Accelerate Manufacturing Conference 2024

Accelerate-Manufacturing

After huge success in 2022 and 2023, the Accelerate Manufacturing Conference is returning to the Western Downs for its third year on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. 

This free conference will bring together government officials, industry experts, investors, and innovators across Queensland to exchange the latest information ideas, showcase cutting-edge technologies, navigate government policies, funding and programs, discuss operational performance and business efficiency, and how to thrive in an industry enduring constant change and technological advancement.

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to accelerate industry growth, identify and enable opportunities that facilitate industry leading trials and cross-sectoral networking.

Conference Details

Date | Wednesday, 29 May 2024
Time | 8:30am (Registration) | 9:00am (Start) | 4:00pm (End)
Location | Dalby Events Centre
Cost | FREE
Register Here

Networking Event

Western Downs Regional Council in collaboration with Dalby Chamber of Commerce will host a networking event following the conference at the Dalby Events Centre from 4–5pm. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Program of Events

8.30am Doors Open & Sign In 
 9am  Event Commences
 9.15am  Official Welcome - Mayor 
 9.30am  Keynote Speaker
 10.15am   Q&A with Keynote Speaker 
 10.30am  MORNING TEA
 11am  Panel 1: Lean Manufacturing and Efficiency
 11.45am  Panel 2: Diversity and Inclusion in Manufacturing
 12.30pm  LUNCH 
 1.30pm  Panel 3: Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) in Manufacturing
 2.30pm  Western Downs Futures - Program Manager 
 2.45pm  AFTERNOON TEA
 3.15pm  Panel 4: Youth Skilling and Industry Pathways
 4pm  Close of event | Networking Event Commences  

Panel Topics and Speakers 

An exciting panel of industry experts will drive discussion on a range of interesting themes including:

Keynote Speaker: Rebecca 'Bec' Andrews

Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ), Chief Executive Officer

Rebecca has an extensive career spanning over 25 years, bringing a wealth of experience in driving economic development initiatives and delivering impactful outcomes, especially within the manufacturing sector.

Before joining MSQ, Rebecca held pivotal leadership roles, including her position as the Queensland State Head of the Australian Industry Group and Deputy Director-General of Small Business in the Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training. She has also contributed her insights and expertise to various boards and advisory groups, including the esteemed Ministerial Manufacturing Council.

Rebecca’s leadership comes at a crucial juncture as MSQ navigate the future of manufacturing in Queensland. The Queensland Government recognises her role in shaping the skills and capabilities necessary for the industry’s evolution. Her extensive knowledge and passion will undoubtedly drive our commitment to excellence and innovation.

Lean Manufacturing and Efficiency

Discussing the benefits of a LEAN Approach, Challenges and solutions and how you can incorporate this approach into your business.


Robyn Haig

Director of Regional Development

Regional Development Australia Darling Downs and Southwest (RDA DDSW)

 

Panel ModeratorRobyn is the Director of Regional Development for Regional Development Australia Darling Downs and Southwest. Previously Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry Manager, she remains Chamber Vice-President. Robyn was awarded Regional Citizen of the Year honours at the Western Downs Australia Day Awards in 2022 for her work with the local community.

In the past Robyn has held roles in CSG Drilling and Civil Construction in the Surat Basin, and prior to that with Queensland Government Departments of Natural Resources and Primary Industries, Regional Natural Resource Management, Landcare and Local Government -Tourism & Community Development.

Parth Bommakanti  

Executive Director
Business Transformation Specialist

Vative

Panellist | Parth is a highly respected Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and NLP Master Practitioner with over 25 years of leadership training and coaching, executive mentoring along with business process transformation and corporate training experience.

With previous roles in leading large teams at Ford Motor Company across various departments in quality, customer satisfaction and manufacturing, Parth then spent 3 years leading an Australian subsidiary of a large Japanese multinational (Sumitomo Ltd) as a General Manager responsible for engineering, business systems and safety before joining Vative as a lead Facilitator and Consultant.

Roger Crothers  

CI Deployment Specialist | Owner

Morph Business Institute

Panellist | Roger Crothers is a seasoned Continuous Improvement (CI) Deployment Specialist with a passion for driving organizational excellence. With a career spanning diverse domains, Roger has consistently championed the principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints (TOC) since his introduction to them in 1996.

Roger combines a deep understanding of CI methodologies with a wealth of practical leadership experience. His ability to bridge theory and real-world implementation sets him apart. As the owner of Morph Business Institute, Roger is dedicated to helping organizations thrive in the era of Industry 4.0.

Roger’s impact extends far beyond these names, as he continues to empower companies to embrace change, optimize processes, and achieve sustainable growth.

Troy Law  

General Manager

Simplicity Australia 

Panellist | Introducing Troy Law, a stalwart leader at Simplicity Australia. Beginning his journey as a Boilermaker in 1995, Troy's dedication propelled him to the role of General Manager in 2001. Throughout its evolution since the late 1970s, Simplicity has remained true to its roots as a family-owned enterprise, excelling in the production of premier farming equipment.

Troy's steadfast commitment to his family and faith enriches his leadership style, guiding Simplicity through life's intricate challenges with resilience. His strategic approach to business, characterized by a steadfast, conservative outlook, ensures the sustained success of Simplicity well into the future.

Diversity and Inclusion in Manufacturing

Discussing and exploring diversity in the workplace, tips on how to promote inclusivity in the workplace and how both diversity and inclusion can be beneficial in career and business success.


Lance MacManus

Project Manager – Growth

TSBE

Panel Moderator | TSBE stretches from Toowoomba to Roma, and in order to service the region, Lance has a background from 10 years servicing business across the Maranoa and Western Downs meeting with members and businesses to help the TSBE region meet its full potential.

Supply chain engagement, tendering and investments, while creating opportunities for members and also industry outcomes are Lance’s specialties. A result of both domestic and international consultancy and management experience. While TSBE works 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.

Amy Schutt

Chief Executive Officer

Midwest Fabrication

Panellist | Amy Schutt is the CEO of Midwest Fabrication, a national agricultural equipment manufacturing company located in Dalby, Qld Australia. 26 years of dedication, determination and passion for the family business has seen Amy drive the company to new heights and winning Australian Small Business Champion Awards in 2024.

Amy grew up on a farm in rural Queensland, and now with four children of her own, continues to share a love and passion for the Australian agricultural industry, farming families and local communities.

Her success spans outside her day-to-day role as CEO; Amy is the founder of Triple A Bulk Haulage, a freight business she operates with her husband. She was won many awards including Young Business Owner of the year. She has multiple investment properties and purchased her first rural property in her early 30’s.

Amy donates her time & money to many charitable initiatives, with multiple sponsor children living in poverty, feeding the homeless and raising funds for cancer prevention. Amy’s focus in not just about making a donation, but making a real difference to others.

Focused on personal & business development she wants to be the best leader she can be. Amy has a highly respected business acumen and an admirable drive to see rural Australians succeed. As she would say……. Just a girl with big dreams.

Ken Dachi

Multicultural Affairs Advisor

Leeton Shire Council

Panellist | Ken Dachi is the Multicultural Affairs Advisor at Leeton Shire Council. Presently, he is developing a concept to address persistent skill shortages using a novel approach, tailored for rural/regional settings. Relatedly, he has structured relationships to advance settlement outcomes through research in partnership with universities, championed sector collaboration, and pronounced the role of advocacy.

Most recently, he coordinated community grant financing support, and identified avenues for First Nations engagement, as key contributors to fostering community cohesion. Before joining Leeton Shire Council, Ken was based in the UK, from where he worked and travelled to over 40 countries undertaking various International Development projects. Ken will share perspectives on “Creating Places of Welcome”.

Louise McMahon

General Manager

MFE

Panellist | Having commenced her career in finance and accounting, Louise worked almost exclusively in the mining industry for 10 years before she and husband Greg, embarked on the journey to become “small business owners”. They commenced their fabrication business in 2011 which soon grew to include maintenance and project management.

While the business is very diverse these days with approximately 65 employees, the manufacturing division continues to build with strong principles based around the lean manufacturing model. As the General Manager of this growing business, which now has workshops located in Toowoomba, Dalby and Chinchilla, Louise is well versed in the challenges of the current work environment, the importance of planning for the future and the need to have a value add proposition not only to clients, but employees and key stakeholders alike.

 

Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) in Manufacturing

Discussing options for offsetting emissions, the future of ESG in Manufacturing and how you can Implement conscious manufacturing.


Jody Dare

Principal Economic Development Officer

Department of State Development and Infrastructure

Panel Moderator | Jody Dare brings over three decades of diverse industry experience to the manufacturing forum. Starting in the Australian Wool Industry, she mastered wool handling and production, setting a strong career foundation. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge led her to gain qualifications in Project Management, Financial Management, and Workplace Behaviour, highlighting her dedication to growth.

In government agencies and local councils, Jody played vital roles in disaster relief and recovery efforts, notably managing submissions for Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) during major flooding events from 2010 to 2016. Her expertise in financial management and project coordination was further evident during her tenure as a Program Support Coordinator with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Currently serving as a Principal Economic Development Officer with the Department of State Development and Infrastructure, Jody is committed to driving economic growth and sustainability in regional communities. She devises strategies, facilitates funding programs, and promotes industry opportunities in collaboration with local stakeholders.

Jody takes pride in her membership with professional bodies like the Australian Wool Classers Association and holds the esteemed designation of Australian Certified Economic Developer [ACEcD]. Her career journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in her field and community.

Michael Matthewson

General Manager - Projects & Innovation

Mort & Co

Panellist | Leveraging over 30 years’ experience in Maintenance Management, Process Engineering and Project Management, Michael joined Mort & Co in 2021 as General Manager, Projects & Innovation.

Originally from family beef grazing operations in the NSW Northern Tablelands, Michael completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Southern Queensland in 1992 before working throughout Australia in operational support and engineering management roles in the red meat processing industry.

In 2005, Michael shifted focus to the Consulting, Engineering and Construction industry delivering large scale food and beverage facilities throughout Australia and Southeast Asia. During this time, Michael worked with Australia’s largest multinational and privately owned red meat processing and feedlotting organisation to deliver a wide range of projects that provided operational efficiency, increased capacity, develop new processes and adopt new technologies.

Michael Joined Mort & Co in a newly created position to lead the development of businesses sites, assets processes and infrastructure across feedlots, and manufacturing plants to support the long-term sustainable growth of the organisation.

Natalie Gruenfeld

Regional Manager – DDSWQ

AusIndustry Outreach Network
Panellist | Natalie Gruenfeld is the Darling Downs Southwest Regional Manager, for the Federal Government, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, within the AusIndustry Outreach Network.

AusIndustry’s Business Outreach network of Regional Managers are connected to regions, communities and industries.

For over 25 years AusIndustry has been a valuable hub, nurturing partnerships and networks, providing connections, and helping industry navigate the local, state and federal government support to get the best for each business.

Natalie is a Darling Downs local, who has worked across both the private and public sectors and is passionate about the growth of regional industries and the Darling Downs South West community.

Rob Fraser

Director

 Fraser Valuers

 

Panellist | Rob has a Bachelor Property through Central Queensland University, currently a Registered Certified Practising Valuer and an Associate of the Australian Property Institute. As well as this, Rob has an Associate Diploma of Applied Science (Dalby Agricultural College) and a Private Helicopter & Fixed Wing Pilots Licences. Rob with some members of Fraser Valuers is also part of the Equipoised Group who are a consortium of leaders across the financial advisory, renewable energy, biodiversity and land valuation sectors.

Under the banner of Equipoised Group, four independent businesses are working together to deliver one outcome. Mazars, Agile Energy, Earthtrade and Fraser Valuers, provide trusted, and professional advice on opportunities, risks, challenges, and strategies for organisations’ navigating their shift to a low carbon future.

Rob has unbound enthusiasm for valuing and comprehends the ongoing pressure and changes occurring within the industry. The Fraser Valuers Team has been a forerunner in assessing the impact of Carbon Projects and Biodiversity agreements, offering both private and banking clients with specialised valuation services.

Youth Skilling and Industry Pathways

Understanding a young workforce, attracting and retaining young people in manufacturing and understanding how incorporating youth and education into the workplace can be beneficial.


Paul Cooper

Owner & Executive Chair

Rinstrum Pty Ltd

Panel Moderator | Paul has 30 years’ manufacturing industry experience as owner and executive chair of Rinstrum Pty Ltd, a global industrial electronics company with Australian headquarters and subsidiaries in the United States, Germany, Sri Lanka and India. Rinstrum manufacturers components for the weighing industry.
Paul has served on numerous boards, private and public and government companies and committees.

Paul is currently Chairman of Manufacturing Skills Qld Ltd, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre Ltd, and the Qld Department of Premier and Cabinet - Audit Risk and Management Committee.

Paul is also chairman of Vadain, Australia’s largest curtain manufacturer and a number of other manufacturing companies.

Rebecca Andrews

Chief Executive Officer

Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ)

Panellist | Rebecca has an extensive career spanning over 25 years, bringing a wealth of experience in driving economic development initiatives and delivering impactful outcomes, especially within the manufacturing sector.

Before joining MSQ, Rebecca held pivotal leadership roles, including her position as the Queensland State Head of the Australian Industry Group and Deputy Director-General of Small Business in the Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training. She has also contributed her insights and expertise to various boards and advisory groups, including the esteemed Ministerial Manufacturing Council.

Rebecca’s leadership comes at a crucial juncture as MSQ navigate the future of manufacturing in Queensland. The Queensland Government recognises her role in shaping the skills and capabilities necessary for the industry’s evolution. Her extensive knowledge and passion will undoubtedly drive our commitment to excellence and innovation.

Jules McMurtrie

Chief Optimist

Climate Action Schools

Panellist | Jules McMurtrie is the Chief Optimist at Climate Action Schools.  A purpose driven, social value creator, Jules has worked in youth skilling and training for over 10 years managing Gateway to Industry Schools Programs (GISP) for Food, Wine, Tourism, Advanced Manufacturing, Hydrogen and Renewable Energy.

Jules has unlocked the value of what genuine partnerships look like and has provided industry value down to Year 1 classrooms right here in Western Downs and across Queensland.  Jules gets excited about disruption and welcomes Industry 5.0 (5IR) Fifth Industrial revolution.

Louise McMahon

General Manager

MFE

Panellist | Having commenced her career in finance and accounting, Louise worked almost exclusively in the mining industry for 10 years before she and husband Greg, embarked on the journey to become “small business owners”. They commenced their fabrication business in 2011 which soon grew to include maintenance and project management.

While the business is very diverse these days with approximately 65 employees, the manufacturing division continues to build with strong principles based around the lean manufacturing model. As the General Manager of this growing business, which now has workshops located in Toowoomba, Dalby and Chinchilla, Louise is well versed in the challenges of the current work environment, the importance of planning for the future and the need to have a value add proposition not only to clients, but employees and key stakeholders alike.


2023 Accelerate Manufacturing Conference Wrap 

In May 2023, Council hosted the second Accelerate Manufacturing Conference in the Western Downs, which attracted more than 70 attendees from across the industry and its value chain. Facilitating this brilliant event and connecting experts from around Australia with local businesses is part of Council's commitment to building a strong, diverse economy in a region which is a recognised leader in agribusiness, energy and manufacturing. Hear more about the event in the video below:

 


When

  • Wednesday, 29 May 2024 | 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Location

Dalby Events Centre, 54 Nicholson Street, Dalby, 4405, View Map

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