Diversity Speakers Bureau
Engaging and inspiring others to join the diversity cause is a crucial part of the success of any diversity strategy. Diversity Council Australia has access to leaders from both inside and outside the organisation, who are available to speak on diversity topics to inform and enlighten audiences.
These speakers have a wealth of experience in various aspects of diversity, and are passionate and articulate about their chosen topic.
The Speakers Bureau is a fee-for-service resource. To request a speaker, please complete the Speaker Enquiry form.
Below is a list of speakers on our list at present with more to come!
Diversity speakers
Nareen Young, Chief Executive Officer, Diversity Council Australia
Mark Ney, former Assistant Commissioner, the Australian Federal Police
Kathleen Bailey-Lord, General Manager Shared Services, ANZ
Karni Liddell, Paralympian
Nareen Young, Chief Executive Officer, Diversity Council Australia
Nareen Young was appointed CEO for Diversity Council Australia (DCA) in June 2007 after working for DCA for two years as Senior Consultant. The CEO appointment is the most recent highlight in her notable career as a senior strategic diversity practitioner and acknowledges her role as one of Australia's leading strategic diversity practitioners and thought leaders.
In early 2009 Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard appointed Nareen, representing DCA, to Chair the Judging and Accreditation Panel for the revamped National Work/Life Awards.
Nareen was the Director of the NSW Working Women’s Centre, funded by Federal and NSW Governments, from 1998 to 2005. In 2003 she was nominated for a Human Rights Award and Medal for her leadership at the NSW Working Women’s Centre in “… developing and implementing innovative and sustained activities …” so that the Centre was an accessible service and could play a significant role in employment matters in New South Wales.
Prior to her appointment at the NSW Working Women's Centre, Nareen was a trade union official and during this time served in female affirmative action positions, in both cases elected by her peers, on the executive of Unions NSW and the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
Nareen has presented and published widely and considers the many career opportunities she has been presented through working in diversity to be a great privilege.
In August 2009 she was appointed to the inaugural Community Advisory Group for the AFL. The group will assist in building awareness for the 18th team in Greater Western Sydney and help develop and deliver a business case that validates the capacity for Western Sydney to sustain an AFL team.
Nareen lives in Sydney with her partner, two children and numerous animals.
Nareen speaks on the following topics: women, diversity, flexible working, business and diversity, diversity policy and strategy.
Mark Ney, former Assistant Commissioner, the Australian Federal Police
Former Assistant Commissioner Mark Ney APM retired from the Australian Federal Police in January 2009 after 25 years of service which included a broad range of operational experience. This included significant experience as a senior leader and manager. He also worked in the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.
Mark ran the Human Resources Department for the AFP for four years, and was responsible for Learning & Development, Professional Standards, Wellbeing Services and management of diversity programs in addition to normal HR delivery services. Mark managed around 300 staff devoted to providing those range of services to the 6,500 staff in the AFP. He was responsible for negotiating certified agreements, making employment/termination decisions, and has appeared before Industrial Relations proceedings, to give evidence and represent the organisation in disputes. During Mark's time with AFP he represented the organisation at a number of forums including at the United Nations Drug Control Organisation, International Counter Terrorism events, and Senate Estimates Hearings and Enquiries.
Mark was recognised for his service to policing in the 2006 Australia Day Honours List. He was awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service, particularly in the field of furthering law enforcement relationships both nationally, internationally and the indigenous community. Mark was very active in the various diversity programs undertaken by the AFP which included his voluntary work as Patron of the Indigenous Officers, and Gay and Lesbian Officers Networks.
Mark was a member of the DCA board for a number of years and resigned as Chairperson in December, coinciding with his retirement from AFP. He has a Graduate Certificate of Business (Banking) from Monash University and a Graduate Certificate in Management from Charles Sturt University.
Mark is qualified to administer psychometric tools such as MBTI and Firo B, and works with management teams to improve team effectiveness, and improve business productivity.
Mark speaks on the following topics: diversity, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people workplace involvement, making your workplace gay and lesbian friendly, resolving workplace conflict, harassment and bullying, and policing.
Kathleen Bailey-Lord, General Manager Shared Services, ANZ
Kathleen is General Manager Shared Services for ANZ. She has a depth of business leadership experience across major organizations and multi-national firms. She has held senior executive positions in IBM in sales and professional services; in Phillips Fox in marketing; in PMP as Managing Director of the Media Solutions Division and as CEO for Fordham Wealth Advisors, prior to joining ANZ.
Kathleen’s diverse career has been built on her ability to transform and build businesses. She is known for her enthusiasm, strong and inclusive leadership style, communication skills and her integrity. She creates value for shareholders, customers and staff through her passion for win/win outcomes and through her total commitment to delivering the best service to clients.
A State Finalist in the Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Award in 1998, Kathleen is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Victorian Women’s Trust (an organisation dedicated to improving the status of all Victorian women).
Kathleen is a Director of Diversity Council Australia. She holds a BA (Hons) in Political Science and History from the University of Melbourne. She has also completed short courses at Harvard Business School, Macquarie Graduate School of Management and Monash University.
Kathleen speaks on the following topics: diversity with regard to negotiation, motivation, inclusiveness, bringing whole self to work; women; the role of HR in diversity; the role of the CEO in diversity.
Karni Liddell, Paralympian
By just 28 years of age, Karni Liddell has already carved her presence on the international swimming scene.
Born in Rockhampton, Queensland, Karni commenced swimming at the age of 3 as a form of strength building to enhance her muscle development. Her first swimming competition was at the age of 8. Born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (a muscle wasting disability which affects all body muscles including internal)
Karni Liddell has defied Doctors and the odds to have not only lived to the age of 20 but to have successfully embarked on an international sporting career.
Employed by Westpac under the Paralympic Employment Program, when she is not training Karni spends a great deal of her time speaking to community and corporate groups. She promotes sport for people with disabilities, highlights her own life and achievements and encourages her audiences to strive for whatever it is they want to do and achieve.
Karni speaks on the following topics: sport for people with a disability, work for people with a disability, diversity in sport.