Keynote Speakers
We have a great line up of presenters this year and below we are showing our keynote presenters.
It's going to be a wonderful weekend of great examples of successful and innovative engagement that has resulted in communities who are able to prepare, respond and recover from natural disasters.
Todd Sampson
Todd is an adventurer, award-winning documentary-maker, television presenter and businessman. He is the co-creator of the Earth Hour initiative, one of the largest environmental movements in history. The Financial Review and News Limited ranked him as one of the most influential executives in Australia. Todd sits on the Board of Directors for Qantas.
Todd is also the breakout star of the hit ABC show the Gruen Planet and a co-host on the Channel 10 news show, The Project. He is the writer, producer and host of the award-winning documentary series Redesign My Brain, Life on the Line and Discovery International adventure-science series BodyHack.
Karen Hodges
Superintendent Karen Hodges is the Fire Control Officer for the Hawkesbury Rural Fire District with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS). She is in charge of 2794 sq km/1078 sq miles of both urban interface and remote rural areas. Karen is responsible for the supervision of 23 Brigades and leads over 1900 volunteers.
Karen has been a member of the NSWRFS since 1988, starting as the youngest appointed Deputy Fire Control Officer then progressing to the first female Fire Control Officer. Karen is responsible for all Brigade management, operational, mitigation and suppression activities within the Hawkesbury District.
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Operationally the District attends over 700 incident calls annually. Karen is regularly appointed as an Incident Controller within NSW and has performed this role for over 32 major campaign fires. Karen was appointed Incident Controller of the Gospers Mountain fire which occurred during the NSW 2019/2020 Bush Fire Season. This fire holds the unofficial world record for the largest fire from a single ignition point and was also Australia’s largest fire.
Karen has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal, National Medal with 1st clasp, 30-year Long Service Award and has received the Commissioner’s Commendation.
Kelwyn White
Kelwyn White commenced her service with the NSW Rural Fire Service in July 2002, since then she has worked across NSW in District, State and Area based roles. Kelwyn's commitment has not only been as a salaried officer but also as a dedicated volunteer, remaining active with her local brigade as a Secretary and Community Engagement Officer.
Kelwyn’s commitment especially in the field of Community Risk & Community Engagement is held in highest of regard by her peers and the community.
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Kelwyn continues to be a proud advocate for engaged communities, playing a significant leadership and mentoring role in this field to NSWRFS membership and the community.
Kelwyn is the Manager of Community Risk for the South Eastern Area responsible for oversight of the Area’s Bush Fire Management Committees including the development of Bush Fire Risk Management plans and Fire Access and Fire Trail plans to ensure compliance with legislative requirements, leading the implementation of mitigation programs and mitigation crews across the Area to address community needs.
Renee Cooper
She has a passion for education and influencing the future leaders of our country. Renee worked closely with the Nymboida community during the devastating bushfires in 2019 and continues to support the school community today.