Speaker biographies
Bryce Gaton
With over 17 years of experience with Electric Vehicles (EVs), Bryce Gaton from EV Choice Consulting will explain everything you need to know about choosing and charging an EV in Australia. Topics covered will include the transition and where it is at - both here and worldwide, EV technologies, EV charging along with current (and soon to come) Australian options for buying new and second-hand battery electric vehicles and reliable sources of information about them.
Dr. Ross Headifen
Ross is a mechanical engineer, environmental advocate, and co-founder of Biogone, a company specializing in landfill-biodegradable plastics. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, he has dedicated his career to developing sustainable solutions for plastic waste. His passion for environmental sustainability was sparked during a volunteer stint in Tanzania, leading him to establish BeachPatrol, one of Victoria's largest community litter collection groups. He also co-founded FieldTech Solutions, supplying eco-friendly products for the environmental industry. Through his businesses, advocacy, and writing, Dr. Headifen continues to drive innovative approaches to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.
Dr Kate Luckins
Kate is a sustainable living educator and author of Live More With Less; Upgrade your life without costing the Earth! She has a published MA of sustainable fashion and a PhD in sustainable living. Two decades ago, Kate created The Clothing Exchange and kickstarted a global clothes-swapping movement. She has appeared across all forms of media from the Financial Review to Mamamia. She’s spoken on stages around the globe including at the UN Headquarters in Nairobi, COP15 and Ted X. Kate has helped thousands of people ditch their eco-guilt and reduce consumerism and waste, via her educational platform Sustainable Lifestyle.
Erin Rhoads
Erin is a writer, speaker, educator and campaigner who activates community connection through everyday actions specific to reducing plastic and waste. She founded her blog, The Rogue Ginger, in 2013 quickly becoming a popular go-to resource for zero waste and sustainable living and authored two books Waste Not: Make a Big Difference by Throwing Away Less and Waste Not Everyday.
Adam Slater
Adam, commonly known as Adz, is the founder of Zero Plastics Australia. With a background in community activism and eco-conscious initiatives, Adz established Zero Plastic Australia with his wife Ashlee to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and provide practical solutions for individuals and businesses to minimize their plastic footprint. Through grassroots campaigns, educational programs, and policy advocacy, Adz has been instrumental in driving change towards a plastic-free future in Australia.
Kate Stitfold
Observing practises from product sourcing to waste management throughout hospitality, Kate put her mind to ways of reducing waste and cost saving in the process. Permaculture gave her the perspective she needed to work with businesses, community groups, individuals and government entities to challenge current approaches. She created Changing Waste Patterns, daring others to think about how waste is actually a resource waiting for a creative mind and action
Darren Thorpe
With nearly 40 years of experience in the recycling industry, Darren is the Managing Director of APR Group, a leading provider of innovative recycling solutions for paper, kerbside, and plastics in Australia. A passionate advocate for circularity, Darren is dedicated to transforming waste into a valuable resource, driving the shift towards a circular economy. Under his leadership, APR Group has been at the forefront of advanced recycling technologies, pioneering new ways to recover and repurpose materials that were once considered non-recyclable. Darren oversees the operations, sales, and strategy of the group’s four businesses—Australian Paper Recovery, APR Kerbside, and APR Plastics—ensuring that each contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future. His vision and expertise continue to shape the industry, reinforcing APR’s role as a national leader in recycling innovation.