HIA National Conference 2025

Peter Helliar | Comedian/Writer/Director/Broadcaster/Presenter

Pete Helliar is a muti-hyphenate performer, who is firmly in the business of being funny- and makes it look dead easy! Pete has performed in festivals, theatres, and comedy rooms Australia wide and is a regular fan favourite on our small screens - appearing in season three of Taskmaster Australia and as a competitor on The Amazing Race Australia. This follows appearances on Spicks and Specks, Thank God You're Here, Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont Spelling Bee and Have You Been Paying Attention? Pete has been one of Australia’s favourite comedians since his first appearance on TV, winning audiences over with his sharp wit and endearing charm.

Jules Lund | TV and radio host/Digital media and marketing entrepreneur

After 15 years of hosting some of the biggest TV and Radio shows in the country, Jules took the audacious step of founding his own tech company, TRIBE. Launched in Nov 2014, TRIBE is a digital marketplace that connects social media influencers with leading brands to transform word of mouth recommendations. Everyday influencers who have built audiences around a particular passion or expertise, can now submit and get paid for posts featuring products they already use and love.

Jules’ social insights have since made him a unique asset, being invited around the globe to present to the world’s biggest agencies and brands on future trends in marketing. Jules currently hosts Startup Nation on Disrupt Radio.

Anna Meares | Australia’s greatest cyclist/ Leader in Australian sports administration

In her illustrious career, Anna won two Olympic gold medals and three silver medals, she was the first and remains the only Australian athlete from any sport to have ever won individual medals at four consecutive Olympic Games, establishing herself as a cycling legend. After retiring in 2016, Meares transitioned to sports commentary and public speaking, inspiring audiences with her stories of resilience. In 2021, she was appointed Chef de Mission for the Australian Olympic Team where in Tokyo (2021) and Paris (2024) she supported and mentored athletes. Meares also advocates for women in sports and promotes health and fitness initiatives. Her dedication continues to shape Australian sport, inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Simon Griffiths | Engineer/Economist/Founder and CEO of Who Gives a Crap

In 2007 Simon turned down a successful corporate career to immerse himself in his true passion: development aid. Driven by a passion to use his business skills to give back, in 2010, Simon had the idea to start a toilet paper company that uses profits to build toilets in the developing world. In 2012, he launched Who Gives A Crap with a crowdfunding campaign, agreeing to sit on a toilet on a live webfeed until he had pre-sold the first $50,000 of toilet rolls. The multi-award winning launch attracted global media attention and generated more than 2 million social media impressions. In just over 10 years, Who Gives A Crap has donated more than $10 million.