Master of Ceremonies
Dr Jacinta Parsons
Radio Broadcaster & Writer
Dr Jacinta Parsons is a radio broadcaster and writer from Melbourne, Australia who has worked at community radio station Triple R, and for the ABC at Double J, ABC Radio Melbourne, and ABC Radio National. She has released three books, Unseen (2020), A Question of Age (2022) and her most recent in 2025 – an investigation on wisdom and the elder woman – A Wisdom of Age.
She works extensively as an advocate for chronic illness and against age discrimination in both her work and in role as a speaker around the country. She is the co-chair of Rollercoaster Theatre, a company dedicated to access for intellectually disabled and neurodiverse actors on Australian stages and enjoys teaching at RMIT university in Media and Communication.
Parsons currently hosts the Friday Revue and Saturday Mornings on ABC Radio Melbourne.
Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.
Keynote Speakers
Marie Østergård
Library Director at Aarhus Public Libraries
As Library Director of Aarhus Public Libraries, Marie oversees Dokk1 (the main library) and 17 branches. Since the beginning of her library career, she has been part of Aarhus Public Libraries’ development of the library as a democratic space – a non-commercial space that empowers citizenship, sustainable communities and human growth. User-involvement, partnerships, design thinking and rethinking of library space, has been key words in the continuous library building and development – both as project leader of the building of Dokk1 (IFLA Public Library of the Year 2016), as well as the building and development of the Gellerup Branch (nominated for IFLA Public Library of the Year 2022), and the Solbjerg branch – a combined school and public library.
Throughout the years she has worked intensely with co-creation and partnerships – nationally and internationally – to push development, network and innovation in the library sector. She is the co-inventor of Next Library – a biannual international conference gathering thought leaders and innovators from over 30 countries around the world in a highly interactive community discussing the development of libraries.
Marie engages in international conversations and co-operation across the world about library development, democracy, advocacy and leadership. She serves as chair of the board of PL2030, as board member of METRO – Metropolitan New York Library Council and is an elected member of the IFLA MetLib Standing Committee. In Denmark she serves on the board of the Danish Library Association and has over the years undertaken various roles on the board of the Danish Library Directors’ Association and the board of the Danish Digital Library Association.
Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.
Anna Burkey
Chief Executive Officer at Australia Reads
Anna Burkey is a creative entrepreneur and storyteller, with a passion for books, reading, the arts, and education. Hailing from Scotland, where she was on the founding team of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature, Anna now lives in Melbourne, on Wurundgeri country.
After several years with State Library Victoria and the Centre for Youth Literature, Anna's now working with the Australian Publishers Association and the Books Create Australia consortium on Australia Reads. Australia Reads looks at ways our industry can work together nationally to get more Australians reading more books, more often.
Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.
Louise Denoon
Executive Director - Community Partnerships at State Library Queensland
Louise leads the partnership between State Library and local government for the delivery of library services across Queensland. This partnership includes First 5 Forever, now in its 10th year, that leverages the library network to empower families through brain building resources, environments and experiences.
Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.
Tess Healy
Autistic Consultant at Aspect
Tess Healy has a background in disability support work and group program facilitation. They are interested in the ways that working collaboratively and in partnership can improve accessibility and inclusion, leading to more people experiencing meaningful connection and belonging. Tess is part of Aspect’s Autism Friendly team in Melbourne, working as an Autism Friendly Consultant.
Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.
Jessica Novak
Autistic Consultant at Aspect
Jessica is a passionate Autistic visual artist with a background in art teaching, mural making, and corporate graphic design. She loves to advocate for autism inclusion and belonging in every facet of life that she can; she believes that all different kinds of neurotypes make the world go round! Jessica holds a degree in journalism and writing and is part of Aspect’s Autism Friendly team in Melbourne as an Autistic Consultant.
Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.
Michelle McLean
Lead Shared Services at Public Libraries Victoria
Michelle McLean is a passionate advocate for professional development, libraries, and the ever-evolving role of technology in the sector. As Lead Shared Services at Public Libraries Victoria, and through her contributions to the VALA Committee, she brings these interests together to support innovation, collaboration, and growth across the industry. With more than 40 years’ experience in Victorian public libraries, Michelle has witnessed—and contributed to—the remarkable transformation of library technology and services. Her career in Information Services and Technology has positioned her at the forefront of change, helping libraries adapt and thrive in a digital world. Michelle’s commitment to excellence has been recognised through a Ramsay Reid Scholarship from the State Library of Victoria, and her participation as an alumna of the Aurora Institute. She is also a published author and has presented at conferences and seminars throughout Australia.
Find out more by visiting the Conference Program.
Session Speakers
