NSW Illawarra Network

Insights from HR Leadership from across the Illawarra. A Panel discussion with local HR Leaders; Ali Bourke (Chief People Officer, University of Wollongong), Rachael Heald (General Manager People & Culture, IMB), Rebecca Coombes (Group Chief People Officer, Disability Trust).
A future focused HR Leadership panel will explore how the role of HR is evolving in response to rapid change, shifting workforce expectations, and increasing organisational complexity.

Speakers will highlight the importance of HR leaders taking a strategic and forward-looking approach, with a strong focus on building capability, strengthening culture, and supporting organisational resilience.

Overall, the panel reinforced that future-focused HR leadership is defined by agility, influence, and a clear alignment between people strategy and business direction.

Target Audience  

HR Practitioners at any level/ future HR Practitioners

Speaker: Ali Bourke (Chief People Officer, University of Wollongong)

Ali Bourke is the Chief People & Culture Officer at the University of Wollongong, having stepped into the role in early 2025. With deep experience across workforce strategy, organisational development, talent, employee relations and enterprise people transformation, Ali leads People & Culture in a large, unionised and highly regulated environment, with responsibility for building fit for purpose systems, governance and capability that support long term organisational performance. She is a trusted advisor to senior leaders, known for her values led approach, sound judgement and ability to navigate complex people challenges with clarity and integrity.

Speaker: Rachael Heald (General Manager People & Culture, IMB)

Rachael Heald is the General Manager People & Culture at IMB Bank, leadership advisor and speaker known for her practical, no-fluff approach to leadership in real time. With experience spanning banking, professional services and large-scale organisational transformation, she has built a reputation for helping leaders navigate complexity, difficult conversations and change while keeping people at the centre. Rachael brings a grounded, commercially pragmatic perspective to topics including leadership, culture, workforce transformation and psychological safety. She is also a member of the Illawarra International Women’s Day Committee, supporting conversations and initiatives that advance leadership, connection and opportunity for women in the community.

Speaker: Rebecca Coombes (Group Chief People Officer, Disability Trust)

Rebecca Coombes is the Group Chief People Officer of The Disability Trust, the foundational business within a national social and community services conglomerate comprising 6 key entities and more than 4,500 employees across the country. In this role, she leads the people strategy for a diverse, purpose driven workforce, placing retention, career growth, and wellbeing at the centre of organisational resilience. With over 25 years of HR leadership experience across telecommunications, manufacturing, media, higher education, and now for purpose sector, Rebecca brings a rare blend of commercial acumen and deep human centred practice. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to building environments where people can thrive, develop, and stay connected to meaningful work.

Other Event Information 

You will obtain 1.5 CPD points for this forum.

Registration Information 

Registration close: Wednesday 19 August

Having trouble registering? Contact Us or phone 1300 811 880.

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