Our People

Chain Reaction Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors and funded by grant-making trusts and foundations, fee-for-service contracts, government grants, and corporate and individual contributions.

With a full-time director, small staff and fine groups of trained volunteers, the Foundation delivers its programme of work through a network of 40 highly skilled Honorary Specialist Consultants and affiliated Partner Organisations.

Board of Directors

• 
  

  Margaret Bell, AM

  President - Chain Reaction Foundation
• 
  

  Benjamin Chow, AO

  Council of the National Museum of Australia
• 
  

  Dorothy Harding

  Communications Consultant
• 
  

  Dr John Hewson, AM

  Professor ANU Crawford School of Public Policy and former Liberal Opposition Leader
• 
  

  Hon John Hood

  Business Advisor
• 
  

  Rod Little, MAICD

• 
  

  Prof Abd-Elmasih Malak, AM

  Chair, Multicultural Mental Health Australia Association, Vice-President World Federation of Mental Health and Convenor Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations (APRO)
• 
  

  Pamela Gilbert

  Development Advisor
• 
  

  Prof Michele Simons

  Dean of Education - Western Sydney University

Margaret Bell, AM

President - Chain Reaction Foundation

Margaret has been working with community, business and government leaders during 50 years of wide involvement with civil society at state, national and international levels. Margaret was founding President/CEO of Volunteering Australia, the peak national body for volunteering, founding member of the Australian Prime Minister's round table on business and community partnerships, a founding Director of CIVICUS, the World Alliance for Citizen Participation, and World President of the International Association for Volunteer Effort.

She is the founder of Chain Reaction Foundation, dedicated to working with community, business and government leaders to find clearer, more sustainable ways to build social cohesion and inclusion nationally and locally.

Benjamin Chow, AO

Council of the National Museum of Australia

Benjamin Chow spent over forty years in the land development industry both in Australia and South East Asia. He sits on the boards of Global Fortune Investment Limited and Mindax Limited. He is a Council Member of Sydney Medical School Foundation, University of Sydney and Chairman of Australia and China Beverages Food and Health Supplement Products Association (ACPA).

Benjamin has served on many Boards of Universities and NGO's. He was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001 and made an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2007.

Dorothy Harding

Communications Consultant

Dorothy Harding has over 30 years of communications industry experience, she has worked for private, not for profit and government clients including six years with Volunteering NSW. Currently working as a consultant her diverse client portfolio includes ASX listed oil and gas companies, environmentally friendly coffin manufacturers, nuclear radiology association and hospitality. As a Board Member of Chain Reaction she provides pro bono support with graphic design and communication issues.

Dr John Hewson, AM

Professor ANU Crawford School of Public Policy and former Liberal Opposition Leader

Dr John Hewson is an economic and financial expert with experience in academia, business, government, media and the financial system. He has worked as an economist for the Australian Treasury, the Reserve Bank, the International Monetary Fund and as an advisor to two successive Federal Treasurers and the Prime Minister. In February 2014, Dr Hewson joined the Australian National University as Professor and Chair of the Tax and Transfer Policy Institute.

He is involved in many major charities including: Launched and Led, The National Breast Cancer Campaign; President, Arthritis Australia; Chairman and Founder, Osteoporosis Australia; Chairman, KidsXpress; Chairman, Advisory Board, Cambodian Children’s Fund and Patron of a host of other charities.

Hon John Hood

Business Advisor

John Hood is a company Director with a considerable business background with George Wimpey Ltd, Chemical Bank, Chase Manhattan and JP Morgan - all in London. He is a Director of The Parent Practice UK and Bellanga Pastoral Co Australia. He comes to Chain Reaction Foundation as a business advisor.

Rod Little, MAICD

Rod is from the Yamatji and Nyoongar peoples of Geraldton and Perth areas of WA and lives in Canberra. Currently an Associate of the Burbangana Group and a consultant specialising in matters impacting First Peoples. He is a former Co-Chair and Director of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples, and former Chairperson of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body.

Rod has extensive lived and professional experience in working in education, employment and other social policy and program areas for the benefit of First Peoples and communities.

Prof Abd-Elmasih Malak, AM

Chair, Multicultural Mental Health Australia Association, Vice-President World Federation of Mental Health and Convenor Australian Partnership of Religious Organisations (APRO)

Professor Malak 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.

In 2002 Abd was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to immigrant communities. He is currently CEO of the MMM Group, a global health consultancy group.

Pamela Gilbert

Development Advisor

Pamela has over 25 years experience gained as director of a management consultancy and corporate advisor developing business plans, marketing plans and funding reports.

She is a member of the Founding 50, Leading Women’s Fund, Australia for UNHCR and previously, as a Women's Projects Advisory Committee Member, was involved in fundraising projects including the UNHCR Vocational Training Centre in Uganda and responsible for initiating an online marketing campaign focused on promoting SafeMother and Baby Delivery Kits in refugee camps.

Prof Michele Simons

Dean of Education - Western Sydney University

Professor Simons 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.

Staff

• 
  

  Rumbi Mabambe

  Executive Director Chain Reaction Foundation and Mt. Druitt Learning Ground
• 
  

  Margaret Bell, AM

  President, Chain Reaction Foundation, Mt. Druitt Learning Ground Program Development - Adult and Teenage Programs
• 
  

  Peggy Cameron

  Financial Manager Chain Reaction Foundation
• 
  

  Melissa Hood

  Program Developer and Family Skills Program Facilitator
• 
  

  Cassandra Jackson

  Learning Ground in School (LGiS) Coordinator and Community Engagement
• 
  

  Charmaine Milsom

  Family and School Liaison Manager and Learning Ground in School (LGiS) Consultant
• 
  

  Stephen Lawler

  Mt. Druitt Learning Ground Coordinator and Learning Ground in School (LGiS) Consultant
• 
  

  Isabel Lucic

  Learning Ground in School (LGiS) Consultant and Adolescent Program Facilitator
• 
  

  Jemima Chaghouri

  Media Officer and Learning Ground in School (LGiS) Consultant
• 
  

  Alice Bateman

  Office Manager and Adolescent Program Mentor

Rumbi Mabambe

Executive Director Chain Reaction Foundation and Mt. Druitt Learning Ground

Margaret Bell, AM

President, Chain Reaction Foundation, Mt. Druitt Learning Ground Program Development - Adult and Teenage Programs

Expertise: Innovative leadership in civil society in the fields of community development, volunteering, citizen engagement, behavioural change management and participatory research. Strong networks across business, voluntary and government sectors. A renowned public speaker and writer acclaimed both nationally and internationally.

Peggy Cameron

Financial Manager Chain Reaction Foundation

Melissa Hood

Program Developer and Family Skills Program Facilitator

Cassandra Jackson

Learning Ground in School (LGiS) Coordinator and Community Engagement

Wiradjuri-Gamilaraay

Charmaine Milsom

Family and School Liaison Manager and Learning Ground in School (LGiS) Consultant

Stephen Lawler

Mt. Druitt Learning Ground Coordinator and Learning Ground in School (LGiS) Consultant

Isabel Lucic

Learning Ground in School (LGiS) Consultant and Adolescent Program Facilitator

Jemima Chaghouri

Media Officer and Learning Ground in School (LGiS) Consultant

Alice Bateman

Office Manager and Adolescent Program Mentor

Volunteers

• Benjamin Chow
• Peggy Cameron
• Gregg Freeman
• Dorothy Harding
• John Hood
• Melissa Hood
• Cassandra Jackson
• Scott Buhagiar
• Rumbi Mabambe
• Winsome Matthews
• Geoffrey Milsom
• Abbey Milsom
• Charmaine Milsom

• Paris Neilson
• Jemima Chaghouri
• Isabel Lucic
• Alice Bateman
• Jared Damodaran
• Stephen Lawler 
• Karen Lawler 
• Paul Reid
• Samantha Sharp
• Robyn Hardge-Scott
• Kyle Moss 
• Jessie Jeffery
• Breana Lockyer 
• Mikayla Schell 

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.