Digital Canberra iAwards Gala Dinner

ACT Chief Minister

As a social progressive and economic reformer, Andrew has led a positive agenda for Canberra since being elected ACT Chief Minister in 2014.

Canberra is Australia’s knowledge capital, playing to its strengths and is opening up its economy to drive job creation in emerging industries. From nation-leading tax reform to city-shaping infrastructure and progressive whole-of-government economic policies, Canberra is thriving.

During Andrew’s time as ACT Chief Minister, Canberra has been ranked by the OECD as the best city in the world to live and by Lonely Planet as one of the best cities in the world to visit.

Andrew has lived in Canberra for more than forty years and attended Holt Preschool, Turner Primary, Lyneham High and Lake Ginninderra College before studying a Bachelor of Arts (Policy Studies) at the Australian National University majoring in economics and political science.

He was elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly in 2006 and has served in a number of Ministerial portfolios including planning, education, housing, community services and sport. He is Australia’s longest-serving Tourism Minister and is also the ACT Treasurer and Minister for Economic Development.

Andrew is passionate about supporting Canberra’s diverse community. Through a range of innovative policies, he has helped shape Canberra to become Australia’s most inclusive city and the most LGBTIQ-friendly city in the country.

The Barr Labor Government is focused on creating a positive, progressive city that provides world-class healthcare, excellent schools and tertiary education, infrastructure and services that meets the community’s needs and expectations.

Over the next few years, Andrew will ensure Canberra is a shining example of contemporary urban renewal, with the city’s main avenues and public transport revitalised.

Through nation-leading tax reform, he aims to make Canberra a fairer place to live that leaves no-one behind.

Founder and CEO at Altina Drinks

Christina is a passionate social entrepreneur, combining her science skills and business brain to help shake up the Aussie drinking culture.

After completing her undergraduate degree in Biotechnology, Christina completed a Ph.D. in Plant Biology at the ANU. Christina then worked as a Technology Consultant on a major government project, coordinating a team of over 50 people to deliver a multi-million-dollar project.

During this time, Christina became caught up in the drinking culture of the industry. She changed her relationship with alcohol, but found no healthy, sophisticated alternatives to drink when socialising, and realised she wasn’t the only one facing this problem.

Christina co-founded Altina Drinks, a social enterprise where she is CEO and Head of R&D (www.altinadrinks.com). She’s using her science skills to re-invent methods used in traditional alcohol production, creating innovative Zero Proof Craft Cocktails. She’s building the Altina Drinks brand as a vehicle for change: starting the conversation about mindful drinking and continuing it by creating unique and memorable alcohol-free experiences. In 2018, Christina was awarded the Canberra Women in Business Innovation award for this work.

Christina is very active in the community and is passionate about helping others reach their potential as a mentor and speaker. She’s a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and previously served as an Area Director for Toastmasters International. She’s currently on the Committee of Canberra Women in Business.

CEO, Penten

Matthew Wilson is a co-founder and the CEO of Penten, a rapidly growing cyber security business based in Canberra, Australia. In 4 years Penten has grown to 60 engineers supporting Defence and national security clients in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand delivering breakthrough cyber deception and secure mobility technologies including the award winning AltoCrypttm mobility and networking solutions.

Penten’s AltoCrypt Stik was awarded the 2018 National iAward for Infrastructure and Platforms Innovation of the Year, the inaugural 2018 Digital CBR iAward, ACT 2018 iAwards for Infrastructure and Platforms Innovation of the Year and Public Sector and Government and Penten has been named Australian Business of the Year at the 2018 Telstra Business Awards.

Matthew is a successful technology entrepreneur with almost 20 years’ experience in development and commercialisation of cyber security and communications technologies. Matthew led the team that successfully built and exited an award-winning cyber security business to US defence contractor Northrop Grumman in 2012 and an IP communications start-up to US business communications provider which is now part of Mitel, Inc in 2015.

An experienced administrator and business strategist with international experience, Matthew is on the board of UK cyber security firm Amiosec Ltd and leading cycling analytics firm Today’s Plan.