Frances Adamson
Governor of South Australia
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC was born and grew up in South Australia. She studied economics at the University of Adelaide, while there becoming the first female captain of the boat club in its 103-year history and went on to join the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs in 1985. Her Excellency worked in Hong Kong during the early years of China’s reform and opening, headed the Australian Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei and later served as Australia’s Ambassador to China. Earlier in her career she served twice in the Australian High Commission in London.
In 2016, Her Excellency was appointed head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, pursuing Australia’s interests as world powers shifted and the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. She also led the department through a period of cultural change, encouraging more women into senior ranks.
She has also been International Adviser to the Prime Minister and Chief of Staff to the Foreign Minister and Defence Minister.In June 2021, Her Excellency was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to public administration through the advancement of Australia’s diplomatic, trade and cultural interests, particularly with the People’s Republic of China and the Indo-Pacific region, to innovative foreign policy development and high level program delivery, and as the 36th Governor appointed in South Australia.
She is also a Dame of Grace of the Order of St John and patron of some 100 organisations in her own right and a further 52 jointly with her husband Rod. Her Excellency is a Fellow of both the Institute of Public Administration of Australia and the Australian Institute of International Affairs. She holds Honorary Doctorates from the University of Adelaide and the Australian National University. Her Excellency is married to Mr Rod Bunten, a physicist, former British diplomat and high school teacher. They have four adult children and a cavoodle, Alfie.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Daniel Vincent
CHAIRMAN
Dedicated to supporting military veterans, Daniel, a former Australian Army Soldier with a 16-year tenure, is a passionate advocate for their successful transition to civilian life. He has pioneered scholarship and mentoring programs, shaping industry-specific initiatives in cybersecurity. With expertise in mental wellness, education, and employment, Daniel chairs Trojans Trek, fostering self-discovery and introspection among veterans. His diverse roles include Director of Strategy and Innovation, National Director of Health and Wellbeing, and Monaro Community Access Service Board Director. Combined with his Master’s in Business and a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Practices, Daniel’s commitment resonates through his multifaceted contributions.
Angela Fan
Angela has an innate sense of justice and compassion. She dedicates her career to understanding societal challenges and their impact on vulnerable communities. Over ten years of leadership in the not-for-profit sector, Angela served as the Chief Operating Officer of Soldier On and is currently the Operations Director at Lifeline International. With her Master of Business Administration and Graduate Certification from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she brings diverse expertise in finance, operations, risk management, governance, and more. Angela’s commitment extends to previous board and committee roles in various organisations, reflecting her dedication to transformative solutions.
Dr Jennifer Brooker
Dr Jennifer Brooker is the mother of a RAN member, grandmother to Air Force and Army cadets, and the daughter of a RAN Captain who served as Legal Counsel. As the National Education Manager at Soldier On, she helped to establish programs to support veterans and their families to thrive, including fee-waived university scholarships for veterans. Dr Brooker, an educator for over 40 years, is heavily involved in Community Services, researching various aspects, including Out-Of-Home Care workforce development for children and young people in statutory care and international youth worker education and training.
Tim Keeffe
Tim had a distinguished 22-year military career from 1996 to 2018. He served as a Logistics officer in Australia and abroad, excelling in roles such as logistics planning, command, project management, and training. One of his highlights was an impactful four-year tenure in Defence Materiel, leading the development and delivery of training for Land 121 vehicles in the ADF. His passion for training blossomed during his deployment to Iraq in 2005. In 2023, he is the CEO of Actrua Performance Cultures, leading a global team that fosters true growth and positive impact. His diverse background includes roles in client solutions, consultancy, and service on various boards and committees. He holds qualifications such as a GAICD graduate, IECL Coaching Level 1, a Master of Engineering (ILS), and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours.
Giuseppe Losinno
Joe has always advocated that ‘veterans need veterans” and that it is essential that “veterans meet veterans at the gate” at transition. He is a Clinical Psychologist who has served as a full-time Psychology Officer in the Australian Army for ten years. He has worked across a wide range of clinical settings, including military, operational, inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, NGOs, and private practice, working with veterans, first responders and their families. He has worked as a Director of Clinical Services and Senior Clinician across a multitude of these settings and has been an active Government lobbyist representing Veteran and Veteran family interests. He is currently the Clinical Lead at Australian Veteran Health Services.
Hayley Boswell
Hayley Boswell is a military spouse, Solicitor, Founder of Defence Kidz and a mother of two defence children. Defence Kidz was established by Hayley to advocate for Defence and Veteran families and create positive change within the community. Hayley regularly engages with State and Federal Ministers and collaborates with non- government organisations, with various initiatives to be implemented in 2024. Hayley is the Principal Solicitor at Lynch & Co Lawyers, and has also worked in a number of community related positions with an advocacy focus. In 2023, Hayley was appointed to the SA Veterans Advisory Council, was the Winner of the Princes Trust Defence Family Business Award, was a Finalist in the Prime Minister’s Veterans Employment Awards and was named on the SA Government Women’s Honour Role for her Veteran family advocacy.
Barry Riddiford
Barry takes great pride in his connection to the Wiradjuri people of central NSW through his maternal lineage and to the Welsh through his father. His tribal totem is the Gugaa (Lace Lizard), and his cultural skin is Yibaay (Wedge-tail Eagle). The motto on his Welsh Coat of Arms boldly declares, “We can because we see we can.”
Throughout his life journey, Barry has traversed diverse fields, including those related to Aboriginal Culture and Heritage Management, corporate governance, and strategic leadership. His professional background spans roles as a station hand, teacher/principal, University Lecturer, and Executive Director in various Government departments, the mining sector, and the research field.
Currently, Barry dedicates a significant portion of his time to volunteering, particularly in supporting Veterans as they navigate the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. His focus extends to their overall post-service well-being.
Barry is an open book, willingly sharing his wealth of knowledge, deep understanding, and rich experiences. He warmly invites you to join him on this journey, where stories unfold and wisdom is shared.