Connecting Industry

In this episode of the Connecting Industry Podcast, we speak with David Newling, Non-Executive Chair of Austral Resources.
David is an accomplished executive with extensive experience across the resources, finance and investment sectors. As CEO of The Springwood Group and Chairman of Austral Resources, he combines deep financial expertise with strategic leadership, helping organisations drive sustainable growth and long-term value. Holding a Master's in Applied Finance and Investment, David is a Chartered Accountant, a FINSIA Fellow and an experienced company director.
In this episode, we discuss David's career journey, Austral Resources' vision for Queensland's copper sector, the importance of disciplined leadership in developing mining projects, and the opportunities emerging for regional communities and the broader supply chain as Australia's demand for copper continues to grow.

Lynnard Cucksey, CEO of the Advanced Materials and Battery Council. Lynnard has built a diverse career spanning industry development, innovation, advanced manufacturing, energy and technology, working with businesses, governments and industry stakeholders to help position Australia for future economic growth. Today, he leads the Advanced Materials and Battery Council, an organisation focused on strengthening Australia's battery and advanced materials ecosystem and helping the nation capture more value from its world-class mineral resources.
With growing global demand for copper, critical minerals and battery technologies, Lynnard brings a unique perspective on the opportunities emerging beyond the mine gate. In this episode, we discuss his career journey, Australia's role in the global energy transition, the future of advanced materials and battery manufacturing, and what Queensland's copper and critical minerals sector can contribute to the industries of tomorrow.

In this episode of the Connecting Industry Podcast, we’re joined on the podcast by Andrew Sparke is the Founder and Executive Chairman of QMines Limited.
A highly experienced mining executive, investor and corporate strategist, Andrew has built a strong career across the resources sector and capital markets, helping advance and fund ASX-listed resource projects. Today, he is leading QMines’ strategy to develop its flagship Mt Chalmers copper-gold project and broader Central Queensland portfolio at a time of growing global demand for copper and critical minerals.
In this episode, we discuss Andrew’s journey in the mining sector, the future of Queensland’s copper and gold industry, the opportunities emerging for regional communities and supply chains, and what’s next for QMines.

In the lead-up to the Connecting Copper & Gold Forum Queensland on 2 July, we sit down with Quentin Hill, Managing Director of Green & Gold Minerals Limited.
With more than 25 years of experience in exploration, discovery and project development, Quentin has played a key role in some of Australia's significant mineral projects. A geologist and experienced ASX company leader, he has worked across gold and iron ore projects with organisations including Delta Gold and Carpentaria Resources, and was part of the team responsible for the Hawsons Iron discovery.
In this episode, Quentin shares insights into Green & Gold Minerals, the outlook for copper and gold in Queensland, the journey from exploration to development and what the future holds for Australia's resources sector.
Join us for an insightful discussion with one of the industry's experienced leaders as we explore the opportunities, challenges and potential of Queensland's growing copper and gold industry.

On this episode of the Connecting Industry Podcast, we speak with Frazer Tabeart, Managing Director of Alma Metals Limited. Frazer has spent decades in the exploration and mining industry chasing copper and gold opportunities across Australia and around the world, and if there’s one thing you quickly realise talking to him, it’s that he genuinely loves the hunt for discovery.
In this conversation, we talk about how he first got into the industry, what still excites him about exploration after all these years, the growing demand for copper, and where Alma Metals fits into Queensland’s emerging copper and gold pipeline. We also discuss the broader opportunity for regional industry, supply chains, and why early engagement matters as projects move forward.
Frazer will also be presenting at the Connecting Copper & Gold Forum Queensland on 2 July in Gladstone, so this was a great opportunity to get some insight into both the company and the bigger picture around where the industry is heading.

Adam Rossow truly embodies the intersection of engineering expertise and regional opportunity. He is fortunate to live and work in a part of Australia that’s buzzing with exciting projects from major upgrades on existing facilities to brand new developments that embrace cleaner, greener technologies and deliver better returns for the resources sector. His career spans a variety of manufacturing environments, with a strong focus on safety, efficient systems and machine control.
Over the years, Adam has worked across brownfield upgrades and greenfield installations, holding roles as a mechanical, electrical, and control engineer from plant-based positions to national and even international responsibilities. His leadership and technical skills have seen him manage and contribute to teams delivering complex, high-value projects across Australia.
Adam also represents the Engineers Australia Gladstone Regional Group, part of a national organisation dedicated to advancing the engineering profession. In Gladstone, the group delivers professional development, networking opportunities and community education programs that highlight the critical role engineering plays in shaping our region’s future.

Wendy Bishop is the CEO of Projects One Safety Online and Industrial CQ. Through Projects One Safety Online Wendy is helping construction businesses streamline their safety compliance with smart, user friendly, online safety systems, that makes safety documentation easy to complete onsite with her team in only a few minutes. At the same time, her work with Industrial CQ brings expertise to industrial and commercial maintenance, delivering precision and reliability across floor grinding, joint repairs, large-scale cleaning, and specialised coatings. With certification for working at heights and deep knowledge in resin, two-pack paint, and low-light coatings, the team gets the job done safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.  Wendy’s mission across both businesses is clear: to make safety simple, scalable and effective, whether you're on site, in the workshop, or managing multiple projects across the region.

John Carr, Project CEO and Director of the Capricornia Energy Hub. With over 20 years of experience in engineering, project management, and stakeholder engagement, John is leading one of Queensland’s most significant renewable energy initiatives - the Capricornia Pumped Hydro project. John’s leadership philosophy is built on the belief that “people do projects,” shaping a collaborative and inclusive approach to project delivery. His career spans both client-side and consultancy roles, managing the successful execution of complex engineering developments and large-scale infrastructure projects.

Francis Murugan is the Managing Director of Kuehne+Nagel Australia, one of the world’s leading logistics and supply chain organisations. With more than 30 years of experience spanning South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, Francis brings a wealth of industry knowledge and practical insights to the table.
After 17 years with Kuehne+Nagel, including roles as Managing Director of Kuehne+Nagel New Zealand and Director of Sea Logistics Australia, Francis has a unique perspective on the changing landscape of transport, trade, and logistics.
Kuehne+Nagel, with over 80,000 employees across nearly 100 countries, supports more than 400,000 customers with end-to-end supply chain solutions, leveraging its global network and data-driven insights to meet the demands of modern industry. As a member of the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), the group is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and supporting customers with low-carbon logistics solutions.
 

Louise Westwood is Senior Associate - Place and Engagement at Hatch. Louise is a passionate Human Geographer who’s helping reshape the way we connect with the spaces we live, work, and gather in. Louise specialises in re-imagining everyday public places, making them more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful so that communities can thrive alongside industry growth.
With a strong background in stakeholder engagement and facilitation, Louise brings a unique perspective to the table, combining placemaking with human-centred development strategies. From international place-based projects to local co-design workshops, her work spans everything from resilience planning to economic development strategies, all with the goal of creating stronger, more connected communities.