Keynote Speakers

John Hendry

John Hendry OAM has dedicated more than five decades to improving the wellbeing of children and young people through education. A highly respected educator, school counsellor and international consultant, he has been a pioneer of Positive Education and has worked with schools across Australia and around the world. John has advised organisations including UNESCO on student wellbeing, bullying and school culture. His work continues to influence educators through practical, evidence-informed approaches that help schools create positive learning environments.

Paul Matthews

Paul Matthews is a school leader, TEDx speaker and bestselling educational author who helps educators navigate Artificial Intelligence with clarity, confidence and a deeply human focus. He works with schools across Australia and North America to build staff capability, strengthen teaching practice and develop thoughtful approaches to AI in education. Paul is also a Fellow at Baylor University's Center for School Leadership. His latest book, Wise AI, explores how technology can enhance education while keeping people at the centre.

Brendon Gale

Brendon Gale is one of Australia's most respected sporting leaders. After an AFL career with Richmond, he practised law before becoming CEO of the AFL Players Association, CEO of the Richmond Football Club and now inaugural CEO of the Tasmanian Devils Football Club, with the club to enter the AFL competition in 2028.  

Brendon is widely recognised for his leadership, strategic vision and commitment to developing strong, values-driven sporting organisations. 

Deon Kenzie

Deon Kenzie is a Tasmanian Institute of Sport Para Unit Development Coach and two time Paralympic medallist. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of two, he has represented Australia at two Paralympic Games and six World Championships, winning multiple international medals during his career as a middle distance athlete.

Now working with the Tasmanian Institute of Sport, Deon is passionate about creating more opportunities for young people with disabilities to discover the benefits of sport and strengthening Para sport pathways across Tasmania.

Breakout Session Speakers (Alphabetical)

Patrick Coleman

Launceston Grammar

Pat Coleman is Director of Learning at Launceston Church Grammar School, where he leads teaching and learning across the school. Passionate about educational excellence and innovation, Pat works with staff to strengthen curriculum, build teacher capability and improve learning outcomes for every student.

Amanda Fielding

Girlsport Collective

Amanda Fielding is Co-Founder of Girlsport Collective and a respected leader in sport and education. With more than 30 years of experience, she specialises in building partnerships that connect schools, sport and innovation to create lifelong opportunities for girls through physical activity.

Davis Forward

Devonport Primary School

Davis Forward is an experienced educator and facilitator passionate about helping teachers deliver engaging, inclusive physical education. Specialising in Game Sense and movement education, he provides practical, classroom-ready strategies that build teacher confidence and enhance student learning and engagement.

Esther Gardiner

Larminer Catholic School

Esther Gardner is an early career Physical Education teacher working across St Finn Barr's and Larmenier Catholic Primary Schools in northern Tasmania. Passionate about active learning, she inspires students through engaging physical education and promotes lifelong participation in movement and sport.

Brett Geeves

Reclink Australia

Brett Geeves is Tasmanian State Manager for Reclink Australia and a former professional cricketer. He leads initiatives that connect schools, community sport and local clubs, creating inclusive opportunities for young people while strengthening participation, partnerships and pathways across Tasmania.

Adam Gordon

Glenorchy Primary School

Bio coming soon!

Andy Hair 

Active Education Australia

Andy Hair is the National Education Lead at Active Education Australia. A passionate educator and engaging presenter, Andy works with schools and industry partners to develop curriculum, deliver professional learning and create practical initiatives that enhance health, physical, wellbeing and outdoor education across Australia.

Dominique Holland

Our Watch

Dominique Holland is the Sport Implementation Lead at Our Watch, partnering with sporting organisations to prevent gender-based violence and promote gender equality through practical, evidence-based training and support. With experience across community and national sport, she is an experienced facilitator who sparks productive conversations and supports meaningful change.

Anthea Jirgens

Our Futures

Anthea Jirgens is Director of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement at the OurFutures Institute. She leads the national rollout of evidence-based school prevention programs and works across education, health and government to embed effective approaches to vaping, alcohol and other drug prevention.

Marci Kornegay

Girlsport Collective

Marci Kornegay is Co-Founder and Chief of Possibility at Girlsport Collective. A former NCAA Division I coach, she specialises in coach development, leadership education and creating environments where girls experience belonging, build confidence and develop lifelong engagement in sport and physical activity.

Sarai Lawson

Sport4All

Sarai Lawson is a Sport4All Inclusion Coach supporting communities across Northern Tasmania. With a background in education and community services, she is passionate about creating inclusive environments where everyone feels connected, supported and able to participate through positive culture, attitudes and belonging.

Josh Prichard

JCP Youth

Josh Prichard is Program Coordinator at JCP Youth, delivering youth development programs to schools across Tasmania. A former teacher and youth mentor, he is passionate about helping young people build resilience, develop respectful relationships and make positive choices that strengthen their communities.

Jonathan Quinn

Calvin Christian School

Jonathan Qunin is an experienced Health and Physical Education teacher with 19 years in education. Passionate about student wellbeing, leadership and inclusion, he is committed to creating engaging learning environments that empower young people to build confidence, resilience and lead active, healthy lives.

Ned Reardon

Surf Life Saving Tasmania

Ned Reardon manages Lifesaving Services and Member Education for Surf Life Saving Tasmania. With experience across both operational lifesaving and organisational coordination, his work includes supporting lifesaving and rescue operations, member training and development, and working with key stakeholders on coastal safety initiatives across Tasmania.

Lara Scholz

Basketball Tasmania

Bio coming soon!

Sam Sinclair

Outdoor & Environmental Education

Sam Sinclair is a Lecturer for the Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Education at the University of Tasmania and President of Outdoor Education Tasmania. With over 20 years' experience working across schools and organisations from kindergarten to Year 12, he is a passionate advocate for outdoor education and the wide-ranging benefits it offers learners of all ages.

Jemma Taylor Cross

Our Watch

Jemma Taylor Cross is Manager of Prevention Implementation in Sport at Our Watch. With more than 15 years' experience in gender equality and primary prevention, she supports sporting organisations to prevent gender-based violence and create inclusive cultures, working with clubs, athletes and sporting bodies to turn evidence into action.

Be You

Be You is Australia's national mental health and wellbeing initiative for education, funded by the Australian Government. Led by Beyond Blue in partnership with Early Childhood Australia and headspace, Be You supports schools and early learning services to create inclusive, connected and mentally healthy learning environments.

Jenna Ward

Active Education Australia

Jenna Ward is National Education Lead at Active Education Australia. An experienced Health and Physical Education educator, her career spans educational leadership, VCE and university teaching, and sport. Jenna is committed to supporting educators through high-quality, curriculum-aligned resources and professional learning.

Trudy Ward

Independent Schools Tasmania

Trudy Ward is an Education Consultant supporting Independent schools across Tasmania. With extensive experience in curriculum, school improvement and strategic planning, she works alongside school leaders to strengthen teaching, improve student outcomes and support continuous improvement across the education sector.