2024 Central
Queensland Small Business
Disaster Recovery Summit

Cr Tony Williams is in his second term as Mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council, following over 17 years of service as Councillor, Deputy Mayor, and Chair of multiple portfolios. He has led significant projects like the Mount Morgan Pipeline and the North Rockhampton Flood Mitigation Project, and has chaired the Local Disaster Management Group since 2012.

Professor Eddie is an international expert in environmental, sustainability and corporate governance (ESG), financial technology, financial analytics, venture capital and private equity finance, organizational leadership, and corporate accounting.  His research is focused on the development and application of financial innovations via startup business enterprises and their application in market, community and city ecosystems.  Contemporary research projects include the application of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UN SDGs) by corporations, governments, and not-for-profit organizations. Projects involve modelling the fintech ecosystem, evaluating the quality of fintech startup enterprises, and the application of fintech and blockchain solutions to enhance business and government organizational innovation and efficiency.  These projects include fintech applications in venture capital and private equity funding, smart cities developments, equity financial markets and corporate governance sustainability practices addressing cybersecurity risk.

Bruce Billson commenced his role as Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) in March 2021. The Ombudsman is an independent advocate for small and family businesses.

Bruce brings three decades of experience, knowledge, commitment and an understanding of the issues facing small business. Bruce was the Australian Government Cabinet Minister for Small Business from 2013-2015, a founding Director of Judo Bank and has held various board appointments, including the Franchise Council of Australia, Deakin University Business School and Australian Property Institute. He has also owned and operated a number of small businesses, and knows first-hand the joys and challenges this involves.

The mission of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman is to help ensure Australia is the best place to start, grow and transform a small business and family enterprise. ASBFEO understands the challenges facing small and family business and provides advice and research to improve policies, access to dispute resolution services and mental health support should the need arise

Prof Novak has expertise in crisis and disaster risk leadership, strategic development, smart cities, resilience and adaptation. He is the Chief Investigator for the United Nations Resilient Scorecards and has worked extensively with SMEs, company boards, CEOs, Universities, Chief Ministers, Ambassadors, Mayors, and Governments at all levels worldwide.

As a Thought Leader in business education, I’ve owned 16 companies spanning 10+ industries. With over two decades of entrepreneurship, I guide entrepreneurs to create their ideal futures, especially female leaders. I’ve navigated business complexities, including rapid success and liquidation, and now share my experiences through ZEL People and Navig8 Biz, offering online programs and extensive content.

John has been involved with the service for many years, a local with a vast knowledge and experience. John enjoys working with people to identify options which lead to workable solutions; ones which clients take ownership for and are motivated to pursue.

Dr Carrington was the Australian Institute of Management Business Leader of the year in 2016 and a finalist in the Qld Philanthropist of the Year 2016, 2018 and 2019. He was the Harvard Club of Australia Fellow for 2013.

He has presented at over 1300 conferences throughout Australia, the UK, Middle East, USA, NZ and across Asia.

Nick Bell is an ex-Watch Commander, Fire & Rescue, with 33 years of operational experience responding to critical incidents. He has taken command of countless crisis & emergency events, including structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, gas leaks, truck accidents, cliff rescues, hazardous material spills, and large bushfires. He now owns and operates SDCA – www.sdca1.com.au

Nyree Johnson is an avid writer and published author. Outside of her writing life, Nyree is an award-winning small business owner and a dedicated community volunteer. Nyree also has a fulfilling career with Energy Queensland and lives in Rockhampton with her husband, Nathan, and their three children.

Within the wellness team, I provide early intervention wellbeing support. Along with being a registered counsellor, I’ve extensive background in business management consulting to SME’s as well as previously owning businesses. This facilitates understanding unique challenges facing business owners and the importance of connecting a healthy work, life balance.

I am a Small Business Financial Counsellor – assisting and supporting business owners in difficult times, identifying options to consider, enabling awareness of workable solutions, funding available and direction – empowering the business owner to take control and move forward.

Cryptoloc is an Australian company partnering its innovative technology with global titans like Microsoft to redefine data security. Empowering clients globally, Cryptoloc shifts the balance, allowing businesses to take back control from cyber criminals and reinstate rightful data ownership.

Eric, founder of SBAAS, leverages over two decades of corporate expertise to support small businesses. Known for crisis management and strategic growth, since 2019 SBAAS has become a lifeline for many. Committed to ethical leadership, Eric empowers organisations with knowledge, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.