Speakers

Peter Dummett

Following a 20 year career in the Royal Australian Navy, Peter settled in Darwin in 1997 and has been primarily engaged in management positions within the shipping industry. Peter spent six years with Swire Shipping as Business Development Manager for the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. During that time he was heavily involved in the development of the AustralAsia Trade route concept. Peter was also a member of the International Business Council during this period including 2 years as Deputy Chairperson. Following his time with Swire Shipping Peter joined Perkins Shipping as the Coastal Trades Manager and continued in this role following the acquisition of the business by Toll. Peter joined Darwin Port in 2011 and was initially responsible for trade development, including the cruise and defence sectors, property management and media and stakeholder liaison. Peter was appointed the Chief Executive officer at Darwin Port in September 2022 after acting in the position during the processing period. Peter currently serves on the boards of both the Ports Australia and Energy Club NT, continuing to contribute his extensive industry knowledge and leadership to the maritime sector.

Evan Tyrrell

Evan leads the unit responsible for delivering the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program, including the Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage project. With over 20 years of experience in the Northern Territory public sector, Evan has extensive and detailed knowledge of project development in the Territory, in particular, understanding the unique challenges we face. Evan has tertiary qualifications in management and has managed a range of government facilitated projects and programs such as the Northern Territory Legacy Mines Program. Evan has a passion for projects that can make a difference to the community with a focus on making sure Darwin has enough water for the future.

Stephen Land

Stephen Land is a banking and finance specialist with more than 20 years of experience, gained working both in Australia and internationally. Stephen previously worked for major banks as an advisor and arranger to raise project and corporate financing across diverse industries and markets, as well as active portfolio and risk management. His transaction experience covers financial advisory, structuring, and execution of project finance facilities, along with extensive business development across geographies, the development of customised structures to meet specific client needs, plus restructuring and distribution of assets.

Stuart Knowles

Stuart Knowles serves as the Territory Coordinator for the Northern Territory Government.
With a distinguished career spanning both private and public sectors, Stuart brings extensive executivelevel experience and deep local knowledge to this pioneering position, aimed at driving economic growth and streamlining complex project approvals in the Northern Territory.
Prior to his appointment as Territory Coordinator, Stuart held the position of General Manager for the Northern Territory at INPEX’s LNG project in Darwin, where he played a key role in overseeing one of the Territory’s most significant economic contributors. His tenure at INPEX, Japan’s largest oil and gas company, saw him lead efforts toward decarbonisation and manage regulatory compliance and approvals, cementing his reputation as a seasoned industry leader.
Before joining INPEX, Stuart worked with the NT Department of the Chief Minister, further grounding his understanding of the Territory’s governance and economic landscape.
His earlier career also included roles in the armed forces and transportation sectors, showcasing his versatility and leadership across diverse fields.
A long-time Territorian, Stuart has cultivated strong ties to the region, including serving as a director of the influential Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory.
His appointment as the inaugural Territory Coordinator reflects his ability to bridge industry and government, a critical asset in a role designed to enable private investment and enhance the NT’s economic competitiveness.
With a proven track record and a commitment to the Territory’s prosperity, Stuart stands as a pivotal figure in its ongoing economic transformation.

Mark Hepburn

Eileen Breen

Glen Hingley

Simone Saunders

Dr. Ellin Lede

Dr Ellin Lede is Chief Development Officer at Tivan Limited (ASX:TVN), a diversified critical minerals company headquartered in Darwin. Tivan is rapidly advancing a strategic portfolio from acquisition and discovery through to production across northern Australia and Timor-Leste, with major projects in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Ellin brings extensive northern Australian and international experience, including leading Fortescue Future Industries’ Office of Northern Australia and more than a decade in the UK, Europe and Southeast Asia as a Strategic, Project and Scientific Adviser to industry and government. A proud Territorian, Ellin was born and raised in the NT.

Jett Street

Jett is an executive leader with over 15 years’ private sector experience leading high impact, complex energy projects in Northern Australia. With 12 years at ConocoPhillips and Santos, and five with SunCable, she has a comprehensive energy industry background that includes LNG, offshore and onshore gas, large-scale renewables, and green fuels. She worked with global operators and small development companies, directing projects at all stages of the project lifecycle - from concept and operations to backfill and decommissioning. Jett’s expertise is with project strategy, government, commercial and corporate affairs, policy, complex agreements, communications and strategic engagement.

Daniel Johns

Daniel Johns was born and raised in the Northern Territory. Having completed his schooling in Darwin, he has been working in the Northern Territory Government for 10+ years, starting off his career in financial/contract management, with the last 5 years working within the homelands and remote sector. Daniel has a genuine passion for the advancement of our First Nation Peoples and all Territorians. Working within the Homelands space he believes he can assist with genuine change as well as help build the capacity of providers within this sector.

Andrew Giles

Andrew Giles is a Partner at HWLE Lawyers who's core areas of practice are all aspects of large-scale construction, infrastructure, real estate and development projects for the public and private sector. Possessing complementary tertiary qualifications in commerce (finance major), business experience and in-house experience, Andrew takes a strong commercial and practical approach to each matter which extends beyond traditional commercial advice. Andrew's experience has seen his appointment to the following positions (amongst others): President, Urban Development Institute of Australia (NT); National Cabinet, Urban Development Institute of Australia; Member, Housing Alliance (NT); Director, AANT Centre (formerly known as the Darwin Entertainment Centre); Audit and Risk Committee, Tiwi Land Council; and Committee Member, National Electronic Conveyancing Subcommittee, Law Council of Australia.

Drew Wagner

Drew is currently the CEO of UDIA NT, representing and promoting the land development and built form industry in the Northern Territory. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of the Minerals Council of Australia NT Division from 2012 to 2021, having moved to the Territory with his family from Queensland to lead the peak industry body for the Territory’s exploration, mining, and minerals processing industry.

Ruth Palmer

Ruth Palmer is the Northern Territory (NT) Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia, where she tirelessly represents the interests of members in the NT property sector. Holding a Master of Business degree and sitting on numerous boards, Ruth brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to her role. Within the NT’s business community, she is recognised as one of the most prominent and influential industry leaders. Skilled in leading effective and significant campaigns, Ruth has made a name for herself as an expert in membership-based organisations and as a strategic leader. She is renowned for her advocacy for public reporting, transparency, and accountability, actively holding the NT Government to account. As a long-term Territorian and a leader in the property sector, Ruth possesses a deep understanding of the strategic vision and growth prospects that will shape the NT’s appeal as an investment destination. She is responsible for engaging with all levels of government on issues related to investment, strategic growth, population, liveability, migration, housing, regulatory reform, and policy. Ruth’s leadership and dedication play a crucial role in the development and prosperity of the NT’s property sector.

Annie Taylor

Greg Midgley

Greg Midgley is a Partner at Clayton Utz, one of Australia's leading law firms. Greg heads up the firm's Major Projects team in Darwin, specialising in the structuring, funding and development of major infrastructure projects. Greg and his team are currently advising on some of the Northern Territory's and Australia's highest profile projects, including the Beetaloo Basin, the Territory Energy Link, the Darwin Energy Hub, Middle Arm, Inland Rail, North-East Link and Cross River Rail.