Christine Castley OAM has been appointed chair of the Queensland Community Foundation (QCF) which supports more than 300 charities across the state.
Queensland Public Trustee, Samay Zhouand said Ms Castley will replace Margaret McMurdo AC, who is set to retire as QCF chair and from its board of governors on 26 September.
Ms Castley, who is CEO of the Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency, joined QCF’s board on 8 May and will assume the role of chair on 27 September.
QCF, founded by former Queensland Premier the Honourable Mike Ahern AO in 1997 under the trusteeship of Queensland Public Trustee (QPT), has distributed almost $57 million in funds to Queensland charities over the past 29 years.
Mr Zhouand said Ms Castley was perfectly suited to the challenge of leading and safeguarding the state’s foremost charitable trust.
“Christine comes to QCF with a reputation for clear strategic judgement, practical implementation and building trusted relationships across government, community and industry stakeholders,” Mr Zhouand said.
“These skills are vital to QCF’s provision of meaningful support for Queensland communities over the long term.”
Ms Castley said she was honoured to be part of QCF’s remarkable story of connecting generosity with purpose.
“Strong communities don’t happen by accident,” she said.
“They’re built through the efforts of people and organisations willing to invest in the wellbeing and opportunity of others.
“I’m looking forward to working with my fellow governors, QPT, donors and charitable partners to ensure QCF continues to deliver enduring impact for Queenslanders.”
Mr Zhouand paid tribute to the Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC, under whose leadership QCF matured its strategy and deepened its engagement with regional communities.
“Margaret’s focus on integrity and sustainability helped position QCF as an even more trusted and respected philanthropic institution,” Mr Zhouand said.
“She’s laid the essential groundwork for continued growth and innovation for years to come.”
During her Honour’s nine-year tenure as chair, QCF’s board implemented the Australian Foundation for Charitable Trusts in partnership with QPT and QIC. This move improved the investment performance of QCF’s funds and led to a reduction in QCF’s investment management costs.
