10 - 11 March 2026 | MELBOURNE | Pullman Albert Park

THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY STARTS HERE

Leadership for a Greener Future

The world of sustainability is evolving at an unprecedented pace, presenting both new challenges and opportunities for driving impact alongside business growth. In an era defined by climate urgency, resource scarcity, and shifting stakeholder expectations, leaders must remain agile, while purpose-driven to navigate this complex landscape.

Forging a greener, more equitable future starts at Sustainability Leaders 2026. Join this event for 2 transformative days of thought-provoking discussions, actionable insights, and cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of sustainable business. With strategy, collaboration, and innovation at its core, this event is designed to equip leaders with the tools, skills and partnerships needed to align profit with purpose all while delivering on key environmental, social, and economic priorities.

Make Sustainability Leaders 2026 your ultimate catalyst for radical transformation and long-term value creation for your business.

2026 Speakers

Andrew Savage

Founder and VP Sustainability

Lime (USA)
INTERNATIONAL

Brigadier Tim Symonds OBE

Head Climate Change and Sustainability

British Army (UK)
INTERNATIONAL

Brigadier Tim attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and commissioned into the Royal Logistic Corps in 1999. Deployments have included management of helicopter handling operations in Macedonia, port activation in Iraq and three tours of Afghanistan (as a Planner, a Combat Logistic Patrol Commander, and the Deputy Chief of Staff of Task Force Helmand).

In more recent strategic leadership appointments, he has focused on organisational and cultural change in various roles in Army Headquarters and in the MOD Main Building in London. His current role is Head of Climate Change and Sustainability for the British Army.

He is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. He has an MA from Kings College London and is currently enrolled on the postgraduate programme at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership.

Ben Fargher

Group Sustainability Lead, Cargill Agricultural & Trading, APAC

Cargill Country Representative, Australia

Ben Fargher is the Lead for Sustainability in Cargill’s Ag and Trading business in Asia. In this role he is responsible for a customer focused sustainability portfolio, including sustainability and decarbonization programs in row crops and tropical oils. Ben is also the Country Representative for Cargill in Australia.

Ben returned to Australia from living in the United States in 2022, where he held various commercial and sustainability Managing Director roles in Cargill’s North American grain and oilseed supply chain business over several years. Prior to that Ben was the General Manager for customers and grain origination in the Cargill Australia grain and oilseed business.

Before Cargill, Ben worked as the General Manager of Operations for a publicly listed cotton and grain agribusiness. He was also previously the Chief Executive Officer of the national farm lobby group in Australia, the National Farmers’ Federation.

Ben, who grew up on a farm in Australia, has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Adelaide and a Masters degree in Economics from the University of New England.

Margaret Stuart

Director – Corporate Affairs and Sustainability

Nestle

Dirk Voeste

Chief Sustainability Officer

Volkswagen Group (DE)
INTERNATIONAL

Fiona Walmsley

GM Sustainability

Virgin Australia

Andrew Buay

Vice President, Group Sustainability

Singtel

Andrew is the Vice President of Group Corporate Sustainability at Singtel. From 2015 to 2025, he also concurrently held the role of Vice President of Sustainability at Optus, where he led the sustainability strategy across both organisations. Andrew was instrumental in establishing and supporting the Singtel Group Board Sustainability Committee, strengthening governance and long-term value creation.

He currently serves on the Industry Sustainability Advisory Committee at the Singapore Institute of Technology, and previously contributed to the strategic direction of Singapore’s social services sector as a member of the 4ST Strategic Committee under the National Council of Social Services.

A certified leadership coach, Andrew has personally coached over 180 of the Group’s talents and leaders over the past decade. He is also an accredited director with the Singapore Institute of Directors.

In recognition of his leadership, Andrew was named the No. 1 Sustainability Leader in Telecommunications by Impact Leadership Magazine in 2025.

Megan Born

Head of Sustainability

Canva

Hollie Hynes

General Manager – Sustainability and Environment

Laing O'Rourke

David Young

Director of Sustainability

Accor

Sally Townsend

Head of Sustainability

Blackmores Group

Fiona Lawrie

Head of ESG & Corporate Affairs

Officeworks

Justin Merrell

Group Sustainability Director

Lion

Sara King

General Manager of Purpose

Intrepid Travel

Amy Hogan

Head of ESG and Sustainability

Transurban

Paolo Bevilacqua

Group Head of Sustainability

Frasers Property

Sally Mangan

Senior Sustainability Manager

SEEK

Meredith Read

Head of Sustainability

Orica

Cameron Brimelow

Manager Sustainability

Toyota Australia

Belinda Keeffe

Group Head of Sustainability

Asahi Beverages

Connor McCauley

Head of Sustainability - Australia & New Zealand

JLL

As the Head of Sustainability at JLL, he is a member of the executive leadership team for JLL’s Australasian business. He is dedicated to expanding our sustainability services in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) across all business segments, helping clients set and realise their sustainability ambitions. He is frequently quoted in the media and regularly presents at industry conferences and events hosted by esteemed organisations such as the Property Council of Australia, Quest Events, and ULI Australia.

His key focus is ensuring that our clients understand the current and emerging ESG trends, regulation and strategies that can impact their real estate operations and investments. In his previous role as Operations Director for JLL’s APAC sustainability consulting division, Connor was instrumental in steering the operations, team management, and strategic growth in key markets including Singapore, China, India, and Southeast Asia. He is a staunch advocate for collective action in the real estate sector and invests in nurturing emerging talent, particularly in the realm of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters.

Connor’s extensive background encompasses providing consulting and advisory services to preeminent real estate firms and investors globally, with a client roster that features Nuveen, Aviva Investors, Aberdeen Standard Investments, Lendlease, Goodman, The GPT Group, and Charter Hall. Moreover, his expertise benefits a wide array of entities, from pension funds to banks and retail conglomerates.

As an active member of JLL’s Australasian Executive Committee, Connor is committed to aligning JLL’s employees and clients with the company’s purpose of shaping the future of real estate for a better world. Additionally, he serves as the Chair of JLL’s RAP Working Group and Indigenous Business Resource Group, further emphasising his dedication to advancing sustainability and fostering collaboration in the areas of indigenous business and reconciliation.

Penny Barker

General Manager Sustainability

Stockland 

Fiona Murfitt

VP, Sustainability (HSE, Risk and Social Responsibility)

Evolution Mining

Michael Anderson

General Manager, Sustainability

Graincorp

Maria Helena Meinert

Director, Sustainability

Cochlear

Siobhan Leach

Group Sustainability Officer

Ramsay Health Care

Stephen Smith

Executive GM - Safety, Wellbeing and Sustainability

NBN Co

Gigi Yuen

Head of Sustainability and Environment

Melbourne Airport

Euan Ronald

Head of Sustainability

Ampol

Vanessa Shepherd

Director, Group Sustainability

Aristocrat

Rita Nehme

Head of Sustainability

AFL - Australian Football League

Evan Counsel

General Manager - Strategy, Planning & Climate Change

City of Melbourne
Number of
Attendees
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Expert
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Hours of Learning
& Networking
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Powerful
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Content by leaders, for leaders

Our content is expertly researched and curated with insights from Connect Media’s network of industry specialists. Timely and tailored, it sparks innovation, tackles key industry challenges, and provides the skills and tools for future business success.

Workshops

The CSO Playbook: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions into Business Strategy

This workshop will provide a comprehensive understanding of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for CSOs, specifically how these solutions can enhance disaster and climate resilience while contributing to biodiversity protection. Delegates will gain practical insights into the business case for NbS, global frameworks for implementation, and how to integrate NbS into corporate strategies to mitigate environmental risks and drive sustainable growth.

Unlocking ESG Value: The Strategic Tools & Frameworks for Every CSO
This interactive workshop will provide Delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts, frameworks, and practical tools needed to build a robust ESG strategy to navigate a dynamic sustainability landscape – all while delivering business value at scale.

Agenda

Day 1 Wednesday, 11 March 2026
8:30 AM
Registration, Refreshments & Networking
9:00 AM
Welcome To Country
9:05 AM
Opening Remarks from the Chair
9:15 AM
Keynote
9:40 AM
Event Partner Keynote
10:10 AM
Outlook Session

The CSO Imperative: Leading Through Uncertainty

  • What are the biggest challenges currently facing CSOs today?
  • How are leaders turning sustainability challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth?
  • How are leaders staying true to their business and sustainability commitments amongst global instability?
10:50 AM
Morning Refreshments & Networking
11:35 AM
Breakout 1: Financing the Future
Breakout 2: Conservation & Adaption
11:35 AM
Breakout Partner Keynote
Breakout Partner Keynote
12:00 PM
Breakout Keynote + Q&A
Breakout Keynote + Q&A
12:30 PM
Lunch and Networking
1:30 PM
Breakout Partner Keynote
Breakout Partner Keynote
1:50 PM
Finance

Financing the Future: Unlocking Opportunities in Green & Blue Economies

  • How are leaders approaching nature and the interdependence between nature and the financial system today?
  • What are the most promising investment opportunities in sustainability currently and how can businesses balance profit with impact?
  • What innovative financing tools are currently driving sustainability projects, and how can businesses access them?
Adaption & Resilience

From Risk to Renewal: Unlocking Climate-Resilient Business

  • What are the most pressing climate risks facing businesses today, and how are companies integrating climate adaptation into their long-term strategies?
  • How can leaders leverage nature-based solutions to enhance resilience while addressing climate risks?
  • How can we move beyond adaptation to embrace regenerative practices that not only build resilience but restore ecosystems and communities?
  • What bold steps can businesses take today to future-proof their operations and supply chains against climate risks?
2:45 PM
Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
3:30 PM
Chair: 5 min chat about streams among the table
3:35 PM
Platinum 1 Keynote
3:55 PM
Nature Solutions Session

The Nature-Business Nexus: Integrating Biodiversity with Sustainability Strategy

  • How can CSOs best align their business strategies with biodiversity frameworks to contribute meaningfully to global environmental objectives?
  • What are the most effective ways for leaders to integrate nature-based solutions into their operations, supply chains, and overall corporate strategy?
  • How can leaders measure and report their impact on biodiversity, and what metrics or frameworks are most useful for demonstrating progress to stakeholders and investors?
4:35 PM
Keynote
4:55 PM
Closing Remarks from the Chair
5:05 PM
Networking Drinks Remarks
5:15 PM
Networking Drinks Reception
6:00 PM
Close of Day One
Day 2 Wednesday, 11 March 2026
9:00 AM
Registration, Refreshments & Networking
9:20 AM
Opening Remarks from the Chair
9:25 AM
Opening Keynote
9:45 AM
Social Sustainability Session

Beyond Green: Delivering Social Sustainability Through Business Leadership

  • How can businesses align profit and purpose to drive meaningful social impact?
  • What strategies can businesses use to engage local communities and create shared value through social sustainability initiatives?
  • How can businesses integrate human rights due diligence into their core strategies, and
  • What frameworks or tools have proven most effective?
  • What advice would you give to leaders looking to bridge silos in the ‘E’ ‘S’ and ‘G’ in ESG?
10:25 AM
Diamond Keynote
10:50 AM
Morning Refreshments & Networking
11:20 AM
Keynote
11:45 AM
Reporting & Compliance Session

Beyond Compliance: Transforming Reporting for Transparency & Impact

  • What are the biggest challenges currently in scaling transparency and traceability in supply chains, particularly for Scope 3 emissions?
  • How are businesses integrating nature-related data into ESG reporting and transition planning?
  • How can robust reporting frameworks drive better business outcomes while meeting compliance requirements?
  • How can leaders simplify complex reporting to deliver clear, actionable insights for executive decision making?
12:25 PM
Keynote
12:45 PM
Lunch Welcome Remarks
12:55 PM
Lunch & Networking
1:55 PM
Platinum 2 Keynote
2:15 PM
Sustainable Challengers Session

Scaling Solutions: Redefining the Future of Sustainable Business

  • How are CSOs currently disrupting the sustainability landscape through innovative, environmental solutions?
    • How can these solutions be integrated into the strategies of larger corporations to drive impact at scale?
  • How do you balance the need for creativity and innovation with the pressures of maximising profitability and impact?
  • How can leaders take calculated risks with sustainability innovation while ensuring long-term business viability?
2:55 PM
Closing Keynote
3:20 PM
Closing Remarks from the Chair
3:25 PM
Close of Event

Key Themes

How can sustainability strategy become a catalyst for innovation, growth, and long-term value creation in a rapidly changing world? 

How can businesses strategically allocate resources, leverage data and implement innovative technologies to maximise sustainability impact and accelerate a green transition? 

How can we collaboratively forge more resilient ecosystems and communities through regenerative practices and nature-based solutions?

  • How are businesses supporting cities and communities adapt to climate change?
  • How are businesses channelling capital towards adaption and resilience? 
  • How are businesses driving bold bold innovations in the rapidly evolving blue economy sector?
  • How are leaders delivering sustainable and profitable solutions to a green transition? 

Event Pricing

SINGLE DELEGATE PASS

EARLY BIRD

$1595 + GST

Early bird price valid until 4/12/2025

STANDARD

$1995 + GST

GROUP 5 DELEGATE PASSES INCLUDES 2 FREE

EARLY BIRD

$4785+GST

Early bird price valid until 4/12/2025

STANDARD

$5985 + GST

Workshops Add to single or group passes

WorkSHOP 1:

The CSO Playbook

WorkSHOP 2:

Unlocking ESG Value

$395 + GST

What’s included in my delegate pass
Access to Full Event Program
Exclusive Networking Opportunities
Executive Insights & Event Content

Delegate Registration is strictly for in-house Sustainability Executives and Professionals from consumer or government facing organisations. If you are a Service Provider to sustainability executives, please email lachlanw@connectmedia.com to discuss your involvement.

Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.

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Our Partners

At Origin Zero we work with large businesses to help them achieve their decarbonisation targets and transition to a net zero future.

We can orchestrate and optimise energy assets to help businesses reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, and find innovative ways to unlock new revenue streams, all while providing reliable energy through the transition.

Platinum Partner originzero.com.au

Become A Partner

The Sustainability Leaders is Australia’s premier event for in-house sustainability professionals. We focus on actionable insights and real-world solutions by bringing together the leading voices shaping the sector. Every year we refine our event model to unlock greater value for our partners and to ensure that our delegation’s expectations are exceeded. 

Whether you’re looking for brand visibility, lead generation or exclusive event networking opportunities, our sponsorship packages are tailor made and designed to maximise your ROI. 

Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss what these opportunities could look like for you and your brand. 

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Lachlan Watts
Commercial Manager
Tel: +61 420 973 613
Email: lachlanw@connectmedia.com

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

Tel: +61 2 8004 8590
Email: team@connectmedia.com

Connect with these companies attending

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the industry’s most prominent brands at The Sustainability Leaders. Explore the companies already confirmed and secure your chance to network with the best in the business.

Your event expErience starts here​

Venue & Accommodation

PULLMAN MELBOURNE ALBERT PARK

Grand Ballroom, 65 Queens Rd, Albert Park VIC 3004.

Content Council

Our content council includes industry experts and influential voices from across Australia to shape the summit discussions. Their insights ensure the agenda addresses the most pressing challenges, emerging opportunities, and groundbreaking innovations driving the future of sustainability.

Sheila Nguyen

Former Head of Sustainability ANZ |
Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer

Stephen Forshaw

Chief Representative ANZ
& the Pacific

Brooke Sprott

Head of Sustainable
Business & Communications

Amanda Bartley

Head of Sustainability, Communication,
Diversity and Inclusion

Sally Mangan

Sustainability Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in my delegate pass?

A Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, and access to provided speaker presentations. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. One delegate ticket is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not registered.

Is there a group booking discount?

Yes – groups of 3 people or more are entitled to a discount. Full discount information is available on our registration page. If you have any questions about how group bookings work, please contact team@connectmedia.com

Can I transfer my pass?

A delegate pass is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. A substitute delegate is welcome at any time prior to the event, provided the request is made in writing to team@connectmedia.com

How do I receive my delegate pass?

Following the completion of your registration, you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact you via email the day prior to the event with a QR code, to make your arrival as seamless as possible have your QR e-ticket ready and visible on your device.

Is media registration available?

No, this is a closed and confidential event. Media registrations are not available.

Cancellation Policy:

A full refund less a $250 (GST Inclusive) processing fee is applicable on cancellation requests made in writing within 10 days of registration. No refunds are available for cancellations made more than 10 days after registration. Where Connect Media is required to reschedule the event in the interest of the event partner’s and guests, your pass will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled dates. Should Connect Media be unable to offer, deliver or fulfil any engagement within 12 months, you will be entitled to a full refund.

What is a Service Provider?

A service provider refers to an individual or organisation who supplies products and/or services to the primary audience of the event.

Will there be a delegate list available?

No, Connect Media does not provide delegate lists to non-partner attendees.

Fraudulent activities

We’ve been alerted to instances of companies proposing to purchase and sell lists of attendees for our events. Please be assured, we do not engage in the sale or distribution of event-related data. Such companies have no association with us, and we are actively working to halt these deceptive practices.

Regrettably, this type of scam is not uncommon in the media industry. Any information purported to originate from our events and offered by a third party would be completely fabricated. Should you have doubts about the legitimacy of a potential supplier, we urge you to contact us directly.

For any additional questions please contact us on 02 8004 8590 or team@connectmedia.com.

Delegate Pass:

Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, networking drinks reception, and access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. One delegate ticket is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not registered.

Digital Pass (only applicable for digital events):

A digital pass is valid for the use of 1 user and provides access to live content, inclusive of all keynotes, and sessions. The pass also includes access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content; this will be available to you via email in the week following the event. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. Access must not be shared by multiple user’s or redistributed in any way. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny access to anyone who is found violating the above terms.

Payment & Discounts:

Only one promotional discount code can be applied per registrant. All prices and promotions are valid at the time of purchase only and may not be redeemed after the point of purchase.

Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.

Organiser’s Rights:

Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd endeavours to ensure the conference programme and speaker line-up is correct at the time of the event. All advertised details are correct at time of publishing. Due to unforeseen circumstances Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to alter the programme prior to the event without notice. We also reserve the right to cancel or postpone the event. Where Connect Media is unable to run the event in the next 12 months (from the date of the event), you will be entitled to a full refund. In the unlikely event that it is cancelled or postponed, no compensation will be provided for cancelled/amended travel arrangements.

Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to deny access to any individual that engages in or is alleged to engage in practices that are considered unprofessional and inappropriate for a business conference. We reserve the right to deny access to delegates that may affect the client / vendor ratio of attendance in favour of the interests of sponsors and commercial partners of the event.

In registering for this event, delegates grant permission to Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd to take and to have full and free use of video/photographs containing their image/likeness for promotional use. Should a delegate not agree to the above image release, they must advise team@connectmedia.com.

Cancellation Policy:

A substitute delegate is welcome at any time provided the request is made in writing. A full refund less a $250 (GST Inclusive) processing fee is applicable on cancellation requests made in writing within 10 days of registration. No refunds are available for cancellations made more than 10 days after registration. Where Connect Media is required to reschedule the event in the interest of the event partner’s and guests, your pass will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled dates. Should you be provided with a credit note at the discretion of the event organisers, this credit is valid for the specified amount of passes, and not the monetary value. Should Connect Media be unable to offer, deliver or fulfil any engagement within 12 months, you will be entitled to a full refund.

Event Delivery:

In case of a change in government restrictions and advice, Connect Media reserves the right to make the decision to deliver the event completely digital, or completely in person. Should you hold a different pass, you are entitled to move your registration to digital/in person, or receive a credit for the following edition of the event.

Privacy Disclosure:

We take your privacy seriously. Information collected on this registration will be held in the strictest of confidence on a secure database. This information may be used in order to contact you regarding future events, product development and services offered. If you do not wish to be contacted please email team@connectmedia.com. To view our full privacy policy please visit: https://dashboard.connectmedia.com/privacy-policy/.

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