Industry and community leaders discuss the importance of fostering queer spaces in both public institutions and corporate settings to ensure queer histories, issues and concepts can be discussed, and what we can do to make sure these are welcoming and safe.
Welcome & introduction: Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV
Moderator
Judy Small AM, Chair of the Board, Midsumma
Judy Small is a folk singer and retired judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. Having retired after 7 years on the bench in 2020, Judy has returned to her first love – music. Judy “retired” from performing on her appointment to the bench in 2013, after a 40 year career as what she calls “an old fashioned, stand-up-with-a-guitar-and-sing-songs-of-social-significance folk singer”, 16 of those years spent full time on the road, singing all over Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK and Denmark. She was invited to sing at the UN NGO women’s conference in Beijing in 1995, and she was the Artist of the Year at Port Fairy Folk Festival in 1997. She was admitted as a solicitor in 1999, and began singing part-time. It was for her songs and recordings (10 albums plus compilations) that Judy was awarded membership in the Order of Australia (AM) in 2013. She is currently Chair of the Board of Midsumma.
Speakers
Adam Nathaniel Furman, artist and designer (joining live via video link)
Adam Nathaniel Furman is a British artist and designer of Argentine & Japanese heritage based in London. Trained in architecture, Adam’s atelier works in spatial design and art of all scales from video and prints to large public artworks, architecturally integrated ornament, as well as products, furniture, interiors, publishing and academia. Furman’s work features in QUEER.
Stephen Maoudis, Pride + Network Lead & Head of Acquisition, Global Merchant Services, American Express Australia & New Zealand
As the Head of Acquisition ANZ, Global Merchant Services, based in Sydney, Stephen is responsible for developing and executing growth strategies to bring new merchants onto the American Express network. His focus is to ensure a solutions-based approach to delivering customer value and client growth. Stephen has worked at American Express for over 14 years, with roles across Commercial Payments and Merchant Acquiring; working and leading teams in partnerships, sales, and client management. Stephen builds creative solutions for his customers, truly instilling the partnership philosophy and enhancing the company’s rapid growth across Australia & New Zealand. As a leader, he encourages both professional and personal growth for his team members, while working to create an inclusive, high performing, innovative culture. Stephen is Co-Lead for American Express’ PRIDE+ Network, reinforcing his long-term commitment to inclusion and equality. Stephen is passionate about supporting colleagues bring their authentic selves to the workplace and thrive. Stephen is a mentor to many LGBTQI+ identifying colleagues and emerging leaders in corporate Australia through his work with numerous non-for-profit organizations over the last 15 years.
Kate Wickett, CEO, Sydney WorldPride
Kate Wicket studied law and began her career in various legal roles including a one year appointment as Associate to Supreme Court Justice Steven Bailey (NT), and legal positions at Maddocks, Buchanan Group, and Port of Melbourne Corp. While completing a Master in Business Administration, Kate lectured at the University of Melbourne and was a director of Midsumma Festival for just over three years. From there, her career pivoted into corporate leadership and she held a NSW Government position as project director for its Future Transport project. This was followed by roles as Partner for Aurecon (NSW and Victoria) and then Head of Change and Communications, Better Risk Outcomes Program with Commonwealth Bank. Kate was co-chair of the SGLMG board before stepping down to head up Sydney WorldPride. Her devotion to the LGBTIQ community is equalled only by the value she brings to it. Kate has been volunteering for LGBTIQ+ organisations for over 20 years.
