Speakers

Hailed as a hero around the world for his unwavering bravery, steady hand, and expertise in handling critical situations, Professor Arnold Dix has been catapulted into the biggest feel-good story of 2023—the rescue of 41 miners in the Silkyara-Bardot Tunnel collapse in India.

Professor Arnold Dix has been described as "the tunnel guy" who does anything and everything that is complex with tunnels. He was contacted by the Chief Engineer of India and the Secretary for the Prime Minister of India asking for his help. Sensing the life-and-death urgency of the situation, Professor Dix dropped everything and rushed to the tunnel site. Rarely do tunnel rescues result in happy endings, but this was a special event of professionalism, teamwork, leadership, and compassion. His actions as the leader of the tunnel rescue team have not only made a significant impact on the lives of the survivors but have also instilled a sense of hope and gratitude within many communities.

Professor Dix made a promise that 41 men would be returned home safely, and he delivered. His story will inspire and enthrall and will show that perseverance and determination can make the impossible possible.

Professor Dix is a Barrister and scientist (geologist) specializing in the underground. He is an Underground Disaster Investigator, an internationally recognized expert in fire and life safety, and an expert in underground collapses. He is a member of the British Institute of Investigators, active on all continents, a member of the specialist Underground Works Chambers, a member of the Victorian Bar, and a visiting Professor of Engineering (Tunnels) at Tokyo City University. He is currently the President of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, the peak advisory body to the United Nations on all matters underground.

Kate Munari is the only female pilot in the Australian Navy to have served in Afghanistan. As the sole woman among more than 150 pilots and aircrew, she spent four years on an exchange program flying for the Royal Marine Commandos in the UK. From the outset, Kate captivates audiences with compelling stories from a challenging and distinctive work environment, inspiring them to push past stereotypes and seemingly impossible obstacles to achieve their ambitions.

Kate completed three deployments to Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot, embedded with the British Royal Marine Commando’s Helicopter Force. She led missions around the clock, flying into some of the most dangerous regions of the war-torn country. For nearly a year, she was based in Helmand Province, where she operated under extreme conditions—temperatures soaring above 45°C during the day and dropping below -15°C at night—all while maintaining peak mental and physical performance, as lives depended on her decisions.

As the only woman in a team of over 150 aircrew at the Commando Helicopter Force, Kate faced significant challenges, including long periods away from family, working in confined conditions, and operating under the immense pressure of a war zone. She successfully navigated these difficulties, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

Operating in unpredictable and high-stakes environments, she made critical decisions daily for months on end. The intense pace of operations sharpened her skills in planning, prioritization, leadership, and people management, which were instrumental in the success of her three tours in Afghanistan.

Upon returning to Australia, Kate was selected to study at the Australian Defence Force’s Capability and Technology Management College, earning a Master’s degree in 2013. She resumed flying in 2014 as a Flight Commander, piloting the MRH90 helicopter aboard HMAS Canberra, one of Australia’s newest naval vessels. Her final Navy posting was as Operations Officer at 808 Squadron.

After 17 years of service, Kate has recently retired from the Royal Australian Navy and embarked on a new career as an Air Accident Investigator with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.