Speakers

Alan Chambers

Alan is the General Manager Infrastructure NT with the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure, leading the strategic planning, development and delivery of infrastructure needs across the Territory. With senior leadership experience across both government and the private sector, Alan has overseen major infrastructure development and delivery initiatives including the Darwin Energy Hub, the Bulk Liquid Storage Expansion at Port Botany and significant brownfield oil and gas maintenance and expansion programs across the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

Jimmy Kiploks

Ian Scrimgeour

Ian Scrimgeour has a PhD in geology from the University of Adelaide and has around 30 years experience in the Territory’s geoscience and resources sector, in government, industry and academia. Ian had led the Northern Territory Geological Survey since 2006 and is currently responsible for leading the Territory Government’s efforts to grow the exploration and mining sector through the Resourcing the Territory initiative.

Neil MacDonald

Neil MacDonald brings extensive leadership experience across private equity, investment banking, and government in Australia, Asia Pacific, and Europe. Neil is recognised for a thoughtful approach to navigating complex environments, building strong stakeholder relationships, and guiding business transformation. With a practical mindset and a focus on strategic thinking, analysis, and commercial negotiations, Neil aims to deliver value for shareholders. Before joining NAIF, Neil served as Chief Financial Officer of National Intermodal Corporation Limited, Head of Corporate Finance for Klesch Group, and Head of Project Finance, Asia Pacific at J.P. Morgan. Based in Cairns, Neil commenced the role in March 2026.

Nicole Battle

Nicole comes to Council from her most recent role as Chief Executive Officer of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria. Prior to this, Nicole spent over twelve years working across various local governments including Wyndham City, Hobsons Bay and Moonee Valley City Councils, holding senior roles in Youth Services, Community Development, Communications & Marketing and Governance. With an undergraduate degree in Social Work, Nicole has also held a number of roles within the not-for-profit sector, with a strong focus on community support and development, and has extensive experience working alongside refugees, asylum seekers and survivors of gender-based violence. In addition, Nicole holds a master’s degree in public policy & management and is currently undertaking a PhD in community governance. Nicole is committed to the empowerment of local people and communities and to ensuring that all residents have access to the programs and services required to create a preferred future for themselves and their families.

Ryan Akers

Ryan brings 15 years of experience across asset management, reliability engineering, and project delivery, with a strong background in the mining, civil construction, and maritime industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Charles Darwin University providing a strong technical foundation in complex infrastructure systems, asset performance, and engineering operations. Before joining Darwin Port, Ryan spent more than a decade building specialist expertise in heavy asset lifecycle management, reliability improvement, and operational efficiency across demanding, high-stakes environments. His experience spans Reliability Centred Maintenance, whole-of-life asset strategies, capital planning, procurement, and data-driven decision-making, consistently delivering reduced downtime, extended asset life and cost efficiencies across large mobile fleets, fixed infrastructure, and marine systems. Ryan joined Darwin Port in 2022 as Senior Manager Maintenance & Engineering, where he led the end-to-end management of critical port infrastructure assets. In 2026, he was promoted to General Manager, Strategy & Growth. In this role, Ryan provides executive leadership across strategic planning, trade growth, asset management, capital investment, and sustainability, supporting Darwin Port’s long-term development as Northern Australia’s premier trade gateway.

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.

Mel Forbes

Melanie Forbes is a regional development professional with extensive experience across tourism, community development, stakeholder engagement and strategic marketing in remote and regional Australia. As General Manager of the Outback Highway Development Council, she has played a leading role in the delivery of the Outback Way and the broader economic and social opportunities connected to the project. Her background spans regional tourism publishing and promotion, regional activation, partnership development and community engagement, with a strong focus on creating collaborative outcomes that benefit regional communities, industry and visitors alike. Responsible for the concept and project management of the Outdoor Billboard Gallery in the Northern Territory, an innovative public art initiative showcasing large-scale contemporary artworks along 110kms of the Plenty Highway NT.

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 executive level 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.

Romy Carey

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.

Stewart Forrest

Stewart Forrest is Head of Northern Territory and Indigenous Affairs & Northern Territory Manager for Arafura Rare Earths. He has over 25 years experience constructing Major Projects across Australia as a Contractor, General Manager and Director. He has been involved in major civil infrastructure projects across Resources, Road, Rail, Water & Utility Scale Renewable Energies.

Simone Saunders

Simone Saunders was appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of City of Darwin in July 2022. Prior to taking up the role of Interim CEO in February 2022, Simone held the role of Chief Financial Officer (General Manager Corporate) since August 2020. Prior to joining City of Darwin, Simone held roles with responsibility for broad corporate and commercial business areas both domestically and internationally. This includes 12 years with NT-based airline, Airnorth, where she initially commenced as their Chief Financial Officer and transitioned to the CEO role at the airline in 2010. With more than 25 years’ professional experience in both the public and private sectors, Simone is an innovative, versatile and passionate leader, with experience in the management and transformation of complex financial and commercial operations and systems. Driven by strategic leadership and organisational collaboration, Simone has played a key role in enhancing outcomes for teams, customers and the community. Simone holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University and is a Chartered Accountant. She is a member of AICD, Charles Darwin University (CDU) Council and Chair of the CDU Audit Risk and Compliance Committee.

Annie Taylor

Annie Taylor is the Chief Executive Officer of NT Shelter, the Northern Territory’s peak body for social and affordable housing and homelessness. In this role, she works with all levels of government, housing providers, community organisations and the broader community to drive practical, evidence-informed solutions that improve access to appropriate, accessible, and affordable housing for all Territorians. Having led NT Shelter’s work in Central Australia from 2021-2024, Annie played a key role in supporting the sector through unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and has been a strong advocate for place-based responses. Annie also serves on the Executive Committee of National Shelter, Australia’s national housing peak. With a collaborative and outcomes-focused leadership style, Annie champions needs-based investment, strong partnerships and long-term planning to close the Northern Territory’s housing gap.