2025 Board Election

Please outline your qualifications, current position, previous position(s) and professional activities relevant to this nomination.

Qualifications:

• BA/LLB (University of Melbourne), Grad Dip Bus Admin.
• PhD Faculty of Business and Law (CSI), Swinburne University: Unlocking the innovation potential of philanthropic foundation, 2019.
• Lawyer’s practising certificate, Victorian Legal Services Board.
• Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors since 2003.
• Medal in the Order of Australia for services to charitable organisations 2020.

Current positions:

• Enterprise Professor at the Melbourne Business School and the Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne.
• Director, Impact Investing Australia
• Chair, Australian Environmental Grantmaking Network (term ends Nov 2025)

Former relevant experience:

CEO, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, 2011- 2024

Key aspects of this role: adding a gender lens and climate lens across the Foundation’s work; introducing the Innovation grants; introducing impact investment as an asset class with the support of the Chair of the Investment Committee; Better Philanthropy Award for the Affordable Housing Challenge; collective giving; Impact framework and Vital Signs project; working with partners on Strategic Initiatives such as the Digital Transformation Hub.

Philanthropy advisor 1999 – 2011

• Advised the Sidney Myer Fund on establishment of Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal in collaboration with the Federal Government.
• Established FRRR’s Community Foundation Program and advised community foundations on feasibility, startup, governance and strategy through FRRR and directly, including regional and city-based community foundations.
• Consulting projects within philanthropy: grant reviews, strategy and governance.
• Co-founded Community Foundations Australia with Sue Charlton and others. Wrote the Australian Community Foundation Kit (two editions).
• Initiated the climate lens concept at LMCF post attendance at an international COP 21 Funders initiative, which AEGN has rolled out as a full program.

Please outline how your nomination addresses the skills, experience and profiles identified by the Board as a current priority.

Legal & Regulatory Environment

I hold a lawyer’s practicing certificate (Legal Services Board Victoria) and worked in corporate/commercial law and then in house roles with charities such as the MS Society and Wesley Mission, and within philanthropy. I have a deep understanding of the philanthropy sector and the regulatory environment.

I am enthusiastic about law and policy reform when it can unlock efficiency and more impact. I have contributed to many inquiries relating to the charitable sector, including the Productivity Commission’s quite recent Inquiry into Philanthropy. I have worked on law reform for community foundations for 20 years (!) and was pleased to obtain special listing for LMCF and recently see the recent community foundation law reform come into effect. I am a Fellow of the AICD and have governance experience within Boards in philanthropy, for purpose and three statutory authorities. I have a good understanding of risk management, public reporting, corporate law, current issues such as privacy, culture, and digital transformation.

Community foundations/collective giving/philanthropy

I have particular expertise in community foundations through my experience advising community foundations around Australia as part of FRRR’s community foundation program. I also advised city-based community foundations directly. As CEO of Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation for 12 years, I demonstrated the impact of a community foundation and provide opportunities for collective giving. Community foundations have special roles building local opportunities and strengthening community resilience which are critical, especially in the face of increasing natural disasters.

I am interested in the catalytic role of philanthropy, and, where it makes sense, the use of impact investment alongside grantmaking to achieve impact. I have spoken and written on community and climate philanthropy in local and international conferences (Global Community Foundation Forum, Asian Venture Philanthropy Network, Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network, WINGS conference, F20 meetings and others).

 What would you like to accomplish as a Board Member of Philanthropy Australia?

I would encourage philanthropy to grow as a sector that acts as a catalyst and collaborator on the challenges facing Australia including economic inequality, affordable housing, social cohesion, and climate change (both reducing emissions and increasing resilience to climate impacts), amongst other issues. I have networks in areas such as blended finance, impact investment, climate philanthropy and gender lens investing that could contribute to this.

I would support Philanthropy Australia to celebrate and grow the effectiveness of all the diverse forms of philanthropy from family and other private foundations (often PAFs), to trustee companies, corporate foundations, other endowments, innovative forms of giving, and of course, one of my own passions, community foundations.

Very importantly, I would look for legal, regulatory and policy reforms that could make the operating environment for Australian philanthropy as supportive as possible. I would support the use of research of all kinds to support Philanthropy Australia’s work.

I would collaborate with the PA team and Board to help raise the community’s understanding of the enormous impact that philanthropy makes every day, both as a provider of core support for critical charitable organisations, and as a source of catalytic funding. I see philanthropy as one of Australia’s most important safety nets. Philanthropy was there during COVID when urgent grants were made for medical research, to support the digital transformation of not for profit organisations to online services, and to food and housing charities. Philanthropy is there when there are natural disasters, especially via community foundations that play a critical role in their communities in disaster response and especially long term disaster recovery. Philanthropy underpins the start-up of most social enterprises and medical research endeavours. Philanthropy’s support of the environment (climate, nature, Indigenous land and sea management), education, international development and the arts is critical to our wellbeing.

Please outline your qualifications, current position, previous position(s) and professional activities relevant to this nomination

My role as CEO of the Menzies Leadership Foundation is the culmination of working in support of social impact for over 30 years, and draws on my experience in working in philanthropy, academia, the not-for-profit and corporate sectors. I was instrumental in establishing the Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre and Centre for Ethical Leadership at the Melbourne Business School and co-authored a series of Reports on better practice in philanthropy, which have informed my practice and advocacy for greater impact. I have a particular interest in supporting innovative approaches to address social challenges, and the role that philanthropy can play in unlocking capital in support of systemic change initiatives. My work on the Philanthropy Australia Board over the last three years, has deepened my appreciation and commitment to the importance of a strong peak body. I would welcome the opportunity to build on the contribution I have made to date, and hope to continue to support the dynamic and exciting approach that PA CEO, Maree Sidey, is leading as we finalize the next strategic plan for Philanthropy Australia.

Please outline how your nomination addresses the skills, experience and profiles identified by the Board as a current priority.

Philanthropy Australia is committed to encourage more and better giving.

I am deeply committed and connected to the Menzies Leadership Foundation’s work with over two hundred Indigenous women in rural and remote Australia, and a fierce advocate of these women’s ambition to develop the agency and autonomy to create a different future for themselves, their families, the community, and the planet.

Our work with young people and emerging leaders across Australia and in ASEAN reinforces the value and importance of their voices in shaping a future defined by our collective responsibility to each other, and the imperative of encouraging all of us to act for the ‘greater good’.

Most importantly of all, the Menzies Leadership Foundation’s work in amplifying a leadership movement for the ‘greater good’ and deepening our understanding of the leadership capabilities we need to cultivate to contribute to an increasingly complex and challenging world, lies at the heart of the disposition and approaches we need to support philanthropy and the for purpose sector to be best positioned to make a significant contribution to the challenges of our time.

I bring this perspective and ambition to ensuring that Philanthropy Australia is best positioned to contribute to the national leadership discourse and hope to continue to contribute to the important role that philanthropy must play in addressing the significant challenges we face both nationally and globally.

What would you like to accomplish as a Board Member of Philanthropy Australia?

Philanthropy is a broach church and has the potential to work across the strategic spectrum from ameliorating immediate need to building the collaboration and partnerships to solve the most pressing issues of our time. Any contribution along this continuum is worthwhile. All of us have the capacity to be generous, in large and small ways.

Philanthropy Australia, as our peak body, plays a central and important role in providing the context and infrastructure to ensure that Australians are encouraged to think of the contribution that they can make, individually and collectively, and support this engagement to maximise the number of Australians with a disposition to give. In addition, Philanthropy Australia can support the Australian community to ensure that this generosity is supported by an insight and understanding of the most effective ways to make a difference in the world.

This challenge lies at the heart of Philanthropy Australia’s next strategic horizon, and I would welcome the opportunity to continue to support the outstanding Philanthropy Australia team to meet this challenge.

Please outline your qualifications, current position, previous position(s) and professional activities relevant to this nomination.

I have over 24 years working for IBM Australia, holding a variety of business and departmental roles across the global IBM world. I managed large teams across service delivery, relationship management and business development and industry sector areas.

Board member, Philanthropy Australia: having joined the Board of PA 3 years ago and I am currently the Chair of the Finance, Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee and member of the Membership & Engagement Committee.

Co-Chair, Workplace Giving Australia: technology provider for Workplace Giving, Grants and Foundation management. Also incorporates Chair, ShareGift Australia.

Chair, AbilityMade: award winning, social start-up that provides ankle-foot-orthoses to children with cerebral palsy using innovative scanning and 3D modelling & printing technology that enables children with disability to walk.

Chair, Together 4 Youth: a DGR-1 charity that manages the engagement of charities and social enterprises within high schools, providing a bespoke program for wellbeing and skills development. Building a Community of Practice for organisations supporting youth in schools.

Board member, Sir Moses Montefiore Jewish Home (Montefiore): Australia’s leading aged care provider with a proud history spanning more than 120 years.

I am also advisor to and have been on the Board of other NFP and tech start-up entities.

Graduated with BSc (Information Technology) and MBA (Executive) from UNSW/AGSM.

LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/grafmichael

Please outline how your nomination addresses the skills, experience and profiles identified by the Board as a current priority.

I have skills that support the Board of Philanthropy Australia (PA), particularly in the areas of business, governance, philanthropy and information technology. With over 24 years in the IT sector, I have worked across multiple industries and understand how technology can help organisations become more effective and efficient, and addressing key risk area such as cyber security.

My experiences in philanthropy cover the roles of donor, fund raiser, board member/Chair of DGR-2 aggregator charities as well as board member/Chair of a DGR-1 charity. As such I have broad experience that covers all of the members of PA, allowing me to understand and prioritise their needs, and bringing these to the Board of PA. I have raised significant funds for a communal charity and as such, I understand the needs of charities and how fundraising is a key necessity for their growth and success.

Through the recent merger of Good2Give and Workplace Giving Australia, I understand the implications, legal concerns and structural needs of mergers and building partnerships, and with Together 4 youth (T4Y) have broad experience bringing many organisations, mostly charities, together to work together or side-by-side, for the betterment of youth wellbeing in schools. Under T4Y, we are building a strong, cooperative Community of Practice, and are providing education to improve all of our member organisations, thereby providing more effective and impactful services to youth in need.

Within PA, I have worked with the Co-Chairs and Board members during the CEO selection process, been involved in mentoring and selection process of board Observership Program candidates and supported the Board with PA’s strategic development. As the Chair of the Finance, Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee, I bring leadership to ensure we help review and if needed, improve the management of PA’s finances, risks and business development.

I feel that I can continue to bring skills and expertise to PA that will enable the organisation to advance, across area such as understanding our members (funds, gift recipients and intermediaries); information technology including cyber and AI; finance, risk management and business development; board governance, stake holder management and partnership development.

What would you like to accomplish as a Board Member of Philanthropy Australia?

I joined the Board of PA 3 years ago with a hope to better represent both the not-for-profit members as well as our donor members, given my experiences across both sides of the donor-charity relationship. As a Board member of PA, I continue to believe that it is important to understand all our members, so that we can be better engage and provide service to them.

During my 3 years on the Board, I have been an active participant in the Membership & Engagement Committee (MEC), which has seen an increased focus on our members, which led to a revamp of our membership structure to make it simpler, more understandable and offer more value. The MEC has met numerous times to help work through the membership model, discuss means of improving member engagement and finally support the revamp to the Board. We also launched a trial membership program for PAFs, which the MEC strongly supported.

During this period, I also took on the Chair of the Finance, Audit, Risk & Compliance committee, and have brought an improve structure to our meetings, whilst ensuring we maintain our focus on managing key risks (financial, technology and other) for the business, as well as allow our committee to oversee the executive’s plans and business management.

In addition, I am Chair and joint founder of our family’s PAF and provide the members of the family and Board of our PAF with due diligence and reporting on our gifts. Through our PAF, I have connected with the philanthropy sector as a donor, and built a good understanding of how our PA donor members (whether they give directly, as individuals, or through entities such as endowment funds or PAFs) connect with and what they might need from PA.

I continue to strongly believe in the role that PA has to help drive the philanthropic sector, through its advocacy, education and by building better means to engage within and across the sector. To do so, PA needs to be a robust, well run and managed organisation, and through my experiences across many areas of business and philanthropy, I feel I can continue to help drive towards this outcome, whilst allowing us to innovate and increase our impact and meaningfulness to all in philanthropy.

As Chair on my family’s PAF, I still feel that PA can, and should, play an increasing role as advisor, teacher, and connector for small to medium size family groups and PAFs, who often have little peer contacts and therefore approach their funding, giving strategies and experience within the various philanthropic sectors without advice and guidance.

Please outline your qualifications, current position, previous position(s) and professional activities relevant to this nomination.

I am an experienced NED with 20 plus years’ executive level service in the NFP sector. I hold Membership with the AICD and undertake regular PD to ensure my knowledge is current. I have a solid understanding of my fiduciary duties and governance, compliance and regulatory frameworks for the positions I currently hold.

My current Board and Committee roles include:

• Co-Chair First Nations Governance Committee, Philanthropy Australia
• Director Australian, Regional and Remote Services (AARCS)
• Member Clinical Governance Committee, ARRCS
• Director The Healing Foundation (THF)
• Chair Audit, Risk and Finance Committee THF
• Member, Research and Ethics Committee, Community First Development

Relevant to this nomination, I was appointed by government as a member of the Charity, Philanthropy and Fundraising Advisory Group, providing strategic advice to the Australian Government, and offering innovative solutions to support the philanthropic and NFP sectors during the very challenging time of CoVID.

Prior to this I was appointed by Government to the National Compact for the Third Sector, to identify and provide recommendations on the jurisdictional disparity between regulations and processes for the NFP and Philanthropic Sectors.

I am the CEO of Community First Development, an Aboriginal led NFP which undertakes community development, research and evaluation and in 2025, commenced a small grants program as an Indigenous Led Fund.

I bring these experiences and knowledge to Board discussions and thrive in a respectful, collaborative environment that welcomes challenge questions and discussion.

Please outline how your nomination addresses the skills, experience and profiles identified by the Board as a current priority.

I am a Senior Bidjara woman, solidly connected to my culture and community and with significant relationships with other First Nations’ Peoples in Australia and globally. These include leaders working in the non-Indigenous led philanthropic sector, community organisations, service providers, and Indigenous Led Funds (ILF).

As co-chair of Philanthropy Australia’s First Nations Governance Committee, I demonstrate leadership and strong commitment to supporting all sectors of the philanthropic community and increasing our learning and knowledge of the giving eco- system to drive greatest positive impact.

I have a long history of relationship building and advocacy and strive to bring people together. I have given key notes on NFPs, Philanthropy, and ILFs at global conferences and advocated at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).

As per my list of current roles, I bring governance experience including skills in finance, risk and audit, and policy and strategy setting.

My experience in philanthropy includes international giving, ILFs, impact investing and strong supporter engagement and relationship building.

What would you like to accomplish as a Board Member of Philanthropy Australia?

I am committed to contributing to Board strategy, supporting the CEO and Members, building relationships, supporting peer networks and reducing barriers to impactful giving.

I am also interested in contributing to the strategy to future proof Philanthropy Australia, so that it remains the go to organisation offering the right tools, information and opportunities to its Members.

As a founding member of an international Community of Practice, created to support connection and learning for ILF leadership teams, I have a strong interest in the intersection between non-Indigenous led philanthropy and ILFs and see that as a Board director I can contribute to the thought leadership, knowledge creation and relationship building that must continue across all parts of the giving landscape to ensure the greatest impact of giving.

Please outline your qualifications, current position, previous position(s) and professional activities relevant to this nomination.

I am the Chief Executive Officer of the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA), Australia’s only development agency focused exclusively on gender equality. As the first CALD woman to lead IWDA in its 40-year history, I bring over two decades of expertise in international development, specialising in funding models, philanthropic partnerships, and decolonial approaches to global development.

My governance experience spans both executive and non-executive roles. As CEO, I lead an organisation with a strong governance framework, overseeing strategic direction, financial stewardship, and stakeholder engagement. I also serve as a board director of Her Place Museum Australia, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating Australian women’s achievements.

Born and raised in Sri Lanka, I moved to Australia on an AusAID scholarship and hold a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Master’s in International Development from Deakin University. My lived experience as a migrant woman of colour has shaped my leadership approach, fostering a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and addressing systemic barriers that limit progress in global development and philanthropy.

Throughout my career, I have held leadership roles at organisations such as Oxfam, Plan International Australia, Save the Children International, and ChildFund US, honing my skills in mobilising funding and resources across all areas of international development—from humanitarian response to sustainable development in health, education, and child protection. Most recently, as Head of Global Programs at Save the Children Australia, I played a key role in shaping global programs and driving sustainable development at scale.

I maintain strong, ongoing connections with a significant segment of Philanthropy Australia’s membership, particularly in the not-for-profit and international development sectors. My background and governance experience enable me to offer a unique perspective on strengthening board leadership, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and advancing philanthropy’s role in social impact.

Please outline how your nomination addresses the skills, experience and profiles identified by the Board as a current priority.

As a leader from a CALD background in the not-for-profit sector, I bring both lived experience and professional expertise that align with the Board’s commitment to diversity. My extensive leadership in international development, particularly in gender equality and social justice, complements Philanthropy Australia’s vision for inclusive and impactful philanthropy.

A significant portion of Philanthropy Australia’s membership comes from the not-for-profit sector, including organisations engaged in international development. Given my extensive experience leading and governing organisations in this space, I am well-placed to contribute to the Board’s governance, strategic direction, and engagement with this important segment of its membership.

Additionally, my expertise in organisational leadership, fundraising, and financial sustainability—gained from overseeing multimillion-dollar programs and managing complex donor relationships—aligns with the Board’s priorities. My governance experience, including my role as a Board Director of Her Place Museum, further equips me to contribute to Philanthropy Australia’s strategic objectives.

By bringing a deep understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing philanthropic and not-for-profit organisations, I hope to strengthen the Board’s ability to support members in achieving greater social impact.

What would you like to accomplish as a Board Member of Philanthropy Australia?

As a Board Member of Philanthropy Australia, my primary goal is to strengthen the relationship between the philanthropic and not-for-profit sectors, with a particular focus on international development. I believe there is immense potential for more strategic collaboration between these sectors to drive lasting social change. With extensive experience in managing international development programs and donor relationships, I aim to bridge the gap between philanthropic foundations and the grassroots organisations working on the frontlines of social change. By fostering stronger partnerships, we can ensure that philanthropic investments align more closely with the priorities of the communities they seek to support.

In addition, I am committed to increasing the representation of diverse voices and lived experiences within philanthropy. As a CALD leader in the international development sector, I will advocate for philanthropic efforts that are inclusive and responsive to the aspirations of marginalised communities. I would support Philanthropy Australia in continuing to evolve as a platform that values and amplifies diverse perspectives, ensuring that philanthropy remains a powerful force for good in a rapidly changing world.

I am also eager to contribute to Philanthropy Australia’s efforts to engage younger generations of philanthropists and promote the concept of “new philanthropy” – encouraging a more inclusive, flexible, and innovative approach to giving. With the rise of digital tools and emerging technologies, there is an opportunity to rethink how philanthropy operates, better connecting local and global efforts. I bring a deep understanding of international development and a strong interest in how digital innovation can shape the future of philanthropy. I look forward to contributing my insights and strategic thinking to these discussions.

Ultimately, my goal is to support Philanthropy Australia in becoming a more inclusive, forward-thinking organisation that drives meaningful and sustainable change through philanthropy.

Please outline your qualifications, current position, previous position(s) and professional activities relevant to this nomination.

I bring over 30 years of experience in international philanthropy as a philanthropist, board member, senior program officer, foundation and nonprofit advisor, and academic. My master’s research at Princeton University focused on deepening the understanding of intercultural global philanthropic traditions to improve philanthropic practice. More recently, as Senior Associate Director at the Stanford Center on Philanthropy & Civil Society, I shaped the research agenda, optimized operations and strategy, and turned Stanford’s research insights into new revenue-generating tools, programs, and executive education workshops. I was a lead facilitator focused on bringing philanthropic best practices and emerging global trends —particularly those driving more equitable and effective philanthropy— to thousands of family foundations, nonprofits, and philanthropic and financial advisors worldwide, including some specialized projects and workshops in Australia. As a NextGen philanthropist, I have been deeply involved in philanthropy and impact investing, both personally and through my family’s foundation, where I have served as a board member for over two decades. I have also advised and collaborated with family and NextGen philanthropists, as well as member organizations, in Australia and globally.

Now based in Sydney, I remain actively engaged with clients, boards, and sector initiatives across Australia, the U.S., and Europe, including supporting and learning from First Nations communities on their giving traditions and community investment models. I attended my first PA conference virtually in 2021 when the Blueprint for Philanthropy was announced, joined as a member when I moved to Australia over a year ago, and have attended many events in Sydney, Melbourne, and had the privilege of facilitating a family philanthropy workshop and a spend-down philanthropy panel at the 2024 PA conference in Adelaide. I am deeply grateful to PA members and staff, who have all been a key factor in my own engagement in the Australian social impact sector.

Please outline how your nomination addresses the skills, experience and profiles identified by the Board as a current priority.

I began my career in the for-profit tech startup and futurist trend research and marketing sectors, where I learned many transferable skills I use across all of my work. In the social impact sector, I have experience with diverse grantseeking and grantmaking entities as well as national and international membership bodies, particularly in the following areas:

• Governance: Strategy, Marketing & Communications, Policy & Advocacy, Membership & Engagement, and Knowledge & Research.
• Philanthropy: Trusts (US+Europe); Corporate Social Responsibility (advising hedge funds, family offices, and multi-sector global corporations on developing their global social impact strategies & programs); Family foundations; Community Foundations; Collective Giving & Workplace Giving programs; Intermediaries and Giving Advisors; National and International Giving (primarily US and Europe, but have been collaborating with Australian sector for over 5 years now); global NewGen and Tech industry giving; and Wealth Advisors (philanthropic training for High Net Worth and Ultra High Net Worth advisors in the financial services sector was a major focus of my work at Stanford).
• Geography + Diversity: US-born Australian Permanent Resident (based in Sydney NSW as of 2023), female, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, significant track record on crosscultural giving across diverse geographic, racial, and socioeconomic demographics.

What would you like to accomplish as a Board Member of Philanthropy Australia?

My primary goal is to support PA’s leadership and current (and potential) members in fostering more and better giving across Australia. I am well versed in practicing what I preach and teach, and as a board member I seek to listen carefully, learn collaboratively, and strategically mobilize my “5 T’s” (time, talent, ties, treasure, and testimony) in service of the mission. I bring expertise in board leadership, convening design, partnerships, new business and product development, and guiding organizations through leadership transitions and strategic planning— especially in critical moments that shape an organization’s future. Having served on many lean teams, I well know that it can be challenging to strike the right balance between time and money spent on advocacy, networking, research, and services. I would love to contribute to PA’s success in striking that balance, and support PA’s staff, leaders, and powerful network of cross-sector business, government, and for-purpose partners.

Given the profound recent political challenges in the US charitable and civil society sectors, I see bridge-building between US, Europe, and Australia as more important than ever. As a political anthropologist, I have enjoyed learning about Australia’s unique giving traditions, strong commitment to fairness, and deep history of Aboriginal communal giving practices. I would be honored to collaborate with PA to elevate Australian philanthropic insights and leadership on both national and global stages.

Please outline your qualifications, current position, previous position(s) and professional activities relevant to this nomination.

I am a Noongar person (she/they/baal pronouns) and human rights lawyer from Margaret River in Western Australia. Currently serving as Executive Director, First Nations and Youth Action at the Foundation for Young Australians, my extensive professional experience in legal, risk management, policy and advocacy has equipped them to lead nationwide initiatives that deliver significant and strategic social change.

As acting Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Young Australians in 2024, I guided the organsation through a period of strategic development, managed the organisation’s operating budget and forecasting, as well as identifying and mitigating key risks to the organisation.

I sat on the Grata Fund Board as a Director from 2019 – 2024, and currently a Board Director of the Institute for Post Colonial Studies, honing their skills in board governance, reviewing legal, regulatory and governance developments and the impact on the organisation.

I was the Executive Officer for the National Peak body on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS). Previously, I was an Indigenous Rights Campaigner with Amnesty International Australia and Principal Advisor to Change the Record Coalition.

I have worked for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission, as Principal Associate to the Hon Chief Justice Wayne Martin AC QC; as a commercial litigator; and I have international experience with UNHCR Jordan and New York University’s Global Justice Clinic.

I studied law at the University of WA, and completed an LLM (International Legal Studies) at NYU, specialising in human rights law, as a 2013 Fulbright Western Australian Scholar.

Please outline how your nomination addresses the skills, experience and profiles identified by the Board as a current priority.

As a Noongar person from Western Australia, I can support the Board’s priority of having First Nations representation. To this I can bring my extensive connections and relationships with First Nations communities across the country and my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing our mob and particularly young people.

My extensive legal and regulatory experience aligns perfectly with another key priority. While I only have limited experience as a practising lawyer, I have extensive legal policy and advocacy experience. My work at NATSILS, my time as Principal Associate to the Hon Chief Justice Wayne Martin AC QC, and my board experience with Grata Fund have equipped me with a strong understanding of legal, risk management, and policy landscapes. My LLM in International Legal Studies further solidifies my expertise in navigating complex legal environments.

My current role as Executive Director, First Nations and Youth Action at the Foundation for Young Australians, and my experience as acting CEO, directly speaks to my experience with large scale foundations and the “new gen” demographic. I have experience in managing budgets, forecasting and mitigating risk, all skills that are highly transferable to the philanthropic sector.

I have worked with many grassroots community groups and not for profits on digital innovation, particularly on adopting new and tested tools for social change and campaigning. I’m familiar with many different digital systems/software and I’m always interested in trialling new and developing technologies to achieve my goals.

What would you like to accomplish as a Board Member of Philanthropy Australia?

As a Board Member of Philanthropy Australia, I am deeply interested in progressing discussions across the sector on decolonising funding practices (noting systemic barriers) and fostering innovative approaches to giving. My aim is to actively engage the sector, encourage reflection and transformation of traditional power dynamics and embedding Indigenous self-determination at the heart of grant-making.

I am committed to expanding Philanthropy Australia’s reach, connecting with new and diverse audiences, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and young people across the country. I’m excited about seeking more opportunities for Indigenous people in Philanthropy to connect and share experiences, and to continue the important conversations in the First Nations Funders Network.

Expanding PA’s reach involves building genuine, respectful relationships and creating platforms for authentic voices to shape philanthropic strategies. I will advocate for funding models that prioritise community-led and place-based solutions and recognise the inherent value of Indigenous knowledge systems. I’m interested in promoting best practice in social change impact measurement and storytelling across the sector.

As an Executive of FYA, NATSILS and Change the Record, I’ve learned a lot about creating healthy and sustainable cultures at workplaces, and understanding different processes and practices that can facilitate (and hinder!) this. I’m keen to bring that perspective to investing in PA’s business framework.

Drawing upon my extensive campaigning and political experience within the social justice sector, I will bring a strategic, advocacy-focused perspective to the Board. I intend to leverage this experience to engage with policymakers, promote systemic change, and amplify the impact of PA initiatives. My goal is to nurture a sector to be not only responsive but also proactive in addressing systemic inequalities, ultimately contributing to a more just country. I would like to see the sector adopt new and innovative ways of giving, including participatory grant making, and unrestricted funding.

Please outline your qualifications, current position, previous position(s) and professional activities relevant to this nomination.

As CEO of Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation (LMCF), one of Australia’s oldest community foundations, I lead initiatives that help to ensure we have a just and equitable society. I am a passionate advocate for more effective philanthropy, balancing the need to address immediate issues whilst also shifting the dial on the systemic changes needed to ensure people and planet thrive.

My qualifications include a BA (politics and economics), a MSc (Development Economics), an MBA and I have completed the Oxford University Strategic Leadership Program. I have over 30 years of experience working in both grant making and grant seeking roles across community development, humanitarian leadership and nonprofit governance.

Prior roles have all focused on having a transformative impact in addressing complex social challenges. Prior to joining LMCF, I was the CEO of CARE Australia, one of Australia’s largest and most respected aid organisations. Before that I was the International Director of Australian Red Cross, spearheading global humanitarian action. I am also a former CEO of Infoxchange, a role that highlighted my passion for the appropriate use of technology for social impact and for digital inclusion and digital rights.

My governance experience is extensive, including:

• Founding Member, Pledge for Change 2030 (advancing equitable aid practices, power shifts and locally led action – only Australian representative on global board)
• Director, Emergency Action Alliance (advancing disaster response coordination and collaboration)
• Advisory Boards (Centre for Humanitarian Leadership and various advisory boards to university faculties)
• Director, Timor-Leste Hearts Fund

My career has often linked and translated global best practice to local action. I have a strong international track record for advancing power shifting approaches, community led practices and systemic change frameworks. I have led multiple organisational transformation initiatives to ensure business models align with impact goals and values. It would be a privilege to support advancing the scale and effectiveness of Australian philanthropy.

Please outline how your nomination addresses the skills, experience and profiles identified by the Board as a current priority.

I am the CEO of one of Philanthropy Australia’s current Impact partners and believe I have a broad cross section of skills and experience (governance and leadership) that would add value to the PA Board. This includes:

• My extensive experience as a Chief Executive Officer of large organisations and representation on boards demonstrates my familiarity and competence with legal and regulatory frameworks, strategic planning, financial stewardship and risk management. My ability to navigate complex organizational structures (including diverse networks) and drive strategic initiatives, aligns with the board’s need for strong governance and strategic oversight.
• In many roles I have overseen digital transformation initiatives, aligning with the board’s need for experience in digital innovation and emerging technologies (including AI). I was previously the CEO of Infoxchange an organisation that uses technology for social impact.
• I lead one of Australia’s oldest and largest community foundations and public ancillary funds. Our new strategy is strong in collective giving and shifting towards a total impact portfolio for impact investing including the alignment of assets to purpose.
• Being based in Victoria, I contribute to the board’s goal around state and territory representation, as well as positively contributing to the gender balance requirements
• My involvement in philanthropic activities and community engagement initiatives aligns with the board’s focus on philanthropy and social impact. I am experienced in both national and international philanthropy and have a successful track record in both policy and advocacy influence.
• My leadership in fostering corporate social responsibility and community partnerships demonstrates my commitment to the values and mission of Philanthropy Australia.

What would you like to accomplish as a Board Member of Philanthropy Australia?

As a board member of Philanthropy Australia, I would bring a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to futures thinking. In both governance and senior leadership capacities I have helped organisations transform to ensure they are a) as effective and as impactful as possible b) live and breath the values they seek to represent and c) stay relevant to the rapidly changing environment in which they operate.

Philanthropy in Australia is at an important crossroads and there is a need to continue to evolve (whilst learning from the past) to ensure that the act of giving can not only be more effective, but also, importantly, rise to the challenges we are seeing across society. Whether it is in the area of technological change, growing inequality, underfunding of government support mechanisms, supporting the emergent community foundation ecosystem etc, being open to finding different solutions to complex challenges is an area in which I thrive.

I believe I will bring to PA a commitment to futures and foresight thinking, strong organisational stewardship skills, and, importantly, a strong ethical approach to making philanthropy (and specifically community philanthropy) as effective and as impactful as possible. This does mean thinking differently and respectfully challenging the status quo and leaning into issues such as community voice, trust based philanthropy, fair funding solutions (pay what it takes), First Nations engagement and community wealth building.

My possible engagement with PA would be an opportunity to support the strengthening and expansion of more effective approaches to philanthropy and an opportunity to deepen and expand a thriving donor community across Australia.