Meet the Speakers
LEADING THE WAY: GOVERNANCE & RESPONSIBILITY
With over 30 years advising Boards and CEOs globally (including 20 of Australia's ASX 100 companies), Stephen brings world-class governance expertise to NSW Shows. A former British Army officer and helicopter pilot, Stephen now lives in Kangaroo Valley where his wife Mairi is Secretary of the Kangaroo Valley Show. He understands YOUR world.
Topics include:
✔ Committee leadership
✔ Succession planning
✔ Board responsibilities
✔ Strategic decision-making
SAFE SHOWS, STRONG SHOWS
With 35+ years in insurance and risk management (formerly KPMG, CGU, QBE), Phil specialises in protecting community organisations like our Member Societies.
A practical session focused on risk management, compliance and protecting your Show, volunteers and visitors. Topics include:
✔ Managing operational risk
✔ Compliance essentials
✔ Safety responsibilities
✔ Protecting your Show’s future
FROM SURF TO SHOWGROUND: Building Strong Volunteer Communities
Louise is leading initiatives at Surf Life Saving NSW to strengthen volunteer leadership, culture and engagement. With more than 15 years’ experience in volunteer-based organisations, including the UK Scout Association, Louise is passionate about improving volunteer retention and inclusive leadership.
What can Agricultural Shows learn from one of Australia’s strongest volunteer movements? This session explores volunteer recruitment, youth pathways and building strong volunteer cultures. Topics include:
✔ Volunteer retention
✔ Youth engagement
✔ Leadership development
✔ Building inclusive committees
SCHOOLS CURRICULUM IN ACTION AT THE SHOWGROUND
Ben Newsome - Founder, Fizzics Education
Drawing from his extensive background as a university agriculture lecturer, high school teacher, and former President of the NSW Agriculture Teachers Association, Luciano leads Australia's peak body for food and fibre education.
Ben founded Fizzics Education in 2004 and has since reached over 4 million students across Australia. A Churchill Fellow and award-winning STEM educator, Ben's interactive science shows are regulars at NSW agricultural shows.
Discover practical ways Shows can connect with schools and families through curriculum-linked activities and engaging educational experiences. Topics include:
✔ Building school partnerships
✔ Engaging younger audiences
✔ STEM & agriculture education
✔ Strengthening community connection
THE BIG DEBATE
High-Tech or Heritage: Which Defines the Future Show?
A lively discussion exploring how Shows can balance tradition with innovation as technology and audience expectations evolve.
Terry Wilcher
CEO & Founder 123 Tix
123 Tix is an Australian-owned ticketing platform supporting regional and metropolitan events. With more than a decade working alongside agricultural shows and community events, Terry is passionate about helping volunteer organisations modernise operations with practical and affordable solutions.
For Heritage
Kelso Looker
Director AgShows NSW
Hailing from the New England region of NSW, has been actively involved in agricultural shows for over a decade, including leadership roles at the Armidale Show. An AgShows NSW Director since 2017, he currently chairs Education & Innovation, focusing on blending tradition with innovation to support the future of agricultural shows and youth engagement.