Deck Program Speakers 2026
Michael May
General Manager, Supply Chain OPERATIONS – GERALDTON FSHERMAN’S CO-operative
General Manager, Supply Chain OPERATIONS – GERALDTON FSHERMAN’S CO-operative
CEO, WRL
Matt Taylor has a strong background in the fishing industry, including years as a commercial fisherman across numerous sectors. He completed a degree with first-class Honours in aquaculture and seafood science before working for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) which included establishing and coordinating the national research flagship for water in WA.
As Chief Executive Officer, Matt has a primary responsibility for the delivery of WRL’s strategic goals and objectives. He provides high level strategic and tactical advice on industry-related issues and coordinates the implementation of the Board’s decisions.
Founder – HUNTER ADVISORY
Nicole Moody is a senior strategic advisor to executives and organisations navigating reputation, communications and the decisions that shape how they are seen and trusted. Nicole‘s career spans media, political advisory, launching and leading her own communications agency where she built business reputations for national brands. She went on to hold a global communications leadership role at Fortescue, one of Australia’s largest and most scrutinised companies. Today she owns Hunter Advisory, a communications and reputation management consultancy.
DATA ANALYST – WESTERN ROCK LOBSTER COUNCIL
Chris is an IT professional with more than 25 years of experience in business intelligence (BI) reporting, data analysis, and data warehousing design and implementation, within a mixture of government, not for profit and private sector organisations across a diverse mixture of industries including energy, mining, engineering, healthcare and most recently fisheries. He has built a career on transforming diverse and complex data sources into highly robust and accurate data structures, reports, visualisations and interactive dashboards that provide meaningful insights to support strategic decision-making, operational reporting, and digital transformation initiatives.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering from Edith Cowan University and a Master of Business Administration from Curtin University. His combination of technical proficiency and business acumen enables him to bridge the gap between data, technology, and organisational outcomes to deliver high-quality, data-driven solutions.
At WRL, Chris provides leadership and expertise across a variety of programs and partnerships. This includes working with a range of internal and external stakeholders, particularly in supporting the long-term implementation of the WRL Industry Digital Strategy. This program of work sees a number of significant digital transformation projects being implemented across the industry, aimed at increasing efficiencies and IT system connectivity that will create benefits including resource management, fishing operations, supply chain logistics, member engagement, research, and community connection.
Operations Director – Taylor Mechanical & Marine
Rob Taylor is a qualified Heavy-Duty Diesel Mechanic and Auto Electrician with extensive experience across the transport, mining and marine industries.
Rob was a heavy diesel mechanic in Kalgoorlie for 5 years before he relocated to Geraldton in 2012 and transitioned into the marine industry.
Since then, Rob has developed a strong reputation for his practical knowledge, accurate diagnostics and high standard of workmanship. He is committed to building trusted relationships with his customers and helping vessel operators reduce breakdowns through effective preventative maintenance.
CEO – Blue Tree Project
Kendall Whyte OAM is the founder and CEO of Blue Tree Project, a grass-roots movement which has turned into a charity making an impact across Australia and other parts of the world.
From Mukinbudin in the Central Wheatbelt of Western Australia, her journey started after the heartbreaking loss of her brother to suicide in 2018. Since then, she has channeled her energy into creating vital conversations around mental health — particularly in regional and rural communities, where such discussions are often neglected.
Her work has not only helped break down the stigma surrounding mental health but also inspired change on a national scale. She’s been recognised with numerous accolades, including being named the 2022 Young Australian of the Year for Western Australia and received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to mental health.
MARINE INSPECTOR OPERATIONS, WEST AUSTRALIAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY
Stephen Wheeler is a Marine Safety Inspector with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, based in Geraldton and working predominately across regional and remote Western Australia.
In his role with AMSA, Stephen works with domestic commercial vessel owners, masters, crews and marine surveyors, including those in the commercial fishing sector, on vessel safety, certification, safety management systems and the practical application of the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessels.
Before joining AMSA, Stephen spent more than two decades working at sea and on and around commercial vessels in a range of operational roles across Australia. He also has a background in marine biology.
His experience on both sides of the industry gives him a practical understanding of vessel operations, the pressures faced by owners and crews, and AMSA’s responsibilities as the national maritime safety regulator. His work places a strong emphasis on clear communication and helping industry understand how safety requirements apply in practice.
FINANCIAL PLANNER, HPH SOLUTIONS
Matt Hern is passionate about helping people afford the life that lights them up! He is a Certified Financial Planner professional with over 20 years of experience in helping people achieve their financial goals.
Matt blends behavioral science with personal finance to help people make smart financial decisions that reduce their financial stress and boost their overall happiness.
PRINCIPAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST, DPIRD
Simon de Lestang is the Principal Research Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional
Development in charge of offshore crustaceans, which includes the western rock lobster.
Simon got his PhD in 2000, which was based on the biology and assessment of blue swimmer crab along the west coast of WA. He has now been working on lobster for over 15 years, mainly in the area of stock assessment. The majority of his work nowadays involves programming computer-based stock models.
General Manager, Supply Chain OPERATIONS – GERALDTON FISHERMAN’S CO-operative
Michael May (MBA, GAICD) is a senior executive with a strong track record in leading strategy, transformation, and operational performance across supply chain, infrastructure, and member‑based organisations.
As General Manager, Supply Chain Operations at Geraldton Fishermen’s Co‑operative (GFC), Michael leads end‑to‑end supply chain strategy and execution, with a focus on improving performance, enhancing member value, and building resilient, efficient operations. He is a member of the executive leadership team and plays a key role in shaping organisational strategy and capability.
Previously, Michael led Corporate and Shared Services at GFC, delivering enterprise‑wide improvements across safety, technology, governance, and business systems. He is known for his pragmatic, outcomes‑focused approach and his ability to lead high‑performing teams through complex change.
Michael holds an MBA (Business Leadership) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He also serves as Chair of Regional Development Australia Midwest & Gascoyne and is actively involved in regional economic development and industry leadership.
ECONOMIcs & MARKETS – Western rock Lobster council
Daniel has a background in agriculture and aquaculture economics, with degrees in Science and in Economics from University of Western Australia and a Master of Arts from Murdoch University.
In his role with WRL, Daniel drives delivery of the Understanding the Markets programme, supports the TACC Committee and conducts other economic research, analysis and reporting needs of WRL.
Managing Director and shareholder, dongara marine
Rohan Warr is Managing Director and part owner of shipbuilder Dongara Marine. A fully qualified shipwright with nearly 30 years involvement in boatbuilding, he also has commercial vessel operations qualifications and experience.
Born and raised in the Mid-West, Rohan’s career as a shipwright began in Perth in 1995 through an apprenticeship with a world-renowned builder in the superyacht industry. He then went on to work as a shipwright primarily in commercial vessel construction, initially in Perth before returning to the Mid-West in 2001 to work for Geraldton-based boatbuilders, working in both shipwright and supervisory roles.
Rohan moved to Dongara Marine in 2010 to assist with converting a lobster fishing boat into a pleasure craft. He was subsequently appointed General Manager of Dongara Marine. In July 2016, Rohan and his wife became partners in the company and he was appointed Managing Director.
Since Rohan has been in that role, Dongara Marine has completed significant new vessel construction and refit projects worth over $95 million and has confirmed contracts worth approximately $20 million in place. Under his direction the company transitioned operations to a new, purpose-built facility in Geraldton which officially opened 08/2022.