Meshpoints is excited to announce our five new Ecosystem Builders, each embedded within key regions across Western Australia — Southwest, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Port Hedland, and the Perth Metro area.
These passionate leaders aren't just facilitators; they are connectors, champions, and architects of thriving entrepreneurial environments. Their goal is to unite founders, investors, educators, government, and community groups across WA, cultivating dynamic, resilient ecosystems tailored to the needs of their regions.
Meet our new WA Ecosystem Builders leading the charge:
Each WA region has its own identity, challenges, and opportunities. There's no "one-size-fits-all" approach to entrepreneurial growth. That's why our Ecosystem Builders are locals, based in the community, trusted by their peers, and tuned into the real needs of their regions.
Charlie Gunningham, Head of Ecosystem Engagement, shares, “It’s important to have someone on the ground, who knows the region, and is well known, who gets out and about, and talks to local innovators, investors, government, businesses and educators.”
Our approach for the Ecosystem Builders is inspired by leading international models, such as the Kauffman Foundation's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building principles, which emphasise grassroots leadership, inclusivity, and connected networks. However, at Meshpoints, we are shaping a model unique to WA, one that honors local nuance, champions regional voices, and drives sustainable innovation for the future.
Our Ecosystem Builders are on a mission to spark meaningful conversations, champion inclusive collaboration, spotlight emerging talent and innovation and strengthen connections across WA and beyond.
Recently, we sat down with each of them to understand more about their background and what they are looking forward to in their new role. Check it out below!
Paul Cannavan (Perth Metro)
Paul Cannavan, Metro’s Ecosystem Builder, brings 20 years of experience in technology and product development, where he helped both large and small businesses solve problems and innovate for positive impact.
He shares that during his time in the digital health industry he witnessed how innovation has a big impact on people's lives. This inspired him to offer mentoring through Spacecubed's growth programs, including Office Hours, Plus Eight Leap and both the Pre-Accelerator and Accelerator program.
Regarding his new role, Paul shared, “I’m most excited about connecting and learning about all the fantastic things happening in WA and across Perth metro. I really enjoy hearing the stories, ideas, challenges and successes across so many areas that I may not have previously had the opportunity to learn about.”
Alan Bradley (Geraldton/MidWest)
Alan Bradley, Geraldton/MidWest’s Ecosystem Builder has been heavily involved in the WA ecosystem for many years, sharing, “In 2010, Pollinators Inc kicked off in Geraldton, where I recognised the opportunity the development of entrepreneurial business in our community could deliver. I used my connections to build support and provided sponsorship for events and activities to help grow the system.”
Alan has always worked hard to engage the community in many ways, including building networks and connections not just in WA, but all across Australia.
Alan adds, “I'm excited to be able to meet new people and get them engaged in the ecosystem, once people get engaged, their perspective changes and they have a more optimistic outlook.”
Tim Neeson (Kalgoorlie)
Tim is a serial entrepreneur and adventurer based in Kalgoorlie-Boulder who started his first business in 3D architectural CAD in the mid 90’s. Born in Melbourne, he has lived and worked in Nauru, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, and the last 21 years in the Goldfields where he operates his tech company.
“It’s a challenging regional environment that struggles to retain innovators, entrepreneurs and residents in general but am confident that with the support of Meshpoints and regional stakeholders we can reverse the trend”
Tim’s primary mission is to transform abandoned mines into adventure, skills, circular, arts & culture and innovation ecosystems as a regional development strategy.
Lorraine Muzambwa (Port Hedland)
Our Port Hedland Ecosystem Builder, Lorraine Muzambwa has over 15 years experience overseeing various financial responsibilities in Aged Care, Private Sector, and State and Local Government. When asked how Lorraine first got involved in the WA ecosystem, she shared, “I run a small business that specialises in Accounting, Taxation, and Business Advisory. A colleague referred me to Meshpoints in my quest for business growth.”
When asked, Lorraine shared, “An Ecosystem Builder means identifying key stakeholders and entrepreneurs with innovative startups who can benefit from the grant funding and other assistance available. It also means networking with other ecosystem builders, maximising the opportunity for knowledge sharing.” In this new role, Lorraine is looking forward to the collaborative approach with prospective recipients.
Anita Pettit (South West)
Based in the South West, Anita Pettit brings a rich background in the creative industries, event management, and regional development to her new role as an Ecosystem Builder. Her career has taken her across WA, including time in Broome and the Kimberley, where she developed a strong belief in place-based solutions and the power of community-led initiatives.
Reflecting on the role, Anita shared, “What excites me most about being an Ecosystem Builder is the opportunity to connect people and ideas that might not have crossed paths otherwise.” She’s passionate about creating spaces where collaboration thrives and believes the South West is already rich with talent and potential, it’s just about making the connections and spotlighting what’s already here.
Want to stay in the loop as our Ecosystem Builders spark collaboration and drive impact across WA? Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates, stories, and insights.
Interested in being a part of the movement? Join the Meshpoints Partner Network for free here and connect with a growing community of changemakers working together to strengthen WA’s innovation ecosystem.