Our presenters

As a Psychologist Ali has worked with 'em all. She is co-author of the best-selling business book 'Dealing with the Tough Stuff: How to achieve results from key conversations', is a regular on Channel 9 'Mornings', has regular articles published with Business Chicks, and is highly sought after to assist individuals and teams transition through change.

Ali’s work has found its way inside a few big businesses including PepsiCo, Sydney Water, BHP Billiton, Bond University, Griffith University, BlueCare and C & K just to name a few. Her focus is on improving the health of individuals, teams and organisations through supporting people to Stand Out. The key to combating the challenges of burn-out is by focusing on self, values, and progress to get stuff done.

Ali’s message shifts mindsets in a relentless change environment driving real change within leaders and organisations.

As many as 25% of children cannot hear optimally in the classroom according to Hear and Say’s pilot hearing screening program.  1,600 children across SEQ schools and kindys were tested in 2015.  With hearing screening at birth it is easy to assume identification of hearing loss is guaranteed. Yet, some later onset or temporary hearing losses will not be identified.  Hear and Say’s community driven program is tackling the issue and enabling optimal outcomes for children.  Learn about the broader social impact of childhood hearing loss and why we should “Think Hearing First” for childhood development delay or behavioural concerns. 

Supporting Children with Hearing Loss in Inclusive Settings: Techniques and strategies to foster the learning of young children with hearing loss in Day-care and Kindergarten Settings

Modern hearing aids and implantable hearing devices (such as the cochlear implant), combined with specialised Listening and Spoken Language intervention means that children with all degrees of hearing loss are attending mainstream education right from their early years in day-care and Kindergarten settings. This presentation will give a brief overview of the potential impact of hearing loss and then discuss 10 strategies for teachers and support staff to use in inclusive settings to assist the child with hearing loss to more fully access both education and social situations and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in inclusive education.            

Michael Crossland is an extraordinary young man who has defied the odds of a life threatening cancer to build a life of exceptional achievements. An accomplished businessman and an elite sportsman, his life is a remarkable success. Michael is at the forefront of today’s new generation of inspirational speakers. Michael speaks to businesses, schools /colleges and professional sporting groups around the world. In the past 12 months his total audience numbers exceed 250,000 both in Australia and internationally.

Diagnosed with aggressive life threatening cancer before his first birthday doctors told him school and sport were not options. Infection and fatigue were too great a risk. His only wish was to lead a normal life and be able to do all the things that other ‘normal’ kids took for granted every day.

Now, an accomplished businessman, Australian of the Year finalist, Australia Day Ambassador, Camp Quality Ambassador and international hall of fame inductee. Michael inspires many people from all walks of life, with his story and inspiration of believing in yourself and achieving the impossible dreams. Michael has an absolute passion and belief in people’s ability to change direction and become who they truly want to be and achieve success.

Michael captures audiences no matter what size and inspires each individual to achieve ongoing positive change in their life.

20 years of experience

Sustainability in Action - Learnings from an Outback Action Research project

This session will share the stories of twelve remote ECEC and SAC services in North West outback Queensland as they embarked on a two year Action Research journey. The project, delivered by the Workforce Council, was designed to build capacity while engaging with the National Quality Standard. 

We will share some of their journeys, drawing on the evidence of the actions and outcomes achieved by the participants. And explore our developing understandings about the value of reflective dialogue and conversations as ways of knowing and relating that supports our connections with children, families and communities.