Scott Millar
Scott Millar is the Founder and CEO of BOP Industries, an education and consulting company that helps schools, industry, and government prepare young people for the workforce of the future. He has worked with over 120,000 young people across 36 cities in six countries, providing insights into generational trends, workforce transformation, and emerging technologies. His work bridges both the boardroom and the classroom, advising organizations on strategies to connect with the next generation of employees and consumers
PRESENTATION: Winning The Next Generation Of Library Users
Abstract: Libraries have always been places of community and connection. But as the way we connect continues to change, how do we create the spaces, programs and experiences that keep pace with the changing needs of our community?
With seven generations of library users bringing vastly different expectations, the challenge is becoming increasingly complex for library staff. What resonates with one generation may look completely different to another, and as younger audiences come through, they are bringing new expectations around how they discover, engage with and return to the places in community.
In this keynote presentation, generational strategist Scott Millar will explore what makes each generation tick, how expectations are changing and what the next generation of library users will be looking for in a rapidly changing future. Drawing on the latest research, case studies from around the world and practical strategies that can be applied day to day, Scott will unpack how libraries can rethink the experiences they create, spread the word in new ways, attract new audiences and keep them coming back.
Attendees will leave with fresh ideas for bridging the generation gap and ensuring libraries remain relevant, welcoming and essential for generations to come.
Kevin Hennah
Kevin Hennah has carried out over 2,000 onsite consultations at libraries internationally. His keynote presentations and workshops have been delivered throughout Europe, Asia, The USA, Canada, The UAE, Australia and New Zealand. He has a wealth of ideas to share and is
passionate about keeping libraries vibrant and relevant.
Kevin’s background includes over 25 years experience working with international retail brands such as The Body Shop, Kathmandu, OshKosh, Virgin Mobile and Westfield on store design and visual
merchandising. In 2002, an invitation to present for The State Library of Victoria saw him make the transition to work with libraries. In the two decades that followed, Kevin’s advice has constantly evolved but his focus on maintaining relevance is unfaltering.
Kevin passionately believes that a great library is not measured by architecture and interior design alone. The critical and often missing link is development of a contemporary visual merchandising
strategy for physical collections and how to fuse this with technology and people spaces that cater
to current and emerging needs.
Dr Tessa Bailey
Dr Tessa Bailey, is CEO of The Opus Centre, Director of the Global Psychosocial Safety Network and a registered psychologist who completed her PhD focusing on Psychosocial Safety Climates and psychosocial factors at work, for which she received the 2019 Ian Davey Award for the most outstanding PhD thesis at the University of South Australia. She has experience working in academia, health and safety regulations, human resource management, injury prevention, and injury management. In her prior role as a Research Fellow at UniSA Dr Bailey assisted with coordinating the Australian Workplace Barometer project which collected data on working conditions, worker health, and productivity outcomes for over 7000 workers across Australia.
Her focus on applied practice led to the creation of both the leading psychosocial risk management consultancy The Opus Centre for Psychosocial Risk and the not for profit association Global Psychosocial Safety Network (GPSN), working with industry partners around the world to share best practice in psychosocial health and safety systems that provide a safe environment, protect worker health, and promote wellbeing.
PRESENTATION: It’s Not “Just Part of the Job”: Managing Psychosocial Risk in Today’s Libraries
James O’Loghlin
James O’Loghlin is one of Australia’s most respected media personalities, and an experienced and highly skilled keynote speaker, facilitator, and MC. James is perhaps best known for his 15 years presenting witty and entertaining programs on ABC Local Radio, and as the host of over 300 episodes of the much loved “The New Inventors” on ABC-TV . It was this role that fuelled James’ passion for practical innovation.
James has been delighting corporate audiences with his unique brand of corporate insight and comedy for over a decade, and is equally at home giving keynotes, acting as MC for conferences and awards nights, and facilitating panel discussions. He is a favourite with Australian audiences and event planners, and a true industry professional with hundreds of successful live events to his credit.
James is the author of 12 books, including ‘Innovation is a State of Mind’, and, with Prof Ian Hickie, the bestselling mental health book ‘Minding Your Mind’. Prof Hickie and James’s mental health podcast, ‘Minding Your Mind’, has been listened to over a quarter of a million times.
James speaks on the topics of Innovation, where he shares practical strategies to help people identify opportunities for innovation in their business and take advantage of them, Mental Health, where he shares evidence based strategies to help people maintain and improve their mental health, and Persuasion and Influence, where he shares practical strategies to help people to become more persuasive and influential.
Associate Professor Jane Garner
Associate Professor Jane Garner is a Library and Information Studies academic researching and teaching within the School of Information Studies at Charles Sturt University, Australia. Her research focusses on the social justice role of libraries, and their contribution to the lives of disadvantaged individuals and communities, including people living in adult and juvenile prisons, and people experiencing homelessness. Jane is also interested in the safety and wellbeing of library staff as they work with these communities.
PRESENTATION | CSU CoDesign Toolkit for Public Libraries
Abstract: How can public libraries create spaces that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of their communities? This presentation introduces the Co-designing Public Library Spaces Toolkit, developed by researchers at Charles Sturt University as part of an Australian Research Council-funded project examining community-led library redevelopment.
Drawing on real-world case studies from public library redevelopment projects, Jane Garner will explore how libraries can effectively engage community members, staff, and design professionals in the planning and design of library spaces. The session will showcase the practical toolkit developed through the research, including methods for planning co-design activities, facilitating workshops, capturing community input, and translating ideas into meaningful design outcomes.
Attendees will gain insights into the benefits and challenges of co-design, learn strategies for fostering genuine community participation, and discover how co-design can help create more inclusive, responsive, and user-centred library environments. The presentation will provide practical takeaways for library leaders, planners, and staff involved in facility development, refurbishment projects, and community engagement initiatives.
This session is ideal for anyone interested in strengthening community partnerships and ensuring future library spaces are designed with communities, not just for them.
PRESENTATION | Workplace Aggression in Libraries: Prevalence, Experience, and Organisational Implications
Abstract: This presentation reports on findings from a national Australian research project investigating workplace violence and aggression in public and academic libraries. Funded by the Australian Library and Information Association, the Australian Public Library Alliance, and the Council of Australasian University Librarians, the project seeks to better understand the prevalence and nature of workplace aggression experienced by library staff, the impacts of these experiences on workers and organisations, and the ways libraries are responding to these challenges.
The presentation will discuss the rationale for the research, the methods used to collect data from library workers across Australia, and key national and Queensland findings emerging from the project. It will also explore the broader organisational implications for workforce wellbeing, leadership, training, workplace culture, and safety planning. The session aims to contribute to an important sector-wide conversation about supporting library workers in increasingly complex public environments.
Sarah Chapman
Sarah Chapman is the Founder of STEM Changemakers, a program focused on empowering underrepresented regional Australian girls in STEM. She has over twenty years’ experience as a secondary science educator and Science Head of Department. Sarah is also the Founder of the Townsville STEM Hub, a volunteer community organisation that has engaged over 15,000+ people in a range of student, teacher and community events. Sarah Chapman is Co-Chair of Women in STEMM Australia and a Board Member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. She is passionate about inspiring, engaging and empowering people through STEM. Sarah commits extensive portions of her own time lifting the profile of STEM education, by working with students, teachers and the broader community.
PRESENTATION: Empowering regional girls through libraries as trusted community hubs, building STEM identity, future workforce capability, digital confidence, and local community connection.
Saffron Howden
Saffron Howden is an author, journalist and editor with 25 years’ experience in the Australian news media. She is a national leader in media literacy and co-wrote Kid Reporter: The Secret to Breaking News. Saffron also founded Crinkling News, a national newspaper for young Australians. She is currently researching media literacy as a response to misinformation among older Australians at the News & Media Research Centre, University of Canberra.
PRESENTATION: Stay Smart Online: how to help older Australians spot misinformation and find facts
Luke Bateman
Luke Bateman is a multifaceted Australian media personality who has seamlessly transitioned from the rugby league field to the digital realm. Luke has evolved into one of Australia’s most exciting literary and lifestyle creators.
Blending country charm with poetic storytelling, he’s built a rapidly growing #BookTok audience that’s increasing by thousands each week while forging a unique path across publishing, media and digital content.
Luke recently got to the finale of Network 10’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, has signed a two-book fantasy deal with his debut releasing in early 2027, and hosts the In the Good Books podcast as part of the Nine Network.
Alongside his passion for books, agriculture, poetry and wellness, Luke has become a sought-after keynote speaker, delivering impactful talks on gambling, gender-based violence and toxic masculinity.
In 2023, Luke gained national attention as one of the bachelor’s on Network 10’s The Bachelors Australia. Following the show, Luke’s genuine charm and authenticity has resonated with audiences, leading him to become a social media sensation.
Beyond his digital presence, Luke is an avid reader, aspiring writer, and poet, drawing inspiration from the vast country landscape he calls home.