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From Risk to Strength: Speakers

Bhiami Williamson

Associate Professor Monash University
Bhiamie Williamson is a Euahlayi man from north-west New South Wales with familial ties to north-west Queensland, Australia. Bhiamie is an Associate Professor at Monash University. He leads National Indigenous Disaster Resilience, the only Indigenous led, nationally focussed research program aimed at transforming the way disasters are understood throughout the disaster spectrum.
Through this work, Bhiamie seeks to embed Indigenous leadership and knowledge in emergency management structures, institutions and processes, as well as foster a larger transformation in understandings of disasters from linear to cyclical processes. Bhiamie’s expertise is diverse yet interconnected. His PhD from Australian National University investigated the changing nature of Indigenous men and masculinities in Australia. He has a Master’s qualifi cation in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Bhiamie also holds graduate certifi cates in Indigenous Governance from the Native Nations Institute at the University of Arizona and Indigenous Trauma and Recovery Practice from the University of Wollongong.

Tim carruthers

Principal Adviser Climate Science
Department for Energy and Water

With over 25 years of global experience in ecosystem management support, Tim specializes in climate adaptation and nature-based restoration. He has worked across estuaries, coral reefs, and river deltas in tropical and temperate regions, applying science to policy and planning from local to ecosystem scales. Tim has collaborated with agencies in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific nations, supporting climate projections, adaptation strategies, and restoration implementation to enhance resilience and maximize ecosystem benefits.

Jo Garnett

Program Manager Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience
SAFECOM
Johanna Garnett is a specialist in disaster risk reduction, resilience building, and the protection of cultural heritage in emergencies. She oversees Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience at the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM) and is an affiliated member of the Torrens Resilience Institute at Flinders University, Australia’s oldest disaster resilience research institute. With more than two decades of experience across multiple State governments, Johanna is recognised for her contributions to national and international discourse on disaster resilience. She has presented at key forums, led cross-sector programs, and published research highlighting the critical role of cultural heritage in disasters. Her expertise spans operational response, strategic policy development, systems thinking, and applied research, strengthening the capability of communities, institutions, and governments to anticipate, withstand, and recover from emergencies. She holds a Master’s in Emergency Management and a postgraduate qualification in Terrorism and Security Studies. She is currently completing a Doctorate in Public Safety at Charles Sturt University, focusing on embedding cultural heritage into Australia’s disaster risk reduction frameworks.

Ness wiebford

Youth Officer
Adelaide Hills Council
Ness Wiebford is a youth and community development practitioner working across local government across emergency management, youth engagement, and community services. She led the Youth in Emergencies Development Program at Australian Red Cross, which received a High Commendation in the Resilient Australia Awards, Ness also worked on the Leave it to Z project, mapping the wants and needs of young people against what exists across Australia, highlighting gaps and identifying leverage points. With a Master of Community Development and Social Change, Ness brings a systems-thinking and complexity-informed approach to her work. Now a Youth Officer at the Adelaide Hills Council, she prioritises direct work with young people, believing meaningful systems change must be grounded in lived experience, ethical co-design, and strong local relationships.

Sophie Millsteed

Community Resilience Officer
Adelaide Hills Council
Sophie Millsteed is the Community Resilience Officer at Adelaide Hills Council. She leads initiatives that strengthen disaster preparedness and community resilience, including inclusive emergency planning, psychological preparedness, and Community Support Hubs. Passionate about enhancing community disaster readiness, Sophie combines creativity, critical thinking, and compassion with a focus on systemic change and community-led solutions with council doing its fair share of the heavy lifting!

Deb Bates

Executive Officer
The Hut Community Centre
Deb Bates has been the Executive Officer of The Hut Community Centre (The Hut) in Aldgate for over 10 years and has experience working with community and volunteers through various roles for more than 30 years. Deb comes from a strengths-based position, understanding that collaborative, locally driven initiatives are critical to a cohesive and resilient community. The Hut has in excess of 230 registered volunteers, therefore being well placed to auspice the Bridgewater/Aldgate Community Support Hub and be integral to its operations if, or more likely when, an event occurs to trigger its active operation.

Christian Longobardi

Principal Policy Officer
Department of Premier and Cabinet

Christian Longobardi is Principal Policy Officer with the South Australian Government’s Security, Emergency and Recovery Management (SERM) team. Through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC), SERM coordinates recovery activities to increase the state's disaster recovery capacity and understanding. Christian has previously worked as a journalist and photographer in South Australia’s Riverland before returning to Adelaide to work for DPC. With the arrival of the River Murray flood, one of South Australia’s most devastating natural disasters, Christian was seconded to SERM to help coordinate recovery communications to ensure impacted communities remained informed through every stage of their recovery journey.

Sophia Villis

Clinical Psychologist
Transform Psychology
Sophia Villis is a clinical psychologist working in private practice on the south coast. She has extensive experience, and is passionate about, working with a broad-range of individuals and community groups around issues of eco-distress, as well delivering community-based interventions after ecological crises and disasters. She has been involved in several academic research projects assessing long-term mental health risks and impacts after environmental disasters, and she has recently been actively involved in designing and delivering several evidence-based community initiatives to support well-being during the algal bloom. Sophia takes a trauma-informed and strength-based approach, and she is a trained member of the Australian Psychology Society's Disaster Response Network.

Alexandra westlake

Women of the LMRIA
Alexandra Westlake is a farmer and irrigator from Long Flat, South Australia. In 2023 her family farm was heavily impacted by the Murray River flood which saw their entire property inundated with 3 metres of water for 6 months. All pastures and infrastructure were completely destroyed. Alex and her family have spent the last 2 years navigating recovery and rebuilding their livelihood. Alex is an advocate for women in agriculture. She also enjoys sharing her musical gifts with the local community, gardening and spending precious time with her family.

karla billington

Associate Director
BRM Advisory

Karla, an Associate Director at BRM Advisory, specialises in Emergency Management and Disaster Resilience.  Her previous roles included working at the South Australian CFS and the Local Government Association.  Since 2024, she’s been co-chairing the Bridgewater Aldgate Community Support Hub, leading a dedicated group of community members to drive local disaster resilience. 

kirsty whitehead

Inclusive Communications Consultant
Advoca-Lab
Kirsty Whitehead is an inclusive communication and policy consultant with a background in applied linguistics and lived experience as a long-term carer. She works with the state health system to improve inclusive communication as a mechanism for reducing risk and advancing health equity, including in relation to environmental and climate-related factors. Through AdvocaLab, her work examines how language and accessibility shape safety, preparedness, and resilience for people at higher risk, including people with disability, neurodivergent people, carers, and families. Kirsty recently advocated for inclusive health information during the algal bloom, including the development of Easy Read materials, highlighting the consequences of delayed and inaccessible communication.

lisa smith

CEO
Biala Support Services
Lisa Smith is the Chief Executive Officer of Biala Support Services, a leading disability organisation and independent school in Ballina, NSW. With extensive experience in governance and strategic leadership, Lisa’s leadership was instrumental during recent natural disasters in Northern NSW, where she led emergency response strategies to safeguard vulnerable individuals and maintain essential services. Lisa has developed and implemented comprehensive disaster preparedness frameworks tailored to disability settings, ensuring that support systems remain robust during emergencies such as floods, extreme weather events and pandemics. Lisa serves on multiple Boards and is a finalist in the NSW Business Awards for Outstanding Leadership. Lisa combines her passion for inclusion with practical expertise in risk management and recovery planning. She regularly collaborates with community networks and government agencies to strengthen sector-wide disaster resilience. Lisa’s commitment to proactive planning and ethical governance positions her as a thought leader in creating safe, responsive environments for people with disability during times of uncertainty.

Penny Kazla

Senior Program Manager: Mental Health Disaster Response, Resilience and Recover, SA Health
After many years in Work Health and Safety, Penny then moved into Emergency Management (EM), Community Engagement and Public Information roles in 2009, with the SA Country Fire Service. Penny has since held various EM roles at SA State Emergency Service (during the River Murray Flood), at the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist (Mental Health support following the Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island bushfires), at the Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network (EM Coordinator across 6 SA Health sites) and is currently leading the South Australian Drought Mental Health Response Program. Penny is passionate about supporting the mental health recovery of individuals, following her work in communities, before, during and after numerous disaster events.

Cheryl Edwards

Head of Member Support & Advisory
Ageing Australia
Cheryl Edwards is an experienced leader in Aged Care with more than 37 years of managing Residential Aged Care services and is currently serving as Head of Member Support & Advisory. With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional support and guidance, Cheryl oversees strategies that build member capabilities and skills. This enhances satisfaction and fosters long-term relationships. Her role involves driving operational excellence, implementing innovative solutions, and ensuring that members receive timely, personalised assistance. Cheryl is passionate about creating a positive impact through collaboration and continuous improvement, empowering her team to provide outstanding service and advisory expertise.

Alana Tiller

Consumer Liaison Officer
Guide Dogs SA/NT
Alana Tiller is a legally blind advocate, speaker, and Consumer Liaison Officer at Guide Dogs SA/NT. Drawing on lived experience of vision impairment, and with her guide dog, Rocket, Alana brings a grounded, practical perspective to discussions about accessibility, inclusion, and systemic barriers faced by people with disability. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science and has experience in disability advocacy, community education, and lived-experience representation. Alana works closely with clients, organisations, and policymakers to improve access, equity, and meaningful participation for people living with disability, and is passionate about ensuring lived experience meaningfully shapes policy and practice

Cat Beaton

Co-Coordinator for SA First Nations Clean Energy Network
Cat is a passionate, outcome driven, creative project manager with over 20 years’ experience in not-for-profit organisations, working with First Nations communities producing events, programs, media, strategies, campaigns, and communications. Cat is Co-Coordinator for South Australia for the First Nations Clean Energy Network.

Glen Wingfield

Co-Coordinater for SA
First Nations Clean Energy Nework
Glen has built strong relationships across APY communities where as an Arabunna Kokatha man he has family and kinship relations. He has worked closely with communities in a cultural liaison, community engagement and project management role over the last two decades assisting him to effectively engage with diverse groups or people, manage culturally sensitive projects appropriately and adapt his research and engagement approach to meet the needs of our communities. Glen is Co-Coordinator for South Australia for the First Nations Clean Energy Network.

Tom Longden

Senior Reseach Fellow
Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University
Dr Tom Longden is a Senior Research Fellow at the Urban Transformations Research Centre, Western Sydney University. His work on energy and technological change has been published in leading international journals (including Nature Energy, Climatic Change, Energy Economics, Energy, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, and Energy Policy). Tom is lead research partner and analyst for the Right to Power: Keeping First Nations Communities on Prepayment Connected project and report.

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JEREMY BROWN

Jeremy is currently the Chief Executive at Uniting Communities and is deeply committed to cultivating a strong, values-driven organisational culture that places people and community at its core. His leadership style is grounded in empathy, innovation, and strategic growth, ensuring that Uniting Communities continues to deliver inclusive and impactful services to more than 80,000 South Australians each year.

His previous roles include Chief Operating Officer of Novita Services and Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Care (SA). He has also had a long-standing association with SACOSS where he served as a member of their Policy Council.

MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.