The Board of Patrons was established by the Board of Directors to give The Shepherd Centre access to a group of individuals who would publicly endorse the work of the Centre and offer advice on specific issues. This group has no statutory or governance responsibility. The Charter of the Board of Patrons is: “To assist and support the work of The Shepherd Centre through the endorsement of the Centre in the general community, with potential benefactors and with government. At times it may be asked to assist with introductions to people and organisations that may in turn support The Shepherd Centre.”
Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
Ms Sam Mostyn AC was sworn in as Australia’s 28th Governor-General on 1 July 2024.
A businesswoman and community leader, Ms Mostyn is known for her exceptional service to the Australian community. She has a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors, including business, sport, climate change, the arts, policy and not-for-profit.
Vice-Patron Cathy Harris the Chair of Australia’s largest independent produce retailer, Harris Farm Markets, she is also a Commissioner of the Australian Rugby League.
She is also a Director of The National Gallery of Australia, The Australian Ballet and the UNSW Business School.
She has held the roles of Trustee of the SCG, Deputy Chancellor UNSW, The Director of Affirmative Action, a Director of ADFA, The MCA, and Chairperson of the Australia Japan Foundation.
Catherine is an Officer in the Order of Australia and was awarded the Australian Public Service Medal, The Centenary Medal and has an Honorary Doctorate in Business from UNSW.
Vice-Patron John Mangos is one of Australia’s most well-known television personalities.
He was the first Greek news presenter on Australian television and is one of the founding senior anchors of Sky News Australia.
He currently operates Megisti Media, a media training consultancy which works with and coaches some of Australia’s leading business and political figures.
Vice Patron Dr Brendan Nelson AO serves as the Senior Vice President and President of Boeing Global, where he leads the company’s international strategy and operations.
Before joining Boeing, Dr Nelson was the Director of the Australian War Memorial, a role he held for seven years.
From 2010 to 2012, he served as Australia’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO, representing Australia’s interests across key diplomatic and security forums.
Dr. Brendan Nelson AO was appointed senior vice president of The Boeing Company and president of Boeing Global effective Jan. 12, 2023. He is a member of the company’s Executive Council.
Nelson is responsible for the company’s global strategy and corporate operations outside the United States, overseeing 20 regional offices in key global markets. His responsibilities include developing the company’s growth and productivity initiatives outside the U.S., forming new business and industrial partnerships, overseeing international affairs, enhancing Boeing’s local presence and providing global functional support.
Vice-Patron Professor Jim Patrick AO is recognised as a world authority on cochlear implants and is one of the original engineers who pioneered the hearing device.
He was a member of Professor Graeme Clark’s original Cochlear Implant Research Team (1975 – 1981) at the University of Melbourne, which invented the world’s first multichannel cochlear implant. He was a founding member of Cochlear Limited (established 1981) where he is currently Chief Scientist – Emeritus.
In 2015 he was awarded the Order of Australia for distinguished service to science through the development of the cochlear implant; to biomedical research and engineering innovation; and to education and professional associations.
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