2025 StateCover Seminar Program

Acknowledgement of Country
Linton Chalmers, Seminar Facilitator

In this highly interactive keynote address, award-winning leadership expert and best-selling author Dr Kirstin Ferguson AM will entertain and challenge us about whether our leadership approach is still fit for purpose. Through the use of videos, case studies and her down-to-earth style, Kirstin will challenge each of us to think about how we can best role model leading with the head and heart amidst the competing demands on our time, and in an increasingly complex working environment. Kirstin will bring a leadership lens which is guaranteed to inspire you to be the most effective leader you can be.

10.50am

Samantha Fuller, CEO, StateCover Mutual
Tim Crosdale, General Manager, Port Stephens Council
Craig Wrightson, Director, StateCover Mutual
Linton Chalmers, Panel Facilitator

This interactive keynote led by Gus Worland brings mental fitness to life through powerful stories of resilience, connection, and growth. This session is designed to ignite fresh conversations and empower individuals to take ownership of their mental fitness journey, equipping them with the tools to build a stronger, more connected life. Containing sensitive content, this session covers a range of topics related to mental health, including suicide.

When it comes to leading and influencing others, tough conversations are inevitable. Add to that the relentless change environment we now work and operate within and the challenges increase. In this session we’ll explore how to lead with impact in a change environment. In particular we’ll unpack how to depersonalise key conversations, non-verbal communication tools to reduce potential conflict and the key mindset you need to get results from these inevitable conversations.

On stage, demographer Simon Kuestenmacher looks deep into his crystal ball to show us what the future holds for local government. Severe workforce challenges face local government this decade. The current skills shortage is likely going to worsen. The mental health of your workers is likely to further decline. All of this occurs while broader societal value shifts occur as well. With so much negativity, why even bother getting out of bed in the morning? As Simon will explain on stage, there are plenty of reasons for you to remain optimistic.

Panel discussion: Workforce Management Through the Employee Lifecycle
Jennifer Cameron, General Manager, Member Services, StateCover Mutual
Ricky Tozer, Manager People & Culture, Wingecarribee Shire Council
Linton Chalmers, Panel Facilitator

The WWW of Wellbeing: Progressing the wellbeing strategy
Tasia Mitsoulas, Wellbeing Specialist, StateCover Mutual
Luke Bobilak, Manager People & Culture, Federation Council
Bree Scaysbrook, Employee Relations Officer Business and Performance, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Theresa Byrne, WHS & Wellbeing Specialist, Inner West Council

Discover how Members are building wellbeing maturity, navigating barriers and challenges, and adopting StateCover’s strategic framework to deliver change.

Tech Savvy Safety: AI taking the heavy lifting out of HMT
Carmen Hiscock, Safety & Wellbeing Specialist, StateCover Mutual
Terry Wong, Move 4 Life 

Take deep dive into AI assisted risk management. Terry Wong (Move 4 Life) will share how integrating AI into your hazardous manual task risk management will elevate results.

The RTW Roadmap: Navigating the twists and turns of RTW
Clayton Waters, Wellbeing & RTW Services Manager, StateCover Mutual
Darren Waugh, General Manager – Claims, StateCover Mutual
Jack Li, Senior Injury Management Advisor, StateCover Mutual
Dr Mpho Banda, Consultant Occupational & Environmental Physician, Prosano
Lynne McEachern, Employer Supervision Manager, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
Abha Bapa, Inspector, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
Charmaine Bennett, Safety and Risk Coordinator, Cessnock City Council

Explore the foundations of RTW programs and how to develop a positive RTW culture. Hear key insights from experts in the field, including the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA).

11.10am

You cannot lead others until you know how to lead yourself first. This is the Power of One. To enable self-leadership requires emotional intelligence (EQ), knowing yourself and knowing others. But what does it take to be emotionally intelligent, and how can you develop your EQ? Anyone can develop their EQ, but must be open to learning and change. This session explores self-leadership, developing your EQ, and understanding the importance and impact of being resilient. Resilience is a critical characteristic for leaders today and even more important for a constantly changing and uncertain future.

What if our time was now? What if now was the time to prioritise caring for ourselves, and asking employees to put their peoples’ health first? In this keynote address, Dr Simone Scovell shares her own life story – from her childhood experiences to formative career moments in sport and medicine which have ultimately shaped her life today. It’s a call to action. A reckoning. A chance to question why things are the way they are, and to explore new possibilities.