Jo is a passionate advocate for rural communities, with more than 40 years of lived and professional experience in the Wimmera Southern Mallee region. Her diverse career spans public and private health, education, early childhood services, and private enterprise. Deeply committed to her community, Jo volunteers extensively across local sporting clubs and education committees. She also serves as a Board Director for a rural health service, strongly believing in the power of local voices to guide responsive, community-driven services.

Patrick is Kokatha person from the far West Coast of South Australia, where he lives with his partner and four children. Patrick has more than 20 years' experience in community development and engagement roles, working both for government and community-based organisations. He has a passion for genuine solution-oriented community engagement, and aspires to use his knowledge and skills to provide a better future for the younger generations of his community.

Armani Francois is a 20-year-old Arrernte, Torres Strait Islander, and Mauritian advocate from Alice Springs. She works as a Ranger Support Officer at the Central Land Council and plays a key role in the Strong Women Healthy Country Network. A message stick carrier and national youth voice, Armani is passionate about Indigenous rights, youth empowerment, and preserving culture. She serves on the Federal Youth Steering Committee, advocating on issues like youth justice, education, and First Nations leadership, always grounded in deep respect for her heritage and Country.

Amy Robinson is the Executive Officer of the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, a place-based initiative improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. Since 2018, she has helped shape the project’s direction, championing community-led decision-making and equity. With a strong commitment to social justice, Amy also contributes to several advisory boards focused on education and youth development. A Williamson Leadership Program alumna, she is a passionate advocate for amplifying local voices and driving meaningful, community-informed change.

Ian is a proud Gija man from the Wuggubun Community, fluent in English and Kriol. As a visionary leader, he has dedicated his life to building a future for Aboriginal people in the East Kimberley. Ian has led Wunan Foundation since 2004, driving economic empowerment and community-led development. A respected voice nationally, he chairs Empowered Communities and serves on multiple boards including Job Pathways and the Paul Ramsay Foundation’s First Nations Advisory Committee. Ian is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of Aboriginal leaders and creating lasting, place-based change.

Christine is a community development worker with ac.care Communities for Children Murraylands, on Ngarrindjeri Country in South Australia. She values the strength of regional communities and is committed to understanding national policy, while advocating for community driven approaches that build on the local knowledge and resilience already present within the community.

Elly Bird is the Executive Director of Resilient Lismore, a community-led organisation leading recovery in at the epicentre of one of Australia’s worst disasters in living memory. She was a Councillor with Lismore City Council from 2016–2024 and Chair of Arts Northern Rivers 2016-2025. Elly is a prominent community leader with lived experience in community-led initiatives across multiple events and sectors. She is deeply engaged in the complexities of building community resilience, and she is passionate about the need for effective partnership between governments and communities as climate change becomes increasingly prevalent in our daily lives. Committed to climate resilience, social justice, and good governance, Elly brings deep community connections, proven leadership, and a vision for a sustainable, inclusive future for Lismore and the Northern Rivers.