Allan Myers AC KC appointed Chair of Minderoo Foundation and changes at Social Ventures Australia and Coopers Foundation

The Minderoo Foundation announced this week that respected Australian barrister and philanthropist Allan Myers AC, KC will replace Chair Dr Andrew Forrest AO and Co-chair Nicola Forrest AO, who will both step aside but continue serving as non-executive directors of the Minderoo Foundation.

Andrew and Nicola founded Minderoo Foundation in 2001 and continue to drive its philanthropic mission. In a joint statement, the Forrests said that with Minderoo now well established as one of Asia-Pac’s leading philanthropies, it was an appropriate time to step aside.

“We couldn’t be more proud of what has been achieved over the past 23 years, and with Minderoo’s 2030 Strategy now finalised and being implemented, it is the right time for change on the board,” the Forrests said.

“Under Allan’s stewardship as the Independent Chair we know Minderoo will continue delivering on its mission to forge a fair future by challenging inequalities and campaigning for meaningful change.”

Allan has served on the Minderoo board since 2014 and said he takes up the position of Chair at an exciting time in the foundation’s history. “I am honoured to serve Minderoo Foundation as Chair and to work with CEO John Hartman and the executive leadership team,” he said.

“The unprecedented generosity, vision and optimism of Andrew and Nicola Forrest is embodied in the Minderoo Foundation. I will do my best as Chair to help realise their aspirations for the enduring benefit of Australia and the wider world.”

Andrew said the critical work of the Minderoo Foundation would continue to drive positive change. “Fortescue’s work to unapologetically pursue Real Zero by 2030 both profitably and globally will maintain its pre-eminent position as the lowest cost iron ore producer in the world, and Australia’s most successful company.

“Scientists and businesses worldwide have endorsed the reality that Real Zero 2040 – the cessation of the use of all fossil fuels by 2040 is the only way that we will avoid a climate emergency.

“This is a significant responsibility, and I’ve elected to step aside as Chair of the Minderoo Foundation, so I may focus on driving the global adoption of Real Zero across Fortescue and global industry. I remain honoured to continue to serve the Minderoo Board as a non-executive director.”

Nicola said that children, families, communities and our natural ecosystems are being challenged like never before and these threats require our collective focus.

“Guided by its new strategy, Minderoo and its partners are in an even stronger position to face up to these challenges together, and stepping aside is a confidence-call in our future trajectory and the impact we will make,” Nicola said

In addition to his 10 years of service on the Minderoo Board, Allan is a Governor of the Ian Potter Foundation and Chair of The Ramsay Centre. “Allan’s governance and sector expertise will be invaluable to Minderoo as it pursues its ambitious goals,” Minderoo Foundation CEO John Hartman said.

James Toomey to commence in 2025 as CEO at Social Ventures Australia (SVA)

James brings a background in social work and extensive experience in the NGO sector in Australia and the UK to SVA. His recent roles include CEO of Mission Australia and Deputy Secretary within NSW Department of Communities and Justice. He takes over from Suzie Riddell, who steps down at the end of 2024.

James has a track record of collaboration with NGOs that has led to the formation of the Constellation Project, the Possibility Project and the End Street Sleeping Collaboration. He has a long-standing connection with SVA from his time at Mission Australia and the Goodstart syndicate.

“I’m delighted to have been asked to succeed Suzie as CEO of Social Ventures Australia,” said James.

“My breadth of experience in the social sector has allowed me to think deeply about the causes and impacts of disadvantage on individuals and communities, and develop a clear sense of what better outcomes look like.

“SVA is in a unique position in the social sector, and I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to work with the team and partners to drive better outcomes.”

SVA Chair Rob Koczkar said: “We are delighted with the appointment. We look forward to working with Mr Toomey towards an Australia where all people and communities can thrive.”

Former state premier and sixth-generation family member appointed to the Coopers Foundation board

Steven Marshall and Bec Cooper have joined the Board of Governors of the charitable foundation established in 2006 by Coopers Brewery and the Cooper family.

Steven Marshall served as the 46th Premier of South Australia from 2018 to 2022 and left parliament in February 2024. A recipient of the Centenary of Federation Medal in 2001 for his services to the disability sector, Steven is also Chair of the Australian Advisory Council for MITRE.

Bec Cooper has worked in advertising and fashion, and operates a veterinary practice for racehorses, which she co-founded. The daughter of Coopers Foundation Chair Mel Cooper, Bec has worked at the brewery in various roles and supported the foundation the past 10 years.

“Steven and Bec both have a strong commitment to community service in line with the foundation’s aim to improve the quality of lives of Australians in need,” Mel said. “Steven also comes from a family business background and shares the high value our family places on philanthropy.

“Bec is the first of the sixth generation of the Cooper family to join the Foundation Board. Bec has been actively involved with the Foundation’s fundraising work for over a decade and I’m delighted to see the next generation continuing the family’s charitable work.”

The Coopers Foundation has now donated more than $7.8 million to 260 charities since its inception. The two new appointments come as Haydn Duffield and Rear Admiral Hon Kevin Scarce retire as Governors on the Board.