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 is the current Director of the Australian War Memorial.
Prior to this, he was the Australian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO from 2009 to 2012.
He served as a Parliamentarian, Minister and Leader of the Opposition between 1996 and 2009. Dr Nelson was the Minister for Education, Science and Training between 2001 and 2006 and the Minister for Defence between 2006 and 2007.
He is a former National President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and a graduate of Flinders University, with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.
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.
The Shepherd Centre is a world-leading, child-safe NDIS service provider and specialist in helping children with hearing loss learn to listen and speak. We have helped thousands of children reach their full potential for over 50 years.
ABN: 61 000 699 927
The Shepherd Centre acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands where we work. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
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