Ahead of the Game: Cairns

Meet the Speakers

• More details about Councillor Amy Eden, Mayor of Cairns

  Councillor Amy Eden, Mayor of Cairns

  Mayor Amy Eden was elected at the 2024 local government elections. She was previously elected Councillor for Division 5 in 2020. A long term Cairns resident, Mayor Eden has called the region home since 2003 and has played an active role in community life. She is focused on delivering a welcoming, innovative and future ready Cairns. Her vision is for a regional city that embraces opportunity while responding to the challenges of growth and change. This vision is grounded in five key priorities of lifestyle, community safety, innovation, sustainability and a diversified economy. Mayor Eden has a background in social services and program delivery, and developed a career focused on strengthening communities, fostering participation, and improving outcomes across Far North Queensland. She has extensive experience working across government and the not-for-profit sector, with a focus on youth, families, mental health and First Nations communities. Her work has consistently centred on building inclusive, resilient communities and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Mayor Eden values collaboration, a community first approach, ensuring local voices are heard and transparent decision making. She is committed to working in partnership with all levels of government, industry and the community to deliver practical results for the Cairns region. Mayor Eden has been recognised for her leadership and service through awards acknowledging her contribution to community and volunteer initiatives.

• More details about Luke Bird, Chair and General Manager, HEH Civil and Chair, Advance Cairns

  Luke Bird, Chair and General Manager, HEH Civil and Chair, Advance Cairns

  Luke co-founded a family-owned business in North Queensland in 2006, showcasing his strong dedication to the local community and his entrepreneurial spirit. Under his leadership, HEH Civil has experienced significant growth and success, expanding into Southeast Queensland in 2019. The company has built a reputation for consistently delivering high-quality, reliable projects across various sectors. With over 18 years of industry experience, Luke currently serves as the General Manager, where he specializes in project management, strategic planning, and securing government contracts. His expertise and hands-on approach are instrumental in ensuring the company's ongoing success and reputation for excellence. Beyond his business pursuits, Luke is actively involved in industry development and advocacy. As a board member of the Civil Contractors Federation Queensland, he is committed to advancing the civil construction industry, promoting best practices, and fostering a collaborative environment that benefits all stakeholders, including clients, employees, and the wider community. His leadership and passion continue to drive positive change within the industry and contribute to the sustainable growth of the region. Luke has also served on Bruce Highway Advisory Committee on behalf of Transport Main Roads and Brent Mickelberg MP which see’s him actively involved in government lead focus groups such as the TMR collaborative project.

• More details about Dominique Lamb, Director of Community Affairs to the President of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

  Dominique Lamb, Director of Community Affairs to the President of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

  Dominique Lamb has a diverse background in corporate affairs, industrial relations, and not-for-profit organisations. Dominique was previously the CEO of the National Retail Association and a director of NRA Legal. In her role as CEO, Dominique advocated on behalf of 60,000 shop fronts across the country on a diverse range of issues, including ESG, youth employment, industrial relations, leasing and tenancy, franchising, and the digital economy. Dominique served as the Queensland Small Business Commissioner from December 2022 until October 2025, where she focused on improving the operating environment for small businesses and reducing the time and cost of resolving disputes. In October 2025, Dominique took on the role of Director of Community Affairs for the Brisbane Olympic Games, where she continues her commitment to community engagement and advocacy. Beyond her professional endeavours, Dominique is deeply committed to social causes, particularly those addressing domestic and family violence and closing the gap in our regional, remote, and rural communities.

• More details about Mark Olsen, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Tropical North Queensland

  Mark Olsen, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Tropical North Queensland

  Mark Olsen has enjoyed a career in tourism spanning 30 years. Starting his connection to the Great Barrier Reef at James Cook University in the 1990’s, then at Tourism and Events Queensland throughout the 2000’s, Mark has worked in ecotourism and destination management, before taking the helm of EarthCheck. Consulting for ten years, leading sustainable tourism projects across 70 countries, Mark is currently the CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ). As the destination management organisation for the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforests, the region boasts more than 2,500 visitor experiences promoted under the ‘Leave Greater’ brand, with sustainable tourism and respect of the world’s oldest living culture at its core. The region’s bold ambition is that every visitor will participate in conservation of North Queensland's precious natural and cultural landscape.