Event Details
Date: Thursday 24 July 2025
Time: 8:00am – 5:30pm AEST
Venue: Grand Hyatt, 123 Collins Street, Melbourne
Join us for the ARA x NRA Retail Crime Symposium 25!
The ARA x NRA Retail Crime Symposium 25 returns to Melbourne on Thursday 24 July 2025.
This is an event dedicated to fighting retail crime and building safer environments for our people, businesses, and communities.
As a powerful full-day symposium, we are bringing together top leaders from retail, government, and law enforcement to confront the industry’s most urgent safety challenges head-on.
What to Expect:
Inspiring Keynotes from national and international experts at the forefront of retail crime prevention
Expert Panel Conversations featuring leading voices from retail, law enforcement and government, exploring unified strategies to address organised retail crime, cyber threats and safety challenges
Curated Activation Zones featuring interactive demonstrations from technology providers and security partners displaying cutting-edge solutions.
Real-World Case Studies providing actionable insights from retailers who are tackling crime and improving safety with success
Featured speakers include The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Planning, Victoria State Government; Dr Xanthe Mallett, Associate Professor of Criminology, Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research and Michael Schneider, Managing Director, Bunnings Group.
From organised crime, loss prevention and cybercrime to workplace safety and community resilience, this is your chance to dive deep into the issues, spark meaningful conversations and walk away with solutions you can apply in your organisation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the national conversation and shape the future of retail crime prevention in Australia.
Designed for professionals involved in retail safety and crime prevention, including:
- Retail executives & business owners
- Loss prevention & asset protection leaders
- Store & operations managers
- Cybersecurity & IT security specialists
- Risk, legal & compliance teams
- HR & people leaders
- Security & facilities managers
- Government & law enforcement
- Industry & advocacy groups
Ticket sales now closed.
The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP
Attorney-General and Minister for Planning, Victoria State Government
Michael Schneider
Managing Director, Bunnings Group Limited
Dr Xanthe Mallett
Associate Professor of Criminology
Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, Central Queensland University (CQU)
Darren Bark
Deputy Chairman, Biometrics Institute and Executive Director, Investigations and Counter Terrorism, NSW Police Force
Sarah Faorlin
Head of Acts of Violence & Aggression, Woolworths
Professor Gary Mortimer
Professor of Consumer Behaviour and Retail Marketing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Speakers
Darren Bark
Deputy Chairman and Director, Biometrics Institute and Executive Director, Investigations and Counter Terrorism
NSW Police Force
Darren Bark is the Executive Director, Investigations and Counter Terrorism at the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) and Deputy Chairman of the Biometrics Institute. He previously held executive roles in both public and private sectors, including the Department of Justice.
At NSWPF, Darren leads identity security projects, implements Identity Matching Services (IMS), and develops strategic policy for a secure state. He also oversees the NSWPF’s death and disability scheme and negotiates workforce awards. Nationally, he contributes to identity security strategies as a member of the Identity Verification Service Advisory Board and the National Identity Security Coordination Group.
Beyond his official duties, Darren is a dedicated community advocate. He championed legislation banning Nazi symbols and actively addresses hate crimes. He also co-chairs Faith NSW, serves as Executive Advisor for the African Advocacy Council, and is a member of the NSW Government’s Faith Advisory Council.
David Bartlett
Founder
Safer Places Network
David Bartlett is the Founder and CEO of the Safer Places Network, a national initiative streamlining police access to community security camera footage for investigations. With over 15 years in Australian law enforcement, including roles as a Victoria Police Detective and an investigator at the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, he witnessed the inefficiencies in collecting vital CCTV evidence at scale. David is also a Winston Churchill Fellow, having worked closely with Five Eyes partners including the FBI, DEA, RCMP, NCA and Europol.
A software developer for over 25 years, David combines his operational policing knowledge with technological innovation. He is also the CEO of The LOTE Agency, a multicultural communications firm. His vision for the Safer Places Network is to enhance public safety by connecting communities and law enforcement while upholding strict privacy standards.
Rogan Berry
Group Internal Audit and Risk Manager
Michael Hill
Rogan has a background in risk, consulting and audit. Since joining Michael Hill in 2019, Rogan has been responsible for overseeing the loss prevention and physical security operations across 289 retail stores spanning Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rogan led Michael Hill’s strategic response to a significant rise in retail crime in New Zealand. He has seen the implementation of comprehensive security measures designed to protect staff and reduce criminal activity. This initiative involved close collaboration with internal stakeholders, security integrators, landlords, and senior representatives from government and law enforcement agencies.
Cameron Blair
General Manager – Retail
MA Services Group
Cameron has worked in the field of Loss Prevention and investigations for 25 years. Throughout this time, he has held a variety of roles across different retail environments, including major supermarkets and fashion departments. His extensive experience has given him a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist within the retail sector.
Cameron joined MA Services Group eight years ago, at a time when the retail covert division was looking to build momentum and expand its capabilities to become the strong and successful operation it is today.
He is passionate about developing and leading high-performing teams and enjoys creating innovative solutions that deliver value to clients. Cameron’s commitment to his role as National Retail Manager is driven by a combination of personal satisfaction and professional growth. He takes great pride in helping clients protect their people, assets, and reputation across the retail landscape.
Fleur Brown
Chief Industry Affairs Officer
Australian Retailers Association
Fleur leads the Industry Affairs portfolio for the ARA which encompasses policy and advocacy, media, marketing, events and partnerships.
Fleur has worked as an executive leader in government, media, marketing industries and prior to joining the ARA ran the award-winning Launch Group agency which was responsible government and investor relations, advocacy and media management for many leading Australian brands and public entities.
With a rich background in technology and innovation, she is a former Director of TechSydney, a founding team member of StartupAUS (now Tech Council Australia) a founding director of TEDxSydney and founder and producer the Nine Network’s Entrepreneurs TV show.
Fleur is author of the business book The Business of Being You.
Kristy Cianci
Managing Director
The Design Partnership
Kristy Cianci is a registered architect and urban designer specialising in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). She brings specialist experience in designing safer places across public and private developments, including retail environments. Trained with NSW Police in CPTED, Kristy regularly acts as an expert witness in the Land and Environment Court and sits on multiple Urban Design Review Panels across NSW—providing architectural, urban design and CPTED advice to ensure safety is embedded across a wide range of buildings and places.
Her work focuses on embedding safety into the design process from the outset – making people focused decisions that reduce crime risks, improve liveability, and support long-term management. Kristy also integrates her specialist knowledge in public art and placemaking, recognising the role of culture in creating safe, vibrant places. She works nationally across the public and private sectors to shape strategies, guide policy, and improve outcomes in complex environments.
Helen Cooney
National Assistant Secretary
Shop, Distributive and Allied Employee’s Association (SDA)
Helen Cooney is the National Assistant Secretary of the Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees’ Association. Helen started in retail at a chicken shop and then sold music in a David Jones.
She also stacked shelves overnight in a Big W. In the 1990s, she joined and became a workplace delegate for the SDA, where she returned in 2019 as the Principal Policy Officer working on superannuation and industry training.
Helen is a member of the Retail Employee Safety Council and a Trustee Director at REST Industry Super – the super fund for retail, warehousing and fast food. She holds qualifications in law, directorship, trusteeship and business coaching.
Austin Craddock
Fraud & Security Manager
Coles
Austin Craddock is the National Fraud & Security Manager at Coles Supermarkets. With over 26 years’ service, he is veteran of both Coles and the retail loss prevention industry.
Austin leads a team of security and investigation specialists with responsibility for external and internal criminal impacts across Coles’ 862 stores.
He is a champion for collaboration amongst retailers and other stakeholders and is well known as a leading voice in the world of retail loss prevention.
In particular, he is known as a pioneer in addressing organised retail crime in Australia.
Austin has previously been crowned the Risk Manager of the Year at the Australian Fraud Awards and was this year inducted into the Loss Prevention Hall of Fame.
David DeFrancesco
National Security Operations Manager
Vicinity Centres
David served with Victoria Police for 32 years, working across a diverse range of operational, investigative and management roles. His final position was at the Operational Safety Unit at the rank of Inspector, where he led major projects including the Taser Implementation Project and the development of statewide operational safety training, including the Active Armed Offender Program.
In 2015, he commenced employment at Crown Melbourne as a Security Operations Manager, overseeing security and investigations, leveraging his policing expertise in leadership, investigations, and emergency and risk management.
In June 2018, David joined Metro Trains Melbourne as Head of Security. There, he managed the security and intelligence team, as well as the Security Operations Centre, which oversees the Metro CCTV network. In 2021, he was appointed Director of Security & Safety at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. His portfolio included security, emergency management, and oversight of the Occupational Violent & Aggression training program, which supported staff safety across all RMH sites. David joined Vicinity Centres as the National Security Operations Manager in 2024.
He brings extensive experience across both the public and private sectors.
Sarah Faorlin
Head of Acts of Violence & Aggression
Woolworths Group
Sarah is the Head of Acts of Violence and Aggression for Woolworths Group encompassing Supermarkets AU & NZ, Big W, Metro, EcomX as well as broader group business units. Sarah leads a squad of subject matter experts from across Woolworths Group who actively partner with industry, Police and Government to implement preventative solutions to retail violence. Sarah is accountable for the development and execution of strategic objectives across the Woolworths Group relating to Acts of Violence and Aggression whilst navigating emerging risks and challenges in this critical space.
Sarah brings 25 years of extensive retail leadership experience within the Woolworths Group across various senior roles in Operations, Human Resources, Commercial Buying, Stock Loss and Safety.
The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP
Attorney-General and Minister for Planning
Victoria State Government
Before entering Parliament, Sonya was a lawyer in commercial litigation and banking and finance. She also worked for the Kimberley Land Council in Broome and was on the Board of The National Theatre and Back to Back Theatre.
Sonya believes that Victorians have much to be proud of, and an extraordinary opportunity to cement our state as a world leader in many areas. This is what prompted her to run for Parliament.
The priorities Sonya has for her community are to ensure equal and fair access to services close to home. She wants her community to be proud of the local area, and work together to create a vibrant, engaging, inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.
Sonya’s vision for Victoria’s future is that it is an outstanding place to live and work. She wants to see an inclusive state with a strong emphasis on technological innovation, local manufacturing, educational pathways, and a continuing commitment to equality.
The areas of public policy that she is most passionate about are all about creating jobs for the future. This includes education and training, transitioning our energy sector to renewables, and unlocking opportunities for women in the workforce.
Kesara Kumaraperuma
National Retail Loss Business Partner
Myer Group
Kesara comes from a legal background and has experience in governance and strategic advisory roles prior to joining Myer. Currently, Kesara serves as the National Retail Loss Business Partner at Myer.
In this dynamic role, Kesara spearheads transformative strategies in retail operations, focused on protecting people and profit.
Their responsibilities encompass strategic planning and oversight of critical initiatives that align with Myer’s overarching goals, with a primary focus on operational efficiency and governance.
Kesara works closely with Myer’s executive leadership team and stores to identify and maximize opportunities, supporting the delivery of the Myer Group Strategy in line with Myer’s financial imperatives.
Alexander Lane
Operations Manager – Loss Prevention
Officeworks
With over 19 years of experience across the banking and retail sectors, Alexander Lane specialises in risk mitigation, operational excellence, and strategic business management. Currently serving as the Operation Manager Loss Prevention at Officeworks, Alexander oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives to minimise loss due to theft, fraud, and other risks.
Prior to his current role, Alexander held other key leadership positions within Officeworks and spent over a decade at ANZ, where he was instrumental in business improvement, operational efficiency, and network deployment, ensuring seamless execution of strategic projects within Business & Private Banking. Alexander’s career has been defined by a commitment to safeguarding organisational assets while enhancing customer and employee experience and safety
Nathan Lee
Branch Manager of the Legal and Framework Policy Branch
Safe Work Australia
Nathan Lee is Branch Manager of the Legal and Framework Policy Branch at Safe Work Australia. He has held a variety of government policy roles on issues including national security, foreign investment and WHS. Nathan grew up in Queensland and, before his career in government, was a Mandarin language teacher.
Dr Xanthe Mallett
Associate Professor of Criminology
Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, Central Queensland University (CQU)
Dr Xanthe Mallett is an Associate Professor of Criminology, with a background in forensic science. Xanthe joined QCDFVR in February 2025, having moved from the University of Newcastle’s School of Law and Justice, where she worked since 2017. Xanthe’s PhD focused around improving methods of forensic facial analysis, and was partially funded by the FBI. She has worked with police forces in the UK and Australia, who have engaged her to provide expert opinion relating to alleged child sexual abuse, gait analysis, as well as the use of advanced DNA technologies.
Xanthe is passionate about communication and public engagement, and regularly makes expert comment on breaking news stories across matters involving criminology and forensic science, as well as contributing to podcasts and long-format investigative pieces. She has written three books, including one analysing cases where women have been found guilty of murdering their children (Mothers who Murder: And infamous miscarriages of justice). Her criminological research centres around understanding women’s place in the criminal justice space – as both victim and offender – and the nexus between those two states, which often intersect. It is this work she will expand upon in her current role.
Nick McDonnell
Senior Director – Trust & Safety, Global Public Policy
Auror
Nick leads Auror’s public policy, trust and safety functions including privacy and assurance, regulatory and government engagement, and communications.
Prior to Auror, Nick worked in public policy for a global technology company across areas such as election integrity, counter terrorism, combating online fraud and child protection.
He is a barrister and solicitor (New Zealand admitted) and holds qualifications in laws, political science and public administration. Nick lives in Sydney.
Prof Gary Mortimer
Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour
QUT Business School
Gary Mortimer is a Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour at the QUT Business School. Prior to joining QUT, Gary spent over 25 years working with some of Australia’s largest retailers. In 2023, he was appointed as Chair and Independent Director of ‘Services and Creative Skills Australia’ – the largest, federally funded Jobs and Skills Council, representing retail, hospitality, tourism, personal services, and the Arts. He is an active consumer behaviour researcher with interests in understanding positive deviance and customer aggression in the retail and services sectors. He continues to work closely with Australian retailers and peak associations.
Commander Karen Nyholm APM
Strategic Lead, Retail Theft
Victoria Police
Karen was appointed to the role of Commander – Eastern Region in November 2021 (currently held) and brings with her a rich and diverse career spanning 32 years serving the Victorian community. This role entails leadership of the people, finances and operational support to the frontline.
Her career has seen her work across many areas, including Major Fraud investigations, Children’s and Magistrate court prosecutions, Coronial support, education and media communications. Karen’s previous role was leading the Victoria Police Risk and Assurance Division, acquitting the organisation’s requirements for attestation, providing insight, direction and management of the Organisational Risk Profile and leading the Internal Audit program for Executive Command.
In 2020, Karen’s operational experience was utilised with roles in the emergency management of the East Gippsland Bushfires in February, then an ongoing role leading the State Police Operations Centre for the COVID response. During this time, she managed the closure of the South Australia and NSW border closures and helped establish the original Victoria Police commitment to the Hotel Quarantine program. In July 2022 Karen was awarded the Australia Police Medal for this work in the Queen’s Honours Awards.
In 2022, Karen was appointed as the Victoria Police executive liaison to the Australian Electoral Commission and the Victorian Electoral Commission, ensuring support to these important democratic functions during election campaigns.
In April 2025, Karen was appointed as the Victoria Police Retail theft lead. Leading this portfolio, Karen will work with retailers to identify opportunities to prevent retail crime, and internally focus Victoria Police efforts to use intelligence holdings for timely operational outcomes and strengthen reporting and investigation structures.
Chris Rodwell
CEO of Australian Retailers Association (ARA)
CEO Designate of Australian Retail Council (ARC)
Chris Rodwell is CEO designate of the Australian Retail Council (ARC) – the amalgamated entity which will combine the strengths of leading retail peak bodies the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA).
He is determined to elevate the critical contribution the $430 billion retail sector makes to the Australian economy and communities across the nation.
A seasoned CEO and Board Director with experience working across Australia and internationally, Chris was previously the outgoing CEO of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA).
During his seven-year tenure at CCIWA, Chris secured several major policy outcomes, including landmark reform of Australia’s system for GST distribution, improving environment regulation and employment support for people with disabilities. Chris also led CCIWA in playing a fundamental role in supporting business and workplaces through the pandemic.
Prior to this role, Chris spent an extended period abroad developing Australia’s international trade and investment footprint for both the Australian and Queensland Governments, supporting business across all sectors of the economy.
His work in international business spans Australasia, North America, Latin America, and Europe. Chris will be located in Sydney and has lived and worked across many parts of the nation.
He is married to Katie and together they have four children. He is also a passionate advocate for people with disabilities through D-Dads.
Ed Russell
Group National Operations Risk & Protection Manager
Endeavour Group
Ed Russell, Endeavour Group’s National Operations Risk & Protection Manager, brings 15 years of senior leadership from Coles and Endeavour. With experience in retail since 2001, he transitioned to Operations Risk and Protection two and a half years ago.
His focus is safeguarding Endeavour’s 30,000+ team members across their retail and hotel network. His extensive experience spans diverse retail functions, driving a relentless commitment to team safety and security through both internal and external strategies.
Michael Schneider
Managing Director
Bunnings Group
Michael was appointed Managing Director, Bunnings Group in May 2017 following his appointment as Managing Director, Bunnings Australia & New Zealand in March 2016. Prior to this, Michael led the store operations teams across Bunnings Australia and New Zealand, after joining Bunnings in 2005.
Before joining Bunnings, Michael held a range of senior operational, commercial and human resource roles across regional and national markets, both in retail and financial services businesses.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of NSW and has completed the Advanced Management Program at INSEAD, and the Advanced Strategic Management Program at IMD. Outside of Bunnings, Michael supports a range of not-for-profit and community organisations.
He holds board roles with the Corporate Mental Health Alliance of Australia, Melbourne United basketball club and is also a board member of the Global Home Improvement Network, representing some of the world’s leading Home Improvement businesses. In addition, Michael chairs FightMND.
Nigel Smart
Chief Executive Officer
Crime Stoppers SA
Nigel Smart CEO of Crime Stoppers South Australia, appointed on 2 August. Formerly, Smart enjoyed a distinguished AFL career with the Adelaide Crows—playing 278 games from 1991 to 2004, earning two premierships (97 /98) and three All‑Australian selections.
Following retirement, he pivoted to leadership roles: including becoming the CEO of Variety the Children’s Charity where is also served on the Crows’ board from 2005, became Deputy Chair in 2009, and then was COO from 2013 -20 for the Crows, ideating major initiatives such as membership & revenue uplift, changing stadiums and the entry into the Women’s AFL.
A graduate of Flinders (BA) and Adelaide (MBA) universities, Smart also held leadership positions in community organisations—including Southern Districts Cricket Club, AFC Children’s Foundation, and Slingsby Theatre Company.
As CEO, he has leveraged his commercial insight and strong networks to expand campaigns, forge partnerships (e.g., with Coles, Nine Media), and engage diverse rural communities to boost anonymous tip-offs and public safety.
Angus Stevens
Chief Executive Officer
Start Beyond
Angus Stevens is the CEO and Co-founder of Start Beyond, Australia’s leading VR & AR, immersive learning studio. Clients include Accenture, Meta, Australian government departments and companies such as St John Ambulance, Woolworths, Westpac, CommBank, Australia Post, UTS, and Qantas.
In the past two years Start Beyond has been named in the Top 20 Australian Startup Employers, a HRD 5 Star Employer of Choice 2024 & 2025, and recognised by the Australian Financial Review as one of Australia’s Top 10 Most Innovative Tech Companies.
In December 2024 Start Beyond was a Finalist in the Global AIXR 2024 Awards for “XR Education and Training Solution of the Year”.
Author of the novel, Viewer Discretion Advised, Angus is Chair of the Australia Metaverse Advisory Council. He has been interviewed by ABC, Ch7, Sky News & the AFR, and has presented at AWE Singapore 2024, SXSW Sydney 2023 & 2024, and SWSW Texas 2025.
David Stout
Director, Policy
National Retail Association
As Director of the Policy team, David (he/him) draws on more than 32 years’ direct retail industry experience, including in key management positions, to understand the challenges confronting retailers and clients to help them develop solutions.
David is a highly-respected senior executive across a wide range of retail sectors including corporate affairs, operations, customer insights, finance, procurement, risk and regulation, stakeholder engagement, community and supply chain.
He is favourably regarded as a bipartisan and ethical operative in best practice across retail and corporate industry, regional and urban councils, local and state governments, and is currently involved in multiple advisory groups / committees.
David has a track record of providing a bridge between our members and politicians or bureaucrats – facilitating meetings and the exchange of ideas and information in an environment that would pose difficulties if it involved an individual business.
“As an Association, we exist to help retail and service sector businesses succeed and grow within an ever – changing regulatory environment”.
Currently David is the Director of Policy, assisting retailers (members and non-members), government and other stakeholders across issues like trading hours, sustainability, loss prevention and retail crime, leasing, and product safety standards.
Inspector Mark Twamley
Operations Manager, Metropolitan Region
WA Police
Mark Twamley is a senior police inspector with over four decades of frontline and strategic policing experience in Western Australia. He currently leads data-driven crime prevention initiatives focused on retail theft, organised offending, and community safety. Mark collaborates closely with industry and government to develop practical, intelligence-led responses to emerging retail crime trends. Known for translating complex data into actionable strategies, he regularly advises executive leadership on operational effectiveness. Mark is passionate about fostering partnerships between law enforcement and the retail sector to drive down harm, improve safety outcomes, and support sustainable crime reduction.
Natalie Turmine
CEO
Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA)
Natalie Turmine is a highly accomplished executive with 30 years of leadership experience spanning workforce development and community impact. Her expertise encompasses leading organisations delivering workforce development, employment, disability, Indigenous initiatives, apprenticeships, labour hire, community programs, social enterprises, and vocational training across Australia.
As CEO of Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), she leads national skills and workforce planning for the Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism, and Hospitality sectors. Natalie is also the Chair of the Australian Racing Drivers Club & Sydney Motorsport Park, Non-Executive Director of Hydrogen House Australia, State Councillor for Business NSW and sits on the NSW 24-Hour Economy Council.
With a career spanning numerous executive roles and board positions, Natalie is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth, innovation, business and workforce excellence.
Sophie Wong
Founder
Positively Powered
With over 25 years of experience across corporate and franchising sectors, Sophie brings deep expertise in retail operations and loss transformation. During her 11 years at Coles Supermarkets in Australia, she held senior leadership roles across the Supermarkets and Liquor business. As General Manager Supermarkets Transformation, Sophie led the delivery of the loss transformation strategy leveraging AI-driven solutions across hundreds of stores.
Sophie has recently founded Positively Powered, a consulting business dedicated to helping retailers globally optimise profitability through reducing loss. Positively Powered adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with each client to understand their unique challenges and tailor solutions to achieve sustained results through proven loss transformation solutions and positive leadership.
Agenda
8:00 AM
Registration, Refreshments and Networking
8:55 AM
Welcome to Country
Session One
Retail’s Impossible Dilemma: Serving the Community without Compromising Safety and Security
9:00 AM
Opening Remarks
Chris Rodwell, CEO of Australian Retailers Association (ARA), CEO Designate of Australian Retail Council (ARC)
9:10 AM
Keynote: Collaboration for Impact
The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Planning, Victoria State Government
9:35 AM
Victoria Police and Retail Theft – The Now and The Next
Commander Karen Nyholm APM, Strategic Lead, Retail Theft, Victoria Police
9:45 AM
Keynote: The Societal Impact of Retail Crime
Dr Xanthe Mallett, Associate Professor of Criminology, Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, Central Queensland University (CQU)
10:05 AM
Keynote: Balancing Innovation and Trust
Darren Bark, Deputy Chairman, Biometrics Institute and Executive Director, Investigations and Counter Terrorism, NSW Police Force
10:25 AM
Morning Tea & Networking Break
Session Two
Organised Retail Crime and Collaborative Prevention
10:45 AM
Panel: Combatting Organised Retail Crime
Hosted by:
David Stout, Director Policy, National Retail Association
In conversation with:
Kesara Kumaraperuma, National Retail Loss Business Partner, Myer Group
Ed Russell, Operation Risk & Protection Manager, Endeavour Group
Inspector Mark Twamley, Operations Manager, Metropolitan Region, WA Police
Sophie Wong, Founder, Positively Powered
11:10 AM
Fireside Chat: Building Frontline Teams’ Capability to Stay Safe by Leveraging VR Technology
Hosted by:
Miles Langford, Policy Advisor – Risk & Resilience, Australian Retailers Association
In conversation with:
Angus Stevens, Chief Executive Officer, Start Beyond
Sarah Faorlin, Head of Acts of Violence & Aggression, Woolworths Group
11:35 AM
Panel: Real-World Solutions to Retail Crime Challenges
Hosted by:
Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association
In conversation with:
Rogan Berry, Group Internal Audit and Risk Manager, Michael Hill
Austin Craddock, Fraud & Security Manager, Total Loss, Supermarkets Operations, Coles
David De Francesco, National Security Operations Manager, Vicinity Centres
Alexander Lane, Operations Manager – Loss Prevention, Officeworks
12:00 PM
Lunch & Networking Break
Session Three
Leveraging Technology to Detect and Deter Crime
1:00 PM
Fireside Chat: Leveraging Technology to Prevent Retail Crime
Hosted by:
Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association
In conversation with:
Michael Schneider, Managing Director, Bunnings Group
1:20 PM
Keynote: Beyond the Breaking Point: Understanding and Preventing Customer Aggression
Professor Gary Mortimer, Professor of Consumer Behaviour and Retail Marketing, Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
1:45 PM
Keynote: Untapped: Australia’s Accidental Billion Dollar Surveillance Network
David Bartlett, Founder, Safer Places Network
2:00 PM
Fireside Chat: Intelligence in Action – Turning Crime Stoppers Reports into Retail Results
From Tips to Takedowns – Working Together to Win the Fight
Cameron Blair, General Manager – Retail, MA Services Group
Nigel Smart, Chief Executive Officer, Crime Stoppers SA
2:20 PM
Afternoon Tea & Networking Break
Session Four
The Human Impact of Retail Crime: Prioritising People and Wellbeing
2:50 PM
Keynote: The Shift Doesn’t End at the Exit: CPTED for Safer Staff Journeys
Kristy Cianci, Managing Director, The Design Partnership
3:10 PM
Panel: Protecting Employee Safety and Wellbeing
Hosted by:
Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association
In conversation with:
Helen Cooney, National Assistant Secretary, Shop, Distributive and Allied Employee’s Association (SDA)
Nathan Lee, Branch Manager of the Legal and Framework Policy Branch, Safe Work Australia
Natalie Turmine, Chief Executive Officer, Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA)
3:40 PM
Keynote: The Future of Retail Crime Prevention
Nick McDonnell, Senior Director – Trust & Safety, Global Public Policy, Auror
4:05 PM
Closing Remarks
Chris Rodwell, CEO of Australian Retailers Association (ARA), CEO Designate of Australian Retail Council (ARC)
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Networking Drinks
Presenting Partner
MA Services Group is a leading Australian-owned Integrated Services Company, specialising in security, cleaning, and maintenance solutions. With a national footprint across every state and territory, we are where you need us to be—offering agile, industry-specific services that protect people, assets, and business integrity.
In the retail sector, MA Services Group has earned a strong reputation for delivering measurable results. We support some of Australia’s largest retail brands through tailored, end-to-end solutions that reduce loss, prevent crime, and enhance the customer experience. Our retail expertise includes the largest national team of Covert Officers—over 300 highly trained professionals—backed by cutting-edge technology and proactive strategies.
MA Services Group is proud to help retailers create safer, cleaner, and more welcoming environments that support both business and community.
Event Partners
In busy retail environments, tensions can rise in an instant — from customer disputes to theft attempts. That’s where Reveal comes in. Since 2002, we’ve worked closely with frontline teams to design body-worn cameras that don’t just record — they de-escalate.
Our cameras feature a front-facing screen that shows people they’re being recorded, often stopping conflict before it starts. Footage is securely uploaded and managed through our digital evidence platform, giving managers fast access to clear, time-stamped video. Whether it’s resolving a complaint or supporting a prosecution, Reveal helps get to the truth quickly.
Trusted by leading high-street brands globally, our technology is now available to Australian retailers through our local partner, C.R. Kennedy. Designed for ease of use, built to withstand daily wear, and backed by a powerful evidence platform — Reveal gives retail teams the tools they need to feel safer, act with confidence, and respond faster when it matters most.
The Safer Places Network (SPN) is Australia’s national register of security cameras. The platform allows homeowners and businesses to register their external cameras, making evidence collection seamless and almost instantaneous for police investigations. Police officers currently spend millions of hours manually collecting and managing CCTV footage. SPN’s founder, former Victoria Police Detective and software developer, David Bartlett, set out to leverage his unique combination of skills to radically speed up this stage of a criminal investigation.
This innovative Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) not only saves police time collecting evidence, thereby redirecting resources to active community policing, but also significantly boosts crime clearance rates, saves taxpayer dollars, and enhances community safety.
SPN is free for the community & police, developed with privacy-first, ethical surveillance principles and is completely voluntary.
Start Beyond is an internationally acclaimed virtual and augmented reality studio that specialises in creating immersive learning experiences.
Clients include Accenture, Meta, Australian government departments and companies such as St John Ambulance, Woolworths, Westpac, CommBank, Australia Post, UTS, and Qantas.
Start Beyond has delivered over 1.8 million VR & AR experiences.
Since 2019 Start Beyond has worked with Woolworths. Their managing aggressive customers program; led to 50,000 employees completing the training within four months.
Based on its success Start Beyond has launched Minaca VR; Managing Incivility Negativity and Customer Aggression. Launch partners include UTS, The Reject Shop, and Optus.
This low-cost VR program teaches frontline workers how to de-escalate customer aggression. Its high-conflict scenarios in Retail, Hospitality, Health & Aged Care, help customer-facing staff learn through experience – without the real-world risk. Minaca VR allows businesses to meet their WHS requirements, reduce staff turnover and build a resilient workforce.
