Chain Reaction Foundation Ltd

Honorary Specialist Consultants 

 

A/Prof John Basson 
Sydney West Area Health Service and  University of NSW
Expertise: John specialises in caring for mentally disordered offenders and the long-term management of people with serious mental disorders. He came to Australia in 2004 following an outstanding career as Medical Director at Broadmoor Hospital, Berkshire, England.

Prof Bruce Bonyhady, AM
Executive Chair & Director - Melbourne Disability Institute
Expertise: Bruce was the inaugural Chair of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) 2013-16, former President of Philanthropy Australia (2006-13) and former Chairman of Yooralla (2001-13). He is an economist with a life-long interest in the disability sector.

Jody Broun
Chief Executive Officer - National Indigenous Australians Agency 
Expertise: Jody is a Yindjibarndi woman from the Pilbara in Western Australia who has dedicated herself to the service of Australia's first people over a 30 year career.  Appointments have included Co-Chair National Congress of Australia's First People's, Executive Director of Policy and Coordination of the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority (WA), Director General NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs,  Executive Director NSW Australia Red Cross and CEO Aboriginal House NSW Government. Jody is also a well-known and highly respected artist.

Julian Burnside, AO QC
Expertise: Is an Australian barrister who specialises in commercial litigation and is also deeply involved in human rights work, particularly in relation to refugees. He is the former President of Liberty Victoria, and is Chair of Melbourne arts venue Fortyfivedownstairs, and Chair of the Mietta Foundation. Julian won the Sydney Peace Prize in 2014, and was designated a Living National Treasure in 2004. In 2009 he made an Officer in the Order of Australia.

Benjamin Chow, AO
Council of the National Museum of Australia

Expertise: Business management, urban development and community service. Key interests include planning for community spaces, multicultural inclusion especially in large Australian icons eg Scouts and Guides Australia, Surf Life Saving and the like. Board Director Chain Reaction Foundation.  

Hass Dellal, OAM
Executive Director - Australian Multicultural Foundation
Expertise: 
Multicultural organisations, police and community relations, philanthropy and the arts. Special Adviser, National Police Ethnic Advisory Bureau. 

Prof Julian Disney, AO
Director Social Justice Project, UNSW, National Chair, Anti-Poverty Week 
Expertise: Housing and urban development, Tax and social justice, Social security and unemployment, Global governance and poverty.

Robert Fitzgerald, AM
Commissioner - NSW Ageing and Disability
Expertise: Social policy, systemic reform, NGO governance, management structure, conciliation, complaint and dispute resolution, community, government and business interface. 

Dorothy Harding 
Communications Consultant
Expertise: Public relations, marketing, event management and all levels of communications. Board Director Chain Reaction Foundation.

John Hewson, AM
Expertise: John is an Australian economist, company director and a former politician and leader of the Liberal Party of Australia. He is Chairman, Global DC Pty Ltd and has been involved in a range of not-for-profit organisations including the Arthritis Foundation and Kids Xpress.

Melissa Hood
Former Co-founder & Director - The Parent Practice UK
Expertise: Parent education and relationship support, Co-Founder of the Parent Practice UK. Highly skilled in working with parents and children, author "Real Parenting for Real Kids".

Rachel Kerry
Executive Officer - Cages Foundation
Expertise: Many years experience in philanthropy and corporate community relations including Perpetual and Westpac Foundation. At Cages Foundation Rachel is responsible for the development and implementation of the strategic giving direction.
She is also Chair of the Management Committee for Curious Works.

Karen Loblay
Founder and Chair of Matana Foundation for Young People
Expertise:  Sapphire Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, professional and businesswoman, boardmember New Israel Fund Australia Foundation, with special interest in human rights, social justice, refugee advocacy and, through the foundation, disadvantaged youth.

Hugh Mackay, AO 
Psychologist, Social Researcher and writer
Expertise: Hugh has been at the forefront of social analysis in Australia for many years. He gives generously of his time in a variety of ways in community service and has been a supporter of Chain Reaction Foundation since its inception in 2002.

Karen Mahlab, AM
Founder and CEO Pro Bono Australia
Expertise: Board member of Reichstein Foundation and the Australian Arts Orchestra.  Cheerleader for cross sectoral, cross cultural understandings and big picture thinking.

Prof Abd-Elmasih Malak, AM
Chair Multicultural Mental Health Australia Association, Vice-President World Federation of Mental Health, Convenor Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations.
Expertise: Abd has worked in the field of health and social welfare for the past 30 years in service provision, policy development, planning and management. He has published a wide range of papers on cross cultural issues. Board Director Chain Reaction Foundation.

Winsome Matthews
Manager, Aboriginal Outcomes Child & Family - NSW Family & Community Services

Expertise: Winsome is a Yorta Yorta Goomaroi woman experienced in policy planning and protocol development in Aboriginal Services at national level. She is a specialist in holistic approach to sustaining and maintaining Australian Aboriginal culture. Working to improve program services and community development which facilitate self-determination and self-management underpinned by equitable social justice practises.

Paul Reid
Retired Partner (Oct 2014) - KPMG
Expertise: Paul was the partner in charge of KPMG’s Investment Management, Funds and Superannuation group and was a member of KPMG’s Global Investment Management and Funds Steering Committee. Paul commits much of his time to pro bono work, including services to NAPCAN, Chain Reaction Foundation and Holy Family Church Mt Druitt.

Felicity Reynolds
CEO - Mercy Foundation
Expertise: Chair Australian Common Ground Alliance and the B. Miles Womens' Foundation. Expertise in effective solving of chronic homelessness; permanent supportive housing; mental health; poverty; social research and social policy. 

Chris Sidoti
International Human Rights Consultant, Senior Consultant Asia Pacific Forum
Expertise: Human Rights Lawyer, activist and teacher. Formerly Australian Human Rights Commissioner, Australian Law Reform Commissioner, Foundation Director of Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and Chair NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.

Prof Michele Simons
Dean of Education - Western Sydney University
Expertise: Michele has a background in adult and vocational education. Prior to her university appointments, she worked in community services, leading a range of programs for couples, parents and families. She has served on committees for a number of national organisations and government committees focused on the provision of family services in Australia. Michele is currently a Director for Engagement Australia and sits on a number of national education and research related committees.

Patricia Turner, AM
Expertise: Pat is a proud Arrernte woman, now living and working in her family town of Alice Springs, NT.  She plays an active role in pursuing Ulura Statement From The Heart. Pat was the inaugural CEO, National Indigenous Television (NITV) from 2007-2010. Prior to that she had a long and distinguished career as a senior public servant in Canberra for some 26 years.