The Executive Team
The Lifeline Direct Executive team's role is to establish and communicate a clear and inspiring vision and strategy to the organisation that keeps those that we help and the services we deliver at the forefront.
Provide strategic and operational leadership within the organisation to lead a motivated and engaged team who are supported to deliver on the organisational strategies effectively.
Ensure our work is align and focus on Lifeline’s core purposes; helping more people in their time of crisis, at a time, place and way that is right for them, and together striving towards our vision of an Australia free of suicide.
Luke role is to provide direction, purpose and vision that in turn makes sure that our efforts are focused on those who seek our help and that the services we provide make an impact.
"As CEO of Lifeline, I'm inspired by the resilience of those we support. Their stories fuel our mission to create lasting change. Together, we can build a brighter future, one life at a time".
Michael Were is the Executive Director – Fundraising, Marketing & Stakeholder Relations. Michael leads our teams that are devoted to ensuring that we have the resources needed so that we are able to deliver Crisis Support, Counselling, suicide prevention and community programs across the three states that Lifeline Direct operates.
“Lifeline plays a crucial role in keeping our community safe. It is incredibly rewarding to play a part in ensuring that no one faces their darkest moments alone”
Alison leads our Human Resources and Compliance, Governance & Risk teams that are focused on enabling Lifeline Direct to deliver it’s services through our people.
“Everything we do at Lifeline plays a part in providing crucial services to our communities and I am privileged to lead a team that supports organisational needs, develops capability and enhances performance”
Louise plays a critical strategic role in ensuring the success of key organisational initiatives at LLD. She aligns projects with broader business goals, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget while driving sustained employee adoption and engagement. Louise’s expertise in change management focuses on the people side of transformation—strategically preparing, supporting, and equipping teams to embrace change and ensuring that everyone is aligned with the organisation’s long-term vision and strategy.
“I feel passionate about the ability to empower people through change. Seeing employees feel informed, supported, and engaged as we move forward together is incredibly rewarding. I’m inspired by the impact we can make when we bring people along on the journey.”
Frances is the CFO for Lifeline Direct, along with her team she managing budgets, forecasts and financial affairs, develops and implements long-term financial models and manages comprehensive financial systems and processes. In leading finance teams her focus is on fostering a culture of continuous improvement and quality.
"With a deep passion for making a positive impact, I am driven by a strong commitment to supporting Lifeline Direct's mission of helping those in need."
Geoffrey Norman is the Executive Director- Service Delivery. Geoffrey leads the teams delivering crisis support and specialist counselling along with the teams that ensure Lifeline delivers timely and high quality services.
“Having seen the positive impact Lifeline Services have on individuals and communities it drives me to be part of an organisation that contributes so much across Australia”
The Board of Directors
The Board of Directors play a vital role in safeguarding and enhancing the future of LLD, holding the ultimate responsibility for governing the organisation.
Through their strategic leadership, the Board provides valuable insights that help identify and understand emerging trends and issues that may impact the well-being of LLD Centres, stakeholders, and those seeking assistance.
Furthermore, the Board diligently monitors the company's performance against its strategic direction, carefully evaluating operating results to ensure effective management, and thoroughly assess and evaluate the primary risks faced by LLD.
The Board is comprised of directors nominated by Lifeline Australia as per the constitution.
Nicki is a dedicated community leader who is passionate about raising awareness, reducing stigma around mental health, and encouraging early intervention. Her impressive track record includes serving as a Councillor with the City of Stonnington and as a Non-Executive Director of Mental Health First Aid. She has also previously held leadership roles as the Chair of PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) and Emerge Women and Children Support Services and as a Non-Executive Director of On The Line Australia. Nicki joined the Lifeline Direct Board in 2023 following the amalgamation of Lifeline with On The Line Australia.
With lived experience of perinatal depression, Nicki understands firsthand the importance of accessible and quality support services for those in need. Her professional background as a management consultant specialising in change management and workforce transformation has seen her work across various industries, including government, professional services, resources, and the not-for-profit sector in Australia and London.
Shona Tarrant is a senior executive leader with experience across not for profit, retail, consulting and construction. Since 2018 she has been Group Executive, People and Culture for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and has previously held executive leadership roles within operations, strategy and people and culture. In these roles she has supported organisations through start up, growth, transformation and change. Shona holds an MBA from Deakin University, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed the Dr John Yu Fellowship Program at the University of Sydney Business School. This is Shona’s first Board position.
Colin is Chief Executive Officer of Lifeline Australia. Colin has held leadership positions in the health sector for more than 20 years. Previously Colin was Chief Executive Officer of Healthdirect Australia and prior to that he held senior executive positions with the National Safety Council of Australia, the Hospital Benefits Association and Sano Consulting.
Colin has worked across a broad spectrum of health sector issues including governance, policy development, stakeholder engagement and advocacy.
Colin spent seven years in management positions at the Sydney Swans Football Club, where he was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2002.
Originally from a financial executive background and currently as CEO, Jeff has broad industry experience across construction, engineering and property development market segments. Leveraging his skills obtained from being a Chartered Accountant and completing an MBA, Jeff has a passion and strong experience in implementing transformational leadership and driving strategic growth whilst ensuring strong financial and commercial discipline is maintained.
Jeff brings these skills to his past and current board roles by considering issues from multiple perspectives.
Sally Hasler (she/her) is passionate about addressing structural barriers to inequity with over 20 years' experience in executive, volunteer and board roles. Sally brings expertise in social policy, government relations, inclusion and intersectionality, stakeholder engagement and partnerships. She has lived experience of the mental health system as a consumer and carer, and a strong interest in the social determinants of health, gender outcomes and early intervention.
Sally has held executive and senior leadership roles with the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, The Fred Hollows Foundation, and Hong Kong-based NGO, the Women’s Foundation. Sally has been a volunteer with St John Ambulance since a young age and lives on Wurundjeri County with her husband and three daughters.
Gordon Botwright has extensive executive leadership experience in both the private and not-for-profit sectors, having worked in the health, justice and security industries. He is the current Chief Executive Officer of St John Ambulance Victoria. His leadership interests lie in organistional culture, its connection to purpose and how it empowers people to maximise the impact of the organisation’s mission.
Gordon is a Non-Executive Director of Inspiro, a community health service that supports the health needs of vulnerable people in the Yarra Ranges community, and is also a member of the Emergency Services Foundation, Stakeholder Council. Previously, he served as a Non-Executive Director of On The Line Australia before its amalgamation with Lifeline Direct.
Observing the growing instances of mental health crises in the workplace and community sparked Gordon’s interest in understanding this health issue and the systems of care available to help seekers.