Shaping Tomorrow: Future-proofing WA for the Next Generation

The need for governments, businesses, nonprofits and academia to think and plan for the future has never been greater. 

As we face complex environmental, economic, and social challenges, how can we secure a sustainable future for future generations?

Sophie Howe, the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales (2016-2023), Professor Peter Klinken AC, Chief Scientist of Western Australia and Kate Kirwin, 2024 WA Young Australian of the Year will explore the concept of a Future Generations Act for Western Australia, moderated by Dominique Mecoy OAM, Leadership WA Chief Executive Officer. 

From policy, sustainability and innovation – they will delve into how we can achieve a transformational shift towards the long-term and explore why proactive legislation is crucial to safeguarding tomorrow.       

Presented by the Western Australian Museum, Foundation for the WA Museum and Forrest Research Foundation.                                                                                

About the Speakers

The Guardian has described Sophie Howe as ‘the World’s First Minister for the Unborn’. Between 2016-2023 Sophie was the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, the only role of its kind in the world. She held the Government to account on how their decisions affect future generations, securing policy transformation on climate, education and social justice and influencing other countries to follow suit including advising on governance for future generations at UN level.  Named at number 5 in the BBC Women’s Power List and as leading a Welsh plot to save the world, she is one of the UK’s Top 100 Changemakers, a Global Ambassador for the Wellbeing Economic Alliance and Future Governance Adviser with the School of International Futures. 

Professor Peter Klinken AC is a leading Western Australian medical research scientist, highly regarded for his work in advancing the understanding of genes involved in leukemia, cancer and anaemia. His previous roles have included Professor in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Western Australia; Director of Research at the Royal Perth Hospital; and the Director of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (previously the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research).   Professor Klinken has brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role of Chief Scientist of Western Australia, providing independent expert advice to the State Government. He has supported the Government in growing the State’s science industries to achieve future prosperity for Western Australians, as well as assisting with changes to legislation. He is passionate about Education and Indigenous knowledge and culture. 

Kate Kirwin is the founder of She Codes Australia, empowering women with the skills, networks, and confidence to enter tech careers. Born in regional WA, she is passionate about supporting women in remote areas, with She Codes providing coding education to thousands and issuing over $2.5 million in scholarships. With a background in charity and tech events, Kate has over a decade of experience crafting impactful programs and building thriving communities at Spacecubed, Plus Eight, and She Codes. Her work has earned her the Business News 40 Under 40 Award, Women in Digital Champion of Change award, The West Australian’s Rising Star Award, and the title of WA’s 2024 Young Australian of the Year.
 
Dominique Mecoy OAM has a career that spans a range of large and small agencies across federal and state government, including elite sport, science, zoos, food, cemeteries and central government and she is now the CEO of Leadership WA. She is a Fellow of Leadership WA’s Signature Program, and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2016 Dominique was named as Leadership WA’s "Distinguished Fellow", she was Specially Commended in the 2017 Institute of Public Administration Australia Achievement Awards for Leader of the Year and in 2020 she was a WA State Finalist in the Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Awards. In 2024 she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to business and community.