Adam Rossow truly embodies the intersection of engineering expertise and regional opportunity. He is fortunate to live and work in a part of Australia that’s buzzing with exciting projects from major upgrades on existing facilities to brand new developments that embrace cleaner, greener technologies and deliver better returns for the resources sector. His career spans a variety of manufacturing environments, with a strong focus on safety, efficient systems and machine control.

Over the years, Adam has worked across brownfield upgrades and greenfield installations, holding roles as a mechanical, electrical, and control engineer from plant-based positions to national and even international responsibilities. His leadership and technical skills have seen him manage and contribute to teams delivering complex, high-value projects across Australia.

Adam also represents the Engineers Australia Gladstone Regional Group, part of a national organisation dedicated to advancing the engineering profession. In Gladstone, the group delivers professional development, networking opportunities and community education programs that highlight the critical role engineering plays in shaping our region’s future.

Wendy Bishop is the CEO of Projects One Safety Online and Industrial CQ. Through Projects One Safety Online Wendy is helping construction businesses streamline their safety compliance with smart, user friendly, online safety systems, that makes safety documentation easy to complete onsite with her team in only a few minutes. At the same time, her work with Industrial CQ brings expertise to industrial and commercial maintenance, delivering precision and reliability across floor grinding, joint repairs, large-scale cleaning, and specialised coatings. With certification for working at heights and deep knowledge in resin, two-pack paint, and low-light coatings, the team gets the job done safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.  Wendy’s mission across both businesses is clear: to make safety simple, scalable and effective, whether you're on site, in the workshop, or managing multiple projects across the region.

John Carr, Project CEO and Director of the Capricornia Energy Hub. With over 20 years of experience in engineering, project management, and stakeholder engagement, John is leading one of Queensland’s most significant renewable energy initiatives - the Capricornia Pumped Hydro project. John’s leadership philosophy is built on the belief that “people do projects,” shaping a collaborative and inclusive approach to project delivery. His career spans both client-side and consultancy roles, managing the successful execution of complex engineering developments and large-scale infrastructure projects.

Francis Murugan is the Managing Director of Kuehne+Nagel Australia, one of the world’s leading logistics and supply chain organisations. With more than 30 years of experience spanning South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, Francis brings a wealth of industry knowledge and practical insights to the table.

After 17 years with Kuehne+Nagel, including roles as Managing Director of Kuehne+Nagel New Zealand and Director of Sea Logistics Australia, Francis has a unique perspective on the changing landscape of transport, trade, and logistics.

Kuehne+Nagel, with over 80,000 employees across nearly 100 countries, supports more than 400,000 customers with end-to-end supply chain solutions, leveraging its global network and data-driven insights to meet the demands of modern industry. As a member of the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), the group is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and supporting customers with low-carbon logistics solutions.

Louise Westwood is Senior Associate - Place and Engagement at Hatch. Louise is a passionate Human Geographer who’s helping reshape the way we connect with the spaces we live, work, and gather in. Louise specialises in re-imagining everyday public places, making them more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful so that communities can thrive alongside industry growth.

With a strong background in stakeholder engagement and facilitation, Louise brings a unique perspective to the table, combining placemaking with human-centred development strategies. From international place-based projects to local co-design workshops, her work spans everything from resilience planning to economic development strategies, all with the goal of creating stronger, more connected communities.

Richard Austin is the CEO of Omnii, Australasia’s leading fire safety and protection professional services firm. With a team of engineering experts behind him, Richard leads the strategic direction of the business, delivering high-performance solutions in Fire Engineering, Fire Protection, Compliance, and Special Hazards. His mission? Safeguarding people and places through smarter, safer design.

Richard brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, with a background spanning financial services, supply chain, insurance, media, and more. From digital innovation to change management, he’s built a reputation as a transformative leader, passionate about continuous learning, people development and creating real impact across industries.

Matt Jones is the General Manager at Homeground Villages in Gladstone, Queensland. With a strong background in construction, operations, and workforce accommodation, Matt brings a practical and people-first approach to managing one of the region’s most essential accommodation facilities. At the helm of Homeground Villages, Matt oversees the delivery of high-quality accommodation and services for major project workforces, ensuring comfort, efficiency, and community connection for workers far from home. Representing Decmil, Matt plays a key role in supporting Gladstone’s ongoing industrial and infrastructure development by helping project teams feel well-supported because when people are looked after, projects succeed.

Maria Baker is the ACCIONA Energia Queensland State Lead for Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Engineering, and Construction. With a diverse background spanning business, local government, the energy industry, and relationship management, she embarked on her renewable journey in 2020 with the Macintyre Wind Farm Project. Her passion for sustainable energy has driven her career, and as Queensland’s Lead Stakeholder Engagement for ACCIONA Energia, Maria plays a crucial role in guiding projects through every phase - from development to construction and operation. Her expertise and commitment to building positive relationships have been instrumental in driving the success of numerous renewable energy initiatives.

Simon Lever is the Managing Director of CROSS Asia Pacific. CROSS Asia Pacific provides expert consultancy services in Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ), risk management, business strategy, and project management, helping organisations across various industries enhance safety, compliance, and operational effectiveness throughout the Australia-Asia Pacific region.

With over 26 years of experience as an HSEQ practitioner, Simon is a strategic leader and safety professional committed to delivering exceptional results and fostering sustainable growth in competitive industries. Simon’s expertise lies in business expansion, operational effectiveness, and driving innovation, always with a strong focus on clients, people, and safety.

Tony Martins is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of Australian Training Works Group, where he has dedicated himself to building pathways for skills development and workforce readiness. A highly respected leader and innovator across multiple industries, Tony also serves as Director of the First Nations Greentime Energy Group, championing renewable energy solutions that empower Indigenous communities and promote sustainable development. With a passion for fostering local opportunities, sustainability, and collaboration, Tony brings a wealth of experience and a visionary outlook to every project he undertakes.