The Lifeline Direct (LLD) Board of Directors help lead LLD’s strategic direction, establish a governance framework including compliance systems to ensure the organisation meets its obligations, oversee the financial performance and help ensure that LLD stays focused on working towards its guiding vision of an Australia free of suicide.
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.