BeefEx Speakers & Presenters
![Peter Van Oneselen.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_4eaf9e9f27914aeb86ac1352ed6a032e~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_382,w_2823,h_3241/fill/w_69,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Peter%20Van%20Oneselen.jpg)
Peter van Onselen
Australian academic & political commentator
‘PVO’ as he’s affectionately known as in media circles, is an Australian academic, author and political commentator. Peter has hosted several programs on Sky News, and previously co-host of Channel 10’s The Project.
![ralph.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_4b67b16a5e264eecafc26b77e2154b37~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_204,w_2823,h_3240/fill/w_69,h_79,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/ralph.jpg)
Ralph Schoellhammer
Economist & political theorist
An economist and political theorist at Webster University Vienna and MCC Budapest, specializes in the intersection of political philosophy and energy policies. His work explores how cultural convictions influence policy outcomes, particularly regarding energy, industry, and agriculture, addressing what he sees as a cultural self-hate in the West.
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See Ralph's work HERE
![Beefex speakers_Joe Kerns.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_ee32686db3b5486990d06d59b79f5e0b~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_382,w_2823,h_3241/fill/w_69,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Beefex%20speakers_Joe%20Kerns.jpg)
Joe Kerns
President - EverAg Livestock division
With nearly 40 years in agricultural operations, he supports clients in risk management, commodity management, livestock and grain marketing, and procurement. Formerly directing risk management for ADM, Premium Standard Farms, Continental Grain, and Iowa Select Farms, he now leads a team assisting clients with technical risk management.
![Beefex speakers_Charlie Arnot.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_2ec04c6ab262442a90b7498d7bd6c608~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_13,w_478,h_549/fill/w_69,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Beefex%20speakers_Charlie%20Arnot.jpg)
Charlie Arnot
CEO
Center for Food Integrity
Charlie Arnot is recognized as a thought leader in food and agriculture. He is highly regarded as both a writer and sought-after speaker who engages audiences across the globe. Charlie has more than 25 years of experience working in communications, PR and issues management within the food system. He is the founder and president of Look East, an employee-owned consulting firm and the CEO of the Center for Food Integrity.
![Beefex speakers_web_0014_Andrew Dyer.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_031512e9edd841c68cf69a01d6b8bcd9~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_2823,h_3240/fill/w_69,h_79,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Beefex%20speakers_web_0014_Andrew%20Dyer.jpg)
Andrew Dyer
Professor - Monash University
Andrew Dyer, a Professorial Fellow at Monash University, is an experienced chairman, executive, director, and consultant. He was the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner for nine years and led the widely adopted Community Engagement Review. His governance roles span various industries, and he continues to advise organizations on strategic matters.
![de Crespigny_ Richard.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_b26d3a7c301147128f377bd7a8d222cf~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_66,w_2823,h_3240/fill/w_69,h_79,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/de%20Crespigny_%20Richard.jpg)
Captain Richard de Crespigny
Former Pilot & motivational speaker
Richard de Crespigny, Melbourne native and former RAAF and Qantas pilot, faced a critical moment in 2010 aboard flight QF32 when an engine exploded mid-air. His leadership ensured a safe landing in Singapore. His autobiography "QF32" recounts the incident and won awards, while he was honored with the Order of Australia in 2016.
![Beefex speakers_web_0015_alex thomas.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_13c15d5e78664a398c174d4adb822ed1~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_308,w_2823,h_3388/fill/w_66,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Beefex%20speakers_web_0015_alex%20thomas.jpg)
Alex Thomas
Founder & Spokesperson
#PlantASeedForSafety
Alex, Chief Planter of Seeds for #PlantASeedForSafety, is a speaker, facilitator, and consultant with 18+ years in work health and safety. She’s a national winner of the 2020 Syngenta Growth Awards and 2018 AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year (SA). Alex advocates for practical, people-focused safety solutions.
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![Melissa George Head Shot.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_b9d4d207c91d4621ad96325c56227077~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_382,w_2823,h_3241/fill/w_69,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Melissa%20George%20Head%20Shot.jpg)
Dr Melissa George
Consulting Veterinarian and Research Scientist
Bovine Dynamics
Dr. Melissa George, a veterinary parasitologist with expertise in meat science and veterinary infectious diseases, serves as a field veterinarian and research scientist for Bovine Dynamics. With a PhD from the University of Georgia, she specializes in delivering data-driven solutions for Australia's cattle industry, also managing Eskdale Cattle Pty Ltd.
![matt Van der Saag.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_805017bbeb254695a235cb2fbb729580~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_382,w_2823,h_3241/fill/w_69,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/matt%20Van%20der%20Saag.jpg)
Dr Matt van der Saag
Project Manager in Feedlot and Sustainability - Meat & Livestock Australia
Matt aims to deliver R&D outcomes meeting the Australian Lot Feeding Industry's needs. With a background in animal science and postgraduate qualifications in animal health, he has diverse experience across government, university, and commercial sectors, specializing in sustainability, animal health and welfare, and productivity initiatives within the feedlot program.
![Nick Abrahams.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_99768923aafb44f294bfde60c9cb0a6e~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_382,w_2823,h_3241/fill/w_69,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Nick%20Abrahams.jpg)
Nick Abrahams
Futurist & Global Head of Digital Transformation - Norton Rose Fulbright
Nick, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright for over 20 years, leads global technology and innovation. He co-created an AI-enabled privacy chatbot, won the FT Asia Innovator of the Year Award, and co-founded LawPath. Nick serves on boards, hosts Web3 Goes Mainstream, authored best-sellers, and teaches AI at Bond University.
![Beefex speakers_web_0013_Ben Ikin.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_ddf298ec5f704e04beeffa66c2b93691~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_82,w_2823,h_3240/fill/w_69,h_79,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Beefex%20speakers_web_0013_Ben%20Ikin.jpg)
Ben Ikin
CEO - QLD Rugby League
Ben Ikin is a former professional rugby league player who is now CEO of the Queensland Rugby League. He was previously Head of Football at the Brisbane Broncos and host of NRL 360 on Fox Sports. Ben played 150 first grade games for the Gold Coast Seagulls, North Sydney Bears and Brisbane Broncos. He also played 17 state of origin games for QLD and 2 test matches for Australia.
![Beefex speakers_web_0007_Lisa Sharp - Stockyard Group.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_90b2a478b37c46ea9ec474c91087a385~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_2823,h_3240/fill/w_69,h_79,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Beefex%20speakers_web_0007_Lisa%20Sharp%20-%20Stockyard%20Group.jpg)
Lisa Sharp
CEO - Stockyard Group
Lisa joined Stockyard as a Non-Executive Director in 2021, became part of the Executive in April 2023, and was appointed CEO in January 2024. She has led Herefords Australia and served as CMO of Meat and Livestock Australia. Lisa's background includes leadership roles at Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, Uncle Tobys, and PZ Cussons.
![Sally Rigney.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_4bc0b8182eef4d20a7e7ea5e572943fb~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_382,w_2823,h_3241/fill/w_69,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Sally%20Rigney.jpg)
Sally Rigney
Rigney Rural
Sally Rigney, formerly Sally Nicol, enjoyed a decade-long career with ABC Radio before embracing storytelling on her Nindigully property in southwest Queensland. Named Greater Downs Woman in Business of the Year in 2021, she leads Rigney Rural, prioritizing a talented and loyal workforce, defining success as finding and enjoying one's place.
![Beefex speakers_web_0009_Howard-Parry-Husbands.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_23a4399c870548308ea236462f27fdfc~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_382,w_2823,h_3241/fill/w_69,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Beefex%20speakers_web_0009_Howard-Parry-Husbands.jpg)
Howard Parry-Husbands
CEO - Pollinate
Howard Perry-Husbands is the founder and CEO of Pollinate, an award-winning Australian research consultancy. With 15+ years tracking consumer attitudes on the environment and red meat production, he’s also a board member of Planet Ark. Currently studying a Masters of Environment at ANU, Howard is passionate about sustainability and effective communication.
![Beefex speakers_web_0010_Brand Ambassador - Gary Johnson-1.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_3882ba4c7d7d4faa9617392d48e97ef1~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_15,w_2823,h_3240/fill/w_69,h_79,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Beefex%20speakers_web_0010_Brand%20Ambassador%20-%20Gary%20Johnson-1.jpg)
Gary Johnson
Exec Chef - Endeavour Group
Gary Johnson is an award-winning chef with over 40 years of international culinary experience. Returning to Australia in 2004, he served as Executive Chef for Hilton, managing 70 chefs and a $22 million budget. Currently, as Group Executive with Endeavor Group, he develops food strategy and culinary direction.
![Beefex speakers_web_0008_Joel Giacomantonio.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_351bb1c2e934411b9d227d0dc2468b16~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_382,w_2823,h_3241/fill/w_69,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Beefex%20speakers_web_0008_Joel%20Giacomantonio.jpg)
Joel Giacomantonio
GM - Super Butcher
Joel Giacomantonio began as a clean-up kid at Super Butcher and is now the General Manager of Queensland's premier meat retailer. Under his leadership, Super Butcher offers Australia’s best quality beef, featuring up to 20 brands and serving 500,000 families in 2023. With nine stores and a strong online presence, Joel's vision and dedication have made Super Butcher a community cornerstone and top local employer.
![Beefex speakers_web_0011_Sarah Meale.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_2884df02c9fb4b7faf81bc79f285ae7d~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_382,w_2823,h_3241/fill/w_69,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/Beefex%20speakers_web_0011_Sarah%20Meale.jpg)
Dr Sarah J. Meale
Senior Lecturer - Animal Science & Production
As a Senior Lecturer in Animal Science at The University of Queensland, Dr.Sarah Meale researches nutrition and gut microbiology. With a Ph.D. from the University of Sydney and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta, Dr. Meale has also held a Marie-Curie Fellowship in France. His work focuses on sustainable ruminant production and reducing methane emissions.
![daniel brooks.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_2fdf868039024b8fb7d7ce977f093cbf~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_382,w_2823,h_3241/fill/w_69,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/daniel%20brooks.jpg)
Daniel Brooks
Lecturer - Melbourne Vet School
Daniel is a lecturer in Small Ruminant Health and Production Animal Medicine at Melbourne Veterinary School and is a veterinary consultant with the Mackinnon Project, servicing Beef Cattle and Sheep clients throughout south-Eastern Australia.
![mark nicholson.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d44600_6cddc708a0fe42a090c1a8448278cb3c~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_2823,h_3240/fill/w_69,h_79,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/mark%20nicholson.jpg)
Mark Nicholson
Stepmates
Mark Nicholson, co-founder of Stepmates Studios in Melbourne, transitioned from a legal career to become a key figure in Australian animation. Known for the satirical "Pauline Hanson ‘Please Explain’" series, Mark has expanded Stepmates into a prolific studio, producing "Regular Old Bogan," Hollywood films, and national ad campaigns, significantly impacting Australian satire and entertainment.