Cessnock Roadshow
​🚀 The 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival Roadshow Hits Cessnock!
​Innovation is thriving in our regions.
​Following our highly successful "Igniting the Spark" launch event, Hunter iF is taking the festival on the road. We are thrilled to invite you to the Cessnock Roadshow, a dedicated showcase of the groundbreaking technologies and visionary founders driving economic evolution right here in the heart of the Hunter.
​Spotlight on Cessnock: Circular Economy & Health Innovation
​Cessnock is rapidly becoming a powerhouse for driving its circular economy and innovating in health. Join local industry leaders, investors, and ecosystem builders for an afternoon of high-impact networking and exclusive insights.
​What to expect:
​Hero Innovator Showcases
​Civic Leadership
​Ecosystem Networking
​Featured Speakers
​Cr. Daniel Watton
Mayor, Cessnock City Council & Founder, Four Doors Services
Elected Mayor, Founder of Four Doors Services and Member of the Board of the Hunter Joint Organisation, Daniel brings more than 15 years of expertise spanning leadership, organisational strategy, service innovation, disability, and community services. His approach is built on challenging the status quo, strengthening accountability, and turning complex problems into practical outcomes. As Mayor, Daniel is focused on ensuring one of the Hunter’s fastest-growing regions is well positioned to capitalise on investment, emerging industries and economic opportunities while delivering the infrastructure and services its communities need. Daniel is driven by a simple philosophy: think differently, communicate openly, and turn good ideas into measurable outcomes.
​Natalia Cowley
GM Cessnock City Council
An experienced Chief Executive with a proven track record of leading complex public-sector organisations through major financial, cultural, and operational transformations. Over the past decade, Natalia has served in some of Australia’s most challenging local government environments. Recognised for restoring financial sustainability and strengthening governance, Natalia excels at delivering critical infrastructure and community outcomes under intense public and regulatory scrutiny. Known for a pragmatic and financially rigorous approach, Natalia bridges the gap between high-level strategy and ground-level execution, aligning organisational operations with community and stakeholder expectations.
​Mick CarrÂ
Founder, Grub Lab
Serial entrepreneur and the founder of Grub Lab, the Australian-born marketing x technology company helping independent pubs, clubs and restaurants compete with the world’s biggest chains. A local boy from Kurri Kurri, Mick has spent more than 20 years building businesses across mining, hospitality, retail and technology. Today, Grub Lab partners with some of the biggest sporting, entertainment and food brands on the planet—including the NFL, NBA, NRL, AFL, Universal, Sony, McCain and Steggles—to give local venues access to blockbuster brands, technology and family experiences once reserved for global restaurant giants. His mission is simple: help independent venues think bigger, grow faster and take on the world.
​Samantha Cross
BDM Recycle Central Group
​As Business Development & Engagement Lead at Recycle Central Group, Samantha actively engages with businesses, industry groups, government, and local communities to drive resource recovery, advance circular economy practices, and deliver net-zero outcomes. Recycle Central provides solutions for mixed dry waste streams and operates a state-of-the-art, NSW EPA-Licenced resource recovery facility. Holding a Bachelor of Business from the University of Newcastle and a Diploma of Facilities Management. She brings extensive hands-on operational experience from ASX-listed companies including Brambles Australia and Cleanaway, and from founding Cross Connections Consulting, a successful sustainability consultancy where she developed the award-winning Plastic Police® program.
​Matthew Low
Founder Redleaf Property Group
Director and Founder of the Redleaf Property Group, (Joint ventures Wollombi General Store and Redleaf Wollombi). Matthew specialises in property consulting, with over 20 years in proprietary design, renovation, development and letting. The Redleaf Property Group offers a personal hands on service, underpinned by many years of experience. We approach each project with fresh eyes, balancing each client’s unique vision with their budget and time commitments. Matthews former career saw him lead the sales function for Leveraged Equities. Primarily focused on coaching the sales team and key account management of Stockbrokers across Australia. Prior to this Matthew was the Associate Director at Macquarie Group for eleven years.
​Claire Quigley
Chair, Hunter Innovation Festival & Founder, Launchpad9
Claire is an innovation consultant, coach, and the founder of Launchpad9, dedicated to driving sustainable, tailor-made change and challenging the status quo. Originally from Kilkenny, Ireland, Claire brings over 20 years of experience across high-tech startups, European research commercialisation, economic bodies, and major corporates, including leading a startup through acquisition by Red Hat. Her holistic approach integrates strategic execution, emerging technologies like GenAI, and network growth. A steadfast advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Claire serves on the Board of Hunter iF and judges the National #techdiversity awards. A Hunter local, she lives in the upper Hunter alongside her family, horses, and dogs.
​The Road to the Main Event
​The Cessnock Roadshow is a crucial stop on our region-wide tour.
We are also bringing the innovation spotlight to Maitland (30 September) and Muswellbrook (7 October) to celebrate the unique industrial strengths of our local communities.
​All of this incredible regional momentum culminates on Tuesday 24 November 2026, where we bring the entire region together at NEX in Newcastle for the massive, full-day Hunter Innovation Festival.
​Event Details & Registration
​Date: Tuesday, 22 September 2026
​Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM - Light lunch and refreshments provided.
​Location: Cessnock Leagues Club
​Dress Code: Business / Smart Casual
​Space is strictly limited for these intimate regional showcases.
​Secure your ticket today and be part of Cessnock’s next chapter of growth.