Board of Directors

Kirsten is a Corporate Governance Professional, bringing a wealth of expertise in governance, risk management, and strategic oversight to the board. She has cultivated a profound understanding of the intricacies of corporate governance across a spectrum of industries, including non-profit entities, corporate organisations, and trade unions. Previously, Kirsten has served as the secretariat at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, where she sharpened her expertise in non-profit governance. Her years of governance consultancy roles have been marked by her adeptness at delivering customised governance solutions, reflecting the unique challenges and aspirations of each organisation she partners with.

At the helm of her own governance consultancy firm, Kirsten offers tailored advisory services, empowering organisations to navigate complex regulatory environments with robust governance structures and strategic risk mitigation practices. Her consultancy is a testament to her commitment to excellence and her capacity to drive transformational change in governance practices. Her background includes roles that have seen her drive the development of ethical governance cultures, ensuring compliance, and promoting transparency. Kirsten’s experience is further distinguished by her dedication to integrating socialist principles into organisational governance, aligning operational practices with equitable and socially responsible values.

Kirsten also sits on the board of West Welcome Wagon.

Lisa Abbott is a senior leader in the Victorian alcohol and other drug sector with expertise in partner engagement, government relations, business development, advocacy, and strategic planning. 

Coming from a foundation of direct practice in youth justice and over 20 years working across the justice and health sectors in various roles, Lisa has established a diverse skill set that has been strengthened by a passion for learning, something she has shared with others through a decade in vocational teaching. As a caregiver of  five adolescents, Lisa sees first hand the importance of mobilising young people through education and opportunities for them to contribute to discourse around decisions impacting them and their future.

With harm reduction a central philosophy, and collaboration and inclusivity as foundational values, Lisa is an advocate for creating platforms and opportunities for those with lived and living experience to have a voice, and seat at the table, fostering collective voices for policy reform and authentic social change.

Braden Spencer, is an accomplished senior leader, brings a wealth of experience, notably as the General Manager of Individual Giving at Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. With a focus on fundraising, strategic planning and performance leadership, he has elevated revenue streams, overseeing diverse channels and achieving a notable improvement in client retention rates during his career. Braden has also provided strategic guidance to global not-for-profits, leaving an indelible mark on organizations like Save the Children Canada.

Throughout his career, Braden's leadership has been marked by transformative achievements, revenue growth, and successful implementations of new business structures and Leadership Development programs. His dynamic approach to performance management, strategic planning, and dedication to diversity and inclusion make him an influential leader. 

Beyond his professional roles, Braden actively contributes to the community, serving as a Youth Mentor at Raise Foundation and volunteering with the Fundraising Institute of Australia. 

Julia has been a passionate coordinator and advocate within the Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) fields in Australia and overseas for 10 years. She identifies as having a lived experience of substance use both personally and in friends, family and parents. She is passionate about challenging stigma and ensuring human rights for people who use drugs.

Currently, Julia works as a Project Officer with the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA), leading their statewide youth AOD network, sector data collaboration, service provider’s conferences and MurrayPHN Workforce development. She also sits on an advisory group for Volunteering Victoria and holds current membership with the Institute of Community Directors Australia and Women in . Julia’s background spans the corporate business and AOD sectors, holding a Bachelor of Business Management and Diploma of Leadership and Management.

Preceding her VAADA tenure, she held vital roles in successful state campaigns to legalise Cannabis in the United States and with Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) Australia. She was on the executive team of SSDP La Trobe when the La Trobe Student Union awarded them with Club of The Year and Event of the Year, for a fully subscribed Psychedelic Mushroom Event.