More speakers are being added continually as elective sessions get finalised
Stephanie Judd, Partner, Prolegis Lawyers
Stephanie advises philanthropic clients across diverse sectors who work on the frontiers of some of the most complex areas of social and environmental need. She collaborates to solve problems, design strategies and meet legal needs through providing targeted advice on financing, structuring, taxation, regulatory compliance and governance. Prior to joining Prolegis, she worked in a major Australian law firm in the banking & finance team, with a focus on social finance and impact investment.
Sarah Ryan, Associate at Prolegis Lawyers
Sarah is an accomplished dispute resolution lawyer with experience handling complex litigation and advisory matters. She is an expert in safeguarding and in assisting charities and not-for-profits implement systems to minimise risk to children and comply with regulatory and other reporting obligations, including by assisting in audits of the child safety practices of charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Sarah joined Prolegis in 2022.
Wayne Forward currently serves as the CEO of PeaceWise, an Australian-based, non-denominational, biblical peacemaking organisation. Wayne has a diverse background spanning mental health nursing and Christian ministry in both churches, Christian schools, global missions, and the not-for-profit space. He has formal studies in nursing, theology, coaching and training. Wayne has seen the devastation that interpersonal conflict can cause. He has a heart for people and organisations understand the hope the gospel brings to conflict and see the people equipped to live out the message of reconciliation relationally with each other. He is married to Amy; they have 3 children, competes in triathlons, loves good food and spending time with people.
For four decades, Rick Dunham has been at the forefront of marketing and fundraising for Christian nonprofits. In 2002, he founded Dunham+Company, which has become a global leader in providing multi-channel strategies across some of the world’s most influential sectors. Through radio and television, local churches and overseas missions, medical relief and philanthropic initiatives, Dunham+Company is multiplying the reach of the gospel.
Shelley is an experienced Manager within the banking and not for profit sector. With over 30 years of experience that includes client relationship management, staff management, training and Christian finance. As a skilled communicator and collaborator, Shelley fosters productive relationships and leads her current team towards kingdom goals. She is passionate about seeing organisations and people thrive.
Chris Mulherin is an Anglican minister with a background in engineering, philosophy, and theology. Chris has published book chapters and articles in the media and in academic works. His book “Science and Christianity: Understanding the Conflict Myth,” designed for use in schools and churches was shortlisted for the Christian Book of the Year. When he is not working for ISCAST, he teaches philosophy and supervises a doctoral student. Chris is married to Lindy and they have a growing number of young grandsons.
Louise Mercer is CEO of Nova Sight, experienced in applied AI and governance. She is leading the design and deployment of the Queensland Government’s AI solution for schools, applying deep technical, strategic and ethical expertise. Louise is a Non-Executive Director at World Vision Australia and chairs its People, Culture & Governance Committee. With over 20 years’ experience in technology, data and innovation across not-for-profit, education and financial services, she brings a strong understanding of risk, impact and leadership in complex contexts. Louise has an MBA, GAICD and holds qualifications in AI & Machine Learning.
Rev Dr Shannon Hood is a Clinical Counsellor and Supervisor specialising in the integration of faith and therapy. He has supported numerous organistions as they grapple with changing expectations regarding Psychosocial Hazards in the workplace. These have included Christian Schools, Victoria Police and Life Saving Victoria. Shannon has previously served as Senior Manager with Deloitte and has read Theology at the University of Cambridge. He holds degrees in Engineering, Theology, Commerce, Counselling and Education. He lives in Melbourne with his wife of 29 years, their four children and Pepper the Labrador.
Ken Dean B.Com (Hons 1), FCPA, FAICD
Ken is Chairman of the Reformed Theological College, an affiliate of the Australian University of Theology, and serves on the AUT Finance committee. He had a 30-year executive career with Shell in Australia and overseas, in finance, IT and general management. He was Executive Director, Finance & Corporate of Shell Australia and CEO of Shell Finance Services, a division of Shell International, based in London. He was founding Chair of the FlyBuys consortium. Ken served as a director of major Australian companies including Shell Australia, Woodside, Santos, Alumina, Alcoa, BlueScope Steel, Energy Australia and Virgin Australia. He was an appointed member of the Council of La Trobe University and founding Chair of the La Trobe Research & Innovation Precinct. He was Chairman of Mission Australia, one of Australia’s largest NFP charities, for 6 years. Ken is a husband, father & grandfather. When not engaged in business matters he is a keen landscape photographer, artist, cabinet-maker and woodcarver; and full-time Christian with responsibilities in local church and wider Christian leadership. His reading interests include Australian constitutional history, theology and Christian biography & history.
Michael is CEO of R6 Digital, a leading full service marketing and creative agency in Brisbane. Over his 15 years with the business he has worked with hundreds of organisations, both Christian and secular, to help them with digital solutions to drive growth and impact.
Michael is member of his local church, serving in multiple capacities including in mentoring young men as they grow in their Christian faith.
Stephen is CMO for R6 Digital, a leading full service marketing & creative agency in Brisbane. Stephen has nearly 20 years of marketing experience working across brands like Budget Direct, News Corp and numerous others as part of R6 Digital. His key area of expertise is in data and marketing technology.
He is a husband of 1 and father of 6 and member of his local church where he serves in various capacities, including as a Board Member.
Mike is a well-known communicator, fundraiser and thought leader. After spending the first half of his career working in the business world, Mike has dedicated the past 15 years to working for not-for-profit organisations, combining a love for people, business, leadership, and fundraising and has made an indelible impact on the not-for-profit sector. Mike is passionate about reimagining the ways we can use technology, brand, storytelling, and marketing to ensure generosity remains at the core of the human experience. Mike has had first-hand experience of charitable work in over 30 countries, ranging from refugee camps in the Middle East, to micro business loans in Syria, female empowerment projects in Africa, and drug rehabilitation programs in Central Asia. Mike’s own life story is what drives him, abandoned at birth in India in 1981, placed into an orphanage and through a series of events smuggled across state lines and ultimately adopted by a family in Australia. Charitabl. is his pay-it-forward and hopes that it will change the world for the better.
June Steward is a fundraising consultant and copywriter at Creagivity, home to June’s Fundraising Letter. She helps non-profits, both Christian and secular, raise millions of dollars in individual giving and each year writes hundreds of thousands of words in charity stories and donor love. Her consultancy specialises in charity direct marketing, fundraising strategy and training, and she has been a speaker at both Australian and international fundraising events and conferences. June believes Christians should be leaders in generosity and giving.
Leslie Annear is the founder of Clarity Grants Management, a consultancy that’s helped clients secure over $55 million (and counting) for bold, creative, and community-driven projects. With a team of sharp, skilled grant writers, Leslie turns big ideas into winning applications. She brings deep experience across the business, not-for-profit, and faith-based sectors, and a genuine love of working with people who are doing good things in the world.
As the General Manager – Risk Solutions, Anthony works with organisations throughout Australia to support governance and risk management capability; supporting boards, senior managers and staff to implement effective approaches to support decision making, improve performance, optimise objectives and prevent harm.
John Pellowe has served the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities and its 3,200 members since 2003 as CEO. John’s passion is to help Christian churches and agencies become ever more exemplary, healthy, effective, and Christian organizations. Ordained by The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, John has served as pastor, treasurer, deacon, elder, and agency board member. His books include The Church at Work: A Manual for Excellent Church-Agency Relations, Serving as a Board Member: Training for Churches and Christian Agencies, The Board’s Most Important Relationship: Training for Christian Ministry Directors and Staff Leaders, and a peer-reviewed chapter “The Public Benefit of ‘Advancing Religion’ as a Charitable Purpose: A Canadian Perspective” in The Status of Religion and the Public Benefit in Charity Law. John writes about Christian ministry leadership in his blog, Christian Leadership Reflections.
Peter Shields is the Managing Partner at Saward Dawson and an audit and assurance specialist. Peter is focused on delivering a high quality audit and providing value to clients through our experience, insight and passion. Peter sits on the ACNC professional advisor group, is a regular contributor to the Australian Accounting Standard Board, Chartered Accountants Australian and New Zealand, is the current chair of the Australian Not for Profits Accountant Network, and chairs the CA ANZ Not for Profit discussion group.
Chelsea is the Founder and Managing Director of BEECH Agency, a strategy and creative agency helping Not-For-Profit and For-purpose leaders and organisations deepen engagement and maximise their impact. With 20 years’ experience in brand strategy, marketing and organisational transformation, Chelsea has spearheaded brand, campaign and donor engagement projects for purpose-driven organisations impacting Australia and beyond. Chelsea is passionate about equipping leaders, teams, and individuals to draw out insights, and develop and execute strategies that drive real change.
Chelsea is wife to Aemon and mother to three fabulous children – Arlo, Ellis, and Matisse.
Dr Mark Fowler is a practicing lawyer whose specialist areas of advice include the law applying to schools, international aid organisations, arts and cultural organisations and religious organisations.
Prior to establishing Fowler Charity Law Pty Ltd in 2019, Mark was a Partner in leading national charity and not-for-profit law firms located in Sydney and Brisbane. He is an Appeals Panel member for the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) involved in international development and humanitarian action. He is a member of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Professional Users Group and has served as a member of the Queensland Law Society’s Human Rights Working Group. Mark is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame, School of Law, Sydney, and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Law School at his alma mater, the University of New England. He is also an External Fellow at the Centre for Public, International and Comparative Law, University of Queensland. He holds a doctorate degree in law conferred by the University of Queensland in 2023.
Heidi’s expertise in people and culture and organisational development has been forged as an adviser to many organisations across a range of sectors. Her last 15 years have been dedicated to advising small and medium enterprises, family businesses and community organisations.
Heidi is committed to unlocking solutions that will strengthen relationships. Her instinctive empathy and care invite creativity and confidence – key ingredients to resolving conflict and bringing cultural change.
Heidi has considerable governance experience, is a nationally accredited mediator and is confident bringing systems thinking to organisations of all sizes. She has post-graduate qualifications in employment relations, is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Australian Human Resource Institute and the Family Business Association.
Passionate about ministries, fundraising and the not-for-profit sector, Amanda has always been motivated by her belief in a cause. During her seven years at World Vision Australia, she worked with Australia’s biggest ASX-listed companies to provide essential support to some of the world’s poorest communities, including as National Workplace Giving Manager.
Joining Dunham+Company in 2015, Amanda has worked alongside many ministries to help optimise their marketing and fundraising programs to increase their impact. As Managing Director of Dunham+Company Australia, Amanda considers it a privilege to encourage God’s people to have their hearts moved for the causes that are close to His.
Mal blends legal, regulatory and governance expertise to support Boards and Executive teams to be effective stewards of their responsibilities. His approach prioritises clarity of roles, principles and frameworks that allow teams to pursue shared purpose in right relationship.
During a 20-year commercial litigation career with Herbert Smith Freehills across Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, Mal assisted leading organisations to resolve their disputes, engage effectively with regulators and manage risk. He became increasingly curious about the substantial costs of failing to cultivate organisational alignment and the drivers of conflict.
These experiences prompted Mal’s focus on relational governance. As a lawyer, facilitator, mediator and governance adviser, Mal works with Boards and Executive Teams to strengthen their relational architecture, address the causes of enterprise friction and collaborate more effectively in pursuit of shared purpose. He supports them to be more explicit about their non-negotiables and to design effective governance frameworks that build resilience.
Mal is a member of the Law Society of WA, a graduate of the AICD and a Fellow and board member of Leadership Western Australia. He has considerable experience as both a Chair and Director on NFP Boards.
Adam is a Partner in CBP’s Employment and Safety Team. He advises on the full lifecycle of workplace relations and has a particular focus working with Schools, Faith Based Institutions and Enterprise and the Not For Profit/For Purpose Sector.
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