Blockchain Committee
The Blockchain Committee within the Australian Computer Society (ACS) stands as a pioneering force in exploring the transformative potential of blockchain technology across various sectors. Comprised of distinguished experts, researchers, and industry leaders, this committee is dedicated to advancing the understanding, adoption, and responsible application of blockchain within the Australian ecosystem.
Blockchain, originally popularized as the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies, has evolved into a versatile platform with far-reaching implications. Its decentralized and immutable nature offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation in areas such as finance, supply chain management, healthcare, and beyond.
The primary mission of the ACS Blockchain Committee is to promote awareness, education, and collaboration in the field of blockchain technology. Through strategic partnerships, research initiatives, and knowledge-sharing activities, the committee aims to demystify blockchain, explore its potential applications, and address key challenges such as scalability, interoperability, and regulatory compliance.
By convening stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and civil society, the Blockchain Committee serves as a catalyst for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. Whether it's exploring use cases for smart contracts, improving data integrity, or enhancing transparency in transactions, blockchain has the potential to revolutionize how we exchange value and trust in the digital age.
The ACS Blockchain Committee is committed to promoting ethical, sustainable, and inclusive practices. Through informed discussions, policy advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives, the committee aims to ensure that blockchain technologies benefit individuals, organizations, and communities while upholding principles of integrity, security, and societal well-being.
MACS
Karen Cohen
Chair – Blockchain Committee
Karen Cohen aka “blockmum” is the Founder and Director of Emerging Tech HUB, a company that helps humans connect to Emerging Technology. She is the Founder of Women in Emerging Tech and Previous Deputy Chair for Blockchain Australia. She is the Community and Events Manager for Stables. She is the 2022 Blockies award winner for Community Champion. Karen is the previous program manager for Inspiring Rare Birds where she ran the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office for Women mentoring scholarship program. She also ran females in Fintech program for Stone and Chalk sponsored by LaunchVic . She founded and ran AlgoHUB the Developer and Student Community Hub for Algorand Foundation.
AACS
Rachael Jones
Vice Chair – Blockchain Committee
Rachael has a robust background in economics, finance, and blockchain technology. At Cavalry Consulting in Brisbane, she employs technology to streamline business processes in the Oil and Gas sector, demonstrating a keen ability to apply the latest technological advancements to industry challenges. Her approach is informed by a solid theoretical foundation, acquired through a Master’s degree in Financial Economics and a Diploma in Applied Blockchain. Additionally, Rachael's practical experience is enriched by her internship as a Project Coordinator at BlockConsult, a premier Web3 consulting company, where she played a pivotal role in project management and strategy development in the blockchain space. Her engagement in the blockchain community is evident in her roles, including Secretary for Blockchain Australia and contributions to All Things Blockchain. This involvement underscores her dedication to leveraging technology in business for innovative and sustainable growth. Rachael's career is a testament to her commitment to excellence and her skill in harnessing technology to enhance business operations and drive development.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael--jones/
AACS
Dr Andrzej Gwizdalski
Member
Dr. Andrzej Gwizdalski is a pioneering academic and leading expert in the integration of blockchain technologies within the Web 3.0 economy, specialising in open public blockchain applications for business, including DeFi, DAOs, NFTs, the Metaverse, and cryptocurrency. Holding a Master of Science and executive education in blockchain from the University of Nicosia and Oxford Saïd Business School, Dr. Gwizdalski launched the first graduate course in Western Australia, 'BUSN5001 Blockchain and DLT in Business,' at the UWA Business School in 2018, reflecting his dedication to academic excellence and innovation. Renowned for his award-winning curriculum design and teaching, Andrzej is also deeply invested in research, focusing on sustainable fintech and the adoption of Web3 and blockchain by SMEs. As a cofounder and driving force behind the Western Australia Web3 Association (WAWEB3), he has significantly contributed to promoting Web3 technology awareness and adoption in the region. His commitment extends to empowering local startups, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and artists through Web3 technologies, alongside providing strategic advisory to organisations and governmental bodies, including the Commonwealth Treasury on digital assets regulations. Dr. Gwizdalski's efforts in community building and leadership in the blockchain space are recognised both nationally and internationally.
AACS
Scott Waller
Member
Scott Waller is a technology professional with over 20 years’ experience supporting businesses implementing digital and transformation agendas within finance, capital projects, supply chain and manufacturing environments. Scott’s passion is in the use of technology to drive business model innovation and ensuring technology risk is effectively managed. Scott leads EY’s Oceania blockchain business that is focused on supporting clients with blockchain solution development and digital assets related trust services. Scott brings an entrepreneurial spirit to solving corporate technology challenges and is a co-founder in a number of Web3 start-ups.
MACS
Andrew Collins
Member
An internationally experienced ICT senior leader with 23 years of experience in the commercial, government and health care sectors. A strong drive to use technology to improve peoples lives and business has seen my leadership of numerous transformation programs throughout my career establishing new business capabilities and transforming others.
MACS - CP
Dolly Brtan
Member
Dolly is a FinTech professional with over three decades of experience, blending technology projects with financial expertise. She ventured into entrepreneurship, where she became a licensed fund manager specialising in alternative investments. Passionate about merging technology and finance, Dolly focuses on business strategy, utilisation of artificial intelligence and the creation of digital assets, aiming to revolutionise digital finance delivery. Her educational background includes Information Technology, Financial Services and Blockchain studies. Dolly is the Chair of the ACS Blockchain Community of Interest in Victoria. She also sits as a member of the of the Professional Standards Board. The Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee including the Technical Advisory board for the Blockchain committee.
FACS - CP
Dr David Cook
Member
Technology advocate dedicated to advances and the progression of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), and cyber security, combined with research and academic engagement in six main areas, Business, Information Technology, International Relations, Security, South-east Asia, and Governance. Fluent in South-east Asian languages.
MACS
Dr Denise Tambanis
Member
Dr Denise Tambanis is an international strategy consultant, startup advocate and educator with deep expertise in blockchain, AI and emerging technology. She has advised corporates and governments on business development and valuation, scouted global startups at Startupbootcamp, helped launch Australia's first cryptocurrency donation platform, and developed and taught RMIT's postgraduate Cryptofinance course.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-tambanis/?originalSubdomain=au
AACS
Alessio Bonti
Member
Alessio Bonti is an Associate Professor at RMIT University and former AI Lead at IBM. In his industry role, he worked with all major Australian banks and led notable innovations including the first commercial AI for Oncology and a pioneering multimodal blockchain tracking system for China’s One Road One Belt initiative. He holds honorary positions with leading global universities, including advising Università Bocconi on the redesign of Milan’s Digital Municipality. Alessio remains passionate about shaping the future of education and preparing students for the world ahead.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessiobonti/?originalSubdomain=au