8. Governance

AU: 2026/27 Board & Regional Councils Elected

👓 2 minute read

In accordance with First National’s Constitution, nominations were sought for each of the Regional Councils for 2026-27. We’re pleased to confirm the following duly appointed members of the respective Regional Councils and to confirm the appointment of their Office bearers. 

National Board

Kelly Donaldson                  Chair (WA)

Jennifer Nitschke                Vice Chair (SA/NT)

Rob Westwood                    Director (Vic/Tas)

David Doherty                      Director (NSW)

Ben Charlton                        Director (Qld)

Alan Read                              Board Appointed Director

Scott Lowe                            Board Appointed Independent Director

Queensland

Zach Reid                                Chair

Ben Charlton                          Vice Chair

Justin Mayberry

Abbey Pollock

Kelly Isaacs

Rob Fraser

Subsequent to the election, Neil Coupland tendered his resignation from the Council resulting in a casual vacancy which can be filled in accordance with the Constitution by the new Regional Council. The position of Chair remains vacant and that will also be determined by the new Regional Council.  We extend our appreciation to retiring Council members Neil Coupland and Terry Godde for their contribution. 

New South Wales

Alexandra Haggarty             Chair

David Doherty                        Vice Chair

John Hesse

Dan Shultz

Michael Sleiman

Helen Huntly-Barratt

We extend our appreciation to retiring Council member Meg Dean for her contribution. 

Victoria / Tasmania

Jason Brown                          Chair

Rob Westwood                     Vice Chair

Owen Sharkey

Jade Carberry

George Auddino

Jason Priestley

We extend our appreciation to Retiring Council member Nikita Phillips for her contribution. 

South Australia / Northern Territory

Zeta Bennett                          Chair

Jen Nitschke                          Vice Chair

Christine Pinkus

Sylvia Presepio

Nathan Janda

Jade Stell

Jeremy O'Donoghue

At the request of the South Australia Regional Council, the Board of Directors has approved the extension of the Council to 7 members for the next 2 years.

Western Australia

Robert Gilmore                      Chair

Kelly Donaldson                    Vice Chair

Keran Shaw

Matthew Snaddon

Scott Lowe

There is a casual vacancy which can be filled in accordance with the Constitution by the new Regional Council. 

We extend our appreciation to Retiring Council members Joe Bryant, Jenny Gauci and Paul Brady for their contribution.

First National congratulates its continuing Councillors, newly appointed Councillors and newly appointed Office-Bearers. We also thank allretiring Councillors and retiring Office-Bearers for their time and contribution to the network. 

As a cooperative it is critically important that we embrace constant renewal, so we congratulate Ali Haggarty, Zeta Bennett and Robert Gilmore for taking on the roles of Chair on your respective Councils, and thank Kelly Isaacs, David Doherty, Sylvia Presepio and Joe Bryant for your leadership during your terms in office.    

AU: Notice to Members - Changes to Company Constitution

👓 1 minute read

At the Annual General Meeting held on 20 May 2026, Members voted to amend the Company Constitution to provide in summary:

1. That Directors be appointed for 2-year terms

2. In Odd years (i.e. commencing 2027), directors are to be appointed in New South Wales, South Australia/Northern Territory and Western Australia

3. In Even years (i.e. commencing 2028), directors are to appointed in Queensland and Victoria/Tasmania

4. That the Constitution be amended to remove the existing provisions requiring half the Board to resign each year

5. That the National Chair be appointed for 2 years rather than 3 years as at present

6. That the National Vice Chair be appointed for 1 year rather than 3 years as at present

7. That each Region appoints a Chair, a Vice Chair, and a Director from the members of the Regional Council. The person appointed as Director must have served 24 months on the Regional Council but need not be the Chair or Vice Chair.  The Director is required to be a Principal Representative

8. The positions of Chair and Vice Chair of the Regional Council can be filled by any member of the Council, whether a Principal or not.

A full copy of the amended Constitution is available to Members in the membership section of FN Central.

The purpose of the changes is to simplify and clarify the appointment of directors while maintaining a balance between Board renewal and continuity and also to broaden leadership opportunities for members of Regional Councils. 

NZ: 2026/27 New Zealand Board Elected

👓 1 minute read

In accordance with First National’s Constitution in New Zealand, nominations were sought for Board of Director positions for 2026-27. We’re pleased to confirm the following duly appointed members of the Board and thank them in advance for their service.

Olivia Atkins - Chair 

Shawn Gibbon – Vice Chair

James Mackay - Director

James Mullins - Director