Caroline Fitzgerald has been with the Woolworths Group for seven years and has been the Apprenticeship Program Manager for the multi award winning refrigeration apprenticeship program since it launched in 2020. She is passionate in demonstrating a strong commitment to deliver excellence within the apprentice program. The program is designed to build a sustainable pipeline of new talent within the HVAC&R industry but to also drive a step change in Diversity and Inclusion which redefines the workforce for the future. Caroline has a strong belief that creating a diverse workforce which has greater gender and cultural diversity, will better represent the communities we live in. The Woolworths apprentice program supports their teams to be the greatest advocates to mentor and train apprentices to the highest of technical standards and promotes a true sense of Belonging for everyone. The program currently has 34% women apprentices, compared to the industry average of just 1% women, along with culturally diverse apprentices which includes 9% of people who identify as First Nations.

I have over 15 years’ experience in the Vocational Education & Training Sector (VET), ranging for teaching, managing educational delivery sections, leading delivery teams and being actively involved in numerous industry advisory committees. During my journey in the VET sector, I have also led and completed many comprehensive projects including setting up instructional design platforms, quality assurance of training materials, developing a sustainable approach towards educational delivery, engagement with industries and product development. I consider myself a lifelong learner and I am passionate about using my unique abilities and connections to support the VET sector in Australia and Oceania.

Stephen is a Building Services Engineer that specialises in driving better building performance. He has authored a broad selection of technical papers and publications relating to building services and delivered keynote presentations at industry and professional forums over many years. In 2007 Stephen was awarded a Silver Medal by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers for service to the institution, and as a key advisor to the CIBSE ANZ Region he continues to advocate for better education and greater diversity and inclusion. From a business perspective Stephen devotes his time to team leadership with a particular focus on building commissioning, building upgrades, energy efficiency and net zero strategies.

Alison Scotland is Executive Director of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, a body of peak organisations committed to a vision of more sustainable, productive and resilient buildings, communities and cities. Her passion and expertise lies in collaborating with industry, government and third sector leaders to develop national policy and technical solutions that enhance the built environment. Alison’s experience encompasses public, private and non-profit organisations including Standards Australia and Sydney Water. She has served on several national policy/technical committees for the built environment, as well as on a non-profit board focussed on improving building resilience in the Asia Pacific.

Nathan Waugh is a highly experienced professional in both the construction HVACR and sports management sectors, bringing over a decade of leadership and project management expertise. Currently serving as the Bid Manager for Major Projects (NSW/ACT) at the A.G. Coombs Group in Sydney and sits on their current Diversity and Inclusion Action Committee. Nathan also serves as the Chairperson of the NSW Community Rugby Leagues Association and Rugby League Central Coast boards. In this role he has been a staunch advocate for nearly 100,000 grassroots players & volunteers across New South Wales. Nathan has led efforts to represent and advocate for the diverse volunteers, players, and officials involved in rugby league competitions, in particular the growth of female participation and pathways.