Jennifer Bott AO is an experienced mentor, arts manager, board member and consultant. She is currently Chairman of the Bundanon Trust and is a Board member of the Australian Museum, the Australian National Academy of Music and the Sydney Orthopaedic Research Institute. Jenny’s career has been in all aspects of the arts, philanthropy and international student exchange.
With a background in mathematical statistics, Mike initially worked in the field of operations research in the public and private sectors, specialising in optimisation of distribution systems. He later held senior marketing and management roles in the paint industry and the banking industry. In 1984, he commenced his own management consulting practice, specialising in industrial market research, marketing and business planning. He has consulted to a wide range of clients in markets across Australia and New Zealand.
Annabel moved to Berrima in the Southern Highlands in 2012. Annabel has extensive experience in the philanthropic and not for profit sectors in Australia and is a keen supporter of grassroots initiatives. Annabel is passionate about working together with other community organisations, individuals and government, leveraging support to create what is needed for flourishing communities. Prior to her career in philanthropy, Annabel worked in publishing and the media.
Peter moved to the Southern Highlands in 2017. Originally from Sydney, he served as CEO of a large Family Office from 2000 to 2012. In conjunction with this role, Peter was a Non-Executive Director of Rural Press Limited and Landis+Gyr AG.
Emma is a community relations and marketing specialist who was Head of Enrolments and Community Relations at a Southern Highlands’ independent school for more than 15 years. Originally a film and television producer, Emma moved to Robertson with her husband and three small children 26 years ago and has been a passionate member of the community, volunteering at numerous organisations within the Southern Highlands including Joynt Youth Action, Relay for Life and the Robertson CTC. To build a strong community, Emma understands the importance of grassroots involvement and fostering a feeling of belonging and connection.
Although only a permanent resident of the Southern Highlands for the past 18 months, Julie has had a longstanding relationship with the area having spent many long weekends visiting friends and enjoying the many benefits that are on offer. As a country girl originally, the Highlands provides her with the sense of peace and space that she knows from her early years, but with a convenient location to continue her varied work priorities in Sydney. Currently a non-executive director - Chair of the SENSW Primary Health Care Network (COORDINARE); Chair of Women’s Community Shelters and Chair of Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation and an Independent Director on Ability First Australia, Julie is also a strategic adviser on social investment and staff community engagement to business and to not-for-profits in strategic planning, corporate governance, philanthropy and corporate and community engagement. She also provides professional mentoring to Chairs and CEO’s of not-for-profit organisations.
I have been Principal Lawyer and Managing Director of Stacks Davis for over 14 years. Stacks Davis specialises in insolvency law and commercial litigation from offices in Bowral and Melbourne. I graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws in 1995 and was admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in 1997, the High Court of Australia in 1998, and the Supreme Court of England and Wales in 2002. I have worked with some of the top firms around the world – including Mayer Brown in London, and Minter Ellison and Sparke Helmore in Sydney . In addition to litigation, I was invited to join the Board of Consolidated Land and Rail Australia Pty Ltd (CLARA) in 2015 and have been a director and Legal Counsel since. CLARA has a vision to build the world’s most liveable, sustainable and connected cities and is presently progressing several projects in green hydrogen manufacturing.
Christopher Brown AM is Honorary Chair of not-for-profit regional think tank, the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue. He is also Executive Chair of national strategy firm, Taylor Street Advisory. Christopher retired recently as Pro-Chancellor of Western Sydney University (WSU) after eight years as a Trustee Director and he chaired WSU’s engagement subcommittee and Academy. The university awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in recognition of his significant regional contribution in 2019 and before that was Adjunct Professor of Business at the University of Technology Sydney. Raised and educated in Parramatta, Christopher Brown AM was awarded Australian Honours for services to industry and community in 2014. He and his family now shuttle between homes on a small cattle farm in the Southern Highlands and in an old tram workshop in Rozelle.
Conor has lived in the Southern Highlands for over 23 years. For the past 6 years he has been working as an Accountant serving the community in taxation and compliance. Conor is currently a member of the Berrima Residence Association overseeing the treasury function as well as member of the Charter Accountants Australia & New Zealand.
Hugh Mackay is a social researcher and bestselling author of 19 books, including The Good Life, The Art of Belonging and his latest, Australia Reimagined. Hugh resided in the Southern Highlands for many years and serves as the patron of the Southern Highlands Foundation.
Shelley Boyce - JP, PHF, moved to the Southern Highlands in 1979 with her husband Philip, where they have lived, worked and raised their five children. Through her work as a legal administrator and her extensive work in Community Philanthropy and volunteering, she has had association with countless members of the community, government, local authorities and agencies in the Southern Highlands.
Originally from a hospitality and event management background spanning 30 years locally Bridget transitioned to vocational training and education supporting youth at risk, youth leadership and a was a Rotarian. Bridget is passionate about community citizenship. Her previous community volunteer roles were as the District committee for Rotary Youth Leadership, Chair of Youth Projects, Berrima Rotary and Board member for Highlands Community Centres. She is also a member of her local community association. As Community Liaison for the SHCF Bridget's role supports community collaboration, connections and help the Foundation to broaden its reach in the region. Bridget is a member of Institute of Community Directors.
