About the speakers

Adam Gilchrist AM
Cricketing Legend
Born in Bellingen, NSW in 1971, Adam Gilchrist is one of Australia’s most admired and respected personalities. Described by Steve Waugh as a “once in a generation cricketer” and one of the best teammates he ever had, Adam is a proven leader and role model both on and off the field. A father of four and devoted family man, he is known for his integrity, passion, and approachable nature. 

Adam began playing cricket at age 7 in country NSW and rose rapidly through the ranks, representing NSW and Australia at Under-19 level before making his first-class debut at the SCG in 1992. He joined the Australian One Day team in 1997, and two years later became the Test wicketkeeper, holding the position for 96 consecutive matches until his retirement in 2008. As a key member of one of Australia’s greatest cricket teams, Adam captained the national side, reached No.1 in the ICC batting rankings, and retired with a then world record for wicketkeeping dismissals. In 2010, he was named in ESPN CricInfo’s Greatest Ever World XI and voted the greatest wicketkeeper-batsman of all time. 

Beyond cricket, Adam has been a high-profile ambassador for numerous Australian corporations, government bodies and charities. He is currently a lead commentator on Fox Sports and remains a sought-after media personality across television, radio, social media and print. 

Adam’s public service includes his 2008 appointment as Chairperson of the Australia Day Council, overseeing national celebrations and awards. In 2014, he became Australia’s first Education Ambassador to India, participating in key government and education forums. 

A passionate philanthropist, Adam is patron of Ronald McDonald House Western Australia, where he has personally supported families of seriously ill children and led a successful $20 million fundraising campaign to expand the facility. He also serves as a World Vision ambassador, contributing to projects across India and the subcontinent. Adam is a symbol of excellence, humility, and service—values deeply cherished by Australians and inspiring to audiences worldwide. 

Mel Jones OAM
Cricketer & commentator
Mel Jones was a superstar on the field and is now one of the most in demand media hosts off it.

Born in the UK and raised in Melbourne, she played in a dominant era of Australian women’s cricket, winning two World Cups (1997, 2005) and multiple Ashes series, debuting with a century in the 1998 Ashes. Renowned as one of the world’s finest fielders, she balanced her playing career with roles in cricket development across Australia, South Africa and England.

Since retiring, Mel has championed opportunities for women in sport and forged a successful broadcasting career, becoming one of the first female commentators in the IPL and the first female T20 lead in Australia and the Pakistan Super League. She is now part of Fox Sports’ cricket coverage, calling men’s and women’s World Cups and Ashes series.Off the field, Mel has worked in talent management, served on sporting boards including Cricket Australia, and is an ambassador for Victoria University and Red Dust Role Models. In 2019, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to cricket and the community.

Liam Bartlett
Award winning Australian journalist & broadcaster
Liam Bartlett is an award-winning Australian journalist and broadcaster with a career spanning almost four decades across television, radio, and print media. He has enjoyed an extensive career reporting for the Nine Network's 60 Minutes program and has hosted the state-wide morning program, both on the ABC and Perth's 6PR radio station. 

Liam is currently the Chief Correspondent for the Seven Network’s flagship current affairs program, 7NEWS Spotlight, where he has conducted in-depth investigations into critical public interest issues.