ACS Queensland Bundaberg Regional Roadshow: Exploring Local Digital Transformation Journeys

Co-Owner and CEO, Queensland Computers

Having opened the business in 2005 in Bundaberg, the organisation now services over 100,000 square km with offices south to Brisbane and north to Rockhampton. Queensland Computers aims to continue to grow and support government and business organisations across Queensland with a strong focus on regional support. Outside of his professional endeavours Geoff is working toward a PHD with a focus on how technology is used within schools, is an avid fisherman, husband and father of three.

Chief Information Officer, Bundaberg Regional Council

Mitch Miller is the current CIO of Bundaberg Regional Council in Queensland, after almost 10 years in education he re-joined local government at the beginning of 2019. With a focus on automation and agility that was required to do more with less in education he has brought a fresh approach and pivoted the team to be improvements focused. Cloud technologies have been key to let the team get on with real challenges rather than dealing with traditional scope and scale issues.

Executive Manager, Regional Business HQ

Brooke is the Executive Manager of Regional Business HQ, who are in the middle of a digital transformation journey. Regional Business HQ receives funding from the Australian Government through the Department of Education, Skills and Employment to provide free business mentoring and advice to small and micro businesses looking to start or grow. Under this contract, Regional Business HQ have been required to self assess cyber security against ISO27001 and the department’s Essential 8 criteria, which has had an interesting impact on their transformation journey. 

System Engineer (Networks and Security) at Best Practice Software. 

Mark has been in the ICT Industry since 1999, working in numerous corporate roles, including 4+years as a Defence contractor in Townsville and 7 years locally, at Best Practice Software. 

Mark currently holds a Masters in Network and Systems Administration from Charles Sturt University and has been part of Best Practice’s rapid “fivefold’ expansion, from a single Bundaberg site with less than 50 users to 5 sites in Australia and New Zealand and approximately 250 users. 

In that time Mark has witnessed the transitions from on-premise to Hybrid and now to Cloud services and experienced the benefits and drawbacks each of these has offered and the organizational agility required to adapt to each; particularly in recent post-COVID times and associated increased need for secure remote “Work From Home” capabilities.   

Co-Founder and Director, Corematic

Scott is the Director of Engineering at Corematic Engineering and co-founder along with Jonathan Legault. A world leader in certain aspects of engineering, he brings extensive experience in control systems and robotic welding systems predominantly relating to automation. With an exceptional array of technical skills, a vast understanding of industry solutions, and a heart committed to his community, Scott Hansen exemplifies what Corematic Engineering aspires to be for the Australian business landscape. Corematic has one of the most impressive trajectories of success in Queensland thanks to his entrepreneurial leadership and undeniable technical expertise.

Head of Engineering, Automation and Technology, Greensill Farming

Braden is the Head of Engineering, Automation and Technology with Greensill Farming, an innovative agribusiness operating in the Bundaberg region.

Braden attended the University of Queensland and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Science. He subsequently completed vocational qualifications in the engineering area and is a qualified heavy diesel fitter. He has furthered his training with advanced studies in hydraulics and data systems.

Recognised as the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the year for Queensland and runner-up in the Australian Apprentice of the Year, he is a passionate advocate for vocational education and practical skills development.

With over a decade of hands on experience in the agricultural industry, Braden has developed his passion for agricultural innovation and a shares a strong vision for the future of agricultural technology and automation.

Regional Business Lead, NBN Co Australia

Deborah Mead is the Regional Business Lead with nbn Local covering the Wide Bay Burnett and Surrounds region. Her focus in this role is to lift the digital capability of businesses in the region working with ICT providers, business and industry groups and directly with businesses. Assisting with connectivity issues, optimisation of current connections and matching connectivity types to business needs.

She is passionate about Regional Queensland and assisting businesses to grow which was evident in her previous role as the Central Queensland Regional Manager for AusIndustry. For over a decade she had the privilege of working with regional businesses in identifying barriers to growth and matching government programs to assist.  

Deborah attended regional university James Cook, where she completed her undergraduate in Administration (Tourism) and her post graduate qualification, a Masters in Business Administration.