Linda Dawson is a senior executive with more than 25 years’ experience working in large Australian and multinational organizations across the resources and utilities sectors; in the operations, corporate and community development areas. Linda currently holds the position of Head of the Office of Defence Industries in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, having previously held the position of Deputy Director General Industry Science Innovation in the WA Government. She has a strong belief in equality and respect for all in society, learning from our First Nations people, empowering women and giving back to the community.

Linda is currently a Board Member of Workpower, and an Advisory Board Member of both the University of Western Australia Defence Security Institute and the Curtin University School of Business and Law.

Linda holds a Masters of Education and Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Western Australia, is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Certified Professional of the Australian Human Resource Institute and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.

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Keynote Speaker

Cassandra Winzar has been CEDA’s Chief Economist since 2023, after joining CEDA as a Senior Economist in 2020. Cassandra leads CEDA’s research and policy work across areas including productivity, the energy transition, migration and disadvantage. Previously as Senior Economist Cassandra authored reports in Aged Care, Disadvantage and Mental Health. Prior to joining CEDA, Cassandra was Principal Economist at the WA Department of Communities (Housing Authority). Cassandra has also held roles as the WA based Economist for the Reserve Bank of Australia, and in Transfer Pricing at EY. Cassandra is on the committee of the WA Women in Economics Network and was the past Chair. She has a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) and Bachelor of Asian Studies from the University of Western Australia.

Keynote Speaker

Professor Hayley Christian AM is a distinguished researcher in child health at The Kids Research Institute Australia, The University of Western Australia. Hayley leads a multidisciplinary team to improve children’s active play, health and development through impactful interventions spanning the child, family, social, built and natural environment. This includes evidence-informed policy and strategies to increase active play opportunities to support young children develop healthy behaviours and lifelong health and wellbeing.   Hayley collaborates with multi-sector partner organisations nationally and internationally to promote children’s physical activity and health. Her contributions extend globally, with her ‘Play Active’ policy being adopted by the World Health Organization.

With over two decades of experience in the property industry, Col Dutton brings deep insight into the delivery of housing and infrastructure in Australia’s fastest-growing communities. As General Manager of Stockland WA, Australia's largest residential developer, Col oversees a team of more than 60 delivering a pipeline of over 12,000 affordable homes across Perth’s growth corridors. His leadership is also driving innovative approaches to mixed-use town centres and medium-density development in both greenfield and infill locations.

His expertise and leadership make him a valuable contributor to the conversation on delivering livable, connected, and affordable communities in Australia’s outer metropolitan growth areas.

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Nick Byrne is the Director, Advisory at REMPLAN.  A national leader of economic and planning insights, REMPLAN offer a unique combination of specialist advisory services and industry-leading software tools.

Nick commonly works with councils and government agencies to understand housing demand, develop business cases, and prepare economic focussed strategy, ensuring planning decisions are both practical and future focused.

Nick is recognised for his ability to translate complex data, policies, and competing priorities into clear strategies and actionable steps. He is a ‘glass half full planner’ whose work bridges technical analysis and real-world outcomes.  He loves to work with planners and policymakers to move from broad themes to targeted actions that deliver meaningful results for communities.

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Justine brings over 15 years of experience as a brand, marketing and business strategist both in Australia and the UK. She has held senior marketing roles at Harvest Road, Crown Resorts, Bankwest, Visa Europe and RACWA.

As someone who has been a client too, Justine understands the power and importance of clarity and alignment across all levels of an organisation.

A natural collaborator, she relishes working through a business challenge, unlocking insights through data and delivering a strategic, practical and Board-ready solution that can unlock a brand’s potential.

Justine has an unwavering focus on the customer. Understanding what’s important to a brand’s customers, employees and community is key to a great experience.

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Patrick Fagan brings a wealth of political and strategic expertise to his role as Director at GRA Partners, shaped by his time as a Senior Adviser in the Gillard and Rudd Federal Labor Governments. With first-hand experience navigating the complexities of federal policy across key portfolios, including energy, resources, ICT, and regional development, Patrick offers valuable insights into how government decisions are shaped and influenced.

His background includes advisory roles to the Minister for Resources and Energy and work with the Kimberley Development Commission on regional enhancement initiatives. Patrick has also advised global mining company South32 on government relations and is a founding member of Timor Leste Vision, a not-for-profit promoting rural education in Southeast Asia.

Patrick holds a Master of Community Development, an MBA, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history, bringing both academic depth and practical policy experience.

Kiralee is a Research Assistant in the PLAYCE (Play Spacesand Environments for Children's Physical Activity, Health & Development)team at The Kids Research Institute, Australia, working under DrHayley Christian. Her work focuses on how built environments influence childhealth and development, with a particular interest in children experiencinghardship. She contributes to research exploring how urban planning, greenspace, and neighbourhood design shape children’s opportunities for healthydevelopment. Kiralee is also undertaking a multidisciplinary Master’s degree insociology and psychology. She has a strong interest in child-centred participatoryresearch methods and qualitative research.

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Grace holds a Double Bachelor of Science in Health Promotionand Nutrition from Curtin University and is completing a Master of PublicHealth at UWA with research focusing on community-level factors that improvethe developmental outcomes of children from disadvantaged communities acrossAustralia. For the past seven years, Grace has led strategic health promotioninitiatives across WA. Through her work at Healthway, Grace developed a systemsapproach to build capacity and provide equitable access to mental health andwellbeing support across the sport sector. Grace currently works at theDepartment of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, furthering hercommitment to supporting community health and wellbeing through developingcollaborative, equity-driven programs.

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Mayor Terresa Lynes has been a dedicated resident of the City of Gosnells for over 30 years, raising her family within the community she now serves. Elected as Mayor in 2021 and re-elected in 2023, she is committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable city.

Her leadership emphasises community engagement, environmental enhancement, and responsible financial management.

Beyond her mayoral duties, Terresa serves as the Interim Chair of the National Growth Areas Alliance, President of the WA Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, Chairperson of the Thornlie Senior High School Board, and Board Member of the Gosnells Community Legal Centre

Ian Cowie is CEO of the City of Gosnells, one of WA's largest and fastest-growing local governments. With more than 25 years of public sector experience, including over seven years leading the City and 18 years in State Government roles spanning regional development, housing, and local government policy, Ian brings a unique, cross-government perspective to managing urban growth.

Ian holds an Honours degree in Geography from the University of Western Australia and a Master of Science in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. His leadership has been recognised with the Public Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours (2014) and the IPAA WA Leader of the Year in Local Government (2013).

Ian’s deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing outer metropolitan councils makes him a valuable voice in discussions around planning, infrastructure, and intergovernmental collaboration—core themes of NGAA’s advocacy.

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Daniel Simms is the CEO of the City of Cockburn, one of WA's most dynamic and fast-growing local governments. With over two decades of leadership experience in local government, including a 14-year tenure as CEO of the City of Wanneroo, Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge in urban planning, governance, and strategic development.

His expertise spans key areas such as planning and development, finance, administration, and strategic planning. Daniel has a keen interest in advocacy and economic development, aligning with the City of Cockburn's focus on sustainable growth and community engagement.

As Chair of the Growth Alliance Perth and Peel Policy Forum and an Executive Member of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA), Daniel plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that address the challenges and opportunities of Australia's outer metropolitan growth areas.

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Damon is the co-founder and CEO of Novoplan, the provider of the market leading infrastructure contribution system for local governments across the country. He is a highly experienced infrastructure planning professional and a passionate advocate for the role that an efficiently functioning local government infrastructure delivery framework plays in the supply of housing and economic growth of our cities and regions.

Cr Todd Carney is serving his second term as Mayor of Penrith after being elected to Council in 2016. He serves on the Strategic Advisory Committee of the National Growth Areas Alliance. Cr Carney is particularly focused on realising the full potential for Penrith and Western Sydney – a region with one of the fastest growing populations and economies in Australia. He is also current Chair of The Parks, an alliance of Western Sydney councils that have partnered with the Australian and NSW Governments to deliver for the region.

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Andrew Moore was appointed to the position of General Manager at Penrith City Council in 2023 after more than 20 years with the organisation. Beginning his career in the finance department, Andrew quickly climbed Council's leadership ranks and has been a member of its senior leadership team since 2016 when he was appointed Director Corporate Services. Andrew's qualifications include a Masters of Professional Accounting and Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Finance). He is also a Certified Practising Accountant.

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