FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WINDERMERE ANNOUNCES NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD After successfully presiding over the Windermere Board for more than 15 years, our Chairman, Carl Strachan, has passed the baton to a new leader to take the organisation forward. The incoming Chairman is current Vice Chairman, Ian Forsyth, who has been on the Board for more seven years. Board member, Elizabeth Mildwater will take on the role of Deputy Chair. Windermere is delighted that Mr Strachan has agreed to extend his more than 20 year involvement with the organisation, continuing on as a Director on the Board. “After much deliberation and taking steps to ensure a seamless transition I believe it is the right time for me personally, and for Windermere,” Mr Strachan said. “I’m so pleased with the way Windermere has grown and I’m stepping down as Chairman secure in the knowledge that the organisation will continue to be lead by a new Chairperson of the highest calibre. “Our management and staff, under the day to day leadership of our CEO Dr Lynette Buoy, continue to make great progress supporting children and families in need and I know Ian will provide them with strong support and leadership as Chairman,” Mr Strachan said. In addition to his existing Windermere experience, Ian brings a strong understanding of Government and has held a range of senior executive positions across both the private and public sectors. He has a strong background in communications and is currently Managing Partner at The Shannon Company, a specialist behaviour change communications company. With a deep understanding of state and national issues and demonstrated passion for making a difference, Ian’s leadership philosophy revolves around the importance of sound business practices, knowing your constituents and strong governance. “It is an honour to take on the Chairmanship of such a highly regarded organisation, and it’s a bit daunting to follow Carl, someone who has done, and will continue to do, so much for Windermere. I am very much looking forward to this exciting challenge and continuing the board’s contribution to the work of Windermere,” said Mr Forsyth. “Everyday our team strives to get in early to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities; we have an extraordinary group of people dedicated to making a difference,” he said. The transition of Chairman was formalised at the June 2015 Board meeting, which also welcomed a new board member, Victoria’s most senior public servant, Chris Eccles – Secretary, Department Premier & Cabinet (VIC). Mr Eccles brings a wealth of experience and boasts an impressive CV, which includes three years as the Director-General of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. The appointment of Mr Eccles strengthens Windermere’s already impressive board of directors who play a vital role in ensuring strong governance and strategic leadership. -EndsPage 1 of 3 – WIN0108
Windermere Board Members Ian Forsyth (Chair) Elizabeth Mildwater (Deputy Chair) Ricki Ryan (Treasurer) Carl Strachan Dr Kevin McKenzie Max Warwick Pam Usher Nicola Mendleson Chris Eccles Innes Willox Ian Forsyth (Chair) Ian is Managing Partner with The Shannon Company, behaviour change communications specialists. He began his career as a journalist with the ABC, before moving into communications consulting, and onto a range of senior executive positions across the private and public sectors. With more than 20 years’ experience in behaviour change programs Ian was a major driver of the ground breaking social marketing strategies with Victoria’s provider of compulsory personal injury insurance (TAC & WorkSafe). In the late 1990s – early 2000s, Ian was Managing Director of Norwich Union Life Australia, (now part of NAB’s wealth management business). From here he moved to WorkSafe Victoria, as Deputy Chief Executive. Over an eight year period Ian led the development and implementation of internationally recognised internal and external behavioural change programs that repositioned WorkSafe as a brand and workplace safety as a community priority. Ian holds a Bachelor of Economics degree from Monash University, is a Williamson Fellow, and has successfully undertaken the Advanced Management Programme at Templeton College, Oxford University. Elizabeth Mildwater (Deputy Chair) Elizabeth is the director of Australian programs at Save the Children Australia, making the transition to the Not for Profit sector in late 2013. Prior to this Elizabeth was the Victorian Group General Manager with Transurban and responsible for the operations of Citylink in Melbourne. Elizabeth has more than 20 years of management experience, covering legal, company secretarial, compliance, risk, management, human resources and general operations. She holds degrees in Law and Economics, a Masters of Arts and has completed the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School in the United States of America. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has also completed the Leadership Victoria Not for Profit Board membership course. Chris Eccles (Newly appointed member) Chris Eccles is the Secretary of DPC and leads the department and the Victorian Public Service in advising the Premier and the Government of Victoria. Chris was Director-General of the New South Wales Department of Premier and Cabinet from 2011 to 2014, and Chief Executive of the South Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet from 2009 to 2011. Prior to joining Victoria's DPC in 2007, Chris worked in a variety of government and private sector senior management positions including leadership roles with the ACT Chief Minister's Department and the Australian National Training Authority. As an Associate Director with KPMG, Chris headed the national education consulting practice and subsequently became a foundation Director of the consulting firm, Phillips KPA. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University. For further media information contact: Maree De George Windermere Child and Family Services Phone: (03) 9705 3460 Mob: 0414 609 006 maree.degeorge@windermere.org.au www.windermere.org.au Page 2 of 3 – WIN0108
About Windermere For over 150 years Windermere has been providing help and resources to people so they can live life to their full potential. Our ultimate goal is to help create strong, connected communities where our services are no longer needed. Today we are proud to be one of the largest independent community service organisations operating solely in Victoria’s South-East. We support individuals who have experienced or are dealing with issues such as physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, violence in the family, lack of housing, have been the victim of a violent crime, are living with a disability, who care for a child with a developmental delay or who just need help to fit in or feel part of their community. We provide emotional and practical support counselling, advice, education, advocacy, therapeutic interventions and reasons to come together. We also provide quality in home and centre-based childcare and work together with a number of schools to help children remain healthy and engaged. While we offer a suite of interventions, our key focus in on prevention and early intervention, and innovative practice. If you wish to know more information please contact Windermere Child and Family Services on (03) 9705 3200 or email info@windermere.org.au
Page 3 of 3 – WIN0108