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2 – 4 SEP  |  QT GOLD COAST

Speakers & Special Guests

Robert Fergusson

Robert Fergusson

Robert Fergusson has been part of the teaching team at Hillsong Church for over thirty years. He is English by birth, Australian by choice and European by taste. He has three children, seven growing grandchildren, and one patient wife. He is a biologist by training, but dislikes the colour green. He is a teacher by calling, but hates marking. He loves travelling, reading, photography and coffee. For over fifty years he has taught people how to live in order to please God. He and his wife live in the parrot-filled suburbs of Sydney.

Petra Bagust

Petra Bagust

Petra has been a voice of influence in Aotearoa, New Zealand since the 90s, and while her hairstyle has changed, her positivity and charismatic communication certainly hasn’t. Petra brings a wealth of real life experience to the table having navigated the turbulent world of media, balancing the challenges of family life and career, through to partnering with powerful organisations of change both locally and globally. Always engaging, sometimes irreverent, Petra speaks her mind with purpose, clarity and soul.

Chris Marsh

Chris Marsh

Over the past 20 years, Chris has been a driving creative force behind many of Australia’s biggest radio shows and podcasts. He has collaborated with names such as Carrie Bickmore, Mick Molloy and former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. His 15-year association with Hamish and Andy, as their Creative Audio Producer for their radio shows, podcast and TV projects has gained him expertise in all areas of audio production, creating compelling and entertaining content, along with unique skills in managing high-profile talent.

Tarryn Stokes

Tarryn Stokes

Vocalist Tarryn Stokes has worked in the music industry for many years but rose to national prominence in 2023 as winner of Channel 7’s ‘The Voice’, taking home $100,000 and a record label deal with Universal. In 2024 she has toured Australia as support act with For King + Country. Tarryn also teaches, songwrites and sings Christian worship and was a popular feature artist at CONNECT24.

Natchi Lazarus

Natchi Lazarus

An International Marketing & Media Strategist, specialising in teaching social media and AI to faith-based organisations. Natchi is the best-selling author of ‘The Connected Church’, the founder of CCA (Connected Church Online Academy) and Open Minds Digital Agency. With over two decades of experience in media and marketing, Natchi regularly shares his insights and expertise at global events, conferences, seminars, and on various social media channels.

Valerie Ling

Valerie Ling

A clinical psychologist, leadership consultant, and founder of both the Centre for Effective Living (CFEL) and the Centre for Effective Serving (CFES), Valerie brings a unique integration of evidence-based psychological insight and practical leadership acumen. She works to equip Christian leaders and communities with tools for resilience, relational safety, and reflective practice, by creating systems of care that honour their calling and protect their humanity.

Safina Stewart

Safina Stewart

Bruce Downes

Bruce Downes

Bruce Downes is founder of The Catholic Guy Ministry, a global outreach that proclaims Christ to people wherever they are through television, radio, online media, parish missions, retreats, conferences, and daily devotionals. His ministry reaches across denominations to all people of faith. As a teenager, Bruce experienced a profound encounter with Christ through the guidance of a Discalced Carmelite priest. This encounter sparked a lifelong conviction to proclaim the Gospel. Alongside his wife Rosemary, their family, and a dedicated team, Bruce has committed his life to building faith communities for the disconnected and for those seeking deeper spiritual growth.

Tekoa

Tekoa

Tekoa is a soul-infused Christian indie band from Melbourne, made up of Rory McKenna, Samuel Adebajo and Nathan Staggers. Blending Gospel, R & B, Folk and alternative sounds, their music is marked by raw vocals, layered rhythms and heartfelt lyrics. Their debut EP Hymns + Disparity struck a chord with audiences, earning them over 80 million streams. In 2024, they supported Lauren Daigle on her Kaleidoscope Nights tour across Australia and New Zealand. Tekoa continues to carve out a unique space in contemporary worship with a sound that is both honest and sonically rich.

Craig Bruce

Craig Bruce

Craig is a globally recognised expert in radio, podcasting, talent coaching, and media strategy. As Head of Content for Austereo / SCA Craig oversaw 80 metro and regional stations, launching landmark shows like Kyle and Jackie O and Hamish & Andy. Today, Craig consults major radio networks around the world, produces top-tier podcasts for Spotify and iHeart, and leads talent development bootcamps for emerging creators.

Rev Dr Tania Harris

Rev Dr Tania Harris

Tania is a pastor, practical theologian, author, broadcaster and the Director of God Conversations, a global ministry that equips people to recognise and respond to God’s voice. Her books, podcasts, academic research and media broadcasts all aim to equip everyone to recognise the Spirit in the context of their local church.

Ethan Beer

Ethan Beer

Ethan Beer is a Brisbane-based singer, songwriter and producer whose music blends acoustic pop with raw emotion and lyrical depth. Growing up with roots in gospel, theatre and poetry, he developed a love for storytelling through music. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist and worship leader, Ethan began writing and producing in his teens, releasing his debut album Unsigned while still in high school. Known for his crisp vocals and layered production, he continues to shape a distinctive sound within Australia’s emerging indie-pop scene.

Luke Weston

Luke Weston

Luke Weston is a well-loved friend from across the pond, where he is recognised for his outstanding work as the CEO at Rhema Media, New Zealand. Back by popular demand, Luke will be one of our hosts at this year’s CONNECT, welcome back Luke!

Matteo Charles

Matteo Charles

Matteo Charles is a Sydney-born performance painter known for creating striking portraits in under 10 minutes. A self-taught artist, he began painting after a life-threatening illness inspired him to use art as therapy. He has performed at major events worldwide and painted celebrities like Sir Richard Branson and Janet Jackson. Matteo recently shared that, as a Catholic, he has started taking his faith more seriously, which is now influencing his life and work.

Jared Haschek

Jared Haschek

Jared is a composer, songwriter, arranger, orchestrator, producer and transcriber who has been CONNECT's Music Director for many years. Learning piano at 5, and starting his first band as a teen, Jared has been writing and arranging music for most of his life, contributing to albums by Hillsong (amongst others) and releasing his own solo albums. Jared is the brilliance behind the entertaining performances experienced at CONNECT and we are thrilled he is joining us once again for 2025.

Dave Adamson

Dave Adamson

A former TV reporter, and Social Media and Online Pastor at Andy Stanley’s North Point Ministries in Atlanta, he is known to most people as 'Aussie Dave'. He now leads the local Australian team of the YouVersion Bible App, with a mission to see more Australians engage with God’s Word every day. Dave is also the best-selling author and leads an online ministry reaching over a million people across multiple platforms every month.

Shekeinah Hill

Shekeinah Hill

Shekeinah is originally from Florida, USA but has lived in Australia for the past 12 years. She is a Pastor at Hillsong Church on the creative team, where she has held a large variety of leadership roles, including overseeing the vocal team and creative moments. She is an accomplished TV and online presenter and voice artist, and we’re thrilled to welcome her back as MC and host for this year’s CONNECT conference, alongside Luke Weston. An American and a New Zealander – what could possibly go wrong?

Leio McLaren

Leio McLaren

Nick Jensen

Nick Jensen

Nick has worked in education for over 15 years across the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. He was the founding director of the Lachlan Macquarie Institute and most recently the Director of Government Relations at Alphacrucis University College. Nick most enjoys translating ideas into transformative realities that bring right relationships. Having worked within the highest spheres of politics and education, he is now focused on facilitating innovation within educational communities through ACTS Education - who design AI Avatar Conversational Training Simulations for schools, universities and training institutions.

Susan Holt

Susan Holt

Well known across Australia as former presenter on the Luke and Susie Show, Susan is also a published author of her memoir, Becoming Susan: Finding Joy and Delight, Fulfilment and Purpose, Fun and Meaning in Life Again. She serves as founding director at Gracify Pty Ltd and is a board director for CMAA and Agape Outreach. As an announcer, speaker, mentor and coach, she is passionate about helping others fulfil their potential and raising the next generation of leaders.

Abe Udy

Abe Udy

Penny Mulvey

Penny Mulvey

Penny Mulvey is the Chair of CMAA. Penny spent her early career as a radio and television journalist in commercial media. She was part of the volunteer team supporting Triple 7’s test broadcasts in Melbourne, which eventually led to a permanent community broadcasting licence as the station morphed into Light FM. Penny was on air in the early days, before making a radio program for women, called Women of Hope, supported by Trans World Radio (TWR). Penny produced a weekly 30 minute women’s program for nearly 8 years. In the early 2000s, Penny joined the Light FM board, then became deputy chair, and then chair. At the conclusion of her term, Penny joined the CMAA board.

Southland

Southland

Southland is the worship collective from Elevation Church Australia, inspired by the phrase “The Great Southland of the Holy Spirit.” Their debut live album Like The World Has Never Seen blends hymn-like roots with modern worship, featuring songs like A Great Awakening and Give You Praise. Partnering with Integrity Music, Southland exists to stir revival and inspire authentic worship across Australia and beyond.

Nathan Brown

Nathan Brown