batyr Chair, Ellen Derrick described the incoming CEO as a “powerful voice” who is “deeply passionate about amplifying young voices and their lived experience, alongside equipping young people and their communities with the tools to live their lives and flourish.”

“Acheson’s leadership is centred around driving transformative change, with lived experience at the core of this,” Derrick said in a statement. 

As a prominent figure in the Australian youth sector, Acheson has served as the CEO of Youth Action, Chair of the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition and Executive Manager of Policy and Advocacy at Arafmi. She was the lead youth lived experience consultant for the United Nations World Youth Report in 2022, and earned the title of Financial Review’s Woman of Influence in 2019. Last year, she was a Bob and June Prickett Churchill Trust Fellow, researching the ways involving young people in decision-making can help address rising mental ill-health. 

She is also the Co-founder of Numbers and People Synergy, a data analytics company working to improve social development policies. 

Acheson said she is “beyond excited to join the batyr team.” 

“I have been championing batyr from the sidelines for many years and it’s an absolute honour to now be stepping into the role as CEO to lead this incredible organisation,” she said in a statement.

“Their expertise in prevention and championing lived experience is being recognised and acknowledged in Australia and abroad for its proven impact.”

“I’m already proud of batyr’s work on the ground to date, and can’t wait to amplify this further. I’ll continue to ensure the team are supported, motivated and inspired to keep driving positive change for young people now and for generations to come.”

Derrick added that Acheson’s “depth of knowledge and experience across youth and mental health” is “inspiring.”

“We are excited to officially welcome Katie into the batyr family and see her leadership build on our strong foundations and guide batyr into the future.”

Acheson begins her role on February 19. Last week, the organisation launched its fifth Splash the Stigma swim fundraiser that will continue through the month of February. Splash the Stigma is batyr’s annual drive to “turn the tide on mental health”, where people are invited to take up swimming challenge to raise money for the charity’s education programs to help young people better understand their mental health.

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Middleton has over 30 years experience covering federal politics as a reporter, analyst and commentator.

For the past eight years, she’s been chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper. Prior to that, Middleton was chief political correspondent for SBS and political editor for The West Australian. 

She’s also a regular panellist on ABC Insiders, a commentator on Australian politics for a range of domestic and international outlets and has written two books– a biography of Anthony Albanese; “Telling it Straight” and “An Unwinnable War” about Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan. 

Middleton says she’s “thrilled to be joining Guardian Australia”. 

“It’s already a big year in politics, and I look forward to working with the great team in Canberra to try to make sense of it all,” she says, as she’ll be joining the Canberra office to oversee Guardian Australia’s political coverage.

Guardian Australia editor Lenore Taylor says she’s “delighted” that Middleton will be joining the team, noting the “decades of experience, judgement, a significant record of news breaking and excellent analytical skills” that she’ll bring to the publication.

Middleton’s appointment follows the resignation of the former political editor at Guardian Australia, Katharine Murphy, roughly two weeks ago. 

A respected Australian journalist with nearly 30 years in the field, Murphy announced on social media that she was resigning to work in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office. Having worked at Guardian Australia since the British media outlet extended to Australia in 2013, she, and the publication’s editor, Lenore Taylor, were key in the establishment of the independent media organisation in Australia.

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Formed in 1992, ITS Australia is the peak body for advanced transport technology in Australia, supporting Australians to move efficiently and safely through the nation’s transport networks.

Troseth has been a board director since 2018 and is the Vice President APAC and General Manager Australia at Q-Free ASA. She has worked in the industry for over 15 years, with a focus around helping reduce congestion and pollution, improve road safety, finance infrastructure and promote smarter cities. 

Prior to her appointment as president, Troseth has worked with both private and public sector across Australia, Europe and Asia-Pacific with project delivery, sales and marketing. She holds a Bachelor degree from University of Western Sydney and a Masters degree from University of Technology Sydney. 

She’ll replace the outgoing President Dean Zabrieszach following the conclusion of his 6-year term. 

“I am honoured to take on the opportunity of leading this esteemed board of industry colleagues,” Troseth said.

“I aim to cultivate an environment where our diverse perspectives flourish, ideas thrive, and collaboration guides everything we do, during a period of great opportunity for the intelligent transport sector in Australia.”

Troseth also acknowledged the “dedication and wisdom” of outgoing President Zabrieszach and says she looks “forward to building on his legacy and steering the board to more great accomplishments”. 

Speaking to National Women in Transport, Troseth recounted how she first ended up in the transport industry as a young professional and the trajectory her career has taken since then.

“In the early years of my career, I did ask myself: ‘how did I end up in transport as a young professional?’ And I couldn’t really answer that question in the beginning because it wasn’t very cool back then, and the industry felt extremely male dominated.

“Now it is crystal clear to me why I am here and why we do what we do in transport – we are building liveable cities and a sustainable future. Our work helps reduce congestion and pollution in our cities and provides real value for people in our communities. I feel very fortunate to work in this industry.”

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Set to take up the position in February 2024, Dr Boyd-Caine said she’s looking forward to the opportunity to lead the organisation at a time when reducing violence against women and children is more critical than ever. 

“The national priority to end violence against women and children reflects the hard-earned gains of advocates over many years, many of whom draw on their own lived experience to focus the nation’s attention on the unacceptable levels of violence against women and children across this country,” she said.

“I can’t think of a more important time to advance this priority and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the ANROWS team to do it. I look forward to strengthening ANROWS’ voice in support of evidence-based policy to reduce violence against women and children.” 

Dr Boyd-Caine’s appointment as ANROWS’s CEO follows her tenure as the inaugural CEO of Health Justice Australia, a position she’s held since 2016.

Prior to her leadership of Health Justice Australia, Dr Boy-Caine was the Deputy CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS). She was also the inaugural Fullbright Professional Scholar in Nonprofit Leadership, holds a PhD in social science from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Masters of Criminology.

Given her extensive research background, history of coalition building and depth of experience as a Chief Executive, the ANROWS Board believes that Dr Boyd-Caine will provide strong leadership as the organisation looks to deliver the evidence base that supports ending violence against women and children in Australia. 

Chair of ANROWS, Sam Mostyn AO said she’s delighted that Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine has agreed to lead ANROWS.”

“Her expertise as a leader, researcher and collaborator makes her a perfect fit to lead ANROWS.”

Mostyn also thanked Acting CEO Jane Lloyd for her “stability and leadership”, noting that Lloyd will continue at ANROWS as the Director of Research and Evaluation once Dr Boyd-Caine commences as CEO.

ANROW’s announcement of Dr Boyd-Caine as CEO follows the appointment of former CEO Padma Raman PSM to Executive Director of the Federal Office for Women.

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“Fritha brings to the table an impressive record of achievement in a similar operating environment to Carers Queensland with a lived experience as a family carer and a reputation for delivering great outcomes in challenging programs,” said the Chair of Carers Queensland, Jim Toohey. 

“We are confident she can guide Carers Queensland on its successful journey and advocacy on behalf of unpaid carers, people with disability and their families.”

For more than 20 years, Radyk has led complex projects and operations for a large management consulting, healthcare and community services organisations in Australia and overseas. 

She began her career at Ernst and Young in New Zealand where she specialised in strategic planning, project management and process reengineering with a sub specialisation in Healthcare.

Her most recent position was as CEO of Mercy Community in Brisbane, which she started in July 2019. She’ll commence her new role at Carers Queensland on 29 January 2024. 

Succeeding the CEO position from Debra Cottrell, Toohey said that Radyk’s appointment had come as a result of a national search for someone who could sustain and grow the exceptional performance and reputation as Cottrell. 

“The Board was determined to find someone with a similar track record of success that Deb enjoyed, in delivering great financially sustainable outcomes for some of the most disadvantaged in our community,” said Toohey.

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“Anna has a deep passion for improving outcomes for women impacted by Ovarian Cancer,” said the Chair of Ovarian Cancer Australia, Meghan Speers, speaking about the announcement.

“[She] brings a wealth of knowledge driving system change within the cancer space and we were impressed at her approach to collaboration both internally within organisations, but also across the sector.”

Dr Boltong’s diverse experience extends through clinical practice, education, service management, administration, strategic planning, policy development and senior executive roles. Her most recent position was as the Head of Cancer Information and Support Services at Cancer Council Victoria, in Melbourne– here, she played a pivotal role in shaping the forthcoming Australian Cancer Plan.

On November 27th, Dr Boltong will step into the role of CEO at Ovarian Cancer Australia, succeeding Jane Hill, who has held the position for 8 years. 

“I am thrilled to carry on Jane’s work,” said Dr Boltong. “Under her leadership, OCA has inspired us with their timeless advocacy on behalf of women in Australia, and I look forward to continuing this important work.”

Hill will be assisting with the transition until Dr Boltong’s commencement to ensure there is a comprehensive handover and effective continuity, the organisation has noted.

“Our people Board and Community are so very grateful for Jane’s leadership and her genuine passion for our mission,” Spears said about the end of Hill’s time as CEO. 

Under Hill’s leadership, over 1000 women benefited from the national service, with the organisation saying she was instrumental in building OCA’s financial position and growing its impact.

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With 20 years of experience in social justice research, Dr Pascoe– an Arrernte woman– will bring a wealth of knowledge to her new role as researcher at the national mental health institute. She’ll be joining CQUniversity colleague Dr Cassy Dittman under chief investigator Professor Chris Doren. 

Through her social justice research, Dr Pascoe holds special interests in First Nation’s health and wellbeing, experiences of first-time university students and the mental health of regional medical staff.

“My work with the Manna Institute will enable me to collaborate with like-minded researchers in an effort to find solutions to some of the regions’ biggest needs in mental health,” said Dr. Pascoe.

“The regions have their own specific issues that need solutions, and regional researchers are best placed to understand the problems and find solutions,” she said, explaining that there needs to be a deliberate approach to engage these researchers to help find solutions for the regions’ complex issues. 

The Manna Institute unites leading mental health researchers from seven regional universities to engage in research, workforces and practical, place-based programs. The Institute has $3.66 million in Commonwealth funding to drive the initiatives.

As the first of its kind to operate as an innovative virtual research and training initiative, the Manna Institute includes Regional Universities Network (RUN) members CQUniversity, Charles Sturt University, Federation University, Southern Cross University, the University of Southern Queensland, the University of Sunshine Coast and lead institution the University of New England. 

Dr Pascoe believes a collaborative approach by researchers at the coalface could help to address the mental health and wellbeing needs of people living in rural and regional areas.

Professor Chris Doran said the strength of the Manna Institute lies in “its people and their commitment to improving mental health outcomes for Australians living in rural and remote regions.”

“Australia is experiencing a mental health crisis and regional Australians are most at risk,” he said.

“The institute’s research agenda will strengthen the knowledge base around mental health, and ultimately lead to more effective solutions.”

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The appointment is in recognition of her outstanding contribution to journalism education at her alma mater, and Karvelas says it gives her “great pride” to return to RMIT and “take up this honorary professorial role”.

“I believe journalism has never been more important and I hope to be able to provide leadership for the country’s future journalists,” she says.

Beginning her professional career at the ABC and SBS 20 years ago, Karvelas has since worked across all mediums within the Australian media landscape. 

Currently, she’s the presenter of ABC Radio National’s agenda-setting RN Breakfast and co-host of the Party Room podcast.

“Patricia is one of the country’s most respected journalists,” said the Dean of RMIT’s School of Media and Communication, Professor Lisa French.

“She is a leader in broadcasting – which is also one of RMIT’ strengths – and has a reputation as a passionate ally for her work with Indigenous Australians,” she said. “We are pleased and proud to welcome her as one of our distinguished Honorary Professors.” 

French added that Karvelas’ outstanding skills will greatly contribute to the journalism program’s teaching, learning, industry partnerships and research.

Over the past five years, Karvelas has supported the University’s journalism program on a range of projects such as working with students on national curriculum resources for political reporting and hosting public events to share her insights and experiences of working in the industry. 

As an Honorary Professor, Karvelas will build on this existing engagement with RMIT and continue to work with students and staff in various capacities.

She’ll be giving a public lecture on Thursday 9 March at The Capitol to mark the beginning of her honorary professorship. 

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“Our First Nations people, people with disabilities, women, men, different cultural backgrounds,” she told ABC. “A diverse team is only as good as the environment they work in … so I’ll absolutely be working on that.”

Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll said Hook is “an outstanding appointment into an absolutely crucial role.”

“This requires a CEO with exceptional financial acumen, the capacity to build teams and networks as well as manage a very complex stakeholder environment,” he said in a statement. “To these requirements you can add the creation of a culture that will enable the Brisbane Games to succeed.”

“We are very fortunate in having Cindy Hook ready to step up to this challenge with the calm assurance of a skilled and experienced leader.”

Hook has signed a four-year contract, though the Games are still nine and a half years away. 

She is currently a board member of Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and the Singapore Economic Development Board. 

The 58-year old US-born businesswoman led Deloitte’s Asia Pacific branch for almost three years before stepping down in June this year with the intention of retiring from corporate work.

Hook said her top priority is to ensure the Games are cost-neutral and ‘climate-positive’. 

“We’re basically forming a business and we’ve got to set the foundations that will serve us well for the next 10 years,” she said, adding that her background as an auditor and accounting graduate will help set this up. 

At a press conference earlier this week, Hook said, “I think if we work together and keep the end game in mind, we can deliver the best Games ever and really put Brisbane and South East Queensland on the map.”

Carroll agrees, adding his committee “looks forward to providing her with every support needed to deliver a Games that Australia will be proud of, and the world’s athletes will remember with great affection throughout their lives.”

Hook is no stranger to public scrutiny, though admits that accountability will be heightened in her new role. 

“My prior role had a level of media engagement and scrutiny, but nothing close to this,” she said.

“I’m a pretty transparent and open person and that’s how I plan to engage the media … but is it the part of the role that I’m most looking forward to … I wouldn’t say that.”

Andrew Liveris, who was appointed president of Brisbane Olympics in April, told ABC his new colleague had been a top pick among fifty highly qualified applicants around the world. 

“We needed an individual that knows what it takes to run a multi-billion-dollar business on time and on budget, as well as how to engage to the community, industry and the corporate sector,” Liveris said of Hook. 

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who is also the Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, called Hook’s appointment “a very significant step on our path to 2032”.

“This will be our Golden Age,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to work together on this once-in-lifetime opportunity for Queensland and Australia.”

Hook relocated to Brisbane earlier this month. She will commence her role as CEO in February.

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Lamb, who departed from the NRA in September before joining Airservices Australia as head of external communications, will take over from outgoing commissioner Maree Adshead. 

Adshead served for two-and-a-half years as the sunshine state’s Small Business Commissioner, and previously as Queensland’s Small Business Champion. 

During her tenure, the office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner was made permanent, a change which took effect from May this year.

Adshead played a key role in supporting many Queensland small businesses during the recent flooding, including by developing a specific mental health support guide and launching a hardship appeal with GIVIT in May to help business owners “get back on track”. 

Queensland Small Business Minister Di Farmer praised Adshead for leading the state “through two of the most difficult years” and said Queensland has “emerged with a stronger economy and business community as a result of her direct support to the business sector as a whole”.

“Maree Adshead is a passionate advocate for small business and she and her team have provided a strong voice for small businesses across Queensland, helping small business throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as leading engagement with government at all levels to champion Queensland small business needs and issues,” she added in a statement.

Farmer said Lamb’s appointment followed a nationwide recruitment search.

“Dominique Lamb has extensive experience in leading change in complex environments and has been involved in significant engagement in the Queensland sector as an advocate for retail, particularly during the COVID 19 pandemic and the economic recovery period,” said Farmer.

Lamb’s appointment, which commences on December 23, means most of Australia’s small business commissioner posts will continue to be held by women. 

She joins Lynda McAlary-Smith in Victoria, Nerissa Kilvert in South Australia, Chris Lamont in New South Wales and David Eaton in Western Australia as the country’s small business commissioners. 

This article was first published by SmartCompany.

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After a 12-month secondment leading Intrepid’s global accommodation strategy, Sarah Clark will lead the ANZ team as Managing Director, overseeing the business’s recently announced partnership with off-grid accommodation company, CABN. 

Since joining Intrepid in 2018, Clark has held a number of senior leadership roles at the business across product development, sales and marketing in retail and tour operation in the UK, Canada and USA.

Also a board member of Tourism Tasmania, Clark said she is “thrilled” about her new role.

“We’ve seen domestic travel return in waves and we are finally seeing the uptick and return of international travel as well,” she said. “I’m thrilled to be returning my focus to the Australian and New Zealand markets.”

“Intrepid has focused on increasing our number of female tour leaders and crew over the years and now I’m extremely proud to lead our first-ever all-female regional leadership team.” 

“We know that solo female travellers are among our largest customer groups and with this team, we have ambitious plans to grow rapidly with purpose and ensure even more people can again explore the world with us.”

Joining Clark on the team will be Yvette Thompson, who will become the new General Manager of Sales & Partnerships.

“I am looking forward to working even more closely with our partners to deliver new opportunities as we continue to grow,” Thompson said.

“I’m also excited to be recruiting for a partnership manager, who will ensure we provide our agents and partners the support they need as travel rebounds.” 

Other women in the all-female regional team include General Manager of Marketing, Louise Laing; General Manager of Inside Sales and Customer Experience, Julie Risteveski, and General Manager of Commercial Finance, Lauren McCormick.

Intrepid CEO James Thornton said he is pleased with this new ANZ team.

“I’m delighted to welcome Sarah back into the managing director role in Australia and New Zealand, particularly with the travel rebound well underway,” Thornton said. 

“This region remains a key one for Intrepid and with this leadership team in place, I have no doubt we will grow rapidly in the months ahead.”

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The 4,000+ member organisation is the peak association for professionals who deliver public works and engineering services to communities across Australia and New Zealand.

Morcom takes on the role from Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Institute Ben Balov, who took over from previous CEO Robert Fuller last November.

“My first 100 days will be about listening to our members and those we work with in support of our purpose and the collective IPWEA team, therefore successfully leading IPWEA in to its next growth phase, through collaboration, consultation and transparency,” Morcom said in a statement on her LinkedIn account. “Professionals working in the sectors represented by IPWEA carry the daily responsibility of enhancing the quality of community life, and it is the mission of our organisation to advocate for positive change to advance the role of public works and services.”

Two years ago, Morcom was appointed as National General Manager of Scouts Australia – the first female in the organisation’s 110 year history to claim that title. Before that Morcom was an Associate Director at KPMG.

She has more than 25 years experience in senior management across companies including Australia National Bank and Westpac, RailCorp and Commonwealth Bank. Her unique background has fostered her leadership style which encompasses technology, human capital and culture. In a statement released by IPWEA, Morcom said she considered this role to be a pivotal advocacy opportunity to connect wider society to government agencies and supply chain service providers.

“IPWEA’s objective is to enhance the quality of life of our communities through public works and services. This is a powerful and shared higher purpose for the organisation,” Morcom said. “As an active member of my local community, I’m passionate about ensuring IPWEA supports the ambitions of its members, and all associated professionals, with the resources and collective voice to make the world a better place. IPWEA is ideally positioned to campaign for awareness of the sector’s essential purpose of understanding, interpreting and delivering on the needs of local communities, from the front line, as well as advocating for change.”

Rosemary Crowhurst, a long term member of IPWEA and the only full-time female engineer in a council of close to 30 engineers, praised Morcom’s appointment.   

“This appointment has the potential to be positive in our industry. The need for quality engineers in public works is important for everyone and I am a strong believer that diversity is key to that. Having a female leading one of our peak industry bodies is good news.”

Morcom’s unique background and range of experiences will be brought to “provide professionals with the timely tools and resources they need to develop new skills, grow their networks and engage with strategic partners,” she said in her statement.

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