Julian is a seasoned engineering leader with over 30 years’ experience delivering large-scale technology and automation projects across mining and rail. He has played key roles in designing, building and optimising systems in some of the world’s most complex operational environments, including Rio Tinto’s AutoHaul and major mine sites.

Now Principal of Rail Engineering and Systems at Rio Tinto, Julian leads safety assurance, planning and technical evaluations for AutoHaul enhancements. His foundation in control systems enables him to connect legacy infrastructure with emerging technologies, helping teams integrate innovation in a practical, scalable way.

At Horizons, Julian will share real-world insights into what makes technology projects succeed – from leader sponsorship to the power of passion on the ground.

Garry started his career as an apprentice mechanical/electrical fitter in the Traction and Rolling Stock workshops of British Railways. A 25-year career in the UK rail industry, in both the public and private sectors, saw him manage rolling stock fleets for passenger and freight operators, studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Garry joined the Public Transport Authority in Perth, Western Australia as the head of rolling stock and lead the PTA’s new railcar project through Business Case, procurement and into production.

He is now the Executive Director for PTA Project Delivery, responsible for a portfolio of projects that includes the High Capacity Signalling upgrade to the Perth rail network.

Garry will provide Horizons West participants with insights from both UK and Australian contexts, and a deep understanding of what it takes to align systems, safety and strategy across jurisdictions.

Philippa knows better than most that the past holds powerful clues to the future.

A professional historian with a deep connection to Western Australia’s rail story, Philippa has spent over four decades turning historical insight into public impact. She’s authored and contributed to numerous publications – including “Memories of the Trans-Australian Railway”, “Troops, Trains and Trades” and the Premier’s History Prize-winning “The Workshops” – ensuring the voices and stories of the railway are preserved and shared.

Her work spans leadership roles in museum curation and exhibition development, from the WA Museum Boola Bardip to the Wanneroo Regional Museum. Today, she continues that legacy as President of Rail Heritage WA, overseeing the Railway Museum in Bassendean and driving projects such as Railway Life and Catching the Train.

In 2022, Philippa was recognised with the WA State Heritage Award for Voluntary Individual Contribution. But her impact goes far beyond accolades – she brings a wealth of knowledge, curiosity and a genuine love for making history relevant.

At Horizons West, Philippa will bring history to life – connecting the dots between where we’ve been and where we’re headed, with the stories, context, and clarity that shape the future of rail.

Leland is a seasoned engineering and asset management leader with over two decades of experience across heavy industry, rail and resources in Australia and New Zealand.

As General Manager for Asset Management, Rail, Port and Utilities at Rio Tinto, he plays a critical role in lifting performance, safety and sustainability across one of the country’s most complex supply chain networks.

Leland is known for building high-performing teams and connecting strategy to execution. He champions more agile ways of working – helping teams cut through the noise and focus on what matters most to deliver on the work that matters most.

With a passion for developing future leaders, Leland focuses on translating technical capability into operational success, creating lasting value for people, projects and will be opening the first Horizons West forum in Perth.

With a career spanning rail, defence, aviation and automotive across Australia, Joe brings deep expertise in safety and risk management – and a reputation for delivering practical systems that work at scale.

Currently Chief Health, Safety & Sustainability Officer at Yarra Trams, Joe plays a central role in keeping Melbourne’s iconic tram network moving safely and smoothly. His experience includes leading safety programs for Metro Trains Melbourne, the Independent Transport Safety Regulator, and international consultancy firms, where he’s been a trusted advisor to government and industry clients alike.

At Horizons East, Joe will lead a session on Scaling Risk Management Systems – sharing practical insights from transport operations and breaking down what it really takes to build assurance frameworks that hold up under pressure.

Known for his down-to-earth style, cross-sector perspective and ability to make the complex simple, Joe brings clarity, credibility and energy to every conversation. This session will fuel practical conversations – offering frameworks and mindset shifts that translate well beyond the forum.

Driving innovation at the intersection of robotics, automation and infrastructure, Associate Professor Zoran Najdovski is redefining what’s possible in the rail industry.

At Deakin University’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Zoran led the team behind the world’s first autonomous rollingstock cleaning robots – a game-changing development set to transform how fleets are maintained across Australia and the world.

With a career spanning Deakin, Harvard and Nagoya Universities, Zoran is known for turning complex technologies into real-world solutions that drive Industry 4.0 forward. His work doesn’t just imagine the future – it builds it.

At Horizons East, Zoran will unpack the journey from lab breakthrough to large-scale deployment – and explore how robotics and human-machine systems are reshaping the future of rail. Get ready for sharp insights, big ideas and a powerful reminder of the opportunities ahead.

Bruce has spent more than two decades leading innovation across manufacturing, transportation, and advanced rail systems. As Senior Research Fellow at Deakin University’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Bruce specialises in complex systems modelling, artificial intelligence, logistics optimisation and future-focused rail strategies.

Bruce’s expertise spans industry and academia, with project leadership experience in automation, factory simulation, advanced manufacturing and the development of technology roadmaps for the Australian railway sector. His work bridges theory and application – delivering practical, high-impact solutions for infrastructure resilience and digital transformation.

At Horizons East, Bruce will share insights into how systems thinking, digital disruption, and simulation technologies are shaping the next evolution of transport and logistics. Expect strategic depth, real-world examples and a roadmap for navigating the challenges of an increasingly complex and connected rail future.

Sudha is RISSB’s General Manager – Products & Innovation, where he provides strategic leadership across RISSB’s product portfolio, safety and risk systems, and management system accreditation activities.

Sudha is responsible for shaping and guiding the development of nationally harmonised products and tools that support safer, more efficient rail operations across Australia.

With over 20 years of experience in the rail industry, Sudha is a highly regarded railway safety specialist and systems thinker. He brings a deep understanding of the complex interdependencies within the rail system and applies this insight to deliver integrated, industry-facing solutions that enhance safety and operational performance.

Sudha’s leadership is marked by a commitment to collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. His work supports RISSB’s mission to drive national consistency and promote best practice across the Australian rail sector.

Michael brings significant expertise in transport reform to his role as both the National Transport Commission (NTC) CEO and as an NTC Commissioner.

Michael is focused on delivery of the NTC’s reform program through the provision of robust and independent evidence-based advice to Australia’s transport ministers. As self-described transport nerd and data geek, he is passionate about the opportunities for reform in the rail sector to make rail a more attractive option.

Michael has a long career in government, at the state and national level, including as a senior executive in Victoria’s Department of Transport, where he delivered future-focused policy reforms for the taxi and hire car industry, network planning and the integration of transport and land use planning. Michael has also worked in consulting, providing expert evidence-based advice to industry and national, state and local governments on responding to the contemporary challenges faced by a transport sector in transition.

Michael has a Masters in public administration from the Australian and New Zealand School of Government, a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and chairs the Monash University Institute of Transport Studies’ industry advisory group.

Rapid Fire Innovation – the fast, low-cost way to ‘Get Stuff Done’, idea generation, building MVPs, create the ultimate pitch

Futurist Steve Sammartino is a tour de force in the field of technology. His energy and humour on stage have made him sought-after speaker around the globe. An expert in AI’s profound implications for business and society, Steve has been immersed in Computational Intelligence systems from the tender age of 10.

Steve goes beyond theory and brings lessons from his own tech ventures. His latest Macro3D, a ground-breaking AI and robotics company – which 3D prints houses. Since co-founding the company he has managed to 3D print a house, and is now embarking on building the world’s first home built entirely by AI.

An accomplished author, Steve has written three best-selling books on the subject of technology and its future. As a testament to his compelling insights, he has given a TED talk and is the host of the popular national Technology and Business TV show on Channel 9, “The Rebound” – now in it’s 4th Season.

Steve’s takes the complex and makes it simple, and human. This sentiment is captured in his viral videos, which boast over 100 million views – his drivable Lego Car being a prime example. As a respected media commentator, his views are widely sought after, making him an authoritative voice in the tech industry.

Steve Sammartino doesn’t just predict the future of technology, he’s literally building it, and his speeches are an unmissable opportunity to get a glimpse into that future.

Gihan Perera is a business futurist, conference speaker, AI researcher, and author who will show you how to be fit for the future in a fast-changing world.

For more than 25 years, he has worked with organisations and leaders throughout Australia and internationally, helping them to lead in uncertainty, act with clarity and confidence, and thrive in a rapidly changing business environment. He is the author of Disrupted, Disruption By Design, The Future of Leadership, and ten other books.

Through his keynote presentations, interactive masterclasses, and in-depth leadership programs, he shares future trends and thought-provoking insights – delivered with interaction, engagement, and humour – that leave people feeling positive, empowered, and optimistic about their future. Forbes magazine rated him the #5 social media influencer in the world (and #1 in Australia) in his area of expertise.

For Horizons 2025, Gihan will run an online ‘Change Agents’ workshop for all participants and, as part of Horizons West, workshop the four key elements of the future and work (April) and how to influence your team to create the ultimate workplace for the future (June).

Dr Matt O’Connor is a registered, Clinical Psychologist, having completed the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) at Griffith University and is also a board-approved supervisor.

Matt currently works in his own private practice – ConnectEd Counselling and Consultancy and has worked with a diverse range of people and settings including schools, acute mental health units, residential care for young people, veterans and their families, the Queensland Police and community settings.

Matt balances his individual clinical work with system-level support for young people, parents and communities, as well as research outputs on service use, therapeutic approaches and outcome assessment. His research work includes the development of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), which has received significant international attention, having been cited over 1000 times and translated into over 45 languages.

With a long history of volunteering and working with young people, Matt is the youngest ever director of ReachOut.com (formerly Inspire Foundation). As an engaging and well-regarded presenter, facilitator and educator Matt has extensive experience providing psychoeducation and skills-based presentations and workshops to health professionals, the general public and youth.

As General Manager Stakeholder Engagement, Sharon leads strategic engagement and communication with RISSB’s stakeholders and members. Having worked across several industries in both the private and public sector in a corporate, project or regulated environments Sharon understands the machination of these in bringing people together to achieve common outcomes.

Sharon also plays the role of a mentor for senior rail industry executives, providing coaching to help craft their media presence and lead with influence. Sharon will provide personal brand-boosting techniques at both Horizons East and West, and will personally champion opportunities to fast-track and boost the visibility of Horizons 2025 participants across the rail industry.