Parks & Leisure Australia 2025 Conference - submit Abstracts by 20 June

2025 PLA National Conference

We're excited to announce Keynote Speakers Bishop Ngobelli, Dy Currie, Allana Corbin, and Steve Sammartino

Bishop Ngobelli

As a global leader in sustainability and green initiatives, Bishop brings a wealth of knowledge and experiences that show us the power of commitment, the importance of community history, and how we can pursue liveable green communities, despite societal challenges. 

Bishop is an influential member and advocate for Parks and Recreation Africa. As a senior manager of the Protected Areas and Environmental Enforcement at Johannesburg City Parks, and current member of the National Forestry Advisory Committee and South Africa Council for Natural Scientific Profession Advisor Council, Bishop believes in giving future generations access to high quality, vibrant, and equitable open spaces. He’s been involved in leading numerous sustainable initiatives such as the Presidential 10 Million Tree Planting Program, Garden of Remembrance, Nelson Mandela International Day of Tree Planting, SHEEVOLVES 1000 Stories, 100 000 tree planting, and Forest of Freedom at the Freedom Heritage Site.

Dy Currie

With national and international expertise in urban planning and economic development, Dy Currie helps develop strategic plans for councils and cities of all sizes. 

Dy was the former City Planner for Australia’s largest local government, Brisbane City Council, where she led preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games with the focus on legacy strategy. Now, Dy is a global Cities Advisor, co-chairing the UN-Habitat’s Stakeholder Advisory Group, and Principal at Dyan Currie & Associates, where she provides innovative strategy development and implementation to complex projects.

As a Member of Order of Australia, Dy is passionate about creating meaningful change across Australian cities and leaving a legacy for future generations.

Allana Arnot Corbin

Author and motivational speaker, Allana's life has been full of adventure, danger, tragedy and love. After being in a catastrophic plane crash, Allana faced the difficult comeback to not only physically teach herself how to walk again but also mentally recover from the accident. Allana's story is one of persistence, dedication, and belief as, post-accident, she gained her commercial helicopter licence and, in 1997, became the first woman to circumnavigate Australia solo in a helicopter. 

Allana is well known for her extensive work with various charity organizations, and her active support of The Tasmanian Air Rescue Helicopter Service. She has held various influential positions, including the Ambassador for the Ability Australia Foundation, as well as a Line Pilot and Public Relations Manager for Rotor-Lift. As Public Relations Manager for Rotor-Lift, Allana was responsible for establishing The Tasmanian Air Rescue Trust, a charity set up to equip Tasmania’s Air Rescue Helicopter with the highest standard of medical and rescue equipment.

Steve Sammartino

As an expert in AI's profound implications for business and society, Steve is an authoritative voice in the tech industry and brings insight into the future landscape of our communities.

Globally recognised as an architect of the future, Steve goes beyond theory and brings lessons from his own tech ventures. His latest: Macro3D, a ground-breaking AI and robotic company - which 3D prints houses. Now he is embarking on constructing the world's first home built entirely by AI. As a testament to his compelling insights, Steve has given a TED talk and is the host of the popular national Technology and Business TV Show on Channel 9, "The Rebound."

Leading the way forward, Steve's keynote will be an unmissable opportunity to spark innovation, prepare for the next shifts in society and learn how to leverage technology to shape our spaces and places.