North Queensland Work Well Conference 2025

Stuart is the Chief Safety Officer for Autopact Holdings Pty Ltd, one of Australia’s larger automotive retailers, with just under 2000 staff nationally. He has a background in safety at an international level, having previously managed the Asia Pacific region for global food manufacturer McCormick & Co. During this time, and due to his lived experience with mental health, he was selected to sit on McCormick’s Global Health & Wellbeing Committee.

In 2024, Stuart won the Australian Institute of Health & Safety’s national award for WHS Leader of the Year – Large Business for the significant improvements in safety he achieved at Autopact. He credits much of his success to his ability to relate with workers at the coal face and build systems, processes, and engagement relative to their needs.

David is a trusted advisor who helps organisations tackle complex workplace risks that impact safety, wellbeing, and reputation. He partners with senior leaders across government, resources, defence, and education to develop practical, controlled solutions for issues including sexual harassment, mental health, safety threats, and reputational challenges.

With expertise spanning psychosocial risk, behavioural threat safety, and regulatory innovation, David also designs tailored training in human factors, people risk, and psychological safety. Known for his strategic, real-world approach, he helps workplaces move beyond compliance to create safer, more resilient environments where people and performance can thrive.

Caitlin Isaac is the Manager of Workplace Health and Safety at Mort & Co, one of Australia’s largest and most respected feedlot businesses, with its largest site near Dalby in Queensland’s Darling Downs region. A certified occupational health and safety professional, Caitlin brings over 12 years of experience in work health and safety (WHS) and training, with a career spanning agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and university sectors.

She has successfully led and supported a wide range of WHS initiatives, most recently spearheading the implementation of Blindsight AI, an advanced safety technology that has transformed operational risk management in feedlot environments. This innovative project earned national recognition, winning Best Technology Deployment and Adoption at the 2024 Australian Work Health and Safety Awards.

Natalee grew up in regional Western Australia and is the Royal Australian Navy’s first female pilot. During her 24 years of military service, she held roles as a qualified helicopter instructor, operations manager, leader, and safety professional, gaining extensive knowledge of human behaviour, decision-making, and the impact of organisational culture. She has over 15 years of experience instructing and facilitating helicopter training, risk management, safety investigation techniques, human factors, non-technical skills, and fostering positive safety cultures.

Since leaving the military, Natalee has delivered keynotes and consultancy services specialising in safety management systems, human factors, and safety incident investigation. She has led decision-making, communication, and organisational culture workshops for a range of organisations, from defence and maritime to service and hospitality sectors.

James is a musculoskeletal physiotherapist with 20 years of clinical experience, specialising in complex and work-related pain. He is currently completing a PHD focused on work-related pain and holds a master's in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, combining strong academic expertise with practice clinical insight.

James began his career in case management before becoming a physiotherapist, giving him a unique perspective on the workers’ compensation system. He has worked in multidisciplinary pain clinics, advised on early intervention strategies for workplace injuries, and developed a deep understanding of functional rehabilitation, recovery, and injury management. James is also a clinical mentor with the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and lectures at Curtin University, supporting the next generation of physiotherapists.

Cindia is an advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and has presented on cultural safety at the ARPA International Conference, ASORC, and PIEF conferences in 2024 and 2025. She completed certification in mental health assessment of Aboriginal clients and suicide prevention in Aboriginal communities in 2023, and has undertaken cultural awareness and responsiveness training at the First Nations Australians Health Association Conference in 2024.

Cindia holds a bachelor of psychological sciences with honours from the University of Queensland, where she researched compassion and self-compassion. Her journey includes volunteering as a music therapist for survivors of human trafficking in Cambodia and running a scholarships program for female leaders to attend leadership programs at world-leading institutions. In 2025, she is leading an initiative to champion cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in workplace rehabilitation under WorkCover.

Rosemary is the Executive Manager of occupational health and quality at Axis. She is a titled occupational health and musculoskeletal physiotherapist, accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), with over 25 years’ experience in occupational health.

Rosemary leads a team of Axis rehabilitation and return to work consultants, providing early intervention, injury management, and workplace physical and mental health services. She has served on numerous APA and Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association (ARPA) committees at both state and national levels, is an APA occupational health titling assessor, and sits on the ‘IT Pays to Care’ physio advisory group. In 2024, Rosemary was recognised with the Exceptional Leadership award at the Queensland ARPA Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Awards.

Mike and Ben are a professional speaking duo, a double amputee and a blind man, who happen to be best mates. They are on a mission to redefine toughness, shifting the focus from silent struggle to open, honest conversation.

Using humour, raw storytelling, and genuine connection, Mike and Ben inspire audiences across the country to build resilience, improve mental health, and embrace the power of conversation. Their presentations guide people through life’s challenges, encouraging practical strategies for coping, connection, and thriving in tough times.