Keynote and plenary speakers

She has inspired over 77,000 people worldwide, and her keynote at Google’s Silicon Valley headquarters was live streamed to every Google office across the globe. She has spoken to audiences at organisations including Google, Amazon, Qantas, Vodafone, PayPal and the NHS in London. A two-time Telstra Businesswoman of the Year finalist and winner of the Duncan Prize for Speaking, she is widely recognised as a powerful catalyst for positive change. Gemma is also a classically trained singer, and has performed in Westminster Abbey, Radio City Music Hall and as a backing vocalist for the Rolling Stones.

His life has been shaped by profound adversity, including personal injury, grief, infertility, and cancer. In 2011, he was given just three months to live following a diagnosis of plasma cell myeloma—an outcome he refused to accept. The Cancer returned as multiple Myeloma in 2017, Barry uses his lived experience to help others be more prepared for the hurdles that life brings.  

A Board Director of R U OK? and ambassador for the Leukaemia Foundation, Barry shares powerful lessons on resilience, perspective, and the strength found in human connection. 

Emma is a registered pharmacist who has worked in the health sector for over 20 years, both in Australia and abroad. She was a Specialist Mental Health Pharmacist and the Chief Pharmacist at Wyong Hospital for nearly 10 years and, prior to entering Parliament, she was the Deputy Director of Pharmacy for Central Coast Local Health District. Emma’s background and experience as a healthcare professional led her to parliament, where she fights for better health services for all Australians.

Emma is a passionate advocate for quality health care, close to home. She understands the unique challenges facing rural and regional communities when it comes to accessing health care and she hopes to play a role in shaping public policy that promotes the health and wellbeing of every Australian, regardless of where they live.

Following her election to the Senate, Senator Ruston was appointed Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources in September 2015. She was subsequently appointed as Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific in August 2018. Prior to the 2022 election, Senator Ruston was a Cabinet Minister, holding the positions of Minister for Families and Social Services, Minister for Women’s Safety and Manager of Government Business in the Senate for three years.

Born and raised in Renmark, on the River Murray in South Australia, Anne continues to have a strong connection with the Riverland community. She is passionate about regional South Australia and is the only SA Senator who maintains a regional electorate office.