Registrations have now closed. For more information, contact events@wsbc.org.au
Discover how Western Sydney is leading the way in solving Australia’s skills shortage. Proudly presented in conjunction with The University of Sydney, this Luncheon will highlight the importance of developing local talent and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving and expanding economy. Attendees will engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities to drive innovation and sustainable growth through education and industry-focussed training.
The Connection’s Business Leader Luncheon is one of our most popular and anticipated events. It offers a valuable opportunity to engage with key business figures, peers, and organisations from across Western Sydney.
Network with professionals, industry leaders, and decision-makers, fostering connections that can elevate your business. This is your chance to position your organisation for success in Western Sydney’s evolving economy.
Seats are limited, so secure yours now and join the conversation shaping the future of the region!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Hon. Andrew Giles MP | Minister for Skills and Training
Andrew Giles is the Minister for Skills and Training and Federal Member for Scullin in Melbourne's north.
Prior to his election to Parliament in 2013, Andrew worked as a Principal Lawyer in employment law at Slater and Gordon and as a Senior Associate at Holding Redlich. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Law (Hons) from the University of Melbourne.
Since his election in 2013, Andrew has served as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Schools between 2016 and 2019, the Shadow Minister for Cities and Urban Infrastructure and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs from 2019 to 2022. He previously served in the Albanese Government as the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.
Born and raised in Melbourne, Andrew is a keen reader and runner and an avid supporter of the Carlton Football Club. He lives in Melbourne with his wife and two children.
PANEL OF INDUSTRY SPEAKERS
Professor Robyn Dowling | University of Sydney | Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Robyn Dowling is a Professor in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney. She holds a B.Ec (Hons) from the University of Sydney, and MA and PhD degrees from the University of British Columbia, Canada. She is acknowledged as one of Australia’s foremost scholars of cities, known for developing theoretically and empirically deep understandings of urban life, and how cities can meet the challenges of technology and climate change. She is an elected Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences Australia and a Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales, and in 2024 was awarded the Griffith Taylor Medal for her contributions to geography. Robyn is passionate about improving the student experience in built environment degrees. Having spent her formative years in Mt Druitt, she is also a passionate advocate for the transformations that higher education can bring to individuals and communities.
Divinia Eather | Eather Group | Marketing Manager
Divinia Eather is a passionate representative and second generation of the family business Eather Group, sharing the company’s sustainability and diversity achievements across major infrastructure projects in New South Wales. She has featured as a keynote speaker at conferences, forums, and summits across Australia, as well as a guest lecturer for universities, demonstrating the merits of Eather Group’s circular economy model.
Theresa Collignon | Macquarie Community College | CEO
Theresa Collignon believes in the empowering force of education and life-long learning as a catalyst for creating better futures.
Theresa is approaching her tenth anniversary as the CEO of Macquarie Community College. She has more than 30 years of local and international not-for-profit education experience, including TAFE National Scholarships Foundation; The Smith Family; AFS Student Exchange Australia; AFS-USA; Securities Institute of Australia; and Australian Graduate School of Management. Theresa has also worked in for-profit consulting, retail and FMCG companies.
Theresa has extensive experience in not-for-profit Governance, including as a director of the MCC Group Boards, more than six years of service on the CCA Board and more than ten years as a Director of SDN Children's Services. Theresa has a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing), is a Graduate of the AICD, and has completed a Diploma of Financial Markets.
Theo Psychogios | Deloitte | Partner
Theo Psychogios is a Partner within the Strategy, Risk and Transactions group at Deloitte who focuses on providing services to public and private sector organisations. He has a broad background in economic, policy and strategy advisory, delivering advice across a range of sectors, including infrastructure and transport, education, health, IT and telecommunications, water, energy and property. Theo has been a lead advocate for the economic and social development of Western Sydney, starting with the ground-breaking Shaping Future Cities – Designing Western Sydney report which provided an economic blueprint for the region’s sustainable and equitable growth. His work has influenced government decisions on the Western Sydney Airport, Metro West and Metro Greater West, the Westmead Innovation Precinct, Bradfield Aerotropolis, Western Sydney City Deal, the renewal of regional town centres, along with renewed investment in arts, sports, education and health infrastructure across the region.
Event Format
11.00am
Member/Guest Registration, Networking, Pre-Lunch Drinks & Barista Coffee
12.30pm
Keynote Presentations and Panel Discussion (includes a 2 course lunch)
2.30pm
Official Close
Cost
Platinum Partners: 8 complimentary seats
Construction Connect & Gold Members: 5 complimentary seats
Silver Members: 4 complimentary seats
Charity Partners: 3 complimentary seats
Bronze Members: 1 complimentary seat
Small Business Members: $150 + GST per person
Additional Member Seats: $150 + GST per person
Non Member Seats are available for this event: $230.00 + GST per person
Charity Partner Program
$5.00 from every ticket sold at this event will be donated to three of our Charity Partners: Children's Medical Research Institute, Northcott Disability Services and Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney.
This event is proudly supported by:
Click here for Event Terms & Conditions
