Sullivan appointed new chair of Forde Foundation

The Forde Foundation has entered a new era with the appointment of Terry Sullivan as the new chair of the Board of Advice.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said Mr Sullivan, the former Member for Stafford, would replace long-standing chair Leneen Forde, who had retired.

Mr Pitt said Mr Sullivan would lead a talented board to build on the good work of Ms Forde and guide the foundation into the future.

“The Board of Advice recommended Terry’s appointment as chairperson, and I am more than happy to endorse that decision,” Mr Pitt said.

“Terry served the Queensland community for 15 years as a Member of Parliament and he also has vast experience on non-government committees, councils and boards.”

The foundation is a perpetual charitable trust fund established by the Queensland Government in 2000 in response to the recommendations of the Forde Inquiry into the abuse of children in Queensland institutions.

“The Forde Foundation offers assistance to those who were abused as children, so they can rebuild their lives,” Mr Pitt said.

“It provides grants for educational, training and personal development opportunities, health and dental care needs, family reunification and basic life necessities.”

The trust fund was established through government contributions of $4.15 million. It operates under the guidance of the Board of Advice, while the Public Trustee administers the fund.

“Queensland children who experienced neglect or abuse while in institutional or foster care owe a great deal to Leneen Forde, because she is a strong and passionate advocate,” Mr Pitt said.

“Under Leneen’s guidance, the Board of Advice recommended the distribution of more than $1.5 million in grants to former residents in need. Leneen’s dedication, diligence and her service have been exemplary and I thank her and wish her well in her future endeavours.

The other board members are Jan Williams, Ray Kohn, Errol Evans, Emmalene Travers, Jill Kennard and Dr Bill Egerton (profiles attached).

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280

Forde Foundation Board of Advice – member profiles

Terry Sullivan
Terry served as a Member of Parliament from 1991 to 2006, including Government Whip, chair of the Estimates Committee and Member Parliamentary Public Works Committee. He also served as chairman, member and speaker on several governmental and non-governmental committees, councils and boards.

Emmalene Travers
Emmalene has been on the Forde Foundation Board of Advice since 2002. She is a founding member of CREATE Foundation, which supports children and young people in care, and a board member of The Pyjama Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation providing early intervention programs for children in out-of-home care.

Errol Evans
Errol has worked in the health and welfare field in clinical, policy and managerial roles for more than 30 years. He has served as director, manager or consultant on a number of statewide and national forums and was instrumental in establishing an agreement between Oral Health Unit, Queensland Health and the Forde Foundation for oral health services to grant recipients.

Jill Kennard
Jill has more than 25 years’ experience in the areas of social work and child welfare. She has previously served as Locum Counsellor with both the Forde Inquiry and with the post Forde Counselling and Support Service. She has also served as a member, of numerous committees.

Raymond (Ray) Kohn
Ray has extensive managerial and business development management experience in the financial planning and specialist super fund environments. He is the State Manager Queensland, Business Development, for Super Concepts.

Janice (Jan) Williams
Jan has extensive senior executive experience in the areas of housing and urban development, including CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia and consultancies with the Brisbane City Council, Port of Airlie Marina, QM Properties and Austcorp. Jan has previously served as member, chair and fellow on numerous boards and committees.

Dr William (Bill) Egerton
Bill Egerton has been chairman of Royal Brisbane Hospital’s Human Research Ethics Committee since 1996. His extensive work history encompasses more than 53 years in the medical profession. He has served as chairman, member, fellow and secretary on a multitude of committees since 1979, primarily in the education sectors.