Thursday 14 August

9.30am -5.30pm

Auchendarroch House

Mt Barker

Join us for Activate Your Place: Integrating Branding with Data and AI to Foster Vibrant Mainstreets and Communities, a dynamic event that brings together innovators, community leaders, and place-makers to explore how cutting-edge technology and strategic branding can breathe new life into local spaces. Discover how data and AI can be harnessed to tell authentic stories, engage communities, and drive sustainable growth. Whether you're revitalizing a mainstreet or reimagining a community this event offers the insights and tools you need to activate your place and create meaningful, lasting impact.

PROGRAM

SPEAKER INFORMATION

Development of KI'MBA BRAND

Deb Larwood

Deb has proudly called Kimba home for over 36 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and community insight to her role as Chief Executive Officer to the District Council of Kimba—a position she has held since 2016. 

Throughout her career, Deb has worked to position Kimba as a benchmark for innovation in regional governance. Under her guidance, the Council has achieved recognition at both state and national levels, with multiple awards celebrating its accomplishments in community development, infrastructure, and service delivery. These achievements reflect her dedication to practical outcomes that directly benefit the people who live, work, and invest in the region.

A firm believer in the power of strategic place branding and marketing, Deb leads and supports initiatives that elevate Kimba’s profile, attracting new opportunities, and supporting long-term sustainability for the town and its surrounds. She is passionate about ensuring regional communities are not only supported but actively celebrated for their unique strengths and contributions.

Driven by a people-first mindset, Deb is known for her transparent communication, inclusive leadership, and unwavering belief in the potential of local people. Her work continues to inspire progress and pride across the community, making her a key force in shaping a stronger future for regional South Australia.

Emily Maxwell

With a combined 11 years of experience in local government across a multitude of roles, Emily has spent the past six years as a dedicated member of the Kimba Council team. Initially joining with a focus on Executive Assistance and Governance, Emily has since taken on a broad portfolio that includes key contributions to tourism, marketing, and the promotion of the region as a visitor destination.

In her tourism and marketing capacity, Emily plays a vital role in supporting and delivering council-led visitor campaigns, and working to enhance the region’s profile. She has actively contributed to the planning and rollout of promotional initiatives that showcase the Kimba’s unique experiences, events, and natural assets. More recently, Emily has been involved in the implementation of a new community brand—assisting with the brand strategy, visual communications, and stakeholder engagement to ensure a consistent and impactful rollout across platforms.

Driven by a passion for community engagement and regional development, Emily brings a thoughtful, solutions-focused approach to every project she undertakes. Her ability to work across diverse teams and functions, paired with her deep understanding of local government operations, continues to make her a trusted contributor to council initiatives that enhance both organisational effectiveness and community experience.

Lisa Hastings

Is a visionary Creative Director at SGK Global with over a decade of experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across global campaigns and innovative brand development. Her expertise lies in developing high-level creative strategies, nurturing talent, and driving brand evolution across diverse categories. 

Lisa excels at balancing creative vision with business objectives, delivering scalable solutions that resonate with audiences and stakeholders. As a judge for the PAC Global Awards and keynote speaker, she regularly engages with industry leaders, sharing insights on innovation and brand differentiation. With a career spanning global markets, including 10 years in London, Lisa specialises in Creative Leadership, Coaching, Brand Positioning, Strategic Development, and Creative Concepting. 

Her leadership style, rooted in transparency and trust, fosters bravery, curiosity, and authenticity, guided by her personal mantra: "confidence without ego.”