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24 – 26 SEP  |  QT GOLD COAST

Speakers & Special Guests

Tarryn Stokes - Recording Artist + Winner, 'The Voice' 2023

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 we’re honoured to have her as a feature artist for CONNECT24.

Svrcina - Recording Artist

Svrcina

SVRCINA (Sur-Cee-Nah) is one of pop music’s fast rising stars, with her songs totalling over 30 million streams on Spotify alone. With not only her own releases but many collaborations to her name, SVRCINA’s goal is to create music that is culturally transcendent. Experimentation with sounds, mixtures of musical elements with cultural personality traits, influenced by faith and current events, SVRCINA is carving out a niche that music lovers around the world will embrace. SVRCINA is a passionate artist and worshipper, and we are thrilled to host her at CONNECT24.

Petra Bagust - Podcaster & TV Presenter

Petra Bagust

“I talk for a living, that came naturally, now I listen as well – it’s an excellent development. Whether it is emceeing live events, presenting on TV or radio, or one on one get togethers for media chaplaincy - people are my jam. I really love them…I'll never stop sharing the love and being curious. Ka pai” – Petra Bagust. Petra is a TV presenter, radio host, podcaster and media chaplain, perhaps best known as co-presenter of TVNZ’s morning show, Breakfast. We’re thrilled to have Petra join us for CONNECT24.

Noddy Sharma - Founder, Abel Movement

Noddy Sharma - Founder, Abel Movement

Noddy is one of Australia’s leading voices and thought leaders on engaging the next generation in Jesus, the church and faith. He has pioneered movements within previous roles at OM Australia and World Vision Australia and has spent the best part of 20 years ensuring kids and young people are known, loved and protected within a church context. As founder of Abel Movement, Noddy is a sought after speaker at churches, schools and conferences and is passionate about seeing the next generation supported to take hold of their God given potential and come up with their own solutions to change the world around them.

Jon Bergmann - Organisational Strategist

Jon Bergmann - Organisational Strategist

Jon works in leadership and organisational development, and operates from the belief that helping people to thrive at work has a positive impact on the ecosystem of their entire life. "I love to help leaders both imagine and cultivate a world that is just, equitable, and good news for everyone." In the words of Will McAskill: "Whether the future is wonderful or terrible is, in part, up to us."

Sam Valich - Brand Strategist

Sam Valich

Sam is a cherished part of the CMAA community and for over 20 years has worked with executive teams to create Band-Led Organisations. “In a brand-led organisation, your brand is not just a marketing tool or visual identity; it's the driving force behind every aspect of your organisation... your purpose, mission, values, promise, and personality… It’s a compass, guiding strategic decisions, product development, customer experiences, culture, and employee behaviour. It's not only about selling…but creating connections with customers and stakeholders based on shared trust, values, and experiences."

Murray Norman - CEO, Faith NSW

Murray Norman

Murray Norman is CEO of Better Balanced Futures and Faith NSW and for many years, with his wife Rachel, has worked with SRE - scripture in schools. Murray is routinely meeting with government to represent faith communities on key legislative issues – including current discussions on gender, equality, and religious discrimination. He is highly respected across all levels of government, and played a key role in connecting faith communities with government during COVID so that faith communities could re-open for services. It is a pleasure to have Murray at CONNECT24.

Clare Steele - CEO, Compassion Australia

Clare Steele

Following a successful business career, Clare has worked for over a decade in Christian ministry, focusing on strategic leadership that enables churches to better serve their communities. She studied Engineering in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering at the University of Western Sydney as well as Master of Divinity through Sydney Missionary and Bible College. As Compassion Australia CEO, she is excited to see churches and Christians around the world empowered to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. We are thrilled to have Clare with us, contributing to CONNECT24.

Sharon Callister - CEO, Mission Australia

Sharon Callister

Sharon is a CEO with over 15 years’ experience managing large and diverse organisations in Australia and overseas. She holds a Graduate Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor Degree in Health Administration and is a Registered Nurse. Sharon is the CEO of Mission Australia, and we are excited to hear her wisdom and input at CONNECT24.

Melissa Lipsett - CEO, Baptist World Aid

Melissa Lipsett

Melissa is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organisation management industry. She is a strong professional and servant leader, playing active roles in governance across the church and for purpose Christian sector. She holds a Bachelor of Ministry and a Bachelor of Applied Science, and is also a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Melissa is the CEO of Baptist World Aid Australia, and we are grateful for her presence and wisdom at CONNECT24.

Mike Gore - Founder & CEO, Charitabl.

Mike Gore

Mike is a well-known communicator, fundraiser and thought leader in both the not for profit and business spheres. As founder and CEO of Charitabl., and former CEO at Open Doors, Mike has had first-hand experience of charitable work in over 30 countries, ranging from refugee camps on the Syrian border, to micro business loans, to female empowerment projects, drug rehabilitation programs and more. He has appeared on SkyNews and spoken at Parliament House and many other conferences and events.

Danielle McAlpine - TV Producer

Danielle McAlpine Johnson

Danielle McAlpine Johnson is an award-winning Writer, Director and Producer, creating documentary, film and TV as a catalyst for change in the social justice landscape. Passionate about issues of injustice and sharing stories of the human heart, Danielle loves to connect with people to draw out the unique heartbeat of every story. With her husband, singer Chico Johnson, Danielle is the Co-Founder of CheekyMac Productions, with docos currently broadcasting on Network Ten Australia, GOOD TV, Foxtel, Ozflix, as well as in the Netherlands, the Middle East and Africa.

Bridey Drake - Social Influencer & Entrepreneur

Bridey Drake

Bridey and her business partner run a highly successful PJ company called Night Sweet Thing (launched in 2019). Bridey is a renowned content creator, with an extensive social media following: 1.7m on Instagram, 2.8m on TikTok and 1.76m on YouTube. We can’t wait to hear what Bridey has to teach us about producing content and engaging an audience.

Luke Weston - Content Director, Rhema NZ

Luke Weston

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

Shekeinah Hill - Creative Pastor, TV Presenter

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 as MC and host for this year’s CONNECT conference, alongside Luke Weston. An American and a New Zealander – what could possibly go wrong?

Chico Johnson - Recording Artist

Chico Johnson

Chico is an accomplished musician and artist, with a huge heart for young people. His initiative, The East G Project, was launched in five schools throughout East Gippsland in 2023, tackling the rapid decline of mental health in drought and fire affected areas, empowering youth with self-expression through the art of music, film, motivational speaking and songwriting workshops.

Jared Haschek - Music Director, Composer

Jared Haschek

Jared Haschek is a producer, arranger, songwriter and composer based in Melbourne, Australia. Working across both the Christian and mainstream music industries, Jared particularly shines as a music nerd, writing string arrangements and orchestrations for events and recordings all around the world. Recent projects have involved Lauren Daigle, Jennifer Hudson, 5 Seconds of Summer, Riley Clemmons and Hillsong. Jared lives with his wife Rebecca, three children, 2 dogs and too many chickens.

Susan Holt - Author, Radio Personality, and Founder at GracifyMe

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.

Stuart Harris - CEO, Story Strategist

Stu Harris

Stu is a passionate communicator with an extensive career spanning 30+ years in marketing and business leadership. He is an international vision caster and creative thought leader in the technology and entertainment industries. He is Founder and Managing Director of Story Strategist Pty Ltd, a former General Manager of ACCTV (GOOD) and former Country Manager for Christian Vision (CV) where he was Executive Producer for more than 30 short films; and for a decade he worked in Product Marketing for Apple.

Jodie McEwen - Sector Partnerships Lead, CMAA

Jodie McEwen

As a communicator working in marketing for businesses, Christian media and not-for-profit organisations, Jodie loves finding ways to connect like-minded people to build community and increase impact. In her role as Sector Partnerships Lead at CMAA, Jodie works with CMAA’s partners, including charity organisations, members and other key partners, to amplify our voice across the Christian media landscape and get the word out on issues that matter.

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