The 120-strong membership body elected two new Board members at its AGM on Sunday, 23 June in Melbourne. The move fills two previously unfilled Board positions and, as some members noted, lowers the average age of Board members overall. Academic Siew-Fang Law and community development manager Laurence Gray have taken up their positions for a two-year term, which is renewable. They have now attended their first Board meetings, addressing issues of financial sustainability, program development, and the long-term future of IofC's Australia-Pacific Centre, Armagh. 

Peace and justice

Siew-Fang teaches community development, peace, and conflict resolution at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and is an active researcher in these fields. She has served as academic chair ofprograms in International Community Development at Victoria University for nine years, besides holding many other professional and academic roles in sustainable industries, liveable cities, and book and journal editing. 

Of Chinese-Malaysian roots, Siew-Fang practices as a mediator, conflict coach and dialogue facilitator in local communities, as well as being a wife and mother of two boys in Melbourne. 

 “I’m passionate about promoting social justice and peace,” she said, of her work.

 

 

Diverse communities

Laurence works with refugees and new arrivals to Australia in his role as Interfaith and Humanitarian Settlement Officer at the Wyndham Community and Education Centre. 

Previously a manager of aid programs with World Vision Australia for 20 years, Laurence now promotes the application of social justice for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in social planning in the growth corridor of Melbourne’s western suburbs. He is a trained youth worker and holds a Masters degree in Politics and Policy, as well as a Certificate in International Law and Child Rights from the London School of Economics. 

He is married with three children, who are now young adults. 

 

Across the Tasman

Meanwhile, Andrew Flynn has crossed the Tasman Sea, metaphorically, to serve a two-year term on the Board of IofC New Zealand. Andrew has been involved with Initiatives of Change for 10 years and is, by his own account, passionate about working with ethical leaders.

Besides his role coordinating venue bookings at Armagh, Andrew is the Victorian liaison for the Life Matters Program. He has been involved in international development and event management for 15 years, including five years in Samoa, where he managed the ICC World Cricket League. He holds a double Bachelor of Exercise Science & Sports Administration, has a young family, and works full-time at the Australian Red Cross. 

Andrew replaces long-term vocational volunteer Cheryl Wood as the Australia representative on the New Zealand Board, as she retires from her position. - Delia Paul

 

• IofC Australia Board members serve in a voluntary capacity and work with others from the broader IofC network through a structure of committees. To learn about opportunities to serve on a Board committee, contact Chair Andrew Lancaster.