As General Manager of DGI’s Commercial function, Scott is highly experienced in financial and operational corporate management.

Prior to joining DGI, Scott managed one of Australia`s leading regional commercial vehicle dealerships for over a decade.

Scott is a qualified parts interpreter and holds a diploma of financial services, both of which provide industry-specific oversight into his leadership role within DGI.

As the General Manager at Destination North Coast for the past six years, Michael brings over 28 years of tourism industry experience to the role and region.

He has extensive experience in the commercial and destination management sectors having worked for Destination Gold Coast, STA Travel, Thomas Cook UK, Insider Journeys and as an owner of Lennox Head Holiday Rentals.

As Head of Business School and Professor of Accounting at Charles Sturt University, Jacqueline provides senior academic leadership and brings extensive experience across Australia’s leading universities, including the University of Western Australia, the University of Queensland, Monash University, the Australian National University and the University of Melbourne. She is currently Vice President (Education) of the International Association for Accounting Education and Research and a past Australian President of the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand.

With more than 35 years’ experience in education, Jac is an award-winning researcher and national teaching award recipient. Her research spans accounting education, digital transformation, work-integrated learning, professional scepticism, ESG and integrated reporting, IFRS 17, and accounting misconduct. She also serves on the CA ANZ Education Board and the International Panel of Accounting Education.

Damon is an experienced executive leader with 27 years in the Employment and Training Services sector, with a strong focus on supporting regional communities. As Chief Executive Officer of ETC Ltd, Damon has held a range of senior leadership roles within the organisation and across the sector, bringing both strategic oversight and practical, frontline experience. This combination provides him with a deep understanding of employment services and the challenges facing regional labour markets.

A committed regional advocate, Damon actively contributes as a Regional Leader with Business NSW Mid North Coast, the Mid North Coast Employment Taskforce, and the QLD Advisory Reference Group for Apprenticeship Support Australia. He is also a consortium member for Headspace Port Macquarie and maintains strong relationships with peak industry bodies including NESA, Amplify Australia, and Disability Employment Australia.

With over 20 years of leadership experience across media and hospitality, Luke Campbell has established himself as a respected leader across the Mid North Coast.

Known for his strong engagement with the local community, Luke values connecting with people and fostering long-term partnerships. He brings a wealth of expertise, passion, and dedication to his role, always striving to make a positive impact.

Currently serving as General Manager of Pacific Bay Resort, Luke oversees the operations of one of the Coffs Coast’s most iconic coastal resorts. His career has been marked by senior leadership roles across sales, marketing, production and operations, where he has consistently delivered strong business results while building high-performing teams and strong workplace cultures.

Joshua is a seasoned stakeholder engagement and public affairs manager with over a decade of experience in the telecommunications industry. Currently the Regional Engagement Manager for Northern NSW at Telstra, he is responsible for the external and community engagement strategy across the region.

Prior to this, Josh held various roles in sales execution, business development and retail management at Telstra and played an active role for the telco in the roll-out of the NBN network in new residential developments across Australia.

He studied a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Secondary Education from the University of Sydney and is currently based in Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Madeleine has been working in economic and community development in NSW and QLD in local government and not for profit domains.

She has moved into this area following a career as a management consultant, a tertiary educator and researcher and also owns a small business specialising in organisational improvement.

She is keen to see action on the challenges facing our communities and economies and loves working across the region with the great people we have to improve the lives we live here.

As a Chartered Civil Engineer, Michael brings more than 35 years’ experience delivering civil engineering and infrastructure projects across the Mid North Coast of NSW and the South-West Pacific. As Managing Director of Hopkins Consultants, a role he has held for 15 years, Michael combines deep technical expertise with strong commercial acumen and executive leadership.

Michael has led major residential, commercial and industrial developments, with extensive experience across earthworks, subdivisions, highways, airfields, sewerage and drainage infrastructure. He has a strong understanding of regional development challenges and has played a key role in shaping significant masterplanned communities across the Mid North Coast.

A respected industry leader, Michael is a Chartered Professional Engineer and an APEC Engineer registered with Engineers Australia. He also contributes to the region through senior leadership roles, including President of the HCIA and President of the local Chamber of Commerce.

Tina Smyth is an accomplished Human Resources and Safety Manager with more than 20 years of senior leadership experience. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Human Resources) and has built a respected career focused on strengthening organisational capability, fostering positive workplace culture, and ensuring safe, sustainable work environments.

Tina’s leadership extends well beyond her operational roles. She has served on the Hastings Business Women’s Network Committee, contributed as a board member for MASP, and worked with the Victorian Skills Commission on workforce and training initiatives. She has also participated in the Victorian Chamber of Commerce “Round Table,” providing insight into industry needs and regional workforce development.