Accelerate Manufacturing Conference 2026

Mike Swart

National Strategy Director

Industry Capability Network (ICN)

Panel Moderator 

Mike is the National Strategy Director at Industry Capability Network, where he spearheads strategic initiatives and manages relationships with key stakeholders, including the Commonwealth Government and Department of Defence.  With the recent acquisition of QMI & ICN Queensland by the ICN National office, Michael also has oversight over these operations.

Mike has over 27 years of senior management experience spanning across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia, with expertise in Logistics, Telematics, Ship and Port Security, Manufacturing and Local Content Engagement as well as Australian Industry Capability (Defence), as well as being a trained facilitator.

His diverse skill set includes Executive Management, Strategy, Project Oversight, Procurement Strategy, Supply Chain Management, Business Planning, Operations, and New Product Development as well as Defence and Industry local content.

His notable past positions include Head of Industry Engagement BDA, Executive Director of ICN Queensland, founder of QMI JV - Online Procurement Services, and National Chair of the ICN National Network.

Mike is dedicated to leveraging his experience to drive impactful strategic outcomes and is passionate about fostering key industry relationships.

Levi Jenkins

Program Manager

Queensland Manufacturing Institute (QMI)

Panellist

Levi Jenkins is the Program Manager at the Queensland Manufacturing Institute, where she designs and delivers industry-aligned engagement initiatives that respond directly to sector needs. Her work focuses on creating meaningful pathways between schools, communities, and local manufacturers through collaborative partnerships and targeted program design.

She manages QMI’s work across the region through the Western Downs Manufacturing: Shaping the Energy Future project, engaging closely with local manufacturers to understand their priorities and challenges and supporting regional growth by helping businesses build capability and connect with new opportunities and support.

She also leads QMI’s flagship school-based programs, Women Who Weld and Women Who Weld and Code, which introduce young women to welding, coding, and advanced manufacturing technologies. These programs continue to experience strong demand from regional and metropolitan schools and play an important role in inspiring the future workforce.

She brings a people-first, collaborative approach to her work and is passionate about increasing female participation in manufacturing and strengthening connections between industry and education. 

Lance MacManus

Strategic Partnership Manager

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE)

Panellist

Lance has been serving business and industry for over 12 years servicing business across the Toowoomba, Maranoa and Western Downs regions.

Supply chain engagement, tendering and investments, while creating opportunities for members and industry outcomes are Lance’s specialties. Taking learning from the Natural Gas, renewable and energy industries build and implementation and a result of both domestic and international consultancy and management experience he supports TSBE and members to work with a wide range of industries across the region.  Lance works to link regional business opportunities and, in the resources, renewables, coal seam gas, mining, infrastructure and development sectors with manufacturing now a large focus of supply chain and further opportunities. 

Louise McMahon

Founder and Executive General Manager

MFE

Panellist

Louise McMahon is the Founder and Executive General Manager of MFE, with over 15 years’ experience in the manufacturing sector. Recently appointed to the Queensland Manufacturing Advisory Council, Louise is a strong advocate for holistic business management and resilient supply chains, championing regional and local partnerships that deliver consistent quality, reliability, and on-time outcomes — even in challenging market conditions.

Director, Schools & Stakeholder Engagement

TAFE Queensland

Panel Moderator 

Robyn Fraser is an experienced vocational education leader with more than 30 years at TAFE Queensland. Growing up in a regional farming community she is committed to creating accessible training and career pathways for young people in all parts of the state.

As Director of Schools and Stakeholder Engagement, Robyn works with schools to strengthen vocational options and connect students with real industry experience. She founded the Year 10 Trade Taster program, supporting over 25,000 students to explore vocational careers, and leads the TAFE at School initiative in collaboration with schools, industry, government, and community partners.

As a member of the TAFE Queensland Southwest Executive Leadership Team, Robyn is recognised for her strategic leadership, collaborative approach, and dedication to expanding meaningful vocational pathways for young people.

Samantha DeAngelo

Director

Kinetik Global

Panellist

She graduated from La Trobe University in Melbourne with a Bachelor of Business; majoring in Management. She also possesses a Certificate IV Training & Assessment, is a globally credentialled Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation and is certified as an Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, DISC Practitioner, Senior Habit Change Practitioner and Mental Health First Aider.

Samantha has over 20 years of people development experience on a global scale, spanning across many industries and ranging from startup organisations to large multinationals in both white and blue collar industries.

Samantha guides individuals to peak performance in a fun and energetic way and coaches them to gain mastery over their thinking to achieve their desired outcomes.

Jace Willocks

Faculty Director - Manufacturing

TAFE Queensland

Panellist

With over 10 years of industry experience as a qualified Certificate IV Engineering Metal Fabricator, Jace began his career as a TAFE apprentice from 2006 to 2010. After a decade working hands-on in the engineering and fabrication industry, he transitioned into education, commencing his teaching career at TAFE Southwest in 2020. Since then, he has progressed through several leadership roles from workshop foreman, trade educator to Educational Team Leader for Engineering, and now proudly as the Manufacturing Faculty Director.

He is deeply passionate about the engineering trade and the education sector, with a strong focus on providing students with high-quality training, clear career pathways, and meaningful opportunities to succeed in their chosen fields. His goal is to continue bridging the gap between industry and education, ensuring that the next generation of tradespeople are skilled, confident, and future-ready.

Russien Nisperos

Trade Qualified Fitter/Machinist

White Industries

Panellist

Born in the Philippines, Russien Nisperos migrated to Australia in 2012 with his family in search of better work and education opportunities. Attending Dalby State High School, in Year 10, joined the school’s Trade Futures Programme. Through this programme, he began a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining) apprenticeship with White Industries, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience across the foundry.

In 2019, Russien was awarded the Apprentice of the Year at Dalby State High School. He successfully completed his apprenticeship in 2024 and is now a qualified mechanical fitter and turner tradesperson with White Industries.

His story highlights the impact of school–industry partnerships in creating real pathways into manufacturing for young people.

Brylie Jones

Boilermaker

Stanwell

Panellist

Brylie’s journey began in Yanchep, a small town in Western Australia, where she realised early on that traditional schooling wasn’t the right fit. After leaving school in Year 10, Brylie enrolled in a Certificate II in Engineering at a nearby TAFE, where she first discovered her passion for the trade.

This initial spark led her to embark on a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM31922) apprenticeship through TAFE Queensland and Stanwell in Kingaroy.

After gaining considerable experience at Stanwell and successfully completing her apprenticeship, Brylie has continued to build her career in the energy sector. Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year 2025.  

Founder and CEO

Digimark

Panel Moderator 

Steve Jaenke is a digital strategist and systems builder who helps growth-focused businesses turn marketing, data, and operations into scalable, predictable systems.

With over 20 years of experience in marketing, digital strategy, and automation, Steve has worked with businesses across various industries, including professional services, construction, civil engineering, logistics, and manufacturing. His work often involves organisations with complex offerings, long sales cycles, and multiple decision-makers.

As the founder of Digimark, Steve designs and implements practical, AI-enabled marketing and operational systems that improve visibility, reduce inefficiency, and support informed decision-making. This includes marketing, software engineering, workflow automation, and data integration; all focused on measurable commercial outcomes rather than vanity metrics.

Steve has helped help businesses increase revenue, reduce operational inefficiencies, and make better use of data to support smarter commercial decisions. He is a recurring judge for the Australian Web Awards, and his firm, Digimark, has received both national and international awards for marketing excellence.

Dr Geoff Augustis

Company Director

Queensland Computers

Panellist

Dr Geoff Augutis is founder and director of Queensland Computers, his organisation supports regional businesses throughout the state and generates $50m in annual revenue. A large portion of their clients operate within the manufacturing sector and other direct parallel industries. His team believe in delivering real measurable outcomes and focus on customers for life.

Outside of his business, Geoff works across a number of boards with a strong focus on delivering real community outcomes in jobs and education sectors. He is a husband, father of three and a mad keen fisherman.

Gavin Dunwoodie

Founder and Managing Director

Products For Industry (PFi)

Panellist

Gavin Dunwoodie founded PFi in 2005, starting with the sale of industrial safety components. Over two decades, he has transformed the business into an engineering-driven organization with in-house manufacturing and site services.

Today, PFi is a leading project delivery and asset management group, partnering with some of Australia’s top industries in battery energy storage (BESS), materials handling, mining, food and beverage, and advanced manufacturing.

Gavin’s focus on innovation and client-centric solutions has positioned PFi as a trusted partner for complex industrial projects nationwide.

Zac McNally

Founder and Director

Robot Solutions Queensland

Panellist

Zac McNally is the Founder and Director of Robot Solutions Queensland, a Toowoomba based automation and robotics company, helping manufacturers improve productivity, safety and competitiveness through practical automation.

With a background as a hands-on robotics technician and systems integrator, Zac works directly with manufacturers across food production, warehousing and industrial processing to deploy collaborative robots, commercial cleaning robots and custom automation solutions that deliver real ROI. His focus is on making advanced manufacturing technologies accessible, scalable and easy to adopt. Particularly for regional and SME manufacturers.

Zac is also actively involved in product development and emerging manufacturing technologies, bridging the gap between engineering, operations and commercial outcomes. He is passionate about Australian and regional manufacturing growth, skills development and building resilient local supply chains through smart automation.

Lead Coach

Business Navigator Western Downs

Panel Moderator 

Amanda is a skilled and qualified professional, with a passion for small business resilience and success.

As Lead Coach of small business coaching program, Business Navigator Western Downs, she is dedicated to growing the capacity and revenue of small businesses in the Western Downs region.

Drawing on a background in hospitality, management accounting, economic development and financial counselling, Amanda’s approach to coaching blends practical wisdom with genuine care.

Business Navigator Western Downs is supported by Shell’s QGC business and delivered by Toowoomba & Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE).

Malaika Ingram

Senior Facilitator

CSIRO

Panellist

Malaika Ingram is a highly experienced technical leader and innovation strategist with over 20 years of driving impactful collaborations between academia and industry. As a Senior Facilitator for the Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) Program, she plays a key role in accelerating the translation of research into real-world applications across diverse sectors.

Her expertise encompasses technology commercialisation, intellectual property strategy, and project leadership, with a strong emphasis on additive manufacturing. Renowned for her ability to distill complex technical challenges into practical, scalable solutions, Malaika consistently delivers outcomes that create measurable value.

Combining deep scientific acumen with hands-on execution, Malaika is a trusted enabler of innovation ecosystems—bringing together stakeholders from research, government, and industry to achieve high-impact results.

Natalie Gruenfeld

Toowoomba Manufacturing Hub Manager

Department of Natural Resources and Mines

Panellist

Natalie Gruenfeld is the Manager of the Toowoomba Manufacturing Hub, part of Queensland’s advanced manufacturing hub network driving regional industry growth.

With over 25 years of experience across public and private sectors, Natalie has worked in industries including financial services, agriculture, defence, resources, and manufacturing.

Having worked within both Federal and State Government, Natalie brings unique insight into the policy and funding landscapes, which has enabled her to support hundreds of businesses in accessing innovation programs and government assistance.

In her current role, Natalie focuses on strengthening manufacturing capability, fostering collaboration, and connecting businesses to opportunities that enhance competitiveness and resilience.

Known for her practical approach and commitment to regional development, she is passionate about building strong supply chains and helping manufacturers embrace innovation.

Michael Shelford

CEO

White Industries

Panellist

Michael Shelford is the CEO of White industries - Producer of Australian Made Metal Castings with manufacturing sites at Dalby and Ipswich.

He has 36 years’ Experience in the Foundry Industry. Positions – Metallurgical and Quality Systems Manager – Central Queensland Mining Supplies, Foundry Foreman – Walkers Engineering, Central Queensland Mining Supplies, Foundry Manager White Industries (2011-2019), CEO – White Industries (2023 to current)

Leading the largest family-owned Australian Foundry to market leader status in Australia, White Industries is one of the few Foundries in Australia producing 100% Australian made castings. White Industries continues to achieve in a challenging market with constant offshore supply challenges, rising energy costs and national commercial competitors.

Carli Homann

Director, Strategic Advisor and Grant Specialist

NAVIGATE Business Solutions Australia

Panellist

Carli Homann is a strategic advisor, grant specialist, and the Director of NAVIGATE Business Solutions Australia. She works with businesses and organisations across Australia to turn good ideas into funded, deliverable projects.

Carli’s experience spans government, economic development, and industry leadership, giving her a unique ability to sit between policy, commercial reality, and community outcomes. She is known for cutting through complexity, asking the right questions, and helping organisations focus on what actually drives impact.

As a speaker, Carli brings honesty, energy, and real-world insight to conversations around funding, innovation, leadership, and regional growth—sharing lessons from the front line of project delivery rather than theory.