2026 Speakers

Below is the list of currently confirmed speakers for HNES2026. This page will be updated regularly as new speakers join the program.

Hannah_McCaughey Headshot_qD1H

Hannah McCaughey

Chief Executive

EnergyCo
cef heads timbuckley

Tim Buckley

Founder and Director

Climate Energy Finance (CEF)
TonyWood

Tony Wood

Energy and Climate Change Senior Fellow

Grattan Institute
Mayor Jeff Drayton

Cr Jeff Drayton

Mayor

Muswellbrook Shire Council
Heidi Lee

Heidi Lee

CEO

Beyond Zero Emissions
boris novak

Boris Novak

Hunter New Energy – Co-Lead

New.E
Bob

Bob Hawes

CEO

Business Hunter
Lexi Crouch

Lexi Crouch

Climate Change & Sustainability Program Lead

City of Newcastle
Nadia Truninger

Nadia Truninger

Manager of Sustainability and Reporting for Continuous Manufacturing

Orica
Ildo Agnetti

Ildo Agnetti

Clean Energy Project Manager

Port of Newcastle
Heather Stevens (2)

Dr. Heather Stevens

Climate Change and Sustainability Manager

City of Newcastle
David Cooper Partner Banking & Financial Services Hall & Wilcox

David Cooper

Partner, Banking & Financial Services

Hall & Wilcox
Fiona Donaldson

Fiona Donaldson

Acting Chief Finance & Operating Officer

EnergyCo
Allison Dunsdon

Allison Dunsdon

Senior Manager, Renewables Transportation

Transport for NSW
Daniel Sartor

Daniel Sartor

Head of Major Projects

Ausgrid
Ian Hudson

Ian Hudson

Executive Director

ICN
Michael Frangos

Michael Frangos

Chief Executive Officer

Indigenous Energy Australia
Tanya Peterkin

Tanya Peterkin

DIRECTOR HUNTER REGION

Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA)
Seth Pathiyil

Seth Pathiyil

Generation and Energy Transition Lead - Eraring Power Station

Origin Energy
Jesse Gartner

Jesse Gartner

Technical Director in Project Management

GHD
John Burke

John Burke

Program Director

Transgrid
Ashwin Clarke

Ashwin Clarke

Senior Economist

Commonwealth Bank
Amanda Wetzel

Amanda Wetzel

Principal

Way Planning and Advisory
Craig Palmer

Craig Palmer

General Manager – Delivery Phase Services

GHD
Patrick McInerney

Patrick McInerney

Construction Operations Manager

OX2
Andy Evans

Andy Evans

Co-Founder

Happen Energy
Michael Ulph

Michael Ulph

Technical Director – Engagement & Communication

GHD
Professor Alan Broadfoot web

Prof. Alan Broadfoot

Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Industry and Engagement

University of Newcastle
Rob Cooper

Rob Cooper

Senior Manager Stakeholder Engagement NSW

AGL Energy
Baidy Barton

Baidy Barton

Commercialisation Director

The Melt
clare larkin sykes new

Clare Larkin-Sykes

Hunter New Energy – Co-Lead

New.E
Dr. Paul Ebert

Dr. Paul Ebert

Executive Director

Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER)
Zara Crichton

Zara Crichton

CEO

HunterIF
Sam Wilkins

Sam Wilkins

Community Organiser

Hunter Jobs Alliance
Pierre Gouhier NIER & TRaCE

Pierre Gouhier

Deputy Director, NIER & UON Director, TRaCE

NIER & TRaCE , University of Newcastle
Dani Alexander

Dani Alexander

CEO

NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub
George Knight

George Knight

CEO

UEG Energy

Meet OUr Emcee

mikhaila

Mikhaila Halford

Workforce Solutions Manager @ Ampcontrol

Mikhaila is a passionate servant leader committed to developing the skills and capabilities of the region. With a deep focus on empowering others, she leads a dynamic and dedicated team, fostering growth and collaboration in every endeavour. Mikhaila believes in inspiring those around her to reach their fullest potential, cultivating a positive and results-driven environment for both personal and professional development.

Through her leadership, she continues to make a meaningful impact, guiding her team toward success and creating opportunities for continuous growth. 

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