Join us for this UniSQ Thought Leadership Series event, where our panel will examine how the decisions we make today can shape Australia’s fastest-growing communities for generations to come.
Using Springfield as a living case study, the discussion will explore how leadership, innovation and collaboration can help build the next generation of connected, resilient and prosperous communities
Our panel will challenge conventional thinking about the roles of universities, industry, government and the community – and consider what it takes to create places where people don’t just live but thrive
After the discussion, enjoy light refreshments while networking and continuing the conversation. Register now to secure your spot.
Event details
- RSVP: By Friday 3 October 2026 (bookings are essential)
- Date: Wednesday 7 October 2026
- Time: Doors open at 5.30 pm for a 6.00 pm start. Food, drinks, and networking from 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
- Location: UniSQ Springfield
Meet the Panel
Bob Sharpless is Deputy Chairman of Springfield City Group, the master developer behind Greater Springfield, Australia's fastest-growing city. A civil engineer with more than 40 years' experience in property development, he has helped shape one of the nation's most ambitious master-planned communities. Working alongside founder Maha Sinnathamby, Bob has led major residential, commercial, education, health, technology and sporting developments. He is a former Chairman of the Brisbane Lions.
Julia Strickland-Bellamy is the Mater Group Chief Executive Officer, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience across Australia’s healthcare and aged care sectors. She leads Mater’s integrated portfolio of health, education, research and foundation services across Queensland. Since joining Mater, Julia has reset the Group Strategy, launched a significant growth agenda, overseen the acquisition of Gold Coast Private Hospital, and increased bed capacity by 25 per cent. Previously, she was Australian CEO and Director of Aurora Healthcare and has held a range of executive and non-executive governance roles across the health, aged care and community sectors.
Professor Paul Mazerolle is Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ). An internationally recognised academic leader, he has held senior leadership roles in Australia and Canada, including as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of New Brunswick. Professor Mazerolle brings a strong focus on aligning education and research with workforce and community needs, and on strengthening the role of universities in driving regional growth and impact.
First elected to the Queensland Parliament in 2017 as the inaugural Member for Jordan, Charis Mullen MP represents one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, encompassing Greater Springfield and surrounding communities. Before entering Parliament, Charis spent more than 20 years across the public and private sectors, working in government affairs, public policy, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and communications across industries including planning and development, transport, infrastructure and tourism. A long-time Greater Springfield resident, Charis has advocated for major investment in local health, transport, education and community infrastructure and helped establish Greater Springfield Regional Connect, bringing together government agencies, community organisations, schools and charities to support the region’s growing community.
Rohan Richardson is Managing Director of Future Forgeworks, leading the development of Queensland's first circular economy-focused green steel mill at Swanbank. With more than 20 years of experience delivering major industrial and infrastructure projects, he is driving one of the state's most significant advanced manufacturing investments. Rohan is Chair of the Springfield Regional Jobs Committee, helping strengthen local workforce capability and employment pathways, and is a proud UniSQ alumnus.