Belinda is CEO of niche insurer Rapid Solutions and registered training organisation Rapid Training, a role held since 2017. Based in Newcastle, Rapid has insured and trained pest controllers and building inspectors across Australia and New Zealand for more than 25 years.

Belinda began her career in the construction industry, working her way up from receptionist to General Manager of Newcastle’s largest plumbing maintenance company, an achievement recognized in 2008 when she was named Telstra National Young Business Woman of the year.

Before moving to Rapid, Belinda held a commercial role with TAFE NSW, forming educational partnerships with organisations including Newcastle Airport, the Newcastle Knights and the Hunter Business Chamber.

Since 2016, Belinda has been the chair of Got Your Back Sista, a Hunter based charity supporting women and children escaping domestic violence on their journey from crisis to healing.

Belinda is passionate about leading with compassion and building sustainable, customer focused businesses that support the communities in which they work and serve.

To know Von Barnes, is to know and understand this vital powerhouse that has such a varied and interesting background. Let’s start from the beginning! . . . . Born in Brisbane, attending a local girls' school, then moved to Bendigo to study her first degree in Arts, followed by studying a Post Graduate in Education at Deakin University, whilst teaching at the Australian Institute of Applied Sciences. To add to this pretty impressive resume to date, Von became a Consultant then a Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics for nearly 30 years – you may have seen her in her trademark pink car; travelling Brisbane and beyond! Von has also travelled far and wide as a motivational speaker in many countries around the world, with her most ambitious (and possibly largest) audience of around 10,000 people in Dallas, Texas. Von is also an ambassador for Red Nose Day and SIDS for Kids, being awarded Red Nose Hero / Queenslander of the Year in 2010. Her motto? To give women the opportunity of the lifestyle they deserve. Her strengths? Her communication, vision, enthusiasm, positivity and her true compassion for all is known throughout the community that surrounds and supports her. Von embarked into a real estate career just over nine years ago with a vision to one day having her own business. That vision became a reality, when Pinnacle Properties officially opened its doors on 25th February 2016, with a team of five staff members, founded by Von and her husband John. Von’s goals for Pinnacle Properties is to become the best boutique Real Estate Agency in Brisbane – with kindness and a heart, with the “Von Barnes Philosophy”. With expert advice for preparing properties with complimentary styling, Von loves the thrill of achieving higher than expected sale prices all around south east Queensland. And just as importantly, Von also adores working as a buyer’s agent saving clients the hassle of finding and purchasing the perfect property. Von married to her wonderful husband John in 2001 and resides in the inner western suburbs of Brisbane with her family. What does Von get up to in her spare time? She absolutely adores cooking, her weakness is chocolate, cheese and champagne, loves interior decorating and is currently renovating a beautiful mid-century home, however most importantly, she truly adores spending time with the people she loves!

As Training Manager for Flick Anticimex’s Pacific Region and RTO (Registered Training Organisation), John drives the company’s goals of excellence in pest management knowledge, research, innovation and training. His dedicated team of Technical and Training managers support business operations by providing mentoring, training and technical expertise to more than 850 technicians and sub-contractors within the groups Corporate Branches and Remote Licensees.

John’s 27 year pest management experience has seen him work in all aspects of the industry from field technician / supervisor, business owner, sales, training, technical and work health safety. He is an active member of AEPMA, serving as the current Chairperson for QLD and National Board Director and has worked on several Codes of Practice and as a representative on external working parties and committees promoting industry initiatives and training package / product development. He is passionate about all aspects of the pest management industry and especially in the mentoring and training of the next generation of pest managers.

DAVID GAY – WR GAY PEST CONTROL

Areas of expertise: Recruitment, Fair-work, Modern Awards, Pay rates, National employment standards ( NES) , EBA’s/workplace agreements

David’s pest management company employs around 30 people and services all of the Melbourne Metro and surrounding rural areas. The operations of his business are mainly commercial, servicing a vast and diverse range of both private and government clients.

These include; health and aged care, general manufacturing, logistics centres, specialty food manufacturers, pharmaceutical industries, Defence, retail, fast service restaurants and hospitality, to name a few.

Over the years, David has developed a keen interest in the pest management industry and has been involved in all of the current industry Codes of Practice. He has also been involved with several business and entrepreneurial organisations that has enabled him to travel regularly to both local and international events as an attendee and invited guest speaker, speaking on a variety of topics mainly associated with the Australian pest management industry.

After achieving an Engineering degree from RMIT in Melbourne, David started his working life as a Mechanical Engineer in the thermo-plastic industry before travelling abroad. Upon returning to Australia, he commenced working in the family pest management business.

Alongside his pest management business, David is involved in some direct manufacturing in China and importing of various specialty items into the Australian market. Over the years he has been involved in a number of business acquisitions and start-ups that have given him a broad and varied level of business experience.

David is the immediate past President of AEMA and a past President of FAOPMA. He is currently a Director on the National AEPMA Board.

In 2018 David was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for business and services to the pest management industry.

TROY DAWSON – FLICK ANTICIMEX
General Manager Residential Pest - Pacific Region
LinkedIN profile - linkedin.com/in/troy-dawson-ab288433

Areas of Expertise: Marketing, Innovation & Business Technology, Growing a Pest Business, Increasing profitability in a pest business

I have over 24 years’ experience within the Pest Control Industry initially starting out as a Technician then developing into a Customer Service Manager, through acquisition of the family business I gained experience within ASX listed company Campbell Brothers as State Manager for Pest control and Washroom services. I then continued my career development in a multinational chemical manufacturer FMC working in specialty solutions where I was involved in product development and trials.

I started Dawson’s Australia in 2008 where I have played an essential part in the business growth and development.

In January 2022 Dawson’s Australia was acquired by Flick Anticimex, I remained the Branch Manager for Dawson’s within Flick until taking my current role in August 2022 as General Manager Residential Pest - Pacific Region

Based on my experience I have the knowledge and expertise to address any pest control requirement for any industry.

My skills include solutions based operational management, high level procurement with a proven track record of success.

My attention to detail enables me to respond in an accurate and timely manner, I conduct myself in a collaborative manner with my team to ensure all business divisions are functioning optimally. Customer Service is my priority and my professionalism and strong commitment to innovation and constant improvement, is demonstrated in the marketplace.

Licences and Training
Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association
Field Biologist – Sept 19 – Code of Practice for Pest Management in the Food Industry in Australia and New Zealand, and the Pest Management Services for Food Businesses Food Safety Standard.
Proud to be issued 1 of first 8 licences in Australia.
Department of Human Services – VIC
Fully Licenced Pest Control and Fumigation Licence
EPA
Fully Licenced Pest Control and Fumigation Licence

Education
MPL TRAINING - Cert IV – Asset Pest Management
NMIT - Cert II – Asset Pest Management
Master Builders Association - Cert IV – Building and Construction

Advisory Role
Member of Artibus (IRC) for the 2018 Urban Pest Management Redevelopment Project to review and develop training packages in line with the Australian Governments reform process for Certificate III Qualification and creation of Certificate IV in Pest Management

Awards
2019 Australian Pest Manager of the Year.
The awards recognise the most progressive pest management firms who keep up with the latest innovations and focus on professional development and responsive customer service.
The judges and sponsors were impressed by Dawson’s professionalism and strong commitment to innovation and constant improvement, responsiveness to their customers’ needs, encouragement of team training and upskilling and an extensive marketing plan to drive brand awareness and promote business offerings.

PETER AMBROSE-PEARCE – SYNGENTA

Areas of Expertise: Changes to the industry, Different treatments, Technologies, Engaging Customers and Staff Retention, Upselling, Electronic scheduling, Long-term customer retention, HACCP

A Former Airport Fireman and Correctional Services Officer, Peter commenced in Pest Management in 2004 in Brisbane and the Caboolture regions for Amalgamated Pest Control.

In 2010 Peter moved over to the tech sales side with FMC as the Qld, NT and NZ Business Development Manager before moving to Syngenta in 2013 after the DuPont chemicals global acquisition.

Peter was Syngenta’s Senior Sales Manager PPM in ANZ for 7 years, before being appointed to his current role of Technical Services Lead for ANZ. Pete’s qualifications include.
• Diploma in Business Management
• Cert III in Pest and Timber Pest Management AU & NZ
• SAI Global - Root Cause Analysist (RCA)

Peter sits on the AEPMA (Qld.) Council and is a contributor on:
The Rodent Codes of Practice
The Termite Code of Practice (Post Construction)
The Technical Advice Panel The Learning and Events Task Force

Pete is also a member of the Mosquito Control Association of Australia, and the Pest Management Association of New Zealand

KELVIN LAWRIE – RENTOKIL INITIAL

Areas of Expertise: Changes to the industry - regulatory, reporting, licensing; training; HACCP compliance; Termite Management (pre & post construction; fumigation & bird management

Technical DIrector Pacific - Rentokil Initial Pty Ltd. Kelvin has worked in the Pest Industry for just over 38 years.

1985 Started with WA Flick as a trainee Pest Manager (PMT) in Canberra (ACT) when William (Bill) and Albert Fick owned the company. The company was then shortly sold to BOC Gases.

1987 Joined Rentokil Pest Control as a Sales Representative for 4 years.

1991 Started and managed CPC Enviromental Property Services T/as Capital Pest Control. During this time was also a part –time technical Teacher for TAFE NSW delivering both pest management and fumigation certification.

2006 October 2006 Rentokil Initial acquired CPC Property Services Pty Ltd 2006 Reinstated with Rentokil in 2006 after being acquired by Rentokil Initial.

Has held the positions as :-
○ National Residential Manager,
○ Regional Manager Australia,
○ Australian Technical Manager,
○ Australian Technical Training Manager,
○ Technical Director –Pacific position (recent position)

Worked extensively in the pest control industry in Australia, Asia and the Pacific. Currently holds a Diploma in Quality Assurance, Diploma in Vocational Educational and Training, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Certificate IV in Asset Maintenance (Pest Management) and holds a current Pest Management and Fumigation Licence in most States and Territories.

Extensive knowledge and experience in commercial and residential pest management, including but not limited to:-
● HACCP compliance.
● Pre and post construction subterranean termite management.
● Fumigation.
● Bird management.

Extensive knowledge in fumigation with DAFF / Biosecurity compliance, training and governance, for stack, sheet, container, chamber, building, and ship fumigations. Extensive knowledge in the operation of a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and has also managed the training of pest technicians in pest management, fumigation as well as licencing, legislative and compliance requirements. Also been involved with the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) as a technical expert in developing various Codes of Practice for the industry.

Belinda Raso
MIPA AFA
Registered Tax Agent - Tax Accountant
Director and Founder of Tax Invest Accounting Pty Ltd

From starting a small bookkeeping and business advisory business in 2003, Belinda has continued to pursue excellence, branching out into accounting and taxation in 2008. She founded Tax Invest Accounting as director in 2015, a boutique accounting firm on the Gold Coast servicing clients Australia-wide.

With over 80k followers on TikTok alone, Belinda and her team are revolutionising how Accountants use social media to educate followers on all matters taxation and small business. This is reflective of her practice’s strong focus on mentoring start-ups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.