Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE) is proud to announce the appointment of its inaugural Board of Directors, bringing together an exceptional group of leaders committed to shaping the organisation's vision and future.
PLACE will support hundreds of communities and initiatives nationwide, working with local communities to address complex and persistent socioeconomic barriers. It is an independent not-for-profit organisation governed by an innovative community accountability model.
PLACE's inaugural board members are:
Sean Gordon is a Wangkumarra and Barkindji man, raised on the Brewarrina Mission. Sean is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Yadha Muru Foundation and Director of Gidgee Group Consulting and Partnerships Pty Ltd.
Until recently, Sean was the Independent Chairman of Barkly Regional Deal, a Member of the Woolworths First Nations Advisory Board, a Chairman of the Commonwealth Bank Indigenous Advisory Council, and an Indigenous Advisor to Steadfast. Sean is applying his considerable leadership skills to drive place-based development and support Indigenous communities in establishing decision-making governance structures to drive positive social change.
Sean is a strong advocate of self-determination for Indigenous communities, as well as for social, cultural, and economic empowerment. Sean serves on numerous boards and advisory committees/councils.
Jane Halton is one of Australia's most experienced public sector leaders. She has held key roles, including Secretary of the Australian Department of Finance, Secretary of the Australian Department of Health; Secretary for the Department of Health and Ageing; and Executive Coordinator (Deputy Secretary) of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Jane was a member of the National COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board and has contributed to community health through local and international organisations, including the World Health Organisation and as Co-Chair of the COVAX Coordination Mechanism.
Fred Chaney is a former Federal Deputy Opposition Leader and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Social Security. After retiring from politics, he served on the National Native Title Tribunal; was Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia; and established the Polly Farmer Foundation.
Fred was named Senior Australian of the Year in 2014 for his service to government and social policy. Fred has worked extensively with Aboriginal communities at the interface with governments.
Robynne Quiggin is a descendant of the Wiradjuri nation. She is currently Pro Vice Chancellor (Indigenous Leadership & Engagement) at the University of Technology Sydney. Robynne has worked as a solicitor, consultant and academic focusing on issues for First Nations people including human rights, financial inclusion, financial services, consumer rights, governance, the arts and heritage protection.
Robynne is the former Deputy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission and previously managed the Indigenous Outreach Program for the Australian Securities & Investments Commission. Robynne chaired the Boards of the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office, the Human Rights Law Centre and Westpac's Indigenous Committee.
PLACE Chair, Sean Gordon AM, said he was excited to take on the role of Inaugural Chair during the establishment phase of a new national institution.
"PLACE has a critical role in fostering place-based collaboration and showing what is possible when you give local communities the tools and support they need to lead. I am both honoured and excited to be the Inaugural Chair of this new national institution."
"I would like to thank the Interim Chair, Richard Spencer, for his exceptional leadership and dedication during the foundational period leading up to the official launch of PLACE last month. Under Richard's guidance, the Interim Board laid the foundation for strong governance that will be carried forward by PLACE's Board of Directors.
PLACE Interim CEO Luke Craven said PLACE's governance was an integral part of the innovation it wanted to drive as a new national centre for place-based collaboration.
"It is great to have PLACE's inaugural board members in place and a strong governance framework to guide us as we build organisational capacity and engage more deeply with the community. Our Community Council will be another important step in ensuring the work we are doing here reflects the principles of place-based approaches themselves."
PLACE is initially funded through a long-term partnership between the Australian Government and philanthropic funders, including the Minderoo Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF), Ian Potter Foundation, Dusseldorp Forum and the Bryan Foundation. It will commence operations in early 2025.
