During this session, Toni will provide an important update on current long service leave issues, discuss key developments and interpretations under the Local Government (State) Award NSW, and share a broader update on NSW Industrial Relations’ latest activities and areas of focus.

His presentation will offer valuable insights to help councils and payroll teams stay compliant, informed, and confident in managing their workplace obligations.

Presented by:

Toni Minovski, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, NSW Industrial Relations brings over 20 years of experience helping employers, payroll teams, and councils navigate the ever-evolving landscape of workplace compliance. Renowned for his deep knowledge of long service leave and industrial relations, Toni transforms complex legislation into practical, real-world guidance that payroll professionals can actually use.

With a career dedicated to trust, transparency, and collaboration, Toni has become a familiar and respected voice across NSW’s payroll community. His engaging presentation style, relatable stories, and commitment to supporting fair, compliant workplaces leaves audiences informed, energised, and ready to make a positive impact in their organisations.

Payroll isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people. In this session, we’ll explore how unlocking payroll through HR can streamline processes, reduce errors, and give your team time back to focus on what really matters.

Presented by: Robert Zadel and Jola Van Der Horn

Robert Zadel, Business Development Manager at Pulse Software is living proof that career paths don’t always go to plan. With a background in Science and Industrial Chemistry, Robert soon realised that HR and Payroll was the perfect blend of the analytical and the people side of business — and he’s been hooked ever since.

Over the past 20+ years, he’s done it all: running payrolls, consulting with organisations, and now helping teams across Australia simplify HR and systems. Robert believes it’s all about working smarter, not harder — and if you can have fun while talking about HR and Payroll, you’re definitely on the right track.

Presented by:

Carina Congdon, Acting Manager People Culture and Safety, Yorke Peninsula Council has over 10 years experience in local government, specialising in HR and Payroll functions. Currently working within a regional council, Carina has developed a strong reputation for expertise in payroll operations and process improvement initiatives.

A self-professed ‘payroll nerd’, Carina is passionate about driving efficiency, eliminating unnecessary workarounds, and highlighting the value of payroll within local government. Committed to the sector as a long-term career choice, Carina also takes pride in mentoring colleagues and sharing knowledge to strengthen capability across the profession.

Presented by:

Nic Edmonds, Chief of Customer Experience – elementTIME has over 22 years of experience in the local government and non-profit sectors, working as a risk and crisis analyst, recreation planner, project manager, and external management consultant. He has used his understanding of the private, non-profit, and government sectors to design and coordinate the development of specialist software solutions. He combines a proven understanding of end-user requirements with years of knowledge in delivering fit-for-purpose solutions for clients.

Nic and his team have created elementTIME to give councils access to great technology designed specifically for their unique challenges.

This session will provide an update on the changes Payroll Professionals need to know about for Payday Super. While not yet law, the Government has announced that from 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay their employees’ super at the same time as their salary and wages.

Presented by:

Usha Narain is the SES 1 PayDay Super Implementation Lead at the Australian Taxation Office, where she leads the implementation and delivery of PayDay Super—an initiative designed to help Australians achieve a dignified retirement. In this role, Usha oversees complex projects that drive system-wide change, collaborating with stakeholders across government and industry to ensure successful implementation and positive outcomes for the community.

Usha is recognised for her expertise in superannuation, employer obligations, and client engagement. She is known for building strong partnerships, resolving complex technical and administrative challenges, and championing cultural transformation within large teams. Usha’s leadership is marked by her strategic vision, commitment to technical excellence, and passion for fostering trust and confidence in Australia’s tax and superannuation systems. A sought-after speaker and diversity advocate, Usha regularly presents at industry forums and public sector leadership summits, sharing insights on authentic leadership, inclusive workplaces, and the future of superannuation.

Super doesn’t have to be complicated! The session will share simple, practical ways to stay on top of Payday Super and make remitting contributions through the SuperChoice clearinghouse a whole lot easier. Drawing on experience in helping employers navigate their super obligations. Vision Super team will share real-world insights, handy tips and common traps to avoid – helping local government payroll teams streamline processes and stay confident in their compliance.

Presented by:

Chris Micallef and Catherine McLachlan – Vision Super. With over ten years’ experience assisting employers with superannuation and clearing house processes, Vision Super understands the challenges payroll teams face in local government. Passionate about simplifying super and ensuring compliance, Vision Super staff provides practical, clear insights to help payroll professionals navigate their obligations with confidence.

Andrew Callus, Chief Product Officer – SuperChoice has 20 years of experience in the Australian financial services sector. He has held various roles at some of Australia’s largest superannuation service providers. In 2014, Andrew joined SuperChoice Services and is now the Chief Product Officer.

Presented by:

Ondina Gregoric – Speaker, Mentor, Coach

Ondina Gregoric has forged her place as one of Australia’s most respected businesswomen and mentors, with a career spanning over four decades across the Fashion, Skincare, and Professional Development industries.

She opened her first business at just 21 in Darwin, as a young mother creating her own path. Since then, Ondina has built a reputation for substance, integrity, and personal transformation—establishing the Ondina brand and evolving it into a platform for helping others find their voice, their power, and their presence.

Today, Ondina is a Coach, Mentor and Speaker based in Sydney, working with leaders, business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs who want to develop deeper levels of self-awareness, courage, and communication. Her work is grounded in creating trust, building personal presence, and helping people speak powerfully and truthfully in their professional and personal lives.

Ondina’s programs—delivered online and in person—focus on:

• Self-Mastery and Personal Presence
• Conversational Intelligence
• Leadership Development
• Powerful Communication
• Professional Presence & Image

As one of the first Internationally Certified Conversational Intelligence® Coaches, Ondina trained under the late Judith Glaser, a master coach and anthropologist. She is a Master NLP Practitioner, Meta-Coach, and graduate of the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership.

Her clients include high-level professionals, corporate teams, public sector leaders, and creatives across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and beyond. She offers 1:1 coaching, group mentoring, corporate facilitation, and keynote speaking.

In 2012, Ondina was honoured as the first woman to be named COSBOA (Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia) Small Business Champion—recognition of her leadership and contribution to business.

Ondina’s core message is simple but powerful:

“When we lose trust, we lose our voice.”

She is passionate about helping people reclaim both.

Presented by:

Jacqui Burford, Manager – KPMG Enterprise is a change management enthusiast who has learned from experience the importance and power of communicating and engaging with others to achieve successful outcomes.

Jacqui’s experience involves working with local government, water utilities, not-for-profits and health organisations. She has developed strategies, roadmaps and toolkits to help those organisations put people first when implementing large and small changes. Jacqui takes a practical approach to managing change and uses her understanding of psychology to strengthen her work. 

Rach is here today to talk about something that affects us all – the impact of sitting for long hours at work. She will share practical tips on preventing neck and back pain, improving posture, and boosting overall wellness.

Presented by:

Rachael Kent, Director – Exercise Lab is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with extensive experience in the assessment, management, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal and chronic health conditions. She has successfully operated her own clinical practice, providing tailored exercise interventions to support recovery, improve physical function, and enhance overall health outcomes.

Rachael’s expertise lies in exercise physiology, injury rehabilitation, and the prevention and management of musculoskeletal injuries. Her evidence-based and client-centred approach ensures that every program is designed to optimise movement, restore strength, and promote long-term wellbeing.

Through her clinical work and professional presentations, Rachael is dedicated to advancing understanding of the role of exercise in injury recovery, health restoration and wellbeing. She is passionate about helping individuals return to an active, balanced lifestyle and continues to advocate for the power of movement in achieving sustainable health.