Corporate Ladder: Your guide to executive appointments in Queensland
InDaily tracks Queensland’s latest executive appointments within the state’s public and private sectors. Tell us what’s happening at the top table at your business.
New Chair announced for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation
Andrew Metcalfe AO will take on the role of Chair of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation as the organisation alters governance and strategic focus.
As one of Australia’s most experienced and highly regarded public sector leaders, Metcalfe brings decades of senior leadership and experience to role.
Metcalfe has held the role of Executive and Secretary (CEO) across multiple Commonwealth departments, including twelve years leading three agenices. He notably was appointed and reappointed as Secretary by five Prime Ministers and worked directly with 15 portfolio ministers.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a desire to contribute to a fair and bright future for young people, and I’m excited to step into this role as the Foundation embarks on a new strategic phase,” Metcalfe said.
“It is a privilege to support an organisation with such a powerful purpose and enduring impact.”
The Foundation’s CEO Sarah Davies AM welcomed Metcalfe’s appointment as the organisation enters its next phase.
“As we enter a new strategic chapter for the Foundation, [Andrew’s] leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our impact for children and young people across Australia,” Davies said.
The Foundation also recently strengthened its board with the addition of Jane Hunt, an innovative social change leader, Mat Rowell, a highly respected community-services veteran, and Caitlin Figueirdeo, a passionate youth advocate.
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Andrew Metcalfe formally commenced the role on Thursday February 19.
Queensland Heritage Council welcomes new members
The Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) has appointed four new members, including Patrick Lane-Mullins, David Perkins, Michael Leong, Tanya Martin and new Chair Councillor Yvonne Barlow.
QHC is an independent statutory authority created in 1992 to safeguard, celebrate and preserve Queensland’s cultural heritage.
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s Acting DDG for Environment Heritage Police and Planning Kahil Lloyd said Barlow brings vast local government experience to the role.
“She will be joined by six continuing members and four new members who will bring fresh eyes and fresh ideas,” Kahil said.
“They will contribute relevant expertise in architecture, planning, conservation, law and tourism, and they are all passionate about conserving Queensland’s diverse heritage.”
Barlow has more than 15 years of local government experience with Pine Rivers Council and City of Moreton Bay, and was the former National President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association.
Tanya Martin brings more than 25 years of experience in property and development, specialising in statutory planning, infrastructure negotiations, and complex stakeholder engagement.
Michael Leong is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, a past President of the Queensland Environmental Law Association Inc, and a former board member of Urban Futures Brisbane.
David Perkins has more than 40 years of experience in strategic and statutory land use planning, tourism planning and development project coordination, and is a qualified Regional and Town Planner.
Patrick Lane-Mullins is the Director of Property and Building with the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, overseeing its property portfolio, and serves on the Property Council of Australia Social Infrastructure Committee and the Mater Strategic Development and Sustainable Infrastructure Committee.
Fair Farms appoints new National Program Manager
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Social compliance training and certification program for horticulture, Fair Farms, has appointed Amanda Higgins as National Program Manager.
Higgins’ appointment comes as Fair Farms continues to expand nationally, now representing more than 20,000 workers across Australia and with increasing interest from other sectors, including viticulture and nursery production.
Through Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG), Fair Farms provides training, resources and certification in the industry.
QFVG CEO Scott Kompo-Harms said Higgins’ appointment reflects both continuity and ambition for the nationally recognised program.
“Amanda has been instrumental in shaping Fair Farms over the past four years,” Kompo-Harms said.
“Her leadership ensures Fair Farms remains focused, responsive and aligned with Australia’s evolving regulatory landscape.”
Higgins has previously served as the program’s Workplace Relations Specialist and led the strategic introduction of Labour Hire Provider Certification.
“Our focus is on growing industry participation, strengthening supply chain confidence, and positioning Fair Farms as the preferred social compliance program for Australia’s fresh produce industry and beyond,” Kompo-Harms said.
Master Builders bids farewell to CEO
After 17 years in the role at Master Builders, CEO Paul Bidwell has announced his resignation since stepping into the role in 2022.
Having served as both Director Housing Policy and CEO, Bidwell has guided the association through trade shortages, escalating material costs, a deepening housing crisis and the biggest housing targets the industry has ever seen.
Master Builders President, Chris Taylor commented on Bidwell’s resignation, noting he has driven the association’s advocacy agenda and achieved many key wins throughout his career.
“His unwavering commitment to advancing the best interests of the industry has delivered tangible results and cemented years of hard work,” Taylor said.
“His leadership has strengthened our value proposition and positioned us strongly for future growth.”
Bidwell commented, saying, “I have worked with a talented and dedicated team who always put members at the centre of everything we do. I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.”
Bidwell will continue in his current role for the next three months to support a smooth transition while the Board conducts an executive search for a replacement.
