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Sustainability & Diversity Night
​Gala Dinner 2026

Date: 8 July 2026
Time: 19:00-21:00
Venue: Melbourne Room, Convention and Exhibition Centre

Sustainability & Diversity Night | Gala Dinner 2026

Gala Dinner Sponsors:

Proudly Organized by: 

Gala Dinner Co-host:

In a time of global challenges, Sustainability & Diversity Night – Gala Dinner 2026 shines as an inspiring celebration of the clean energy transition. This prestigious evening showcases the strength of diversity and innovation across the energy sector, honoring the leaders and communities driving us toward a sustainable future.


Over 800 influential guests will gather, including government officials, global trade envoys, women leaders, startup founders, young innovators, and First Nations representatives. Together, they form a powerful alliance united by a shared mission—to accelerate the transformation of the global energy landscape.

The Gala Dinner offers a unique platform for meaningful dialogue, fresh ideas, and new partnerships. Guests will enjoy an evening of fine dining, cultural highlights, and powerful conversations that will shape the next chapter of clean energy.

Dress Code: Business Formal / Business Casual


This is more than a dinner. It is a defining moment to celebrate diversity, amplify sustainability, and set the course for the future.

18:30 - 19:00
30 mins 

Arrival Reception
  • setting the tone for an evening celebrating women’s leadership across the energy transition.

19:00 - 19:08
08 mins 

Opening Remarks

19:08 - 19:15

07 mins

Welcome Address

Alberto Perez 
Managing Director
Nordex Oceania

    
Senior Representative
WoodsideEnergy

Appetiser Service & Networking

Award Presenters

Clive Scott
Award Presenter for the HERizon Visionary Leadership Honour

Vicky Au
Energy Transition Ambassador & Presenter of the Climate Change Leadership Award

Melinda Krebsz
Innovation Champion

19:30 - 19:40

10 mins

Start-up Challenge Award Presentation
  • Recognising emerging innovators and breakthrough ideas across the APAC energy transition ecosystem, setting the stage for an evening of impact and inspiration.

Main Course Service

20:00 - 20:10

10 mins

From Start-up to Industry Impact

Mary Barry
CEO & Director
CircularEco Pty Ltd

HERizon 2030: Breaking Boundaries, Shaping the Future

20:10 - 20:20

10 mins

Leadership Storytelling & Honours

A featured HERizon moment recognising outstanding women leaders, accompanied by reflections from selected honourees shaping the future of the transition.

Featuring:

Lily D’Ambrosio
Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission
Victorian Government

20:20 - 21:10

50 mins

HERizon2030 Awards for Cross-Sector Leadership Recognition

Celebrating influential women driving impact and innovation across SAF, carbon capture, AI for energy, and the broader energy transition landscape. Presented before 800+ senior leaders, this flagship segment highlights outstanding female leadership through individual keynote speeches and recognition awards on one of the week’s most prominent stages.

Anh Mai
Executive Director, Offshore Wind Energy Victoria (OWEV)
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Nor A'in Md Salleh
Chief Executive Officer
PETRONAS CCS Solutions Sdn. Bhd. (PCCSS)

Rebecca Orme
Managing Director, Legal and Sustainability
FedEx

Fiona Messent
Chief Sustainability Officer
Qantas

Evgenia Starkova
Vice President Strategy, Marketing and Sustainability
SkyTeam

Colette Munro
Pacific Zone President
Schneider Electric

21:10 - 21:20

10 mins

Special Performance & Closing

Sustainability & Diversity Night Guests Include:

Hon Lily D'Ambrosio MP

Minister for Climate Action; Energy and Resources; State Electricity Commission

Victorian Government

Mary Barry

CEO and Founder of CircularEco, Founding Director and CEO

Women of Offshore Wind

Erin Coldham

Chief Development Officer

Star of the South

Ryan Nguyen

Vice-President

Monash Energy Club

Paul Medwell

Professor

The University of Adelaide

Meet Your Host for Sustainability & Diversity Night: 
MIMI Kwa
Author, TV Presenter, Supermom of Four, MC, Master Facilitator & Keynote Speaker
Get ready to be inspired by the remarkable Mimi Kwa! With a passion for changing the world, Mimi chose journalism as her weapon of choice. Her incredible journey led her to become the first woman of Asian heritage to grace Channel Nine, anchor news to 40 countries, and engage with some of the world's most influential decision-makers and notable figures.

Join us for a night of inspiration, insights, and impactful conversations with Mimi Kwa at the helm. Dive deeper into her story and achievements
here
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