SPEAKERS

The 2026 LGANT Circular Economy Conference is set to be a landmark event for local government professionals, offering a dynamic and engaging program designed to inspire, educate, and connect.

The conference program will feature a diverse range of sessions that address the most pressing issues facing local governments today, alongside innovative solutions and future opportunities.

MC

Richard Margetson ▼

Richard is best known for his work on radio as a presenter for Triple J, ABC Local Radio in Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, and for 15 years atABC Darwin. He has also produced, written, presented long form documentaryprojects, and presented TV programs which have aired nationally and internationally.In 40 years as a performer, MC and facilitator he has hosted multiple awards nights, live TV crosses, public discussions, forums,hypotheticals, comedy debates, community events, and for over 20 years as an MC atWomadelaide Festival.Prior to a career in radio he had spent ten years working in theatre, film, TV and radio,hosting programs for Channel 9 and ABC, and working extensively in stage shows andcommercial voiceovers, film and TV narrations

Special Guest

Honourable Joshua Burgoyne ▼

Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment

Joshua Burgoyne is the Northern Territory (NT) Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, Corporate and Digital Development and Water Resources.

He is a strong advocate for growing our economy and driving investment and development opportunities in the NT.

Territory born and bred and a dedicated father of two, Mr Burgoyne attended Braitling Primary School and St Philip's college in Alice Springs. A family man and true local, he is a champion for issues affecting his hometown and strives to provide a safe and fun environment for his local community.

Minister Burgoyne served as the Shadow Minister for Agriculture for 3 years and has a strong passion for agriculture and horticulture.

Presenters

Dr Hadi Vandchali ▼

Dr Hadi Vandchali is a procurement professional with over 16 years of experience in ESG, research, and procurement services, spanning both supplier and client environments. Hadi specialises in designing and delivering strategic initiatives that align procurement with circular economy, ethical sourcing, and sustainability goals. His blend of academic research and hands-on industry experience enables him to lead innovative programs that embed responsible practices across the procurement lifecycle. With proven expertise in procurement and contract management, stakeholder engagement, supplier collaboration, and policy integration, Hadi helps organisations achieve long-term value while driving measurable social and environmental outcomes.

Peter Pangquee BM ▼

***LGANT President***
A City of Darwin councillor since 2017 and a Local Government Association of the NT executive since 2018, Peter was elected president in November 2025.
An Aboriginal man who grew up in Darwin, Peter’s family is from the Daly River region NT and Coober Pedy SA. Peter has held senior roles for more than 38 years in government across a number of areas, from Aboriginal health to community development, juvenile justice and workforce development.
Along with many positions on advisory boards both nationally and local, Peter currently sits on the Top End Tourism Board, Development Consent Authority for Darwin, and the NT Parole Board. He has represented City of Darwin at the last four Australian Local Government Association National General Assemblies in Canberra.
Peter understands the needs of the community and the importance of community development.
He has a bachelor’s degree in Aboriginal Community Management and Community Development along with trade qualifications and a Commercial Pilots License.

Jennifer Marston ▼

Jennifer Marston is the Chief Executive Officer of Victoria Daly Regional Council, leading strategic reform and service delivery across one of the Northern Territory’s most remote and diverse local government areas.
With a career spanning senior roles in Commonwealth and State Government, Jennifer has worked across Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, and internationally.
Jennifer’s leadership is grounded in the principles of curiosity, collaboration, and service excellence. She is known as a connector of people, fostering strong relationships across teams, agencies, and communities to enable an integrated approach to delivery and beneficial outcomes. Jennifer has a passion for building sustainable, capable organisations.

Nick Hangan ▼

**Senior Lecturer – Civil Engineering**
**Director, CART (Centre for Asphalt and Road Technologies)**
Ali is a Senior Lecturer in Engineering at Charles Darwin University and Director of the Centre for Asphalt and Road Technologies (CART). His research focuses on pavement engineering, bitumen and asphalt materials, sustainable road infrastructure, and emerging technologies for road maintenance. He leads industry-engaged research in collaboration with government and industry partners. His work spans advanced pavement materials, infrastructure resilience, and the commercialisation of innovative road technologies, including autonomous maintenance systems.

Benjamin Knight & Nicholas Marches ▼

**Benjamin Knight**
Ben Knight is co-founder of A Curious Tractor and Goods on Country, a community-led circular economy project creating repairable, washable and fit-for-place essential products with remote First Nations communities. Ben brings more than 20 years’ experience across social change, technology, design and community-led innovation. Through Goods, Ben focuses on relationships, storytelling, consent, governance and building the partnerships needed to turn local waste streams into useful, durable products owned and shaped on Country.

**Nicholas Marchesi OAM**
Nicholas Marchesi OAM is co-founder of A Curious Tractor and Goods on Country and co-founder of Orange Sky, the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service for people experiencing homelessness. A former Young Australian of the Year and Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, Nic has spent more than a decade building practical, human-centred responses to complex social challenges. In Goods, Nic is on a mission to see health hardware and awesome products the norm — turning community feedback into durable, repairable products and delivery models that support healthier homes, less waste and stronger local capability.

Darryl Nichols ▼

Darryl Nichols is an innovator, impact entrepreneur, and award-winning communicator.
In 2010 he co-founded Garage Sale Trail Australia’s biggest circular economy event with good mate Andrew Valder. Together they grew Garage Sale Trail into a community juggernaut powered by 150 councils across Australia with multiple state government partners, media partners, and high-profile ambassadors. Garage Sale Trail was adopted by 3 three local governments in the UK in 2015.
During his career, Darryl has established strategic partnerships with some of the planet's leading technology companies and most respected brands including Apple, eBay, Etsy, Square, Universal Music International, Quiksilver, Adidas, Nike SB, and Patagonia.
Darryl has addressed No.10 Downing St, the Royal Household at St James Palace, Clarence House, and received numerous awards and accolades for his work in Australia and internationally.
Grow It Local believes gardens are one of the world's most powerful tools for driving positive impact and behaviour change. Through the simple act of growing food, Grow It Local is helping Australian’s reconnect with nature, reduce waste, improve health, strengthen biodiversity and build more connected communities.
Darryl is a passionate nature lover who enjoys, cooking outdoors, sharing waves with friends, and on deep powder adventures with his wife and family.
Landcare NT provides the backbone support that helps local volunteer groups thrive: insurance, governance, grant auspicing, communications, networking, capacity building and practical project support. We also promote volunteer opportunities and community events, helping build a stronger and more connected Landcare network across the Territory.

Partnerships between Landcare and Local Councils create real value — environmentally, socially and economically.

Melissa Lyon ▼

***Executive Director, Technology***
Melissa brings over a decade of experience in the research, development, and implementation of sustainable transport infrastructure materials. Recognised for her ability to cultivate effective relationships across government and industry, she is a skilled project manager dedicated to advancing the sustainable use and growth of bitumen-based products and technology in pavement infrastructure.
Melissa's career began in the laboratory at NTRO, progressing to lead projects and client engagement activities across the road and rail materials sector, developing technical standards, specifications, frameworks, and guidelines for sustainable materials. She has also held technical and advisory roles with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning and ecologiQ.

Samuel Green ▼

***Senior Consultant and WA Manager (ASK Waste Management)***
***Developer and Data Consultant (Cooee)***
Sam is a highly regarded waste management specialist with more than 15 years’ experience delivering strategic, operational and economic solutions for regional, rural and remote local governments across Australia. As Senior Consultant and WA Manager at ASK Waste Management, Sam has led complex projects spanning landfill planning and design, regional waste strategies, waste data collection and analysis, resource recovery, contract reviews, economic reviews of waste services, and emergency waste management.
More recently Sam has applied his industry knowledge and expertise in waste data collection and analysis to develop and manage the Cooee waste facility reporting system that is providing a tailor-made solution to improve waste data collection at landfills and transfer stations across the country.
Sam is recognised for his practical, data‑driven approach, his deep understanding of regional challenges, and his commitment to helping communities achieve safer, more efficient and sustainable waste outcomes

Tammie Miller ▼

***Head of Market Development***
Tammie opens doorways to Australia’s circular tyre economy, fostering knowledge‑sharing and partnerships that drive innovation across the supply chain. Always on the move, Tammie is often found at the operational coal face – working alongside recyclers, manufacturers, local governments and road authorities to understand their day‑to‑day realities. Tammie closely monitors market dynamics, keeping stakeholders informed on emerging trends and opportunities for collaboration across government, industry and the innovation sector.

Justin Bonsey ▼

Justin Bonsey is Managing Director of Tidal Circular and a nationally recognised circular economy practitioner with extensive experience across local government, industry and peak bodies. He has led award-winning sustainability, waste and resource recovery initiatives, advised government and ASX-listed companies on circular economy strategy and policy, and is known for turning complex systems into practical frameworks that help organisations scale impact

Ali Rajabipour ▼

**Senior Lecturer – Civil Engineering**
**Director, CART (Centre for Asphalt and Road Technologies)**
Ali is a Senior Lecturer in Engineering at Charles Darwin University and Director of the Centre for Asphalt and Road Technologies (CART). His research focuses on pavement engineering, bitumen and asphalt materials, sustainable road infrastructure, and emerging technologies for road maintenance. He leads industry-engaged research in collaboration with government and industry partners. His work spans advanced pavement materials, infrastructure resilience, and the commercialisation of innovative road technologies, including autonomous maintenanc

Emily Raso ▼

***CEO of Landcare NT***
Emily Raso, CEO of Landcare NT, will share success stories from across the Territory and explore how stronger Council–Landcare partnerships can deliver cost-effective local action to protect biodiversity, restore local places and build stronger, more connected communities through caring for nature together.
Landcare NT is the peak body for community Landcare in the Northern Territory, supporting 30 volunteer groups and more than 1,200 volunteers in urban, regional and remote communities. Together we deliver practical, place-based environmental and social action — from weed and litter removal, revegetation and fire management, to feral animal control, cultural land management, waterway restoration, wellbeing activities and community education.

Landcare NT provides the backbone support that helps local volunteer groups thrive: insurance, governance, grant auspicing, communications, networking, capacity building and practical project support. We also promote volunteer opportunities and community events, helping build a stronger and more connected Landcare network across the Territory.

Partnerships between Landcare and Local Councils create real value — environmentally, socially and economically.

**Nick Fewster** ▼

Nick has enjoyed working across a broad range of sustainability roles in the public and private sector and has been based in the Northern Territory over the past 10 years. At the City of Darwin Nick works with "the dream team" a multiskilled team that deliver on ambitious and nationally award-winning strategies that drive Darwin towards being a cool, clean and green city with best practice sustainable infrastructure including the nationally award-winning Leachate Treatment Plant. Actively contributing towards the evolution in waste management and resource recovery at Shoal Bay is a definite highlight of Nick's role. Nick holds a Bachelor of Social Science and a Master of Business Administration.

**Shane Whitten** ▼

***CEO Nhulunbuy Corporation***

Shane Whitten joined the Nhulunbuy Corporation in July 2022 as Manager Corporate Services and Company Secretary following stints at Torres Shire Council as Director Corporate and Community Services and Tiwi Islands Regional Council as Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO.

Shane stepped into the role of Acting CEO in early 2023 and commenced as permanent CEO from January 2024. Shane is responsible for the overall operations of the Nhulunbuy Corporation Ltd in addition to the roles of Chair Nhulunbuy Town Board Incorporated, Chair Nhulunbuy Public Cemetery Trust and Chair of the Gove Peninsula Harmony Group.

**Nicole Brown** ▼

Nicole Brown is a proud Larrakia woman and the Founder and Managing Director of Following In Their Footsteps, a First Nations consultancy specialising in strategic advisory, stakeholder engagement, Indigenous participation, communications and governance. Working across government, industry and the Aboriginal community-controlled sector, Nicole helps organisations build trusted partnerships, navigate complex operating environments and deliver meaningful social, cultural and economic outcomes.

With extensive experience leading high-profile projects across Australia, Nicole is recognised for her ability to connect people, align strategic priorities and create opportunities that deliver long-term impact. Her expertise spans Indigenous procurement, economic development, organisational strategy, community engagement, reputation management and executive communications.

An award-winning communicator, facilitator and trusted advisor, Nicole works alongside senior executives, boards and community leaders to embed First Nations perspectives into decision-making and drive sustainable change. She is passionate about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal communities, government and industry, ensuring collaboration is built on respect, accountability and shared value.

**Cameron Bell** ▼

Cameron Bell is a Melbourne-based engineer and entrepreneur working at the intersection of bioenergy, biochar, and carbon removal, with an active project base in the Northern Territory. He designs and delivers modular biomass power systems that convert agricultural and forestry waste into baseload electricity and verified carbon credits.

**Sonali Seneviratne** ▼

***Principal Lawyer Top End Law***

Sonali Seneviratne has over 15 years’ experience as an environment, planning and land rights lawyer. Prior to founding Top End Law, Sonali worked at the Northern Land Council, supervising the negotiation of major renewable energy, petroleum, and mining agreements under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth). Previously, as a senior associate at Norton Rose Fulbright Australia, Sonali had a broad practice spanning advice, transactional, and litigious matters. She advised clients on waste regulation, contaminated land management and pollution incident response.

Nicole Brown is a proud Larrakia woman and the Founder and Managing Director of Following In Their Footsteps, a First Nations consultancy specialising in strategic advisory, stakeholder engagement, Indigenous participation, communications and governance. Working across government, industry and the Aboriginal community-controlled sector, Nicole helps organisations build trusted partnerships, navigate complex operating environments and deliver meaningful social, cultural and economic outcomes.

With extensive experience leading high-profile projects across Australia, Nicole is recognised for her ability to connect people, align strategic priorities and create opportunities that deliver long-term impact. Her expertise spans Indigenous procurement, economic development, organisational strategy, community engagement, reputation management and executive communications.

An award-winning communicator, facilitator and trusted advisor, Nicole works alongside senior executives, boards and community leaders to embed First Nations perspectives into decision-making and drive sustainable change. She is passionate about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal communities, government and industry, ensuring collaboration is built on respect, accountability and shared value.