Program

We are delighted to present a two-day program which we hope sparks thought and discussion about the future of our region.

Please note: The South West Focus Conference Agenda may be subject to change.

8:15 AM  –  9:00 AM
Registration

9:00 AM  –  9:02 AM
MC introduction
Speaker introduction
Speaker: Ron Tait

9:02 AM 
Welcome to Country
Recognition of the traditional owners and the past and present elders
Speaker: Dennis Jetta

9:07 AM  –  9:10 AM
Housekeeping and technology
Conference administration
Speaker: Ron Tait

9:10 AM  –  9:15 AM
Introduction to Launch of conference
Host for first session and speaker introduction: Stuart Hicks

9:15 AM  –  9:35 AM
Future Plans – The South West Regional Blueprint
Launch of the South West Regional Blueprint
Speaker: Terry Redman

9:35 AM  –  10:20 AM
Future economic environment
How you can take advantage of the latest economic trends

This session will focus on the Australian and South West economic environment, latest trends for Asia and Western Australia, and what will happen next.
Speaker: Michael Pascoe

10:20 AM  –  10:45 AM
Morning coffee break

10:45 AM  –  10:50 AM
Session introduction – The South West’s future opportunities
Speaker: Ray MacMillan

10:50 AM  –  11:15 AM
Future infrastructure
Focus on infrastructure

This session will take a look at how infrastructure projects will be delivered in the future, and what role Government and the private industry have to play.
Speakers: Nicole Lockwood

11:15 AM  –  11:40 AM
Future agriculture
A priority growth industry for the South West

This session will examine the South West’s agriculture sector, and provide an update on Seizing the Opportunity initiatives. Attendees will also hear about key opportunities and what issues the South West has and the role of government.
Speaker: Neil Guise

11:40 AM  –  12:25 PM
Future business with a focus on Tourism
Focus on tourism

This session will focus on how industry and business is changing with technology, what it means for the South West, and where the new opportunities will be. The presentation will also focus on the priority growth industry of tourism in the South West and how the industry will meet the State’s plans and achieve tourism targets for the region.
Speaker: David Chalke

12:25 PM  –  1:00 PM
Future Technology
Focus on Technology

Digital technology is providing the basis for a different world. Increased use of digital technology will see it embedded in the way we work and live instead of now being a supplement to our lives. Dr Bradlow will explore this increased use of digital technology and how it will transform the way we live and how we can get more out of everything we use.
Speaker: Hugh Bradlow

1:00 PM  –  1:50 PM
Lunch

1:25 PM  –  1:40 PM
Lunch address – CalEnergy Resources (Australia) Ltd
Speaker: Travis Enman

1:50 PM  –  1:55 PM
Session introduction – Engaging in the future

1:55 PM  –  2:40 PM
The future – What is next?
Talking about change

This session will take a look at where we are going, what will happen next, and how technology is changing our lives, our communities, and the way we work.
Speaker: Gihan Perera

2:40 PM – 3:00 PM
Move to concurrent sessions
Afternoon tea and coffee available

DAY ONE – CONCURRENT AND INTERACTIVE SESSIONS

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The emergent creative sector – An emerging industry
A panel will discuss a number of key points, including:
Supporting investment opportunities
Film – traditional
Creative hub development
Film – Expansion to CGI / digital media
The South West Digital StrategyPanel and discussion session
This session will focus on the new emerging creative industries in the South West − What they are, the current position and the growth opportunities. It will include case studies and have experts from the industry sector on the panel.

Facilitator: Mat Lewis
Speakers: Sue Taylor, Andrew Frazer, Noah Shilkin

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Agriculture’s big comeback – Resurgent Industries
A panel will discuss:
Agribusiness
Seizing the Opportunity initiative
Exploring regional opportunities
High value / premium quality / niche products
Premium producers of the South WestPanel and discussion session
This session will focus on a key existing South West industry that has potential to really grow and provide new employment into the South West. It will examine the new projects and how to take advantage of the opportunities in Asia. It will include case studies and have key experts from the industry sector on the panel.

Facilitator: Simon Taylor
Speakers: Wayne Shaw, Pennie Patane, Jennie Franceschi, Craig Kestel

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Value adding our resources
A panel will discuss
Mining case study
Innovation in industry
Where to with our energy resources
The community licence
Local procurementPanel and discussion session
This session will focus on a key existing industry that has been fundamental to the wealth of our community, what changes are on the horizon and its future, and what will allow it to grow. It will include case studies and have key experts from the industry sector on the panel.

Facilitator: Garry Green
Speakers: Andrew Winter, Steve Forrest, Peter Youngs, Pat Scallan

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Preparing for a growing population − Building great new communities
A panel will discuss:
Affordable housing: Engaging with builders, land developers and home ownership schemes
Building for lifestyles rather than to a plan what the Boomers want
Creating a new city
Developing opportunities in recreation and sportPanel and Discussion session
This session will focus on our communities as the population continues to grow, and what we need to do to increase partnerships, improve the buildings and landscapes and ensure our lifestyle improves. It will include case studies and have experts from the industry sector on the panel.

Facilitator: Charles Jenkinson
Speakers: Kevin McDonald, Brod Meredith, Troy Jones, Michel Greenhalgh

5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Conference sundowner
Sponsors Southern Forests Food Council will present gourmet produce and fine wines prepared by students of the South West Institute of Technology.

Venue: Koombana Bay Sailing Club, Lot 440 Koombana Drive, Bunbury WA 6230

DAY TWO – PLENARY SESSIONS

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Registration

8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
What Does Business Say
An overview of the two most current Business Surveys conducted in the Region. Business in Regions 2014 Survey and South West Business Survey 2015.
Speaker: Patrick Warrand

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
AusIndustry and Business Assistance
What Business Assistance is there and how does it work
Speaker: Madi Signa

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Austrade in the Global Village
Austrade State Director will outline the current status of Exporting from Australia including the opportunities with the new Free trade agreements.
Speaker: Michael Carter

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Transforming the South West
What is behind the Blueprint and how did it come about? What is it’s significance and what happens next?

Speakers: Don Punch, Stuart Hicks, Duncan Anderson, Charles Jenkinson
Facilitator: Ron Tait

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Morning tea

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Investment climate
What is the investment appetite for the South West. Investment Options in South West.
Speaker: John Grohovaz

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Public-private partnership
How does Landcorp look at the developments. What is next and how does private investment get involved.
Speaker: Matthew Whyte, Regional Manager Landcorp

Day Two Workshop Sessions

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Industry investment − Focus on tourism

11.30am – 12.30pm
Presentation by Jessica Quinlan, Senior Sales Executive – Destination Marketing, TripAdvisor ‘Improving the quality of visitor experiences by providing quality and memorable experiences’. Through understanding user ranking, ratings and reviews, businesses can adapt and fine tune products to meet and exceed market/consumer needs and deliver high quality and enriching experiences

12.30pm – 1.00pm
Panel session on “What will set the region apart in the coming years?” This information will feed into the Regional Tourism Strategy “Tourism Futures South West”

Facilitator:David Kerr
Speakers: Jessica Quinlan, Pip Close, Dee Smith, Simon Glossop,Mark Exeter

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Taking advantage of the opportunities in Asia − Focus on exporting
Topics will include:
Bunbury-Jiaxing Business Office – trips overseas, learning and growing
Export infrastructure
Case study
Inbound buyer events
Encouraging engagement
An example of success
How do we use events

Speakers: Michael Carter, Mat Lewis, Simon Taylor

1:00 PM Workshop outcome − The ideas on growing exports, what does industry need to do to increase exports

11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Local Government − economic development and grants workshop
Topics will include:
Economic development 101
Understanding what can be achieved
Economic strategies − Canada
The regional approach
Case study
Royalties/State opportunities
NSRF priorities
Assessor’s Perspective
Grants − do’s and don’ts

Facilitator: Charles Jenkinson
Speakers: Jay Hardison, Jon Berry, Colleen Yates, David Willcox, Amanda Taylor, Charles Jenkinson, Pearl Craig

Please note that this session will be held at :- 10th Floor, Bunbury Tower, 61 Victoria Street, Bunbury WA 6230

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch – Local Government workshop only