--- title: iTnews Executive Retreat - Security Edition description: A restorative retreat for senior leaders. image: https://pages.itnews.com.au/hubfs/867b8f79fb0e6846db1db508cfddbf2e.jpeg --- ![Executive_Retreats_logo_2](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hubfs/Executive_Retreats_logo_2.png) 17th - 18th September, 2026  ###### Château Élan, Hunter Valley [REGISTER TO ATTEND](https://pages.itnews.com.au/nsw-executive-security-retreat-8b772862-1dfb-46d6-9599-1b9c41f5db2#Register) [![420199-remotelogo_h_purple-785b9d-original-1646241812](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/420199-remotelogo_h_purple-785b9d-original-1646241812.png?width=290&name=420199-remotelogo_h_purple-785b9d-original-1646241812.png "420199-remotelogo_h_purple-785b9d-original-1646241812")](https://remote.com/) [![Jamf_color](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Jamf_color.png?width=315&height=100&name=Jamf_color.png "Jamf_color")](https://www.jamf.com/) [![QualtricsXM](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/QualtricsXM.png?width=315&height=100&name=QualtricsXM.png "QualtricsXM")](https://www.qualtrics.com/au/) ![4-Apr-12-2023-12-06-40-3620-AM](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/4-Apr-12-2023-12-06-40-3620-AM.png?width=310&name=4-Apr-12-2023-12-06-40-3620-AM.png "4-Apr-12-2023-12-06-40-3620-AM") ![5-1](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/5-1.png?width=310&name=5-1.png "5-1") ![2-Apr-12-2023-12-09-38-7326-AM](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/2-Apr-12-2023-12-09-38-7326-AM.png?width=310&name=2-Apr-12-2023-12-09-38-7326-AM.png "2-Apr-12-2023-12-09-38-7326-AM") ![MicrosoftTeams-image (178)](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(178).png?width=1500&name=MicrosoftTeams-image%20(178).png "MicrosoftTeams-image (178)") ## Research Partner: [![QualtricsXM](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/QualtricsXM.png?width=378&height=120&name=QualtricsXM.png "QualtricsXM")](https://www.qualtrics.com/) Sponsored by ![Untitled design-Jun-22-2026-05-41-41-0221-AM](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design-Jun-22-2026-05-41-41-0221-AM.png?width=2000&height=438&name=Untitled%20design-Jun-22-2026-05-41-41-0221-AM.png "Untitled design-Jun-22-2026-05-41-41-0221-AM") ![Quorum logo_colour](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Quorum%20logo_colour.png?width=2000&height=528&name=Quorum%20logo_colour.png "Quorum logo_colour") [![Oreta-Logo-XSmall.png](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Oreta-Logo-XSmall.png.webp?width=119&height=90&name=Oreta-Logo-XSmall.png.webp "Oreta-Logo-XSmall.png")](https://oreta.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Oreta-Logo-XSmall.png.webp) ![Tecala_Logo_Positive_RGB](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Tecala_Logo_Positive_RGB.jpg?width=400&height=100&name=Tecala_Logo_Positive_RGB.jpg "Tecala_Logo_Positive_RGB") ![MicrotechDPS Logo Landscape RGB FA](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/MicrotechDPS%20Logo%20Landscape%20RGB%20FA.jpg?width=2000&height=552&name=MicrotechDPS%20Logo%20Landscape%20RGB%20FA.jpg "MicrotechDPS Logo Landscape RGB FA") ![569137316](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/569137316.jpg?width=1024&height=683&name=569137316.jpg "569137316")     *Executive Retreats* is a new *iTnews* event series designed to provide senior technology executives from end user organisations with the space to connect, reflect and share insights with their peers in an environment removed from daily pressures. Each Retreat focuses on technology and business leadership, with restorative experiences that support personal and professional resilience.    This *Executive Retreat* will bring together over 24 senior technology and security leaders for an overnight stay in the Hunter Valley. In a profession marked by relentless pressure and high stakes, burnout is an ever-present risk. This Retreat offers security executives the opportunity to pause, recharge and engage in open, candid discussion about the realities of leadership in modern cybersecurity.  ![702108994](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/702108994.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=702108994.jpg) ![Gourmet Lunch](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/2614HUNLegendsRestaurant26LRRGBFA-scaled.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=2614HUNLegendsRestaurant26LRRGBFA-scaled.jpg) ![wine and cheese tasting](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/wine_tasting_shopify_17.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=wine_tasting_shopify_17.webp) ![Fire pit](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/4e917b1017d0cb3f6d75ec54346018e0.jpeg?width=1200&length=1200&name=4e917b1017d0cb3f6d75ec54346018e0.jpeg)    **iTnews Executive Retreat - Security Leaders Edition**   • Explore the evolving role of the security leader and what defines effective security leadership today • Share experiences and strategies for managing personal resilience and team wellbeing in high-pressure environments • Discuss how to build and sustain modern, high-performing security teams • Foster trusted peer-to-peer connections that extend beyond the retreat ## Speakers: ![Damien Thomlinson](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Damien%20Thomlinson.png?width=300&height=300&name=Damien%20Thomlinson.png "Damien Thomlinson") **Damien Thomlinson** Ex-Commando, Motivational Speaker, Brand Ambassador, Best Selling Author and Actor      ![Milan-1](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Milan-1.png?width=300&height=300&name=Milan-1.png "Milan-1") **Ronan Alonzo** Head of IT **Sydney Zoo** ![Milan (3)](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Milan%20(3).png?width=300&height=300&name=Milan%20(3).png "Milan (3)") **Christian Neyle** Technology Lead **Anytime Fitness ** ![Sagar Karwa-2](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Sagar%20Karwa-2.png?width=600&height=600&name=Sagar%20Karwa-2.png "Sagar Karwa-2") **Kim Rickaby** Head of IT OperationsNGS     ![Milan-2](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Milan-2.png?width=300&height=300&name=Milan-2.png "Milan-2") **Matthews George** CIO **Cancer Council NSW** ![Milan (2)-1](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Milan%20(2)-1.png?width=300&height=300&name=Milan%20(2)-1.png "Milan (2)-1") **Brahman Thiyagalingham** CISO **GME** ![tim holden](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/tim%20holden.png?width=300&height=300&name=tim%20holden.png "tim holden") **Tim Holden** General Manager, Sales & Marketing  **Microtech DPS** ![mark burns (1)](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/mark%20burns%20(1).png?width=300&height=300&name=mark%20burns%20(1).png "mark burns (1)") **May Lam** CIO **Australian Payments Plus** ![Speakers (2)](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Speakers%20(2).png?width=300&height=300&name=Speakers%20(2).png "Speakers (2)") **Dom Garfi** Chief Revenue Officer **Tecala** ![Jehan Michael De Zilva](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Jehan%20Michael%20De%20Zilva.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=Jehan%20Michael%20De%20Zilva.jpg "Jehan Michael De Zilva") **Jehan Michael De Zilva** SOC Lead **Oreta** ![Adam Maloney-3](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Adam%20Maloney-3.png?width=600&height=600&name=Adam%20Maloney-3.png "Adam Maloney-3") **Loretta Cornejo** Practice Manager- Business Development and Marketing  **Quorum Systems** ![VB new headshot ITN](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/VB%20new%20headshot%20ITN.png?width=300&height=300&name=VB%20new%20headshot%20ITN.png "VB new headshot ITN") **Velvet-Belle Templeman** Deputy General Manager **iTnews** ![2614HUNLegendsRestaurant26LRRGBFA-scaled-1](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/2614HUNLegendsRestaurant26LRRGBFA-scaled-1.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=2614HUNLegendsRestaurant26LRRGBFA-scaled-1.webp) ![702108994-2](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/702108994-2.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=702108994-2.jpg) ![1774217305851-1](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/1774217305851-1.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=1774217305851-1.webp) ![wine_tasting_shopify_17-2](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/wine_tasting_shopify_17-2.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=wine_tasting_shopify_17-2.webp) ![4e917b1017d0cb3f6d75ec54346018e0-1](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/4e917b1017d0cb3f6d75ec54346018e0-1.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=4e917b1017d0cb3f6d75ec54346018e0-1.webp) ![1774217306511 (1)-1](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/1774217306511%20(1)-1.webp?width=1200&length=1200&name=1774217306511%20(1)-1.webp) ## **What you can look forward to**:  Alongside the retreat sessions, attendees can enjoy a curated mix of experiences designed for both relaxation and connection. This includes a wine and cheese tasting showcasing local Hunter Valley produce, and access to the HydroDeck spa for rest and recovery. As the evening unfolds, conversations continue with drinks by the firepit and toasted marshmallows rounding out the experience. ![Benchmark &Fast50 (LinkedIn Post) (3)](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Benchmark%20%26Fast50%20(LinkedIn%20Post)%20(3).png?width=150&height=150&name=Benchmark%20%26Fast50%20(LinkedIn%20Post)%20(3).png "Benchmark &Fast50 (LinkedIn Post) (3)") **Panel 1: Burnout & Wellbeing** Security leaders operate in high pressure environments with little margin for error. Over time, this intensity can affect not only leaders themselves but also the teams and organisations they manage. This panel will explore how burnout shows up at the executive level, how leaders can recognise early warning signs in themselves and their teams, and practical strategies for supporting wellbeing without compromising long term performance. ![2-Nov-24-2025-05-50-41-7783-AM](https://pages.itnews.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/2-Nov-24-2025-05-50-41-7783-AM.png?width=150&height=150&name=2-Nov-24-2025-05-50-41-7783-AM.png "2-Nov-24-2025-05-50-41-7783-AM") **Panel 2: Leading Modern Security Teams** This panel will examine what it takes to build, lead and retain high performing security teams in today’s environment. Discussion will examine leadership beyond technical expertise, including team structure, skills development, culture, and decision-making in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Panellists will also share perspectives on how modern security leaders are adapting their approach to meet both current risks and future challenges. ![PXL_20260528_033602897](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/PXL_20260528_033602897.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=PXL_20260528_033602897.jpg) ![PXL_20260528_032808165](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/PXL_20260528_032808165.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=PXL_20260528_032808165.jpg) ![PXL_20260528_030321972](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/PXL_20260528_030321972.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=PXL_20260528_030321972.jpg) ![PXL_20260528_032651908](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/PXL_20260528_032651908.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=PXL_20260528_032651908.jpg) ![PXL_20260528_030327905](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/PXL_20260528_030327905.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=PXL_20260528_030327905.jpg) | **7:45am** | Arrival, networking and breakfast | | --- | --- | | **8:30am** | Welcome address by Digital Nation Australia editor – Athina Mallis & commercial editor – Velvet-Belle Templeman | | **8:45am** | **Panel 1** – Impact of digital on Marketing/CX + audience Q&A | | **9:15am** | **Panel 2** – Impact of digital on HR/EX + audience Q&A | | **9:45am** | **Panel 3** – Impact of digital on Finance + audience Q&A | | **10:15am** | Closing remarks & networking | | **10:30am** | Finish |   ## Agenda ##  Day 1 - **10:00am** Coaches depart Sydney CBD, arriving at the Hunter Valley's Château Élan at midday. - **12:30 - 2:30pm** VIP lunch. Delegates will enjoy a gourmet lunch as part of a facilitated session featuring one hour of content focused on leadership and the evolution of modern security teams.  - **Afternoon** Delegates can choose between a two-hour exclusive rest and relaxation session on the Hydro Deck and facilitated pub games.  - **5:30 - 6:30pm** Networking pre-dinner wine and cheese tasting, showcasing the region’s renowned vintages and artisan produce. This session can also be used for 1:1 meetings with delegates.   - **6:30 - 8:30pm** Evening dining experience prepared by Château Élan’s executive chef, paired with Hunter Valley wines and featuring a further hour of content woven through the meal. - **8:30 - 10:30pm** Post-dinner networking by the fire pits, complete with blankets, mulled wine and toasted marshmallow – a relaxed close to the day’s program.  ## Day 2 - **08:00 - 9:30am** Plated breakfast and morning reflections, giving participants the opportunity to consolidate learnings and conversations from the retreat.  - **10:00am** Coaches depart Château Élan, arriving back in Sydney by 12:00pm. ## Register Here ![CRN Channel Meet 19 July 2022 by Homepix Photography 0036](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200036.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200036.jpg) ![CRN Channel Meet 19 July 2022 by Homepix Photography 0110](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200110.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200110.jpg) ![CRN Channel Meet 19 July 2022 by Homepix Photography 0126](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200126.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200126.jpg) ![CRN Channel Meet 19 July 2022 by Homepix Photography 0133](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200133.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200133.jpg) ![CRN Channel Meet 19 July 2022 by Homepix Photography 0164](https://21321196.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21321196/hubfs/CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200164.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=CRN%20Channel%20Meet%2019%20July%202022%20by%20Homepix%20Photography%200164.jpg) [CONTACT TO SPONSOR](mailto:SMcDonald@nextmedia.com.au)   I have read and accept the [privacy policy](https://www.nextmedia.com.au/privacy-policy/?__hstc=35208958.37084c7130d9403ab7803179ede1a2b8.1698197021307.1709010089311.1709012092737.281&__hssc=35208958.3.1709012092737&__hsfp=190980063), [terms and conditions](https://www.nextmedia.com.au/terms-conditions/?__hstc=35208958.37084c7130d9403ab7803179ede1a2b8.1698197021307.1709010089311.1709012092737.281&__hssc=35208958.3.1709012092737&__hsfp=190980063), and [event registration terms](https://www.nextmedia.com.au/nextmedia-event-registration-terms/?__hstc=35208958.37084c7130d9403ab7803179ede1a2b8.1698197021307.1709010089311.1709012092737.281&__hssc=35208958.3.1709012092737&__hsfp=190980063) and by submitting my email address I agree to receive the iTnews newsletter and receive special offers on behalf of iTnews Australia, nextmedia and its valued partners. *Please note: attendance is not guaranteed due to limited available seats.*