Who we are

Jane is a distinguished pathologist, academic, and public servant. With degrees from the University of London and the University of Adelaide, she has excelled in research, business, and politics, serving as Adelaide’s Lord Mayor and a State Minister. An Order of Australia recipient, she remains active in science and community organizations.

Lynn, former SA Premier, Cabinet Minister, and CEO of World Vision International, is an ordained Anglican priest and public theologian. He holds multiple degrees, including a PhD in Philosophy, and received the Order of Australia for his service. He’s a dedicated advocate for social justice, serving as a Don Dunstan Foundation Director and Patron.

Colin, President and Vice-Chancellor of Flinders University, has a distinguished academic career. With a PhD in genetics from Glasgow University and a NATO Fellowship at UC Berkeley, he held professorships and leadership roles at the Universities of Manchester and Curtin, demonstrating expertise in research, teaching, and university management.

Peter, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide, is a distinguished academic leader with a strong research background. He holds degrees from the University of Copenhagen and has received numerous Honors, including an AC. He serves on various boards and is a fellow of multiple academies, contributing significantly to higher education and research.

Matt is the Founder/Director of Social Policy Solutions – a consultancy working with not-for-profit organisations including the Bedford Group – and a former Deputy Chair of the Committee for Adelaide. He is also a Director of both Junction and Kindred Australia.

Nathan Manning is a sociologist at the University of Adelaide. His work focuses on young citizens and the role of emotions in politics and citizenship. His current projects focus on young people’s exposure to extremist content online and the different ways in which university education may undermine support for far-right politics. His work has been funded by the ONI, ESRC and the British Academy. He is founding Co-Editor of the journal Emotions and Society.

Ian, Flinders Professor of Social Impact, directs the Centre for Social Impact at Flinders University. An expert in social policy and service, he excels in research, evaluation, and systems reform. He has extensive experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including marginalized communities and government, across Australia and internationally.

Megan, Co-Director of the Future of Employment and Skills centre, specializes in research with disadvantaged and rural communities. With 15 years at NILS, she excels in interdisciplinary research, collaborating across sectors to inform policy and drive social change. Her work, including NDIS and Cashless Debit Card evaluations, impacts both academia and society.

Sanjugta, Director of the Office for Women, is a seasoned public sector leader dedicated to gender equality. With a PhD in political science, she blends research and policy across disability, housing, education, and child protection. She has extensive international experience as a consultant, focusing on gender and youth in development.

Sharyn, Flinders Distinguished Professor of Sociology, is a leading socio-legal scholar. With a PhD from the University of Connecticut and law degree from the University of Adelaide, she has authored notable works on law and deviance. She heads the Judicial Research Project, focusing on the Australian judiciary, and is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Social Sciences.

David Washington is the Executive Director of the Foundation. David has had a long career in journalism and communications as a reporter, editor and senior manager. Beyond journalism, he has worked for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Sydney Olympics.

Nardy, our Engagement and Events Coordinator, brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and event planning to the role. Nardy has a proven track record of successfully organising and executing events that bring people together and drive positive change. With a passion for fostering strong community connections, Nardy has a commitment to creating inclusive and equitable spaces for all.