and greater utilisation of spaces

David Price

David Price has been coaching people in speaking and presenting for 40 years. He’s a member of the Australian Speakers Hall of Fameanda Global Speaking Fellow, one of only 45 worldwide. His no nonsense approach to coaching means people develop understandings and skills quickly. David is engaging and entertaining and thrives on showing people how they can be their authentic selves and command the room whenever they speak.

Andrea Siedl

Andrea is a registered Landscape Architect and Urban Designer, with experience from concept design to project delivery. She has worked on large projects with multidisciplinary teams delivering creative, innovated, practical and cost effective landscapes. Her interests are play spaces, public realm, urban greening, integrated transport, and working with local communities to improve their surrounding amenities.

Andrea passionate about the natural environment, urban areas and sustainability, and these ideas inspire her design. She has excellent knowledge of West Australian plants, soils, and natural systems. As a Landscape Architect and Urban Designer, she believes she has a duty to find the most innovative environmental and socially responsive design.

Adam Cheyne

An experienced leader in the intersection of sports, environment, and urban planning, I bring a unique perspective to driving environmental and climate outcomes across the sports industry. As the CEO of Sports Environment Alliance, I lead and drive initiatives and advocacy that bridges the gap between sport and environmental responsibility within our communities. I’m committed to leveraging the power of sport to create meaningful environmental and social change. I’m focused on transforming environmental challenges within sport into opportunities, ensuring that the sports industry plays a pivotal role in building a more sustainable future for all. An experienced leader in the intersection of sports, environment, and urban planning, I bring a unique perspective to driving environmental and climate outcomes across the sports industry.

Arron Minchin

An executive with over 20 years’ experience across private, state and local government sectors, Minchin has held high-level roles at BHP, BCI Minerals, the City of Karratha, Department of Sport and Recreation, and Goldfields Esperance Development Commission amongst many others.

In his role, Minchin engages with all levels of government through advocacy and influence with the aim of maximising opportunities in the areas of facilities, tourism, events, environment and health.

As well as strengthening stakeholder relationships and building the profile of golf using evidence and storytelling, he also focuses on identifying relevant grant opportunities to clubs and assisting them in matters that may require discussions with local government.

Dawn Penney

Dawn Penney is a Professorial Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University and Adjunct Professor of Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy at Monash University. Dawn has worked with government agencies, curriculum authorities,schools and sport organisations in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Korea, in collaborative research and evaluation projects designed to improve policy and provision of health and physical education, physical activity and sport.Dawn is internationally recognised for work across sport and education that challenges governments and professionals to engage with issues of equity and emerging forms of participation that can support individual and community health and wellbeing.

Michael Bradley

Managing Director, Michael Bradley, has been involved in the building industry for over 40 years,starting as acarpenter joiner and becoming a fully qualified builder by 21 years of age.During this time, mostly living in Perth, he has been involved in many building and landscapingprojects using water-saving methods. Using his carpentry skills and experience alongwith hispassion for organic gardening using water-saving techniques, Michael founded Little VeggiePatch which then transformed into Wick and Grow. Michael is the WA state distributor forWaterUps supplying WA with the most advanced wicking systems available.

Alex Mednis

Alex possesses shared backgrounds of technology, law and sports administration. As a founding Director of the Australian Sports Technologies Network, Alex has played an important role in shaping and propelling the sports tech industry in Australia. His years of experience in Legal Technology at Australia’s largest two law firms (Free hills and Clayton Utz), as well as 22 years’ experience in Board-level and operations management of sporting organisations of different levels and sizes, give Alex a unique and relevant perspective in today’s sporting climate.

Thanks to our partners and sponsors for their support