ACS Queensland Cairns Regional Roadshow: Exploring Local Digital Transformation Journeys

Chief Digital Officer, James Cook University

I am a business-driven Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Digital Officer, with global and CEO start-up experience. My passion is business, technology and digital transformation that drives business value. As a technologist, I believe the leader of Technology in a business, must truly understand the business and its full potential, in order to truly add value to that business.

I have co-sponsored business transformations that harvested $16 million in cost savings. I have led a significant number of Technology Transformations, the scope of which cover every aspect of Technology – people (digital capability uplift), process (COVID incident management, Agile, VPDSF cybersecurity compliance) and technology (Cloud, managed services replacement, business process automation). I delivered a 100% increase in project throughput at a reduced cost (<10%), This was achieved with ZERO disruption to the business. Finally, I led the establishment of the ASX-listed InPayTech (formerly known as Payment Adviser).

I am recognised by key stakeholders for my proven ability to establish a transformational Technology vision of the future, that enables the business to achieve its full potential, to communicate that vision and to influence people to achieve it by building collaborative relationships, effective communication and persuasion. I have built IT’s brand to enable it to attract top talent, promote diversity and inclusion and foster collaboration. I build highly engaged teams.

I am considering options going forward which include Board directorships, coaching and mentoring, short term consulting roles and caretaker/relief CIO/CTO opportunities, including a hybrid of the above. 

Business Lead – North and Far North Queensland, nbn Local

Stuart has been working in the ICT industry sector since 1995.  He has been a Business Lead for nbn Local since November 2020 covering all of Northern Queensland, from the Burdekin to Mount Isa up to Thursday Island and everywhere in between.

Prior to nbn he was a General Manager with Telstra for eight years, both in direct employment as the head of Telstra Business in North Queensland and indirectly in the branded channel with the Vita Group managing the country’s first Telstra Business Technology Centre.  Additionally, Stuart has a wealth of experiences in various IT management roles with Townsville City Council, Volante and Data#3.  

All roles have had a primary focus on achieving business and technology outcomes for Enterprises, Corporations, Local Government and with small-medium businesses.  This has provided the opportunity to be entrenched in the business communities of Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa to provide local, North Queensland, knowledge and insights. 
 

Managing Director, Precedence

Nicky Jurd is a friendly and approachable geek from Cairns, where she owns and manages Far North Queensland’s largest web development and hosting firm, Precedence. 
The firm has a strong emphasis on creating profitable websites for their client base of small and medium Australian businesses. 

She is a crazy foodie, coffee boffin and enthusiastic public speaker. Nicky has conducted many workshops on internet-related topics aimed at small business owners. She has been fortunate enough to hold workshops in conjunction with Facebook, the Queensland State Government, Bendigo Bank and many more. 
 

Director, Future Computers

I started my working career in 1989, leaving school to pursue a Mechanical apprenticeship in Melbourne.  During that time I was awarded Australian Apprentice of the year and was offered a second apprenticeship in Auto Electrics.  I finished both in record time completing two apprenticeships in four years. 

From there I started a mobile Mechanical and Auto Electrical Business in country Victoria before being lured to the warmth of sunny Cairns in 2001. 

Moving to Cairns saw an opportunity for me to change industry with the purchase of Future Computers in 2003. My role as Sales Manager and Company Director allows me to work closely with our leadership team to drive our company vision of Empowering, Connecting and Protecting what matters most to our clients.  Our core focus is our clients success.
 

Vice Chair, ACS QLD Branch Executive Committee

Paul has been an owner of technology companies spanning information technology, software development and information architecture since 1984. Paul is the Principal of Cogentia, a consultancy providing strategic direction in digital disruption, digital economy transition, IT procurement and project, design & initiation. Paul is a Director of Outback Touring, a company developing geospatial apps for Grey Nomads. Paul was also the Executive Officer of the industry body that on behalf of Queensland IT associations advised the Queensland Government on governance, procurement and industry development policy.