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PROGRAMDefining our Potential: The Destination Strategy and the VisitorEconomy SnapshotDavid Farmer, CEO, Central Coast CouncilOfficial OpeningMayor Lawrie McKinna, Central Coast CouncilFacilitated by Scott Goold, Regional Director, Business NSW08150745083007550855Opening Address: Global Megatrends and the opportunities for our Tourism SectorRachael Glendenning, Industry Relations Manager, Tourism AustraliaAcknowledgement of CountryTim Selwyn, Cultural Educator, Girri Girra0730Official WelcomeScott Goold, Regional Director, Business NSW0735Panel Session: The plan and the key priorities for maximising our 24-hournightime economySteve Keogh, Assoc. Director Engagement, Office ofthe 24hr Economy CommissionerKarl Schlothauer, CEO, House of PocketJuan Iocco, Director Engagement and Development, Fun Haus FactoryFacilitated by Paula Martin, Executive Director, Regional NSW and theVisitor Economy, Business NSWPanel Session: A case study into how to successfully bottle and sell oursecret sauceAmy Scurr-Smith, Events & Marketing Manager, CentralCoast Food AllianceSamuel Lentini, Managing Director, Eascoast BeveragesNadia O’Connell, Founder, Firescreek Botanical Winery

PROGRAMIntroducing NEON MarketplaceHayley Peacock-Gower, Global Brand and MarketingLeader, Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner09201000Vote of ThanksBarbara Ketley, Regional President, Business NSWCentral Coast and CEO of Milestone-Belanova1030Panel Session: Amplifying our cultural identityFacilitated by Scott Goold, Regional Director, Business NSWDimitri Karam, Director of Hospitality, Voco HotelRussell Cooper, CEO, Gosford RSLCandice Pether, General Manager, Encore by MingaraDavid Norris, CEO, John Singleton GroupPanel Session: How can the Central Coast position itself asRegional MICE powerhouseFacilitated by Barbara Ketley, Regional President, Business NSW CentralCoast and CEO of Milestone-BelanovaPhil Bligh, President, 5 Lands WalkTim Selwyn, Cultural Educator, Girri GirraAndrew Malloch, General Manager, Bara BarangSpecial Announcement: 2025 Central Coast Visitor Economy AwardsScott Goold, Regional Director, Business NSWPeter Lawley OAM, President, GEBC10400935

SPEAKERSScott GooldBusiness NSWRegional DirectorScott is a passionate advocate for economic development and thebenefits it provides business owners and the wider community. Hisexperience in investment attraction and business development inlocal and state government, combined with roles across financialservices, retail, manufacturing and international trade, gives Scott theright experience to represent our regional and business needs andtake our region to the next level of growth. EVENT HOSTLawrie McKinna, now serving as the newly elected Mayor ofthe Central Coast, has an extensive leadership background inboth sports and regional development. His tenure as Chair ofRegional Development Australia Central Coast demonstratedhis commitment to driving economic growth and infrastructuredevelopment in the region. Mayor Lawrie McKinnaMayor, Central Coast CouncilRachael GlendenningTourism AustraliaIndustry Relations ManagerRachael acts as the primary link between domestic tourismproducts and regions, and the Australian Government agencyresponsible for promoting Australia globally. As well as providingan overview of the recovery of international visitation, Rachael willcover Tourism Australia's strategic direction, current marketingcampaigns and the practical ways that operators can engageacross the organisation's platforms.

SPEAKERSSteve KeoghAssociate Director, EngagementOffice of the 24-Hour Economy CommissionerPaula MartinPaula’s focus is to drive positive tourism and regional economicoutcomes for business including skill development, jobs andreduction of red tape through the initiation, and delivery ofinitiatives that help business grow through collaboration withgovernment, industry and business. Paula has extensive experiencein innovation and commercialisation and built the multi-awardwinning, progressive and technologically driven, multi-disciplinaryconsulting business, Australian Business Consulting & Solutions.Executive Director Regional NSW & VisitorEconomy, Business NSWPresident, Gosford Erina Business Chamber.A lifelong Gosford local, passionate about the growth andimprovement to the Gosford CBD, as well as the Central Coastregion. Peter is the CEO, Central Coast Legacy, Director,Gosford RSL Club & Director, Alino Living P/L.Peter Lawley OAMPresidentGosford Erina Business ChamberSteve has worked in the tourism and major events space inAustralia and internationally for more than 25 years.His experience includes 12 years with Destination NSW, wherehe was responsible for the Regional Event Developmentportfolio for 3 years before spending 9 years as Director, Sportand Strategic Events.He spent two years in Singapore as GM,Sale and Programming before returning to Australia to fulfil along-held ambition to relocate his family to Newcastle.

SPEAKERSJuan co-produced the 2024 NSW Visitor Economy Award winning“Origami Arts and Music Festival” , the FunHaus also earningTripAdvisor's "Travelers' Choice" award placing it in the top 10%globally recognised for excellent traveller’s reviews. FunHaus haselevated Central Coast tourism, creating a vibrant and fresh arts andentertainment scene that’s set the bar for a new tourism productdrawing people to our region for more than our bush and beaches.Juan IoccoActing General ManagerAmy Scurr-SmithEvents and Marketing ManagerCentral Coast Food AllianceAndrew MallochBara BarangGeneral ManagerFunHaus FactoryAndrew’s career includes work in urban, regional and remotelocations including collaborating with Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander people in projects across employment, disabilityservices, training and education, often with a focus on youth. Hehas formal qualifications in Psychology, Education and Training-Assessing and has been involved in scaling-up and managingseveral innovative projects. His work and travels have taken himto many places in Australia and overseas.y.Amy Scurr-Smith is the Events and Marketing Manager for TheCentral Coast Makers Trail under Central Coast Industry Connect(CCIC). She plays a pivotal role in promoting food tourism byshowcasing the region’s artisans and creative producers, attractingvisitors from beyond the Central Coast. With expertise incommunity engagement and strategic event coordination, Amyhas been instrumental in initiatives that boost visibility andopportunity for local makers.

SPEAKERSHayley Peacock-GowerNadia O’ConnellFounderAssociate Director, ProgramsOffice of the 24-Hour Economy CommissionerFirescreek Botanical WineryPhil BlighPresident5 Lands WalkWith over 20 years of experience, Hayley specialises in leadingand developing strategic and innovative programs across media,hospitality, tourism, and sustainability. With a passion forcollaboration and partnerships, Hayley has extensive expertise inmarketing and pr, content creation, event and activationmanagement, driving impactful initiatives and outcomes acrossdiverse sectors.Nadia O’Connell grew up on the Central Coast, but after livingabroad with her husband Francis for many years, in 2015 theyreturned to run Firescreek Winery at Holgate. Today, their 2.5hectare winery follows organic permaculture and regenerativefarming practices to produce award-winning fruit wines – eachmade from scratch using nature’s ingredients. Visitors canexplore their garden oasis, sample wines at the cellar door, orjoin a botanical mixology workshop.Phil is a founding member and current President of the 5 LandsWalk. He is also the founder and CEO of Beyond the Campfire,specialising in Aboriginal cultural awareness and Cultural Intelligence.With a background in the public service and a commitment toreconciliation, he is is passionate about building good respectfulrelationships and cultivating cultural understanding.

SPEAKERSSamuel LentiniManaging DirectorEastcoast BeveragesTim SelwynGirri GirraCultural EducatorDavid is an accountant by profession and currently is the CEO ofCentral Coast Council. He has been the CEO of 4 other Councilsin NSW and Qld over the past 25 years. He has held past boardroles in local tourism organisations as well as arts, cultural andsporting facilities.David FarmerCEOCentral Coast CouncilGirri Girra is a 100% aboriginal owned company that incorporateshighly effective indigenous wisdoms for leadership development,staff & team immersions, wellbeing & educational programmesgeared towards inclusivity, connection , sustainability andregenerative pathways within the corporate & education sectors.Tim is the Owner of Girri Girra.Samuel Lentini, third generation Managing Director of EastcoastBeverages, proudly leads his family’s legacy of producing premiumjuices and beverages on the Central Coast. In 2025, Eastcoastcelebrates 60 years of dedication to quality, community, andsustainability. With a passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients,Samuel drives the company forward, honouring its roots whileembracing innovation to continue serving Australians with the best ofEastcoast.

SPEAKERSRussell Cooper has been the Chief Executive Officer at GosfordRSL Club for 12 years bringing experience from previous roles atPort Macquarie Panthers, Sydney Rowing Club, Kirribilli Club andEpping Club. Since arriving in Gosford, Russell has beencommitted to ensuring Gosford RSL Club engages with the localcommunity and supports the growth and development ofGosford and the Central CoastRussell CooperCEOGosford RSLWith 28 years of sales experience in the Hospitality Industryacross four continents, she is adept at communicating across allbusiness levels. Throughout her career she has demonstrated astrong commitment to delivering exceptional client service,building collaborative partnerships, and motivating teams forexcellence, with a love for people and connection as her keydriver in the ever-evolving world of hospitality.Candice PetherEncore by MingaraGeneral ManagerWith over 25 years experience in hotel and asset management,his passion is helping to drive growth into the local businesscommunity. Dimitris plan is to increase the awareness of theimportance of the new Voco development in Gosford and therole it plays in connecting business together and to work closelywith local operators and council to establish a great businesscommunity. He is looking forward to the future and to bringingour region together. Dimitri KaramDirector of HospitalityVoco Hotel

SPEAKERSBianca GilmoreSection Manager Destination Marketing &Visitor Services, Central Coast CouncilDavid NorrisGroup CEOJohn Singleton GroupDavid has over 20 years of diverse experience across variousorganizations, including a notable tenure at Deloitte. Currently,he serves as the Group CEO at the John Singleton Group,where he oversees a range of business operations, drivinggrowth, innovation, and organisational success. DKarl is the CEO of House of Pocket, a hospitality group he co-founded with Christophe Lehoux in 2009. The group managesa series of popular venues, including Pocket Bar, Stitch Bar,Button Bar, Pocket Bar Terrigal, Lockwood Paris, and CrookedTailor. With over 85 staff across locations, Karl overseesmanagement, P&L, operations, and marketing. Since 2015,House of Pocket has been dedicated to creating vibrant andmemorable hospitality experiences.Karl SchlothauerHouse of PocketCEO and FounderBianca Gilmore, Section Manager for Destination Marketingand Visitor Services at Central Coast Council, has extensiveexperience in the visitor economy, marketing, and stakeholderengagement. Her team’s award-winning campaigns andsustainable tourism efforts position the Central Coast as apremier destination. Passionate about promoting the region,Bianca is dedicated to driving economic growth andenhancing visitor experiences.

SPEAKERSBarbara KetleyWith over 25 years’ experience in strategic marketing,communications and technology, Barbara is the CEO of full servicemarketing and digital agency. Milestone-Belanova and Director ofSaaS company, Web Books. She leads the team in servicing clientsacross Australia and Internationally. As a passionate advocate forSMEs, Barbara has been recognised for her contribution to thebusiness community with a number of prestigious leadership,workplace and life-time achievement awards. President, Regional Advisory Council BusinessNSW and CEO of Milestone-Belanova