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Deng Adut
Keynote SpeakerRecipient of the NSW Australian of The Year Award in 2017 and the prestigious Law Society President’s medal, Deng is one of Australia’s most renowned criminal lawyers for his work in the courtroom and as a leader within the community.
Born in South Sudan in 1983, Deng’s family lived on a farm in northeast Africa. However, in the mid-1980s, war broke out in South Sudan, causing widespread famine and the bombing of villages. As a result, four of his brothers joined the rebel forces.
At the mere age of six, Deng was conscripted into the Sudan People’s Liberation Army as a child soldier. During the Sudanese civil war, he was forced to undertake military training, including the use of hand grenades, firearms and land mines. It was during this time that Deng was seriously injured by a bullet during combat.
Miraculously, one of his brothers found him and smuggled him out of the military camp and into a refugee camp in Kenya.
Finally, at the age of fourteen, Deng and his brother were sponsored by an Australian couple and eventually settled in Blacktown. Despite not knowing how to read or write, Deng’s determination and desire to succeed saw him take on a part-time job at a service station where he learnt to speak English. He would then go on to study accounting before enrolling in law at the University of Western Sydney.
After graduating and completing a Master’s in Criminal Law, Deng worked as a lawyer in criminal, immigration, and family law. He is also a co-founder and partner at the Australian Criminal Law Group. Prior to starting the AC Law Group, Deng worked at three reputable Sydney criminal law firms and worked at Blacktown Local Court as a liaison officer to the local Sudanese community and at the Parramatta Community Justice Clinic.
Further demonstrating his remarkable commitment to social justice, he is also a well-known advocate for the Sudanese community and is a revered social justice warrior. Deng has dedicated his life and career to making a positive difference, helping marginalized refugees with legal advice, mentoring and support.
In memory of his brother who died in 2014 whilst helping rescue South Sudanese civilians, just as he had rescued Deng all those years before, Deng started a charity, the John Mac Foundation.
News Corporation has described Deng as the Pride of Australia, and in 2016, he was invited by NSW Premier Mike Baird to give the 2016 Australia Day Address.
In 2016, he published his critically acclaimed memoir, Songs of a War Boy, recounting his journey to become one of Australia’s best lawyers. He was also the subject of a portrait that won the People’s Choice at the Archibald Prize.
Deng was named the 2017 NSW Australian of The Year for his achievements and contribution to the Western Sydney community.
As a speaker, he is incredibly articulate, inspiring and motivating his audiences with his life story of survival and success.
Deng is one of only three criminal lawyers to win the prestigious Law Society President’s Medal. This medal recognizes his significant personal and professional contributions to the betterment of law and justice in the community.
Aron Robertson
Chief Information Officer at Strategic Group- Platinum Sponsor Presentation - Strategic Group
- Sponsor Break out Session - Strategic, Your Client Matters and Between The Spreadsheets
Aron has over 20 years' experience within the Enterprise Software, Managed IT Services, & Cyber Security sectors. As the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Strategic Group, Aron is responsible for driving the strategic direction and management of the organization's information technology initiatives. Leading our team of skilled IT professionals, Aron oversees the development and implementation of innovative and secure IT solutions to meet the evolving needs of their growing community of clients.
Tony Vidray
Between the Spreadsheets- Gold Sponsor Presentations. Your client Matters and Between the Spreadsheets
- Sponsor Break out Session - Strategic, Your Client Matters and Between The Spreadsheets
Tony holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Newcastle.
He is a fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), a fellow of the Taxation Institute of Accountants and is a Chartered Tax Adviser and a Registered Tax Agent.
He was a founding partner in the local accounting firm Anderson Vidray. After 22 years he decided to go out on his own and is now the director and majority owner of AV Chartered Accountants.
On Friday 08 March 2024, he will celebrate 42 years in the Accounting and Tax Industry.
He is also a radio announcer with the 2SM radio network having previously volunteered with Community Radio Station 2NURFM for 13 years.
Outside of work commitments, he is married to Tracy, has three gorgeous daughters and is an avid gardener.
He is also a football (soccer) tragic, enjoys collecting music and is currently working on improving his chess rating.
Deena Janes
CEO - Chief Energy Officer of Your Client Matters- Gold Sponsor Presentations. Your client Matters and Between the Spreadsheets
- Sponsor Break out Session - Strategic, Your Client Matters and Between The Spreadsheets
Deena and her team have been delivering client communication and lead generation programs and strategies for the finance industry since 2004. Supporting mortgage and finance brokers, accountants, property specialists and the financial planning industry, their diverse and quality content is far superior to any other in the market.
Delivered via a range of marketing platforms, Your Client Matters (YCM) is the only marketing provider of their kind in our industry. With direct mail, email marketing, websites, social media and lead generation solutions, YCM can look after all your marketing needs in one place at a fraction of the cost of doing it yourself.
Sitting in the shoes of YOUR client, her team delivers relevant and interesting content branded on your behalf to your clients. They support you with a team of marketing professionals to help you implement their proven systems and strategies and work with you via one-on-one consultations, online and face to face training sessions.
Their lead generation and qualification strategies deliver outstanding results for those who are keen to try a few new things that work.
Client communication, relevant education and proactive engagement is critically important to maintain client retention and loyalty, to achieve long term sustainability, and to run an ongoing profitable business.
You won’t survive without it.
After all Your Clients Matter.
George Last
Partner at Sprout AgribusinessGeorge has 13 years experience in Domestic and International banking and holds a (Bachelor of Agricultural Economics, University of Sydney), (Master of Applied Finance, Kaplan Institute). His key focus is looking to assist clients with establishing the right plan to grow their farming business through longer term strategic planning and reviewing this on a regular basis. Into the future, the sourcing of capital will become far more rigorous and it is imperative that our clients have clear plans in place to help facilitate this process.
Karen McDonald
Associate Director - Professional Risks of Accountancy InsuranceKaren commenced her insurance career in 1985. Since this time, she has worked in both underwriting and insurance broking for local and international companies in Australia and New Zealand.
Karen has been specialising in professional indemnity insurance for over 22 years, and in more recent years focusing on cyber insurance and how the cover benefits accounting professionals.
As the Associate Director of Professional Risks, Karen achieves favourable outcomes for her clients by thoroughly understanding the profession and seeking cover beyond client expectations.
Karen can be contacted on karen@accountancyinsurance.com.au
or by calling 1300 552 867.
Stan Corner
Owner – Founder and CEO of Business Automation Works and ATOmate at ATOmateStan is the CEO and founder of Business Automation Works (BAW), the team behind ATOmate.
With over 25 years of experience in the technology industry, Stan’s professional focus has been on building high-performance teams and leading organisational change through operational efficiency.
Stan is passionate about assisting businesses to reach their full potential through the delivery of automated processes, supporting them to achieve smarter and innovative outcomes for stakeholders and greater productivity and job satisfaction across their teams.
Most recently, Stan has enjoyed working closely with professional services businesses to implement technological transformation projects and automate their key business processes.
BAW is an innovative company that provides automation solutions to businesses including accountants, property managers and the manufacturing industry.
The company’s automation solutions allow managers, partners, IT managers and staff to refocus their attention away from tedious, time-consuming tasks towards value-added outcomes, such as managing and maintaining client relationships and engagement.
BAW’s flagship product, ATOmate, is designed to automate the capturing, processing, reviewing, and distribution of ATO correspondence. ATOmate integrates with a range of market-leading practice and document management platforms, helping accountants reduce their ATO document processing time by 90%.
Jackson Brigg
Head of Sales at FuseworksJackson Brigg has been working in the Accounting technology space for a number of years on a global scale.
He's passionate about supporting accounting firms and their teams to improve their efficiencies, reduce costs and improve performance with the power of automation. With a keen eye to spot potential bottlenecks that prevent practices to be at their best, Jackson dedicates his time supporting his clients in finding the best solution for maximum impact on their bottom line.
From running his business, he understands some clients' frustrations when dealing with accountants with clunky processes. He is determined to transform these frustrations into opportunities and solutions that ultimately allow practices to wow their clients.
Stefanie Johnson
New Business Manager at FYI DocsStef Johnson is a New Business Manager at FYI, specialising in accounting practices with 20+ staff. She has 20 years’ experience within the accounting and wealth industries, including roles at Banklink, MYOB and Class/NowInfinity. She brings her passion and enthusiasm for helping accounting practices leverage technology to deliver world-class services and improve efficiency.
Anna Webb
Coach at Mim Bartlett ConsultingFacilitation and Highly effective teams
When people have purpose, feel engaged and empowered, they produce their best work. Anna
believes the only sustainable business advantage is through people and leadership.
With 25 years’ experience in leadership, facilitation and coaching, Anna’s strength is working with people, enabling them to increase self-awareness, effect desired change and by working in partnership enable individuals and teams to flourish.
Research shows that even with all of the technologywe now have available, our connection deficits are increasing rather than decreasing.
Research shows that exclusion (the opposite of belonging and connection) is a growing issue. The organisations voted an ‘employer of choice’ value and foster connection and team work. Anna works with individuals to help them develop their abilities to be consciously connected.
Industry knowledge and experience
In a consulting capacity, Anna has been responsible for designing, delivering and continually improving training programs to corporate clients across a range of industries including; health and government, media, finance & banking, pharmaceutical, professional services and advertising
Mark Holton
Director of SmithinkMark Holton, FCPA, has more than 35 years’ experience as an Accountant and Tax Agent in practice. Mark is a Director of Smithink and Smithink Advisory.
Mark has developed specialised skills in corporate presentations and training with extensive experience in both private and public sector industries in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and North America.
He is also a respected consultant in taxation and business management, in particular value-added services implementation and administration using key business advisory systems and software.
Mark is a lively and entertaining speaker, whether as a keynote addressing large audiences, the facilitator of a Partner Retreat or Conference, or the leader of Professional Development course. His engaging speaking style means that his audiences are always alert and entertained at his events.
Mark holds a Master of Commerce Degree as well as several post graduate qualifications in accounting and management. He also has a Degree in Adult Education and an Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning.
Mark is a Board Member and is Honorary Treasurer of Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney a role he has held for over 25 years. He is also the 15-year Founding Chairman and Director of Audit and Finance of the NSW Central Coast Academy of Sport.
David Smith
DirectorDavid Smith is a founding director of Smithink. He is the external practice advisor to many firms participating in firm management activities, to provide an objective viewpoint and an understanding of strategies that have achieved success in other firms. He undertakes detailed practice reviews for those wishing to acquire practices, deal with succession issues or improve their strategy, efficiency, technology usage or client service. He conducts due diligence reviews of practices being acquired. He is Australia's most experienced independent technology and process adviser to accounting firms.
Previously, for over 16 years David was a partner at PKF (now BDO) Sydney where he created a significant software business which was sold to MYOB. He is a regular speaker on topics relating to the future of the accounting profession, business strategy, process improvement and innovation. He is also the advisor to businesses that provide products or services to the accounting profession.
David was the 2003 President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, was an initial director on listing of Countplus, the ASX listed aggregator of many accounting and related businesses.
Peter Bobbin
Consultant Lawyer at Bobbin- Part 1 - The Real Super Sole Purpose Test and Part IVA and Super Death Tax; when clever and when tax promoter
- Part 1 - The Real Super Sole Purpose Test and Part IVA and Super Death Tax; when clever and when tax promoter
Peter Bobbin
LLB, Bcom, MTax, CTA, TEP
Peter Bobbin’s first professional experience was as an auditor in Australia and the UK after which he became a taxation accountant. That is when he learned of a love for taxation law and went on to become a part-time masters lecturer at the University of Western Sydney.
A lawyer since 1988, Peter is a frequent commentator on the law and today is a Consultant Lawyer who still provides practical advice and strategies for clients.
Peter is a Notary Public and was recognised by the Taxation Institute as the 2015 Tax Adviser of the Year (sme).
Scott Henderson
Director of BSI LearningScott Henderson (BSc, MA – Psychology, Adv Dip Leadership & Management)
Scott is a registered psychologist with a solid background as an educator. He has worked as a lecturer in psychology, behavioural science and research at the Universities of Sydney and Western Sydney. Lecturing at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Scott specialised in the disciplines of health and social psychology. His expertise includes such areas as leadership, teams and group dynamics, communication and body language, persuasion techniques, stress, and workplace satisfaction.
Since 1999, his work in the corporate sector has spanned the spectrum from industrial psychologist to corporate trainer. In 2004 he became a certified Master Coach in Behavioural Coaching and continues to coach both individuals and teams at all levels within the companies with which he works.
His unique perspective of inter- and intra-personal understanding complements the delivery of his training programs and ensures a rigorous and scientific approach to each participant’s growth and development. He has delivered training throughout Australia and internationally including courses in Customer Service, Team Building, Communication, Leadership and Management, Performance Management, Coaching, Conflict Resolution, Sales and Business Development, Time Management, Building Resilience, Managing Change, Interpersonal Skills, Positive Psychology, Negotiation Skills and Professional Presentation Skills. Additionally, Scott continues to work hard to dispel the stereotype that psychologists actually get people to lie down on couches!
