Conference Keynote Speakers

It's A Man's Issue 

Dr Curtis Rayment is a JCU Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. Born and raised on his family’s cattle property west of Winton, he now works in the Toowoomba Hospital as a junior doctor. He is a passionate consent educator, current Rangers, Downs and QRCU Heelers representative, a past North Queensland’s Brolga Senior Men’s Captain, and a past JCU RESPECT facilitator. In 2021 Curtis founded “It’s a Man’s Issue”. He and his good mate and colleague, Dr Jack Bryant, use their spare time to deliver trauma-informed, evidence-based and culturally sensitive workshops focused on consent, sexual assault, healthy relationships, toxic masculinity and active bystander training with resounding praise from participants and staff. For his efforts in 2023, he was nominated as Queensland Young Australian of the Year. By sharing their own experiences as young men from their time at university, in the rugby or AFL sheds, mustering camps and medical wards, they hope to educate and motivate other men to challenge their own behaviours and their mate's behaviours to become part of the solution instead of the problem.

LifeFlight Pilot

Amanda Deed is a First Officer with LifeFlight, contributing to critical care missions across Queensland. In August 2024, she participated in one of LifeFlight’s longest jet flights, transporting a patient from Bern, Switzerland, to Perth, Australia—a mission lasting over 52 hours. Amanda’s aviation journey began early, inspired by her father's passion for flying. She earned her Private Pilot License at 24 and has since gained extensive experience flying in remote regions of Australia. Amanda also co-piloted a notable “Australia in a Day” flight in December 2022, which secured second place in the international Dawn to Dusk competition.

Telstra Regional Engagement Manager, Southern Queensland

Sarah Brand has been a member of Telstra since 2008, contributing her expertise across various business areas with a strong focus on regional customers and stakeholders. In her most recent role, Sarah has been instrumental in leading and executing engagement activities in Southern Queensland. Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, from community and stakeholder engagement and sponsorships to the organisation and management of events. Additionally, Sarah is actively involved in Digital Inclusion initiatives, Diversity & Sustainability projects, and Disaster Management preparedness and response.

Sarah, along with her husband and two children, resides on a small farm in Berat on the Darling Downs. She is passionate about regional Australia and its people. In her leisure time, Sarah enjoys horse riding, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her family and friends.

nbn Co - Executive Manager – Education & Regional Stakeholder Relations

Elise joined nbn nearly 5 years ago and brings over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications industry in regional rural and remote Australia.

Elise has had a varied career holding senior corporate roles across a range of industries including mining, telecommunications (as General Manager for NW NSW with Telstra Country Wide), media & international marketing, however her career has one common theme - the development of regional, rural and remote Australia at the heart of it. 

Alongside her corporate career, Elise has always been in private business, from owning and operating sheep and cattle grazing properties to starting a women’s fashion boutique in the remote East Kimberley. 

Elise was raised on a cattle station in North Queensland, attending School of the Air and doing Primary Correspondence through to the end of year 7; better than many, she understands from her lived experience the opportunities and challenges facing ICPA families.

BERYL NEILSEN WINCHESTER SCHOLARSHIPS

The Winchester Foundation was established by the late Mrs Beryl Neilsen OAM to provide educational assistance to children and young people living in rural and regional areas. Beryl Neilsen Winchester Scholarships endeavour to provide rural families with the same educational opportunities as those given to students living in the cities. This assistance is provided via Winchester Scholarships designed to assist with the study costs of successful applicants.