Meet the Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Craig Hamilton
Mental Health Advocate
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Craig Hamilton
His journey with mental illness began when he was a high-profile sports broadcaster for ABC Radio. In September 2000, on the eve of his assignment to cover the Sydney Olympic Games, he experienced a major psychotic episode in public that led to him being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Craig spent 12 days in hospital and once he had recovered, he set out to create awareness around mental health, with a goal of helping break down the stigma that surrounds mental illness.
Today, Craig leads a very busy and fulfilling life.
After leaving ABC Radio in 2023 he co-produced the biographical Documentary “The Promise” with Film Maker and Director Jye Currie, which tells Craig’s story. Craig speaks widely around Australia and internationally. His story is a story of hope. The goal is to reduce stigma, educate and inspire audiences to open up and get help when they need it.
Craig has made around 400 appearances in Australia speaking on the topic of mental health. In sharing his story and experiences, he offers hope to others. Craig’s acclaimed memoir ‘Broken Open’ has sold over 35,000 copies since its release in 2004.
In July 2012, Craig’s second book, A Better Life, co-written with Will Swanton, was published.
Greg Page
Heart of the Nation
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Greg Page
Greg Page, formally the much loved Yellow Wiggle in the internationally acclaimed children’s group The Wiggles, is on a mission to help save lives through the charitable initiative, Heart of the Nation.
From a young age, Greg had a passion for music. While studying Early Childhood Education at Sydney’s Macquarie University in 1991, Greg and fellow students Anthony Field and Murray Cook teamed up to form what was later to become, The Wiggles. Playing to sold out crowds all over the world and producing countless television series and specials over close to two decades, in 2006 Greg retired from The Wiggles due to a health condition known as Dysautonomia.
On retiring, Greg continued to work in children’s entertainment, creating almost 40 different TV show concepts and brands. With his Dysautonomia under control, in 2020 Greg took to the stage for a Wiggles reunion fundraising concert for bushfire relief. It was during this concert that Greg collapsed on stage and went into sudden cardiac arrest. Greg survived thanks to bystanders quickly locating an available AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and using it to perform CPR to stabilise his heart until ambulance officers arrived.
This near-death experience and second opportunity at life saw Greg determined to ensure that other people who suffer from cardiac arrest would also have the opportunity to survive and so Heart of the Nation was born. With his team, Greg campaigns tirelessly for more AEDs to be accessible within communities across Australia and through the Heart of the Nation app ensure people can quickly locate their nearest one.
Through his countless contributions to the community as a much loved childrens entertainer and champion of education and cardiac health, Greg has received numerous awards and accolades including the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Invited Speakers
Glenn Fenwick
NSW Ministry of Health
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Glenn Fenwick
My name is Glenn Fenwick, I am an Associate Director (Security Risk) in the Safety and Security Improvement (SASI) team at The NSW Ministry of Health. I am committed to improving the professionalism and safety of NSW Health Security Staff, and standardising the procedures around safety and security across the state. I have worked at the Ministry since 2021, prior to that I worked in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) and its many iterations for 24 years, as a frontline Security Officer, Security Supervisor and Trainer, Violence Prevention and Management (VPM) Senior Trainer and Auditor. Prior to my career in Health, I was a Senior Constable in the NSW Police Force. I live on the South Coast of NSW, and spend as much of my spare time as I can in the ocean, as an avid surfer, surf photographer, snorkeller and scuba diver.
Dr Finn Ghent
Hunter New England Local Health District
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Dr Finn Ghent
I was born in New Zealand. I grew up and trained as a neurosurgeon in Australia. I have a clinical interest in cerebrovascular and skull base surgery, and completed formal fellowship training in those areas at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom. I now work as a consultant neurosurgeon at John Hunter, Newcastle Private and Lingard. Outside of work I spend my time with my family, and I like climbing mountains as often as I can.
Catherine MacKay
NSW Ministry of Health
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Catherine MacKay
My name is Cath Mackay, I am an Associate Director (Work, Health and Safety) in the Safety and Security Improvement (SASI) team at The NSW Ministry of Health. I started my career as a physiotherapist 35 years ago and have always been passionate about health, wellbeing and ensuring everyone can be safe in the workplace. I returned to NSW Health 14 years ago as a work, health and safety professional and have been working at the Ministry of Health for the last four years. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a strong framework for physical and psychosocial safety in the workplace with everyone contributing. I love travelling, cycling, outrigging, eating, watching bands and my cat Sami.
Tracey McCosker PSM
Hunter New England Local Health District
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Tracey McCosker PSM
Tracey McCosker is Chief Executive of Hunter New England LHD. She has worked in the NSW public health system for more than 30 years.
As the leader of one of NSW’s largest LHDs, Tracey guides the organisation to:
- model respect and inclusion.
- foster an innovative and cohesive workforce.
- deliver high-quality patient-centred care.
She began her career as a Business Manager for Hunter Area Pathology Service. She moved on to senior roles in finance, corporate and clinical services in the district.
In 2012, she became the Chief Executive of NSW Health Pathology. Here, she led the establishment of an integrated state-wide public pathology service.
Tracey received the Australian Public Service Medal in 2018 for her outstanding service to public health in NSW.
She has a degree in Commerce from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Queensland. She is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dr Vic Peddemors
Senior Shark Scientist
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Victor Peddemors, Ph.D.
Senior Shark Scientist – New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries
Director – Sea Predator Research Unit, Sydney, Australia
Dr Vic Peddemors has over 35 years scientific research experience more than half of which has involved investigating human-shark interactions and their mitigation. He has investigated over 200 shark attacks in four continents using his expertise in shark behaviour and bite characteristics to forensically assist government agencies in determining the species involved in the interaction.
Margo Reid
NSW Ministry of Health
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Margo Reid
Margo has worked in Health for a number of years, initially as a Physiotherapist and then moving to roles in work health and safety, and rehabilitation and return to work. She has experience in workforce training and development, enterprise risk management, and system wide policy development. She is currently an Associate Director at the NSW Ministry of Health in the Safety and Security Improvement team. She is committed to implementing evidence-based practice in the management of violence and aggression, with an emphasis on human factors and ergonomics and systems thinking approaches for the management of these risks.
