Bianca Adler

Bianca Adler is a Melbourne-born mountaineer whose passion for the outdoors was shaped during seven years living in the French Alps, where she discovered climbing at a young age and summited Mont Blanc at just 12. Since then, her journey has taken her across the Alps, Andes, and Himalayas, building experience on some of the world’s most iconic peaks. In 2024, Bianca became the youngest woman to summit both Manaslu and Ama Dablam. In 2025, she attempted Mount Everest, reaching 8,500 metres before turning back due to dangerous weather just 350 metres below the summit. Now in Year 12, she balances school alongside her ambitions in the mountains, using her platform to inspire more young people, especially young women, to get outdoors, embrace discomfort, and push beyond perceived limits.

Dr. Kita Ashman

Kita is a Threatened Species and Climate Adaptation Ecologist at WWF Australia, an Adjunct Research Associate at Charles Sturt University, and a Visiting Fellow in Professor Lindenmayer’s lab at ANU. Kita leads a national program implementing field-based projects to increase the resilience of threatened and culturally significant species including greater gliders, koalas, and turtles. An avid trail runner and climber, Kita combines her professional expertise with a love for the outdoors, inspiring conservation efforts through both her research and personal adventures.

Kate Grarock

Kate Grarock is an Environmental Scientist, hiker, filmmaker, and speaker who is passionate about inspiring others to get outdoors and experience the benefits of a life connected to nature. As an expedition leader with Bush Blitz, she travels to remote parts of Australia in search of new species of plants and animals. Kate also featured in SBS’s groundbreaking series Alone Australia, where she survived solo in the wilderness by building her own shelter, sourcing her own food, and documenting her journey. A devoted long distance hiker, she has walked many of Australia’s iconic trails, including a 700km hike down the NSW coast from Sydney to the Victorian border, and now embraces the adventure of hiking with her four year old daughter.

Tracy Jones

Tracy Jones is the Founder and Director of Off The Beaten Track WA, an award-winning hiking and adventure business she launched in 2017 from her passion for nature, community, and creativity. With a background in marketing and events, she designs inclusive, accessible hiking experiences that inspire people of all abilities. Her 2022 Hike-Ability program uses hiking and nature connection as therapy, transforming lives across WA. A passionate advocate for Accessible Tourism, keynote speaker, and multi-day hiker, Tracy co-hosts the Trail Tales WA podcast with her wife, Cindy, sharing stories of connection and the power of the outdoors.

George Knight

George Knight is a Hobart-based trail runner and outdoor educator studying Natural Environments and Conservation alongside Outdoor and Environmental Education. A lifelong lover of wild places, he discovered trail running while hiking through Yengo, the Blue Mountains, Namadgi and Kosciuszko National Parks, often jogging to beat daylight back to the car. After volunteering at an ultra marathon, he signed up for his first race, was instantly hooked, and found a strong sense of community in the sport. In 2025, he committed to the GPT100 miler, earning multiple wins, an overseas podium in Innsbruck, and finishing 2nd at GPT100 to become Australia’s 100-mile National Champion. In 2026, he takes his ambitions global as a proud Paddy Pallin Ambassador.

Hilary McAllister

Hilary McAllister is an environmental advocate and trail runner dedicated to living a wild, creative, and impactful life that champions and protects the natural world. As a founding member of "For Wild Places" and part of its first board of directors, Hilary has been instrumental in advancing the organization's mission to preserve and celebrate wild places. Through her advocacy and personal endeavours, she continues to inspire others to engage in conservation efforts and embrace the beauty of the natural world.

https://hilarymcallister.com/