Program

Tue 1 Sept
Wed 2 Sept
Thurs 3 Sept
Paranaple Devonport
Tuesday 1 September 2026 - TSF Operation and Surveillance Training
8:30 - 8:45 Commence training – introductions, overview Clem Cahill, Convenor
8:45 - 9:30 Module 1 - Introduction to tailings storage facilities Wes Herweynen, GHD
9:30 - 10:30 Module 2 - Overview of tailings dam failures Wes Herweynen, GHD
10:30 - 11:00 Morning Refreshments
11:00 - 11:45 Module 3 - Recognising signs of distress and dam failure modes Wes Herweynen, GHD
11:45 - 12:30 Module 4 - Fundamentals of a dam surveillance program Wes Herweynen, GHD
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 - 14:00 Module 5 - Completing a TSF inspection (briefing for site inspection) Wes Herweynen, GHD
14:00 - 14:45 Travel to site inspection
14:45 - 16:00 Site inspection - Hampshire
16:00 - 17:00 Return to forum venue
17:00 Arrive at forum venue
18:30 - 20:30 Welcome Reception Island State Brewing
Paranaple Devonport
Wednesday 2 September 2026 - ANCOLD Tailings Forum
8:30 - 8:40 Welcome to the 2026 Tailings Dam Operators Forum Clem Cahill, Convenor
8:40 - 8:50 ANCOLD Executive Welcome
8:50 - 9:35 Keynote Speaker
Justin Resta, Bluestone Mines
Sponsored By:
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John Stacpoole

Geologist and Mining Engineer, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

John is a geologist and mining engineer, and he is Chartered Practicing Geotechnical Engineer and holds a practicing certificate as a Mining Engineering Manager. With over 25 years of mining experience, including 6 years as a Mines Inspector, John has held roles as a Radiation Safety Officer, Responsible Tailings Facility Engineer and as a Mine Manager. John is passionate about mine safety and the safe operation of tailings dams.

John Stacpoole

John Stacpoole

Geologist and Mining Engineer, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

John is a geologist and mining engineer, and he is Chartered Practicing Geotechnical Engineer and holds a practicing certificate as a Mining Engineering Manager. With over 25 years of mining experience, including 6 years as a Mines Inspector, John has held roles as a Radiation Safety Officer, Responsible Tailings Facility Engineer and as a Mine Manager. John is passionate about mine safety and the safe operation of tailings dams.

John Stacpoole

Geologist and Mining Engineer, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

1 2
9:35 - 9:45 Platinum Sponsor Talk Sponsored By:
9:45 - 9:55 ANCOLD Instrumentation Guideline Update John Stacpoole, John Stacpoole Geologist and Mining Engineer,
9:55 - 10:25 Morning Refreshments
10:30 - 12:00 Operator Presentations 1 - TARPs – From Trigger to Response
Sponsored By:
 Chair: To be advised
10:30 - 10:45 The First 30 Minutes After an Earthquake: Turning Seismic TARPs into Operator Action Vicki-ann Dimas, OzRocks Geoservices
10:45 - 11:00 From Trigger to Response: Practical Lessons from an Amber TARP Activation at a Co-Disposal Facility Mohsen Moogui, Geotails Consulting
11:00 - 11:15 When the Data Stops: Practical Challenges Managing Tailings Monitoring Systems and TARPs Serena Selvaraj, Slr Consulting
11:15 - 11:30 Open discussion
11:30 - 12:00 Panel 1 - The Human Side of Tailings Governance: Navigating Compliance, Accountability and Professional Judgement Pamela Soto, MMG
John Stacpoole, DPIRD
Sajith Premanda, Rio Tinto
Sebastian Colls, BHP
12:00 - 12:50 Lunch
12:50 - 14:05 Operator Presentations 2 - Tailings Deposition and Water Management
Sponsored By:
 Chair: To be advised
12:55 - 13:10 Early Decant Water Recovery: Automated Deposition Modelling and Basin Design for Tailings Dam Commissioning Jun Ng, Kcb Australia
13:10 - 13:25 Cost-Benefit Insights for Filtered vs Slurry Tailings Dr Gino Calderon Vizcarra, Knight Piesold
13:25 - 13:40 Life’s a beach – adventures of a water droplet David Brett, GHD
13:40 - 13:55 Open discussion
13:55 - 14:40 Keynote Speaker
John Stacpoole,
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Sponsored By:
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14:40 - 15:10 Afternoon Refreshments
15:15 - 16:50 Operator Presentations 3 - Dam Safety and Performance
Sponsored By:
 Chair: To be advised
15:15 - 15:30 Supporting the RTFE’s Professional Judgement: An Independent Reference Point for Tailings Surveillance and Response Lee Hellen, Kurloo Technology
15:30 - 15:45 From Design to Daily Decisions: Preserving Tailings Dam Safety Hugo Brandao, Klohn Crippen Berger
15:45 - 16:00 Open discussion
16:00 - 16:30 Panel 2 - The Full Life of a TSF: From Concept to Closure Legacy David Brett, GHD
Kelly Albano, Rio Tinto
Alpesh Patel, BHP
Mark Chapman, Insitu Geotech Services
16:30 - 16:35 Forum Close Clem Cahill, Convenor
18:00 - 22:00 Forum Dinner
Sponsored By:
 Mrs Jones Restaurant Bar Lounge
Site Tours
Thursday 3 September 2026
7:30 - 10:00 Depart Devonport
10:00 - 11:30 Arrive Renison
- Site visit
11:30 - 12:00 Depart Renison
12:00 - 13:30 Arrive Rosebery
- Site visit
13:30 - 14:30 Lunch at Rosebery Top Pub
14:30 - 16:30 Depart Rosebery
16:30 Arrive Devonport

Full program available as downloadable PDF

DAY 1Tuesday, 25 November 2025

6:30 - 8:30pm Welcome Reception
  • Welcome Reception

    Kick off the 2025 QCOSS Conference: Changing State with us Before the formal program begins, join friends and colleagues from across the sector for a relaxed evening at Blackbird Bar on Tuesday, 25 November 2025. It’s a chance to catch up, make new connections and enjoy each other’s company in one of Brisbane’s most iconic riverside spots. We look forward to sharing a drink, a laugh, and a great start to the conference with you. Kambu

  • 6:30 – 8:30pm
  • Blackbird Bar

Full program available as downloadable PDF

DAY 2Wednesday, 26 November 2025

7:30 – 8:30am Registration and Exhibition

8:30 - 10:00am Welcome and Keynote
  • Keynote Rosie Batty AO

    Rosie Batty AO, A leading voice against domestic violenceRosie Batty AO A leading voice against domestic violence Rosie Batty AO is one of Australia’s most high-profile lived-experience advocates. Since the murder of her son, Luke, at the hands of his father, she has campaigned tirelessly and selflessly for domestic and family violence awareness and change. In what has been labelled The Batty Effect, Rosie’s immense generosity in sharing her story has changed the public narrative around domestic and family violence and driven national social and policy reform. In this keynote session, Rosie will share her story and discuss how we can build a future free from violence and abuse, followed by a short Q&A with the audience.

  • 8:30 – 10:00am
  • Boulevard auditorium

10:00 – 10:30am Morning Refreshment

10:35 - 11:35am Plenary
  • DREAMING In Conversation with Dr Chris Sarra, Stronger Smarter Institute

    Dr Chris Sarra, Stronger Smarter InstituteDr Chris SarraStronger Smarter Institute Aimee McVeigh, QCOSSAimee McVeighQCOSS When Dr Chris Sarra sat down with QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh in 2022, he spoke of his excitement at being on the cusp of systemic change and bringing his ancestors’ dreams to fruition. The former Director-General of the Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships was speaking against the backdrop of Treaty being established and the start of a campaign to enshrine a Voice to Parliament. Much has changed since 2022 but our capacity to dream and bring forward systemic change has not. In this conversation Aimee and Chris will talk about the time we are in, the work we are being called to do and the future we’re dreaming for our children and their children. Kambu

  • 10:35 – 11:35am
  • Boulevard auditorium

11:40am - 12:25pm Concurrent Sessions
  • Dreaming Challenging and changing the youth crime narrative

    Dr Amy McQuire, QUT Carumba InstituteDr Amy McQuire QUT Carumba Institute Ben Smee, The GuardianBen Smee The Guardian Daniel James, 7amDaniel James 7am Robert Hoge, QCOSSRobert Hoge QCOSS Across Queensland, the conversation about young people is becoming increasingly driven by fear and misinformation rather than backed by evidence. This fuels calls to lock up children, even though we know detention does not make communities safer. Evidence shows that community-led, culturally safe programs — particularly those led by First Nations organisations — are far more effective than detention, which increases the chance of reoffending. So how do we change the media narrative from one of fear and punishment to one of truth and care? Our speakers will share how they are actively challenging conservative media narratives and political rhetoric — and how we can do this together in Queensland. This panel will also feature young people with lived experience of the youth justice system, who will speak about the impact of media framing and share how they are advocating to reshape the way young people are seen and heard. HHP

  • 11:40am – 12:25pm
  • Boulevard breakout room
  • DARING No place like home: local innovation in a housing crisis

    Dave Grenfell OAM, The Shelter CollectiveDave Grenfell OAM The Shelter Collective Michelle Coats, Community FocusMichelle Coats Community Focus Sue Pope, Common Ground QueenslandSue Pope Common Ground Queensland Victoria Parker, The Lady Musgrave TrustVictoria Parker The Lady Musgrave Trust As the housing and homelessness crisis deepens, community service organisations are stepping up with innovative, locally driven responses. This session will showcase how the community sector is developing practical, people-centred solutions to improve housing security and wellbeing. Hear from Dave Grenfell and Michelle Coats (The Shelter Collective), Sue Pope (Common Ground Queensland and Micah Projects collaboration), and Victoria Parker (The Lady Musgrave Trust) as they share how their organisations are implementing new, scalable initiatives that could inform and inspire broader sector change. Join us to learn how grassroots leadership and sector collaboration are helping to reshape the housing landscape in Queensland.

  • 11:40am – 12:25pm
  • Boulevard breakout room

12:25 – 1:25pm Lunch

1:25 - 2:15pm Plenary
  • Daring Speaking up, shifting minds: changing the narrative on domestic, family and sexual violence

    Bri Lee, AuthorBri Lee Author Jess Hill, University of Technology SydneyJess Hill University of Technology Sydney Karina Hogan, Blak DanceKarina Hogan Blak Dance Rosie Batty AO, A leading voice against domestic violenceRosie Batty AO A leading voice against domestic violence Through unapologetic truth-telling, our speakers have harnessed the power of storytelling, media and public discourse to spotlight critical social issues. Together they have elevated the national conversation on domestic, family and sexual violence, helping Australians see, listen, care, dream bigger and expect more from how we talk about and respond to domestic, family and sexual violence. In this session, our journalists, authors and advocates will share what drives their work, the challenges they’ve faced, and how their words have helped shift the narrative around this complex social issue.

  • 1:25 – 2:15pm
  • Boulevard auditorium

2:20 - 3:05pm Concurrent Sessions
  • Dreaming Shifting the story: from crisis response to homelessness prevention in Queensland

    Atlas, Hometime Campaign representativeAtlas Hometime Campaign representative Linda Bowden, HabilisLinda Bowden Habilis Professor Hal Pawson, City Futures Research Centre, UNSWProfessor Hal Pawson City Futures Research Centre, UNSW Bronwen Kippen, QCOSSBronwen Kippen QCOSS Homelessness is not inevitable — and ending it doesn’t have to remain a distant dream. Across Queensland and beyond, there is growing momentum for a fundamental shift in how we respond: from managing crises to preventing them altogether. This session will explore how we can reshape the housing and homelessness system through strategic, systems-level reform and service delivery. Speakers with deep experience in policy, service design, and sector leadership will share the changes needed to embed prevention and early intervention at the heart of our response. The session will also include a lived experience perspective, grounding the conversation in the realities of navigating the system and highlighting the urgency for change.

  • 2:20 – 3:05pm
  • Boulevard breakout room
  • DARING
    The reformers and the future: how leaders are reshaping Queensland’s community sector

    Jody Currie, Queensland University of TechnologyProfessor Jody Currie Queensland University of Technology

    Karyn Walsh, Micah ProjectsKaryn Walsh
    Micah Projects

    Neil Willmett, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing QueenslandNeil Willmett
    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland

    Aimee McVeigh, QCOSSAimee McVeigh
    QCOSS


    Activism doesn’t happen without people, and Queensland’s community sector has long been shaped by those who have stood up, spoken out, and pushed for change. In this session, you’ll meet some of the state’s most effective advocates and reformers — leaders whose work continues to drive progress on social justice, equity, and community wellbeing.
    Through powerful personal stories and thoughtful reflections, speakers will explore what makes an effective advocate, how past movements have shaped today’s sector, and what the future demands of the next generation of changemakers.
    This is a chance to hear from people who have been at the heart of major reforms, who have challenged systems, influenced policy, and inspired action. Their experiences offer valuable insights and motivation for those continuing the work to build a fairer Queensland.

  • 2:20 – 3:05pm
  • Boulevard breakout room

3:05 – 3:35pm Afternoon Refreshment

3:40 - 4:30pm Plenary

6:30 - 10:30pm Queensland Community Impact Awards
  • Queensland Community Impact Awards

    Join us for a special gala dinner during the QCOSS Conference to celebrate our sector’s community heroes! The Queensland Community Impact Awards (QCIA) is our sector’s night of nights – an opportunity to come together to shine a light on the individuals and organisations who go above and beyond for their communities and support the Queenslanders who are doing it tough every day. Pre-dinner refreshments commence at 6:30pm. Health Wellbeing Queensland

  • 6:30 – 10:30pm
  • Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Plaza Terrace room

Full program available as downloadable PDF

DAY 3Thursday, 27 November 2025

7:30 - 8:30am
  • QCOSS Annual General Meeting 2025

    Join us for the QCOSS (Queensland Council of Social Service Ltd) Annual General Meeting. Details to follow.

  • 7:30 – 8:30am
  • Boulevard auditorium

8:00 – 9:00am Registration and Exhibition

9:00 - 10:00am Plenary
  • DOING In conversation with the Honourable Amanda Camm MP

    The Honourable Amanda Camm MP, Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and the Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family ViolenceThe Honourable Amanda Camm MP Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and the Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Aimee McVeigh, QCOSSAimee McVeigh QCOSS Member for Whitsunday, the Honourable Amanda Camm is the Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and the Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. Her knowledge of these key portfolios was gained in North Queensland where, as Deputy Mayor of Mackay Regional Council, she set up a widely lauded and emulated community-led domestic and family violence taskforce, successfully advocated for quality strategic planning and housing development, and led the community through multiple natural disasters. In this In Conversation, Minister Camm will share insights into her political career, her portfolio and vision for Queensland’s community services sector.

  • 9:00 – 10:00am
  • Boulevard auditorium

10:00 – 10:30am Morning Refreshment

10:35 - 11:20am Concurrent Sessions
  • DARING Innovating for a fair go

    Luke Terry, White Box EnterprisesLuke Terry White Box Enterprises Nic Marchesi OAM, Orange SkyNic Marchesi OAM Orange Sky Lucas Patchett OAM, Orange SkyLucas Patchett OAM Orange Sky Nadja Van Schie, QCOSSNadja Van Schie QCOSS Peggy Flannery, Peggy’s PlacePeggy Flannery Peggy’s Place Some of the most creative and successful innovation in our sector is driven by a desire to help people meet needs many of us take for granted: clean laundry, good conversations, safe refuge and employment. Behind this innovation is a simple belief: everyone deserves and can have a good quality life. In this session, we will hear from Orange Sky Laundry founder Nic Marchesi OAM, Luke Terry from White Box Enterprises, and Peggy Flannery from Peggy’s Place about how their organisations are purposefully harnessing innovation to deliver social change.

  • 10:35 – 11:20am
  • Boulevard breakout room

11:25am - 12:15pm Plenary
  • DOING Women with clout, cash and cause

    Cat Fay, PerpetualCat Fay Perpetual As the wealth of Australian women grows and their economic influence expands over the coming decades, women are having a transformative impact on a range of causes and societal issues. In this session, we’ll examine how women’s influence, time and burgeoning economic power can be harnessed to help shape a stronger, more equitable Australia. Anglicare-North

  • 11:25am – 12:15pm
  • Boulevard auditorium

12:20 - 1:05pm Concurrent Sessions
  • Dreaming Breaking the cycle: preventing youth crime through DFV-informed reform

    Candice Hughes, YFS LegalCandice Hughes YFS Legal Lucy Gregory, Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold CoastLucy Gregory Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast Murray Benton, Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection PeakMurray Benton Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak Pam Barker, Brisbane Youth ServicePam Barker Brisbane Youth Service Dr Eva Klambauer, QCOSSDr Eva Klambauer QCOSS We know punitive, tough-on-crime responses to youth offending don’t work and can even cause more harm by deepening trauma and entrenching young people in the justice system. Culturally safe, trauma-informed approaches offer a better way forward. They move beyond punishment to address the real issues behind youth offending — including one of the most significant, yet often overlooked, drivers: exposure to domestic and family violence (DFV). In this powerful session, we’ll shine a spotlight on the critical intersection of DFV and youth offending. Join us as we unpack the latest evidence, showcase innovative support models making a real difference, and explore bold, collaborative strategies to prevent harm and help young people heal. This is a call to action for everyone working across the community services sector: let’s come together to shift the narrative, challenge outdated approaches, and champion the kind of support that truly changes lives. YFS

  • 12:20 – 1:05pm
  • Boulevard breakout room
  • DARING Behind the reform: working with statutory authorities to move the needle

    Beck O'Connor, Office of the Victims’ CommissionerBeck O’Connor Office of the Victims’ Commissioner Geoff Rowe, Aged and Disability Advocacy AustraliaGeoff Rowe Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia Luke Twyford, Queensland Family and Child CommissionLuke Twyford Queensland Family and Child Commission Rosemary Kayess, Australian Human Rights CommissionRosemary Kayess Australian Human Rights Commission Statutory authorities play a critical role in shaping laws, policies, and systems — and the people within them often drive reform. In this session, leaders from key statutory bodies, including the Australian Human Rights Commission, Queensland Family and Child Commission, the Office of the Victim’s Commissioner, and the Public Trustee Advisory and Monitoring Board, will reflect on their roles as decision-makers and advocates for change. They’ll explore how community organisations can work effectively with statutory authorities, and where the real opportunities lie — both within these institutions and through genuine partnership. Join this conversation to gain practical insights into collaborating across sectors to influence policy and improve outcomes for the people and communities we serve.

  • 12:20 – 1:05pm
  • Boulevard breakout room
  • Doing From intent to impact: what does it take to really embed human rights in frontline work?

    Professor John Tobin, University of MelbourneProfessor John Tobin University of Melbourne Mena Waller, Cancer Council QLDMena Waller Cancer Council QLD Rebecca Ketton, 54reasonsRebecca Ketton 54reasons Richard Boele, KPMGRichard Boele KPMG Charlotte Beaumont-Field, QCOSSCharlotte Beaumont-Field QCOSS Delivering services that truly respect and uphold human rights takes more than good intentions and organisational policies — it requires the right skills, culture, and leadership. In this session, we’ll explore the sector, organisational and individual roles that exist in embedding human rights in frontline community services. We’ll consider what it takes to develop maturity at a state level, how some organisations are making great strides, and how they got there. Learn what works, what challenges to expect, and how your organisation can mature its approach to ensure dignity, fairness, and equity for the people you support.

  • 12:20 – 1:05pm
  • Boulevard breakout room

1:05 – 2:05pm Lunch

2:05 - 2:55pm Plenary
  • Daring Everyday dialogue, extraordinary change

    Ellie Smith, Community Independent Candidate for DicksonEllie Smith Community Independent Candidate for Dickson Mary Crookes AO, Victoria Women’s TrustMary Crookes AO Victoria Women’s Trust Paula McGrady, Canberra Rape Crisis CentrePaula McGrady Canberra Rape Crisis Centre While we may sometimes feel powerless to influence the systems that shape our society — especially when change is slow and decisions feel distant — it’s empowering to remember that change doesn’t only come from the top down. As organiser and activist Adrienne Maree Brown observes: …every single large system or structure or network or political protocol, all of it is made up of small things — of humans either having or not having necessary conversations, and humans being willing to stand up for what is right and stand up against what is wrong. This is a conversation about harnessing the power of communities as changemakers to spark collective action and change.

  • 2:05 – 2:55pm
  • Boulevard auditorium

2:55 – 3:25pm Afternoon Refreshment

3:30 - 4:45pm Plenary and Closing