helping shape our future

 

Our volunteer Board of Directors generously donate their time and expertise, working closely with our Management Team to drive our strategic objectives and help Abacus achieve its mission.

 

Abacus Learning Centre Limited is a not-for-profit entity for the public charitable purpose of providing therapy to children diagnosed as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Directors are responsible for the overall governance of the centre which includes setting strategic direction, approving and monitoring budgets and reviewing the centres’ performance.

The Board operates in accordance with its Constitution and delegates responsibility for the operations and development of the centre to the Management Team.

 

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Our Board of Directors

 

 

Rosemary Nolan, Chair

 

Rosemary is an accomplished executive leader with 18 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, specialising in custom Assistive Technology for NDIS providers. She is excited to bring her skills and expertise to the board of Abacus, contributing to its ongoing success and mission. With a deep connection to the Mornington Peninsula community, Rosemary’s family has a 50-year history as part-time residents at Merricks Beach on Westernport Bay. This personal connection fuels her passion for advocating for the rights of individuals living with disabilities. She firmly believes in creating an inclusive society where barriers are removed, enabling everyone to achieve their personal goals.

 

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Prof. Andrew Christie, Company Secretary

BSc, LLB (Hons), LLM, PhD, GAICD

 

Andrew is the Professor of Intellectual Property at Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, a practising Australian Lawyer, and a Registered Trade Marks Attorney.  A graduate of the AICD’s Company Directors Course, he has served on governance and advisory boards for more than 25 years, both as a member and as a chair.  In addition to chairing the Abacus Board of Directors, he is the Chair of the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board, and a non-Executive Director of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

 

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Gavin Dean

 

Gavin is a distinguished senior finance executive with extensive cross-sector experience in people service industries, including search, recruitment, and advisory services. His career is marked by a proven track record of providing invaluable commercial insight and strategic guidance to Boards, CEOs, and business leaders. As a trusted advisor to executive leadership teams, Gavin’s approach is characterised by his ability to immerse himself in operations, gaining a comprehensive understanding of business dynamics. Gavin’s commercial acumen is complemented by his strategic and analytical mindset. He excels at developing innovative solutions to complex business challenges, consistently thinking outside the box to deliver results.

  

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Michael Eardley

 

Michael brings over four decades of financial expertise and business acumen to the board, leveraging his CPA qualification and extensive experience across diverse industries. His career spans media, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy sectors, equipping him with a wealth of knowledge in financial reporting, governance, risk management, and strategic planning. As a father to an autistic son, Michael has a personal connection to Abacus’s mission, deeply appreciating the vital work the organisation undertakes. This personal experience adds a unique perspective to his professional contributions, enhancing his commitment to the board’s objectives.  

  

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Debbie Nhari

Debbie is an accomplished Account Manager with over a decade of experience in the energy industry. Driven by a strong passion for customer experience, she excels in managing key stakeholder accounts and cultivating high-impact relationships that drive long-term customer retention. Debbie holds a Master’s degree in Marketing, along with a Business degree featuring a double major in Economics and Event Management, equipping her with a strategic, data-driven, and customer-centric approach.

  

 

 

Board Recruitment

Abacus welcomes expressions of interest from people with the passion, skills and enthusiasm to make-a-difference with a long-standing and respected charity helping autistic children.

Previous board/secretary and/or NDIS experience will be viewed favourably (but not essential).

To find out more about Abacus and to apply please click on the links below.