Narelle Anderson is a Jagera Woman, NSWICC Deputy Chairperson and Managing Director of Envirobank Recycling (Australia) Pty Ltd. She is the proud great niece of the late Senator Neville Bonner and is passionate about Indigenous communities, entrepreneurship and creating meaningful opportunities through business. Narelle has achieved many firsts as an Indigenous person, woman and entrepreneur. Her connection to culture guides her approach to sustainability, innovation and leadership. As she explains, her culture makes her a custodian of the land, so caring for Country through recycling is a natural fit. Through Envirobank Recycling, Narelle is helping change the way Australians, and the world, recycle. Her vision is to use technology to reward consumers for the positive choices they make, while building a more sustainable future for communities and the environment.

Louise McGrath is Head of Industry Development and Policy at Ai Group, where she shapes national strategies to support Australian industry competitiveness, innovation and global integration. Since joining Ai Group in 2000, Louise has worked extensively with government and industry partners to build policy that strengthens Australia’s industrial base. Her role includes representing industry in national and international forums, including B20 Taskforces, the Global Business Coalition and Free Trade Agreement working groups. She also contributes to advisory panels including CSIRO’s Responsible Use of AI Think Tank, the Modern Slavery Expert Advisory Group and the International Trade Remedies Forum. Louise’s earlier career in wholesale foreign exchange and insurance, combined with her experience in trade missions, business matching and export training, underpins her practical approach to industry growth. She holds a BA in Arabic Language and Culture from Deakin University and an Advanced Diploma in International Trade from RMIT, complemented by studies in Jordan and Egypt.

Bob Hawes is Chief Executive Officer of Business Hunter, the leading business advocacy and membership organisation for the Hunter region. Since his appointment in 2017, Bob has led the organisation’s strategy, policy development and advocacy agenda, while also overseeing member-development programs and events. Before joining Business Hunter, Bob served as Director of the Hunter Development Corporation, where he led city and regional transformation initiatives. He has also held senior leadership roles in economic development organisations, including Dantia in Lake Macquarie. With a background in economics and as a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Bob has contributed extensively to regional boards and advisory groups. His leadership is guided by a belief in building connections between people, businesses and communities to strengthen the Hunter’s economy and support sustainable regional growth.