At Social Futures we work to build inclusive communities where everyone is valued and supported. We support people to thrive by connecting them to the support they need when they need it. We work with communities, organisations and government. Our work focusses across key areas of housing and homelessness, children, youth and families, employment, mental health and wellbeing, disability inclusion, sector support, Veteran’s support and seniors in community.
Our governance structure can be viewed further below.
Thriving people, strong communities.
To achieve positive social change in our communities.
Connection is at the heart of everything we do. It is by connecting our participants to their communities, to services and to culture that we support them to thrive.
Our focus on connection is supported by comprehensive wrap-around services and a network of strong referral pathways. We have a diverse skills base and have developed a practice that is person-centred, culturally responsive, trauma-responsive and evidence-based.
Do what is right
Everyone matters
Get better at what we do
Chris moved into the Chair role from Nov 2024 after joining us on the board in 2019.
Chris has decades of experience in the disability ...sector at the federal and state levels. He is a former Deputy Secretary for Disability in NSW and brings extensive experience working in senior roles in aged care, community care, corporate services, child protection and housing. In recent years, Chris has been a highly sought after management mentor in the sector.
We warmly welcome Chris into the chair role and look forward to his leadership as we continue advancing our mission of creating an inclusive future for all.
Chris managed the transfer of NSW disability services to the NDIS and contributed to the development of the landmark Disability Services Act.
He is also on the Board of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium of Music and has previously been a member of a number of government boards, including most recently the NSW Mental Health Advisory Board.
Kirstie has more than 20 years’ experience in strategic marketing, branding, marketing communications, digital and consumer behaviour.
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Kirstie has worked with organisations including Fairfax Media, DDB Australia, Omnicom London, McDonald’s Australia, Mercedes Benz UK and Royal Mail UK, as well as not-for-profits and local, state and federal governments.
Kirstie currently provides marketing consultancy and teaches postgraduate and undergraduate degrees in marketing and strategy.
Kirstie is an experienced Non-executive director and has a Master of Commerce from University of NSW, and a Bachelor of Economics from University of Sydney.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Pat Grier for his outstanding leadership and dedication as our Board Chair over the past six years, concluding in No...vember 2024. Thank you Pat!
Pat has extensive experience in the health care sector as well as sales, marketing and general management. His experience includes 20 years as CEO of Ramsay Health Care, which he grew to become Australia’s largest private hospital operator, with more than 100 hospitals internationally, 30,000 staff and a turnover of $3 billion.
His early career included senior management roles at Reckitt & Colman and S.C. Johnson & Son, as well as General Manager at Revlon Australia. He received the Member of the Order of Australia in 2010.
Pat has previously served on a number of boards, including ten years as Chairman of the Private Hospitals Association.
Leanne Coventry has over 22 years’ experience in the financial services industry and is a dedicated advocate for financial confidence, community emp...owerment, and meaningful economic participation. She has built strong relationships with Aboriginal businesses, communities, and individuals across Australia, grounded in trust, connection, and deep listening.
Leanne is passionate about financial education and has delivered practical support and opportunities across diverse Australian communities. She previously served as Manager of Indigenous Business at Westpac and is now the Manager, Community Impact at First Nations Economics, where she leads education programs, pro bono services, and the Leah Armstrong Scholarship—creating pathways for First Nations women and communities. With expertise in transactional banking solutions, particularly within the not-for-profit sector, Leanne was awarded Westpac’s Bicentennial Service Honour in 2017 for her leadership and community contribution.
A board member of Social Futures since 2016, Leanne also serves on the Finance Committee, where she brings her extensive experience in financial education, Indigenous banking, and community impact to support the organisation’s mission. Known for fostering trusted relationships and supporting improved financial outcomes, Leanne continues to champion economic independence and capability across Australia.
Penny joined the Social Futures Board in November 2017 and serves on the Finance Committee. She is currently the Chief Revenue Officer at Inlogik, a g...lobal leader in commercial card and expense management solutions. Over the past two decades, Inlogik has evolved from a small software development firm in Melbourne to an international organization with offices in the UK and US.
Penny has played a pivotal role in securing major contracts across government, corporate, and non-profit sectors. She is known for her ability to forge strong partnerships and build lasting professional relationships. Her expertise spans critical business thinking, strategic planning, customer needs analysis, and identifying opportunities for business growth.
Penny also brings a personal commitment to disability support, shaped by her lived experience following her husband's significant stroke.
Trish Oxford is a proud Ngemba woman from Bourke, NSW, and a dedicated advocate for Aboriginal communities and social justice. She brings over 30 year...s’ experience across government, not-for-profit, finance, and private sectors, with a career spanning frontline service delivery to senior executive leadership.
Trish is currently Executive Director of Reform and Innovation at Aboriginal Affairs NSW, leading initiatives focused on Closing the Gap and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Land Strategy.
A board member of Social Futures since 2019, Trish also serves as Chair of the organisation’s Aboriginal Advisory Panel. She is passionate about community empowerment, economic independence, and cultural integrity. Trish is also a proud mother and grandmother.
Jane Britt GAICD is an experienced disability policy professional, holding various roles across the Australian disability sector for over 8 years.
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Jane is currently Senior Consultant and Advisor at The Social Deck and Non-Executive Directors at Holy Cross Services and Social Futures.
Jane formerly held roles as Senior Policy Officer at People with Disability Australia, Policy and Advocacy Team Leader at Blind Citizens Australia and as a Non-Executive Director of Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN).
Jane was the recipient of the 2023 Inspirational Young Alumni Award, Duchesne College, UQ and 2020 Vision Australia Award - Youth.
Jane has been deafblind since birth.
Dinesh was the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland, now a doctor, lawyer, disability advocate, and researcher. After a spinal cord injury ...from a car accident in medical school, he completed a Bachelor of Laws, a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, an Emergency Medicine Certificate, and a Doctor of Medicine. Dinesh also graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He works in the emergency department at Gold Coast University Hospital and is a senior lecturer and researcher at Griffith University, co-leading the BioSpine research team. He advises the Disability Royal Commission and is an ambassador for the Human Rights Commission’s IncludeAbility program.
Dinesh is a founding member of Doctors with Disabilities Australia and a non-executive director at George Steuart & Co and the Housing Hub. Recognised as the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service’s Junior Doctor of the Year in 2018, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia and a Henry Viscardi Achievement Award in 2019. He was Griffith University Young Alumnus of the Year and Queensland Australian of the Year in 2021. In 2022, Dinesh was listed in the Courier Mail’s top 100 power list and published his autobiography, Stronger.
Geoff dedicated a substantial 28-year professional career to TNR Chartered Accountants, evolving into a partner for the last 18 years.
...Geoff’s professional journey was characterised by dynamic client engagements across diverse sectors, ranging from state and local government to charities, aged care, hospitality and more. He also donned various leadership hats, including serving as the joint managing partner. These experiences have equipped him with a versatile skill set, emphasising adaptability and effectiveness in diverse managerial capacities.
Geoff is a Chartered Accountant (CA) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) with over 14 years’ experience on not-for-profit boards. He has a deep appreciation for strategic financial oversight, governance and fostering collaborative Board environments.
Geoff has a passion for social inclusion, particularly for those with neurodiversity. He hopes his work with Social Futures will improve people’s lives.
