Dr. Andrew Brookes is a consultant who has researched and published extensively on case-based prevention of death and serious injury in guided outdoor activities. His previous roles include research intensive Associate Professor and Head of School in Outdoor and Environmental Education at La Trobe University. He has prepared expert witness reports for plaintiff law firms in Victoria, NSW, and Tasmania including several in which the plaintiff suffered serious injuries, mainly spinal, on MTB trails. Ph. D., M. Ed., B. Ed., Dip. Ed., B. Sc. (Physics).

Currently employed as the Coordinator of Outdoor Education at The Scots College - Glengarry, Andrew uses adventurous activities to build boys into well-rounded young men, who care for the environment, themselves and others, are grateful for the opportunities they have in life, and are resilient to the challenges they will face.

Bianca is a Senior Manager of Planning and Projects within the Open Space team at the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. In her current role she oversees the management of projects to create new and embellished public open spaces and leads the development of open space planning documents such as the Adventurous Spaces guide. Bianca is a landscape and urban designer with over 20 years’ experience in the fields of open space planning, landscape architecture, urban design, asset management and project management. She has broad experience across both the public and private sectors.

Carl has crafted award-winning brand, marketing and destination strategies. His clients have included a wide range of places and organisations from the United Nations and PNG to NSW NPWS, Botanic Gardens of Sydney and Greater Port Macquarie. From marketing signature experiences such as Finch Hatton MTB in Mackay and Mogo Trails in Eurobodalla, to creating a brand that radiates the values and pride of Kiribati, a Pacific island nation.

Over the past decade, Chris has worked as a Senior Associate with TRC Tourism predominantly on tourism destination development and across a variety of trail feasibility assessments and business cases. The destinations include the soon to be constructed word class Warburton MTB Destination, the G7 in Gippsland (where Chris lives), Omeo MTB Destination and he is currently working with Tablelands Regional Council in Queensland on a business case and feasibility study to double the size of the existing Atherton Forest MTB Park.

Chris brings experience from his 3 decades in public land management (including leading Parks Victoria as CEO) and tourism destination management including risk management, governance and developing a deep understanding of the markets that you are seeking to develop and their needs. Chris is highly skilled at developing partnerships for success across the sector and has helped several destinations win grant funds through the engagement he has supported and often led.

Chris is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a practicing Director on several Boards and is a Graduate of the Williamson Community Leadership program and has a Degree in Forest Science.

Claire McDonnell is the founder of Dirt Maidens and an experienced mountain bike rider and coach. Claire is a registered nurse, who also spent many years teaching outdoor education, where her love of mountain biking came to the fore. Claire has raced cross-country and instructed mountain biking with school groups since 2008. On return from a summer of mountain biking in Canada, Claire began teaching women’s clinics and initiated the Dirt Maidens Challenge, a women's mountain biking event that ran from 2013-2016. 

Dan Waters is an Engagement Advisor at HumanAbility. He has over 25 years’ experience in sport, recreation and higher education environments. Hear about the work HumanAbility will soon begin in reviewing the Qualifications in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership.

Greg is a dynamic individual drawing from a wide range of practical experience gained in previous years working within the Equine and Adventure Industry.
After completing a Bachelor of Science from Monash University, Greg moved into the Insurance Industry and utilising his experience in the Equine and Adventure Industry.
A Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker and Senior Associate with ANZIIF, Greg is also a qualified and accredited Horse Instructor with Horse Safety Australia, and qualified Ski Patroller and involved with various NFP's. Greg also has also participated in a range of leadership courses and has a wide range of leadership experience, working together people from a wide range of ages and demographics.

Jake Hannah has 15 years experience as a volunteer trail builder, advocate and co-ordinator. He has served as Secretary and President of the West Australian Mountain Bike Association and Convener of the Majura Pines Trail Alliance. He has a passion for data led advocacy and accessible trails for all, drawing on experiences of a lifetime of cycling all over the world.

As the Head of Summit for Sea Otter, Joe combines his passion for the Bike Economy and Regional Development as a JV Partner of Rocky Trail Destination, helping destinations across Australia to understand, embrace and sustain visitation from a wide variety of active and eco-tourism seekers. Joe is the Chair of Offroad for the Auscycling History and Heritage committee, maintains several committee positions with local cycling clubs, volunteers as a mechanic for annual charity rides through regional Australia, is a Commissaire and MTB Technical Delegate, a committee member of the Australian Sports Diplomacy network and is one of the founders of the Australian Museum of MTB.

John is now approaching 20 years in local government. He worked in highly urbanised and high profile areas in Sydney prior to relocating to the far south coast with this family in 2014.

Prior to working in local government he worked in commercial landscape construction for over 10 years and was involved in major open space projects throughout SE Queensland, New Zealand and China.

He has broad experience in the design, development and management of public open space and its importance and value to communities.

Joel is from Bishop Druitt College.

Kevin Silvy is the owner and managing director of 5 Star Training & Consulting.

Kevin’s qualifications include; Masters in Exercise Science | Graduate Diploma in Vocational Education & Training | Diploma of Outdoor Recreation

Kevin has many interests in the outdoors, including mountain biking and back country skiing.

Liz Ballantyne is the General Manager for the content marketing agency Media Mortar, where she works with her team to helps regional councils and tourism businesses connect with their audience. Media Mortar supports many tourism brands to promote visitation in region, including destinations that specialise in mountain biking such as Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Somerset (Brisbane Valley Rail Trail) and Western Downs. Prior to working at Media Mortar, Liz worked both inhouse and agency, helping craft strategic solutions for renowned brands like Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Brisbane Airport Corporation and Guide Dogs. At the end of the day, no matter your brand, budget or audience, Liz believes the key to success lies in telling (and selling) your story!

Matt Harrison is a leading expert in Safety Leadership and risk mitigation with over 35 years of experience in the security and safety industries. As the Group CEO and founder of Australian Frontline Solutions (AFS), he has worked extensively with public and private sectors, advising sporting bodies, event agencies, corporate entities, and government organisations on safety protocols and risk management.

Known for his practical, results-driven approach, Matt frequently provides expert commentary on best practices in event safety. His experience spans a broad range of events, from sports and recreation to high-profile government projects, ensuring safety while maintaining operational continuity.

Matt holds multiple qualifications, including Diplomas in Government Investigations, Security & Risk Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. He is also a qualified trainer in first aid, fire safety, and incident management. His real-world expertise and hands-on leadership make him a trusted authority in balancing safety with the successful delivery of events and operations.

Mic has a long history in Mountain Biking,  started racing in 1989 and has competed in every type of event including XC,DH, 4X, Enduro and Trials, with a number of podiums at State and National level across multiple disciplines. He was coaching coordinator for the local club  for 6 years and ran all of their coaching during that time. 

He founded DM in 2011, and has Cert IV Personal Trainer, Cert IV Trainer Assessor, MTBA Level 1 MTB Coach, UCI Level 2 MTB Coach, PMBI MTB Instructor level 1 and 2 and I was the first PMBI Instructor Trainer in Australia. With these qualifications and spending around 1000 hours a year face to face instructing all levels from beginner to elite, adults and junior, makes him one of the broadest qualified and most experienced MTB Instructors and Coaches in Australia.

Natalie is a nonprofit trainer and consultant. Her focus is to create maximum value and impact by providing community leaders with practical skills and knowledge so they in turn can positively impact the communities they serve. She has experienced first-hand the difference it makes when people are given access to education.

Whilst operating her own consultancy business for the last 10 years, Natalie has had the pleasure of working with non-profits, social enterprises, businesses and government agencies. As a result, organisations are working better with less, increasing their impact and improving their sustainability. Boards, entrepreneurs, volunteers and staff have increased their capacity to lead and govern, raise more funds, make better informed decisions and improve their outcomes.

Nick Emerson is a Senior Lecturer and the Associate Head of School of Product Design at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. He specialises in using computer-based methods to tackle complex design challenges across a whole range of industries, working collaboratively with clients and applying innovative approaches to create detailed design solutions. Nick is passionate about engaging with project stakeholders and enjoys the complexity of balancing the priorities of diverse user groups. A lifelong cyclist, he has always been eager to integrate his love for sports into his professional work, striving to include as much sports equipment design as possible within his roles. This bicycle obsession extends well beyond academia, as he continuously seeks ways to merge his interests with practical design application, ensuring his work remains impactful and relevant. Nick joins the symposium to discuss the role of academic researchers in the design, build, and use of mountain bike parks.

Nick Hannan is the Executive General Manager of Government Strategy at AusCycling, the national sporting organisation for all forms of cycling in Australia. Nick, who trained as a lawyer, joined AusCycling after performing senior roles in the federal government and in the private sector where he specialised in ministerial advice and advocacy across a range of areas including financial services, regional infrastructure and the needs of regional and remote communities.

Among other things, Nick is responsible for AusCycling’s infrastructure policy which seeks to ensure every Australian community has access to great and safe places to ride. Nick lives in Canberra and is an active member of his local MTB club where he aspires to be fast enough to win a C grade race one day.

Nikki is the founder of Mountain Biking Ladies Australia, an online and real-world community now connecting over 4K female riders across Australia. Events promoter, tour organiser, industry networker, content creator and ultimate cheer squad, with a background in Sports Coaching & Behavioural Science, a firm advocate of empowering more women on bikes. Nikki is constantly pushing limits and finding new approaches to expand the bike industry by supporting both riders and stakeholders.  

Paul, Owner operator of MTB First Aid, is a Nurse Educator/Clinical Nurse Specialist with clinical nursing expertise in Anaesthetics’ and Recovery Room + Neurosurgical Intensive Care.

Passionate First Aid Educator for over 20 yrs, he has a strong affiliation to simulation education and adult learning principles that are embedded into his course delivery.

Paul is, at best, a semi-competent mountain biker, who believes the sharing of First Aid knowledge is for everyone - “because at some stage, someone will need to take care of me!!”

Located on Sydney Northern Beaches and a member of Garigal Gorilla’s MTB Club, he has been delivering MTB First Aid Courses for the 4yrs to like-minded MTBer’s in environments in which they ride.

“MTB First Aid – First Aid for Mountain Bikers everywhere”

Peter Bourke has had extensive experience in the sports management and community engagement sectors for almost 20 years.

Spending several years in management positions with the YMCA across Australia, Peter took on management roles within indigenous sport and community education, before moving to management of community engagement and development within a government sector organisation.

During that time, Peter filled a number of roles in Africa, America and Asia.

Peter is currently the executive officer with WeRide Australia in its daily activities along with heading the national peak body for the industry, Bicycle Industries Australia

Peter Marshall is Club President, Cycle Tumbarumba Incorporated. Member of the Mt Tumbarumba Project committee.

Samantha Palmer is general manager, Australian Trade and Investment Commission. She was previously the general manager, governance, people and culture at the ABS. Samantha has more than 20 years in senior roles in the commonwealth and Queensland governments, has worked in the private, university and community sectors and run her own successful business.

Samantha has worked in areas as diverse as fair trading, child support, Indigenous health, road safety, therapeutic goods regulation, housing and environmental protection across corporate, program and policy senior leadership positions (including 10 years as a Commonwealth Division Head), with responsibility for annual budgets up to $1.2b. Samantha was one of the 2013 AFR/Westpac 100 Women of Influence, 2013 Australian Human Resource Institute Diversity Champion of the Year (HR), and as an IPAA ACT Councillor, represents the Division on the National Executive. She is also a member of the Board of the Australian (Employers) Network on Disability.

Stan Soroka is a founding team member and has dedicated over 2000 hours, from concept to completion, on behalf of the Eden MTB network, now known as Gravity Eden. Having two businesses in town suffer from the downturn of the local timber and fishing industries, together with the impacts of the bushfires and Covid which decimated summer trade three years running, he recognised it was vital to investigate & pursue avenues for improving out-of-season business viability.

Stan has a long background in project management, through many years

working for the international food processor, H.J. Heinz Co., followed by his

own consulting business. One such project was the establishment of Pelagic Fish Processors in Eden which employed 22 full time staff and processed 2000 MT of fish per year for various markets in Australia. 

Having a background in managing large projects meant the MTB project was very exciting to be involved with, especially as it also combined with his lifelong personal passion for participating in various adventure sports.

Tanya is a Planning Officer with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).  With many years of experience in both environmental management and mountain biking, Tanya brings a unique perspective to sustainable trail development within NSW parks. Her role includes considering the views of cycling and other stakeholders within the NPWS statutory planning and policy framework. Previous to working with NPWS, Tanya was Environment Manager for a NSW ski resort and worked extensively as a stakeholder with NPWS on planning and development matters. Tanya lives in Jindabyne in the NSW Snowy Mountains where she enjoys mountain biking and skiing. She takes a keen interest in statewide planning projects relevant to cycling within her team. 

Todd Wright is a marketing expert and the Founder and Director of Threesides. Todd’s strengths lie in business development and digital marketing, including an undeniable talent for training and facilitation. 

He uses his exceptional communication skills to be an inspiring and educational presenter and at last count, he has presented over 500 workshops to over 8000 participants.

With a passion for creative thinking and innovative marketing and PR, we are all lucky Todd chose to use his marketing for good and not for evil.  He is never short of a good idea, big or small – and creates a trail of marketing goodness wherever he goes. 

When Todd isn’t making marketing look easy or directing the Threesides ship, he is researching Visitor Information Centres he can travel to and even finds time to volunteer for Menslink.

Tracey Croke is an award-winning freelance journalist and feature writer who covers, travel, adventure, sports and events for The Guardian, BBC and a wide range of adventure and lifestyle publications. She specialises in gallivanting on her mountain bike and is a world-class expert in following whims and getting lost. Tracey is also a contributing author to Ride: Cycle The World (DK Penguin Random House). According to ChatGPT, she has authored three books, but that’s codswallop. 

Accolades include: 2024 Kennedy Award Winner for Excellence in Journalism (outstanding travel writing category). Winner of 2020 Best International Story at the Australian Travel Writers’ Awards. She also won Best Adventure Story twice (2020 and 2017). Her photo essay, “A Portrait to Keep” was featured at The Walkley’s Storyology Slide Night – part of Sydney’s Head On Photo Festival.

Yully has been active in the trail industry since 2004, contributing to the design and construction of mountain bike and walking trail networks across Australia and various international locations, including New Zealand, Norway, Canada, and Fiji. With a background as a cyclist, mountain bike rider, and adventurer, Yully has gained a deep understanding of trail user experiences worldwide. In 2018, Yully founded Creativelines Pty Ltd to develop a stable career platform within the trail industry that educates both its employees and the public on environmental practices and respect for natural environments. With a mission and vision to create experiences that highlight the life-inspiring power of nature-based activities, barefoot or otherwise. 

Bios coming soon