Vanstone to Chair Vision 2020 Australia
19 June 2014 at 2:46 pm
Former Howard Government Minister Amanda Vanstone has been appointed chair of blindness and vision advocacy organisation Vision 2020 Australia.
The appointment comes after the outgoing Chair, former Hawke Government Minister Dr Barry Jones AC, stepped down after holding the position since 2002.
CEO Jennifer Gersbeck said the new Chair would bring extensive experience to the role.
“Vision 2020 Australia has always been able to attract high calibre Board members with a wealth of knowledge and experience and Ms Vanstone will complement the suite of talent on the Vision 2020 Australia Board,” Gersbeck said.
Amanda Vanstone was Liberal Party Senator from South Australia in the Howard Government, where she held a number of Ministerial appointments before retiring from the Senate and becoming the Ambassador to Italy.
She is currently Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and Board member at Port Adelaide Football Club.
“I look forward to working with Amanda towards our goal of eliminating avoidable blindness, and based on her contribution since becoming a Board member, she will provide valuable support to our cause,” Gersbeck said.
“She joined the Vision 2020 Australia Board in March at a critical time when work on developing the new strategic plan, which will guide the direction of the organisation over the next three years, had just commenced.
“This organisation has such a strong reputation not only in the eye health and vision care sector, but also among parliamentarians, and Amanda’s wealth of experience will continue to build on this.”
Gersbeck thanked Dr Jones for his outstanding commitment to the organisation.
“Barry has been remarkable in steering Vision 2020 Australia in the right direction during his time in the role. On a personal note, he has not only been a colleague and confidante but a real friend and I thank him enormously for his commitment,” she said.
Dr Jones, who has resigned as Chair after 12 years, said he stepped down from the role with strong confidence in Vision 2020 Australia’s future.
“It is time for fresh leadership and Amanda will certainly provide that,” Dr Jones said.
“You haven’t seen the back of me yet though. I will still be around, on the Board until November and flying the flag for Vision 2020 Australia.”
