R|Talks

POMO

Stephen Burton is a creative placemaking strategist and founder of POMO. He is also the host of Spotify’s only dedicated Placemaking podcast: The Placemakers. He works at the intersection of urban narrative, community co-design, and built infrastructure. His work helps cities and regional centres transform functional spaces into places people genuinely value, by embedding history, ecology, and culture creatively and directly into the public realm. Unlike traditional consultants, Stephen bridges strategy and delivery, ensuring that big ideas survive procurement and are realised on the ground. He has led award-winning projects across Australia and is a recognised voice on creative placemaking.

STONE MEDIA

Lachlan Johnstone is a Sunshine Coast-based architectural and property photographer and videographer with over 20 years of experience capturing the relationship between light, space, and place. As the principal photographer behind Stone Media, Lachlan brings a calm, considered eye to every project, one attuned to the textures, rhythms, and atmosphere that make a built environment feel genuinely inhabited. His work is shaped by a deep sensitivity to the coast itself, and a belief that great photography doesn't simply document a space, but reveals how it feels to be inside one. Rooted in the local landscape and community he calls home, Lachlan understands that the most resonant spaces are those designed to be experienced, not just seen, and his imagery reflects that conviction with every frame.

ONYX STUDIO

Barbie Payton is an award-winning Commercial Interior Designer known for creating meaningful, human-centred spaces that are both strategic and emotionally engaging. Her work has been recognised through multiple industry awards, including the Torrens University Excellence Award and consecutive BDQ Regional Commercial Interior Design Awards. Specialising in retail, hospitality, hotel, and entertainment spaces, Barbie brings an empathetic, research-led approach to design and regularly contributes to the profession as a speaker, panellist, and design judge.

ECO INTERIORS STUDIO

Sally Stent is the founder and Creative Director of Eco Interiors. With a Master's Degree in Design Futures and a background in gallery curation, Sally brings a thoughtful, nature-informed approach to residential design. Her work is grounded in biophilic principles, focusing on natural materials, local craftspersonship, and personalised, enduring spaces. Sally has collaborated with award-winning architects and her work has been featured in The Design Files, Green Magazine and Sanctuary. She leads each project with attention and care, delivering spaces that support well-being and reflect a strong connection to place. She is also an active contributor to the Sunshine Coast design community through her involvement with Sunshine Coast Open Home.

FACILITATOR

An award-winning interior designer, academic, design advocate, and Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia, Natalie has made a significant contribution to Australian design through practice, research, education, and leadership. With more than two decades in professional practice and over 30 years in tertiary interior design education, her work focuses on design-led innovation, inclusion, and community impact across education, health, and public life. She is also a strong advocate for children’s play and the legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.