Speaker Listing 4

Simon is the co-founder and Managing Director of Challenge Networks, a telecommunications system integrator specialising in the design, build and management of small-scale carrier networks around the world. He has over 27 years of international experience in the telecommunications industry. Initially starting his career in AMPS mobile network R&D, he later moved into national and finally global roles in mobile network design, deployment and support. Originally growing up on a farm, he has had the privilege of living in more than six countries and working in more than 40, but is now happy to call Australia home. Simon has a degree in Computer Engineering from RMIT and an MBA from Melbourne Business School.

Chris Stevens is Managing Director of CartGiS Pty Ltd, an emergency management, GIS and Mapping and communications consultancy company based in Melbourne. Chris has extensive experience in LMR network design, planning and implementation as well as GIS and mapping application design and commissioning. Chris is an industry leader in systems integration, thinking outside the box and providing client centric outcomes aimed at information sharing and interoperability. CartGIS Pty Ltd also specialises in bespoke training and education for the critical communication community. Chris has extensive qualifications and experience in secondary, tertiary and workplace training and education, which coupled with his communication experience, delivers industry and client focused outcomes. Chris has been the National Lifesaving Communications Advisor to Surf Life Saving Australia since 2011. This role is in an elected volunteered capacity and he chairs the respective national communications working group. As National Lifesaving Communications Advisor, Chris is responsible for advising the states and territories on their operational communications networks as well as formulating national interoperability and business continuity strategies. Chris is also a member of the ARCIA committee, where he convenes the training committees and has been responsible for recent industry advancements in training and education.