2026 Conference
Program
Conference Program
We are excited to announce the 2026 conference program brochure is now available for download!
Keynote speakers
In alphabetical order
Ben Rennie
Rennie Lab
Ben Rennie is a Strategic Company Director, author, speaker, and Creativity Activist. He co-founded and led Reny Studio, a B Corp-certified creative agency with studios in Sydney and Los Angeles, working with Nike, Patagonia, Chanel, and the NBA. His book Lessons in Creativity (Wiley, 2025) won the Australian Business Book of the Year Runner-Up. He chairs Design Declares Australia and has spoken at SXSW Sydney, TEDx, the Obama Foundation, and Australian Parliament House. He now leads Rennie Lab, a creative advisory studio focused on systemic design and creative transformation.
Dr Emma Beckett
Australian Catholic University
Dr Emma Beckett is a nutrition scientist, educator, and science communicator with a passion for making complex ideas accessible, meaningful, and relevant. With a PhD in food and nutrition science and extensive experience across research, teaching, and public engagement, she works at the intersection of science, communication, and culture. Emma is known for her evidence-informed, inclusive approach to food and nutrition, challenging misinformation while fostering trust and critical thinking. She is an experienced speaker and writer, contributing to media, industry, and academic audiences, and is dedicated to empowering others to navigate nutrition with confidence, curiosity, and compassion in an increasingly complex information landscape.
Concurrent presenters
In alphabetical order
Ellen Chandler
Clothes Minded – Wear The Future
Ellen Chandler is the founder of Clothes Minded, a consultancy helping fashion businesses embrace sustainability, and the creator of Wear the Future, an initiative empowering teachers and students to explore sustainable fashion with confidence. Her passion for ethical fashion was sparked during a transformative trip to Bangladesh, where she engaged with garment workers and witnessed firsthand the industry’s impacts. This experience ignited her commitment to education and meaningful change. In addition to her consultancy work, Ellen is a sessional academic at QUT and UQ, sharing her expertise to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Phoebe Hanau
Moreton Bay College
Phoebe is passionate about all things fashion and believes that creativity is a powerful tool and, when released, the opportunities for greatness are limitless. She graduated from CQU in 2019 and has been teaching at MBC since then; despite only 5 years of teaching under her (fashionable) belt, Phoebe has been presented at previous HEIA(Q) conferences and workshops, has been involved in QCAA roles, has created an annual Fashion Show event to showcase her students’ work and is on the Committee of Management for HEIA(Q).
Michelle Harris
San Sisto College
Michelle Harris is the Learning and Teaching Leader at San Sisto College on Brisbane’s Southside. She is passionate about forging a strong community of practice within the realm of Home Economics – however that presents itself and continues to evolve, and strives to engage and empower staff and students alike to tackle new challenges with a sense of creativity and excitement. She loves robust conversation about the challenges that face our communities (life and learning), and finding ways to connect with those working in more regional and unique circumstances. In her quest to learn more, and to give back to this remarkable community of Home Economists, over the past 20 years Michelle has found herself on multiple HEIA(Q) conference committees, the panel for the King and Amy O’Malley Scholarship, and writing teams for the current Hospitality Practices SAS and Food & Nutrition syllabi, running implementation workshops around Queensland, as well the DRPC for Townsville and a member of the State Review Panel.
Krisztian Herczig
Pullman Brisbane King George Square
With a career spanning multiple continents over two decades, Chef Krisztian’s career includes positions at Budapest’s Grand Hotel Royal, as Executive Chef at the Radisson Edwardian in London, Sous Chef Saucier on the luxury Crystal Cruise Liner, Executive Chef at the Hilton, London, Inflight Chef exclusively for first-class guests onboard For Emirates Airlines, as well as Head Chef for Events at the iconic Sydney Opera House to mention a few of his career highlights. His food philosophy centres around respect for ingredients, simplicity, and the power of flavour. He is passionate about fresh, homemade cuisine, utilizing native Australian herbs and produce, with a particular affinity for braising and sous vide techniques that preserve the natural essence of ingredients. A member of the international gastronomic society Chaine des Rôtisseurs, Chef Krisztian remains deeply engaged with global culinary trends and shares knowledge with chefs around the world
Sarah Jonker
Woodcrest State College
Sarah Jonker is part of the Hospitality team at Woodcrest State College in Springfield, within the Applied Technologies faculty. Sarah is an experienced teacher who specialises in junior secondary Home Economics right through to senior Hospitality Practices and oversees the big hospitality events and manages the school Café space. Sarah has a passion for Home Economics and the life skills it provides students.
Gabrielle Lee
Moreton Bay College
Gabbie is an experienced educator with over 30 years of teaching experience across New South Wales and Queensland. She has held roles with CSSA, NESA and QCAA, as well as pastoral and HOD positions. Passionate about innovative curriculum design and student-centred learning, she brings expertise in engaging and inspiring students through creative and practical approaches. Gabbie is optimistic about the future of Home Economics in Queensland and embraces opportunities to diversify and delve into STEM.
Sophie Mawson
Australian Wool Innovation/The Woolmark Company
Sophie Mawson is an experienced educator with a diverse background spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Having started her career as a primary school teacher, Sophie now works for Australian Wool Innovation/The Woolmark Company to educate primary, secondary and tertiary students on the benefits and opportunities of Australian Merino wool. Sophie’s work bridges the gap between education and innovation, helping to inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.
Michelle Fitton
Blueprint Career Development
Michelle Fitton is the General Manager of Blueprint Career Development and has extensive experience in vocational education and training, particularly in VET in Schools programs. She specialises in designing compliant and engaging learning environments that support diverse learners, including those with lower literacy and digital capability. Michelle works closely with schools, trainers, and industry partners to develop practical training solutions that align with regulatory requirements while remaining relevant and engaging for students. She is passionate about using immersive and simulated environments to strengthen learning outcomes and help educators deliver industry-aligned training with confidence.
Ngaire Mayo
Woodcrest State College
Ngaire Mayo is a passionate Home Economics and Design teacher, currently Head of Department of Applied Technology at Woodcrest State College. She is a member of the HEIA (Q) committee and is HEIA (Q) conference co-convenor. She also represents HEIA(Q) as the Secretary of the HEIA National Council. In her down time, she enjoys food, travel and all things creative, leading family and friends to occasionally question her sanity when she decides to learn yet another new cuisine or craft. Ngaire’s love of teaching and learning motivates her to seek innovative ways to improve student outcomes through curriculum and by coaching educators to further develop their own expertise – inspiring students to succeed
Prue Rainey
IllyStrate
Prue Rainey is a fashion designer with over 20 years’ experience, including a long tenure as Head of Design at CUE, where she led the brand through significant growth, expanding from 80 to over 200 stores and becoming Myer’s top-selling brand. Most recently, she served as Head Designer for Manning Cartell. She is the creator of Illy Strate, an innovative, poseable fashion figure designed to help creatives translate ideas into illustration. Now, she focuses on fostering the next generation through online and in-class fashion illustration and design workshops for secondary Design and Technology students.
Justine Hawkins
Mount Alvernia College, Kedron Brisbane
Justine is currently a Senior Design and Junior Design Technology Teacher based in Brisbane. She holds a Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles Design, along with a postgraduate Master of Teaching in TAS. Originally from NSW, she has taught across a range of subject areas throughout her career, including Fashion and Textile Design, Visual Arts, and Design Technologies.
Rashan Senanayake
Inspired Education Australia
Rashan Senanayake is a multi-award-winning educator, author and international speaker specialising in design thinking, innovation and emerging technologies in education. As Founder and CEO of Inspired Education Australia, he has worked with schools, universities and industry to build future-focused capability in learners and educators. Rashan is also an academic at Queensland University of Technology, where he teaches design and design thinking. A published author and host of a globally ranked education podcast, his work focuses on empowering individuals to navigate the future of work through creativity, technology and purposeful learning. Learn More: www.rashansenanayake.com
Rosie Sciacca
HEIA(Q) / Moreton Bay College
Rosie Sciacca is an experienced Design and Technologies teacher and Fellow of the Home Economics Institute of Australia who has contributed to the professional learning community in many roles across her career. Currently, Rosie is Head of Department – Technologies at Moreton Bay College, a sessional lecturer and tutor at Griffith University, Treasurer of HEIA(Q), a quality assurer for QCAA, and a guardian to Charlotte. Rosie is motivated by finding ways to weave together student interests and innovative technologies to curate agentic and strategic learning opportunities and assessments that provoke students to explore their world and develop solutions that push the boundaries.
Evie Skinner
QCAA
As the Principal Project Officer for Technologies at QCAA Evie is committed to advancing Design and Technologies education in Queensland. She collaborates with teachers to implement the Australian Curriculum v9.0, focusing on fostering students’ ability to create innovative, ethical, and sustainable solutions to real-world challenges. Evie promotes critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and the integration of the three thinking methodologies, empowering students to develop practical skills and innovative solutions. Through professional learning, resource development, and school partnerships, she helps educators connect knowledge, processes, and production skills in ways that build student capability and engagement for the future.
Rhiannon Thorn
Redbank Plains SHS
Rhiannon Thorn is a skilled Design and Technology teacher with over a decade of experience in secondary education across Queensland and New South Wales. Currently based in Southeast Queensland, she inspires students through creative, hands-on learning. Rhiannon has coordinated subjects, mentored pre-service teachers, and championed project-based learning. Her students have achieved Band 6 results in NSW Textiles, with work selected for Texstyle. Her achievements include recognition in the Singer Young Designer Challenge, costume designing for school and community productions, and a successful handmade children’s clothing business inspired by her two daughters.
Rosie Sciacca
Moreton Bay College
Rosie Sciacca is an experienced Design and Technologies teacher with a Home Economics education background. She is a Fellow of the Home Economics Institute of Australia and has been an active member of the Queensland division’s Committee of Management since 2006. Currently, Rosie is the Head of Department – Technologies at Moreton Bay College, and is a sessional lecturer and tutor for Design and Technologies food contexts at Griffith University. She appreciates the opportunity to share and build her own and her team’s practice through her presentations at regional workshops and state and national conferences. Rosie is motivated by finding ways to weave together student interests and innovative technologies to curate agentic and strategic learning opportunities that provoke students to explore their world and develop solutions that push the boundaries.
Nick Steiner
The Mini Farm Project
Nick Steiner, the Founder and CEO of The Mini Farm Project, is a relentless advocate against food insecurity in Australia. His journey began by transforming his own backyard into a thriving farm. Recognised for his exceptional community contributions, Nick received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship and became an AMP Tomorrow Maker alumni. His dedication was further acknowledged when he was named Moreton Bay Citizen of the Year. Through The Mini Farm Project, particularly the Loganlea State High School charity farm, Nick bridges communities, businesses, and youth to combat food scarcity, offering fresh sustenance to thousands in need, while fostering community collaboration and dismantling barriers for students and the community.
Catherine Strickland
Grace Lutheran College
Catherine is a Textiles & Fashion Teacher (among other things) at an independent school on the northside of Brisbane. Encouraging and inspiring students to be creative with textiles and fashion is one of the things that gets her out of bed each day. Catherine works on the theory, “If I’m bored teaching it, then students are probably bored learning it!”, so she is constantly on the lookout for how to tweak things to keep things fresh and keep students engaged. With experience in curriculum and syllabus writing over more years than she cares to count, and a HEIA(Q) Teacher Excellence Award recipient, it is the connection between the community of colleagues that she attests to staying involved with the profession. Catherine is looking forward to both sharing and learning from those who attend the session.
Sue Webb
Sue Webb PD
Sue Webb is a teacher and school leader who’s written about her experience with burnout and recovery in her book titled Teachers Cry Too, in which she addresses the emotional and practical complexities of the education profession. Despite her declining mental health and attempts to hide her illness, Sue realised that the career she blamed for making her sick, also offered her a pathway to recovery. Overwhelmed by the response of teachers, Sue now advocates for healthy and sustainable work practices. She’s launched a suite of teacher-inspired professional development programs spanning Early- Career, Mid- Career and Leadership phases. When she’s not teaching, Sue runs workshops to future-proof education through teacher wellbeing and sustainability. Sue holds a Master of Educational Leadership and is an editor for the Australian Journal of Middle Schooling. Her favourite workshop so far was one in which the hospitality students made coconut ice-cream!
Jo Wickham
Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority
Jo Wickham is a Principal Education Officer in the Senior Curriculum and Assessment Branch of the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority. Jo currently supports the implementation of the Food and Nutrition syllabus through the endorsement, confirmation and external examination processes.
Deanne Wooden
Queensland Association of School Tuckshops
Deanne Wooden is CEO of the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops and a qualified dietitian with two decades of working across government, non-government, education and health sectors. With high-level advocacy and policy experience, Deanne works with national stakeholders progressing an agenda towards healthy school food environments. Supporting Queensland school tuckshops every day, Deanne has a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and challenges of policy implementation in this setting. Deanne maintains extensive networks and knowledge in the public health nutrition and school food sectors and is passionate about the role of schools in a broader preventive health movement in Australia.