Professor Jessica Gallagher

Jessica is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University of Adelaide, and oversees a diverse portfolio, with a focus on contributing to the growth and sustainability of the University through leadership of strategic partnerships, recruitment, community outreach and internationalisation initiatives. She is responsible for leading the strategy and delivery of key services in domestic and international student recruitment, global engagement, alumni relations, philanthropy, industry and government relations. Jessica has managed teams across multiple countries to establish and execute innovative global strategies that have fostered high performing partnerships. With extensive experience in business development and strategic partner engagement initiatives, Jessica is highly regarded for her global outlook and community mindset, working to better serve the University and its stakeholders through diverse engagement initiatives across private, public and academic sectors. Jessica is the Chair of the Children’s University Advocacy Board, and a Director of Multicultural Australia and the Kokoda Track Foundation.

Professor Steve Larkin

Professor Steve Larkin is a Kungarakan man from Darwin in the Northern Territory. He is a Stolen Generations descendant and is currently the Pro Vice Chancellor of the Office of Academic and Student Engagement at the University of Adelaide. A former social worker, Steve has worked in urban, rural, and remote Aboriginal communities with state and federal governments, the Australian Medical Association and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in the areas of social health, substance misuse, and men and prisoners’ health. Steve holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from QUT, a Masters in Social Science from Charles Sturt University, and a Bachelor of Social Work from University of Queensland. He also holds appointments on a number of other Boards.

Commissioner Helen Connolly

Helen Connolly became South Australia’s first Commissioner for Children and Young People in April 2017. The position was established under the Children and Young People (Oversight and Advocacy Bodies) Act 2016. The Commissioner promotes and advocates for the rights, development and wellbeing of all children and young people in South Australia, with a special focus to engage with and listen to children who aren’t usually heard. Helen has 30 years’ experience as a leader in human services. Throughout her career, Helen has taken an active advocacy role on the main policy issues that impact on the wellbeing of Australian families and children, with a strong focus on early intervention and prevention strategies.

Mayor Glenn Docherty

Mayor Glenn Docherty is a proud and successful advocate for the City of Playford, and more broadly the northern suburbs of Adelaide. Playford is the place he grew up, where he learnt the importance of giving back and where he has chosen to raise his family. In 2002 Glenn was awarded the Playford Young Citizen of the Year for his years of service with many organisations in the community. In 2003 at 19 years of age Glenn was elected to Playford Council, as a Councillor for Ward Six representing the communities of Elizabeth East and Hillbank. Mayor Docherty was re-elected for a second term in 2006 and became the Deputy Mayor a position he held till November 2010. He was elected Mayor of the City of Playford at the 2010 Local Government Elections and has won re-election as Mayor in 2014, 2018 and 2022 totaling so far 14 years of service as Mayor, the longest ever serving Mayor of the City of Playford. In his time as Mayor, Playford Council has seen rapid population growth, urban renewal and new greenfield development. He is a strong fighter for outer urban growth areas and was the chair of the National Growth Areas Alliance for five years. He is most proud of driving change and positivity in the community with development of the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct (around the Lyell McEwin Hospital), Elizabeth CBD and Playford Sports Precinct, also the creation of the Stretton Centre supporting business and economic opportunities in Playford. The ongoing development of the Playford Alive Project and the developments of new parks and reserves throughout Playford. Glenn gives back to his community in many ways and currently serves on the Boards of Children's University at Adelaide University, Mark Oliphant College, Riverbanks College and Playford International College. He is the Chairman of the Playford Alive Initiative Fund which in his time has given away close to $850,000 to community groups and organisations. Along with being Patron to many clubs and organisations in Playford. He is a proud supporter and number one ticket holder of the Central District Football Club. He has previously served as the Deputy Chairman and Board Member of St John Ambulance SA, Board Member of Netball SA and Board Member of RDA Australia Adelaide Metro. He was recognised in 2001 with a Centenary Medal for outstanding service to the Australian Community.

Mr Bruce Djité

Advocacy Board Member and CUAA Ambassador (Sports) Bruce is the Executive Director of the SA Division of the Property Council of Australia. He is currently the Deputy Chair of the West Beach Trust and sits on the boards of the South Australian Multicultural Commission, Children’s University Advocacy Board and is a South Australian Regional Committee Member of the Winston Churchill Trust. Bruce is also a Football Analyst on Paramount+ and Network 10 and a Beyond Greatness Champion for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Prior to taking the Executive Director role at the Property Council, he was the CEO of the Committee for Adelaide and Adelaide United Football Club’s Director of Football.

Sarah Meyer

I am a biomedical student at the university of Adelaide. I was one of the first graduates from Children's university in 2014, this experience opened me to a life at university in the future. I joined Children’s University board to import a student’s opinion/ideas to the group to expand opportunities for Children University.

The Honourable Lea Stevens

Lea has held a range of senior leadership and management positions in South Australia in education, politics and community development. She has been a secondary school Principal, state MP, Shadow Minister and Minister and, following retirement from politics in 2010, Director of Northern Connections, a state agency working to improve economic and social outcomes in northern Adelaide. This work included establishing and supporting a large network of schools implementing positive education to build levels of engagement and aspiration in young people through improved wellbeing and resilience, She was closely involved with establishment of the Children’s University in South Australia and the first school communities to be involved. She currently sits on profit for purpose boards and is actively involved in other community activities.

Richard Ryan AO

Richard Ryan AO is the Chairman of Editure, Inaugural Chancellor of Charles Darwin University and Deputy Chancellor of CDU and also Governor of Menzies School of Health Research Institute. He was a member of the Northern Territory Treasury Corporation Advisory Board and a director of several private companies. He was formally the Chair of the Australian Government Solicitor Advisory Board, Chief Executive Officer of Henry Walker Ltd and a member of the Business Council of Australia. A recipient of the Australia Day Honours: Richard was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1989 for Services to the Community, and in 1998 he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for Services to Indigenous People. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a Companion of the Institution of Engineers Australia, a Companion of the Institute of Management (UK), and a Companion of Menzies School of Health Research. He is a Fellow of the National Heart Foundation, having previously served as National President of the Foundation.