Jason leads HQPlantations with a focus on creating a sustainable future for people, plantations, and communities. Joining in 2023, he brings 25+ years of forestry expertise, including developing engineered wood product businesses, leading the strategic redevelopment of large timber manufacturing facilities, and the merger and acquisition of businesses to achieve their growth potential. Jason holds degrees from Lincoln University and Melbourne Business School, plus executive training from Stanford. Previously, he headed Forestry at New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, strengthening supply chains through partnerships with government, industry, and Māori communities. Passionate about sustainable timber, Jason is committed to supporting Queensland’s housing needs. Under his leadership, HQP advances its vision: “to create plantation value for generations.”

Roz White is an award-winning business leader with over 32 years’ experience, a charity volunteer and leading advocate for various industry groups. Roz is the co-owner of White’s IGA Group & White’s Commercial Property Group employing 530 people in the Sunshine Coast community.

Roz has held community leadership positions including board chair and is a mentor and regular speaker at trade and industry events. Roz is a current volunteer board director and Chair of Sunshine Coast 2032, a past board director of Montrose Therapy & Respite Services, advisory member of the Queensland Community Foundation (Sunshine Coast), member the University of the Sunshine Coast Foundation Board, USC Business School External Academic Advisory Committee and Immediate Past President of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network. Roz is a passionate advocate for business and has led the IGA QNN State Board as Chair and is a previous member of the IGA National Council and Sunshine Coast Business Council.

Roz was recognised as the SCBWN Outstanding Business Woman of the Year in 2015 and named Owner/Entrepreneur Leader of the Year in 2016 by the Australian Institute of Management. Roz was inducted in the IGA Hall of Fame in 2017 as the first independent female, a prestigious honour and significant milestone for women in the supermarket industry. Roz was also a Telstra Business Woman of the Year finalist in 2019 and has been awarded multiple national and state industry retail excellence & community awards over the past 25 years.

Austin Ryann is the Local Jobs – Job Coordinator for the Wide Bay and Sunhsine Coast Employment Region. Austin role is very expansive from chairing Taskforce for the region, interfaces with employers, RTO’s, Industry Associations, Employment Service providers and Local Councils. Austin consults with these stakeholders to gain local intelligence on labour market trends and also shares these insights to boost capacity of stakeholders. Austin also delivers events across the region to promote, educate and engage community membrrs regarding key industries and careers and partners with Regional Development Australia and the Regional Jobs Committess to deliver large scale jobs and careers expos on a yearly basis.

Aaron Johnstone was appointed as the first Queensland Renewable Energy Jobs Advocate in 2024. He has over 30 years’ experience in public policy, industry engagement and advocacy and holds undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications in public administration.

Throughout his career, Aaron has developed a strong understanding of supply chains and regional economic opportunities, particularly in energy, manufacturing and resources. He has extensive experience engaging with government, industry, and communities, especially in areas such as skills and economic development.

As Jobs Advocate, Aaron works to ensure a long-term positive legacy from renewable energy, and in ensuring a fair and prosperous energy transition.

This includes identifying barriers and opportunities for local supply suppliers and local workers getting involved in renewable energy projects.

Camila is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in the coffee and beverage industry. She launched her career at Nestlé in Switzerland and later made significant contributions at the Trian Factory in Vietnam. After broadening her expertise in LATAM at The Coca-Cola Company, she returned to Nestlé to spearhead high-impact projects, including strategic partnerships with Starbucks. Most recently, as the NDU White Cup Coffee Lead in R&D Singapore, Camila drove innovation and sustainability in coffee products, setting new industry standards. Her strategic vision, deep technical knowledge, and collaborative leadership style have consistently delivered operational excellence and accelerated business growth. Currently, she is leveraging her unique expertise to transform operations at the Gympie Factory, ensuring its continued success and competitiveness.