24-26 September 2025
New website coming soon
Layne Beachley AO is a surfing legend, claiming a remarkable 7 world titles, the only surfer in the world to win 6 consecutively.
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Her path to success was peppered with challenges including adoption, mental illness, life threatening injuries and failures. Embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth, Layne’s honest and determined approach to life and success is inspiring. She’s not only a champion in surfing but also a fierce advocate for equality within her sport, a passionate environmental campaigner and champion for mental wellness, serving as a proud ambassador for The Black Dog Institute, RUOK? Day and Gotcha4life.
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Today she is driven to awaken a groundswell of people to become more centred, connected and confident through her transformational work at Awake Academy. Their Workshops, online courses and upcoming book are filled with practical tools to empower people to live a happier and more purposeful life.
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She surfs every day, loves Rosé and her biggest weakness is hot chips.
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After completing postgraduate studies in foresight and future thinking, Simon worked in scenario planning and strategy development for the global mining company Rio Tinto.
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Since leaving corporate life and moving to Victoria in 2010, Simon has gone on to support dozens of organisations, deliver hundreds of keynotes, and speak to thousands of business leaders on how future thinking techniques can help them find better answers to their biggest and most pressing challenges.
Over the last decade, Simon has worked with local councils throughout Victoria, as well as other government-related organisations across Australia and New Zealand. Simon holds a Master of Business Leadership, a Graduate Certificate in Future Studies, a Bachelor of Commerce, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Find out more about Simon here - https://simonwaller.live/
Dr. Michelle Dickinson (MNZM) is a renowned nanotechnologist and materials engineer with over two decades of experience in leading technological breakthroughs across various fields, including medical applications and solutions for startups and established corporations. She founded New Zealand's only nanomechanical testing laboratory, helping companies translate groundbreaking ideas into tangible realities. Michelle's expertise is highly sought after by investors and venture capitalists for navigating the high-tech investment landscape, emphasising the importance of clear science communication and fostering diversity in engineering teams.
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Her personal journey of overcoming challenges through education inspired her to co-found Nanogirl Labs, with a mission to make STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) engaging and accessible for everyone. Nanogirl Labs offers captivating content and interactive learning experiences, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to understand and create technology. Initiatives like "The Kitchen Science Cookbook" and STEM education programs in the Pacific Islands highlight her commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering scientific exploration. Michelle's numerous accolades, including the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award, underscore her significant impact on science and society.
Mike started his career as a 'really dodgy' radio announcer, actor and stand up comedian. Missing out on a TV gig because the producer didn't like his eyes, Mike thought, blow this "I need a normal job".
Throwing a pack on his back, he worked in the Australian wilderness as a Group Facilitator for Outward Bound Australia, discovering the power of 'action based' learning, facilitating behaviour change and the dynamics of team culture.
Along with his wife Sarsha, they went on to launch Interactive Events to revolutionise the Team Building Industry moving it beyond 'trust falls' and 'high ropes' to what it is today - using fun and play to build, bond and grow strong, unified and productive teams.
Ever since, Mike has been on a mission, working with business owners and leaders across Australia, helping them build purpose-driven and inspired team culture by harnessing the power of fun in the workplace.