The TFFPN is delighted to welcome Christine Finnegan and The Hon. Peter Gutwein as our speakers for the night. Facilitator Rick Fontyn will join them in conversation, as they discuss the theme of Building Strength Together.

Hear insights into their remarkable journeys, learning how collaborative efforts—both within and beyond their organisations —have forged enduring strength and success for the state. Join us for an inspiring and transformative discussion on leadership, culture, and the power of collective achievement.

Christine Finnegan
CEO, Tasmania JackJumpers

Christine Finnegan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Christine joined the club from its inception to the National Basketball League in 2020 and has played a pivotal role in the club’s ongoing success both on and off the court, culminating in the 2024 NBL Championship, which created history in the Australian Sporting Landscape.

Christine has over 25 years experience in professional sport commencing her career at Tennis Australia and progressing through the ranks of three football codes including Rugby Union (ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels); Rugby League (Melbourne Storm); AFL (AFL Players Association and St Kilda Football Club) as well as the Commonwealth Games.

 Christine is a people driven leader with expertise in brand and commercial operations. She was also part of the inaugural AFL Women in Leadership Program and the AFL Executive Leadership Program which has nurtured up and coming talent to Chief Executive roles.  She is a passionate advocate for women to find pathways in male dominated environments, particularly in the sports industry.

The Hon Peter Gutwein
Strategic Advisor & former Premier of Tasmania

The Hon Peter Gutwein was the 46th Premier of Tasmania and one of the State’s longest serving Treasurers. On his watch Tasmania had the strongest performing economy in the country with the highest levels of business confidence.

When he became Premier he declared he would lead with compassion and conviction – and not forgetting the challenges of his own very modest upbringing, he committed to providing opportunities for all Tasmanians, regardless of circumstance or background.

Peter acted ahead of the rest of the country on a bold plan to protect Tasmanians from COVID-19, with the state declared one of the safest in the world while maintaining a strong economy. He oversaw the state generating 100% of its energy from renewable sources and achieving net-zero emissions, which no other Australian jurisdiction and very few other places in the world can claim. Peter further legislated a target for Tasmania to achieve a 200% renewable energy target by 2040, creating the platform for significant renewable investment opportunities.

Peter is a director of Countrywide Hydrogen Pty Ltd and strategic adviser to companies on the leading edge of emission reduction technologies. He works with Sea Forest, which leads the world in the reduction of methane from livestock and INCAT which is building the world’s largest battery electric ship.

Peter is also engaged in off-shore wind projects and Chairs MRC Tas, which oversees the federal Government’s humanitarian refugee settlement service in Tasmania.

He recently undertook a 350 kilometre walk across Tasmania to generate a positive conversation around the contribution of migrants and refugees, elevating the discussion to a national platform and raising substantial funds to provide more services and support for the state’s migrant and refugee communities.

Rick Fontyn
MC

Rick Fontyn has been involved in broadcasting since 2009, and his passion for sport led he and wife Kate to establish Fontyn Sports Media in 2014.

Rick is an experienced and sought after emcee, regularly hosting corporate, sporting & charity events around Australia, including the Tasmania Timber Awards.

After auditioning and landing a role as the weekend sports presenter and newsreader on Southern Cross Television in 2012, Rick’s career has since seen him take on roles with the Australian Winter Olympic team, Tennis Australia and the Hawthorn Football Club.

He has interviewed and introduced many high-profile personalities in the corporate and sporting world, including former tennis world number 1’s Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka and Sir Andy Murray.

Supporting charities is a passion, with Rick having supported Fight MND and Cancer Council Tasmania through fundraising events for a number of years.