Board of Governors

Bruno Camarri AM LLB

President

"I am involved with Meerilinga because of its commitment to the advancement of children, particularly, within their family and the community."

Since 1969, Bruno has worked as a corporate lawyer, primarily representing clients in energy and natural resources, construction and technology industries. From 1979 to 1987, Bruno was the managing partner of the Perth office and a member of Freehills' National Board. He is now a senior member of Freehills' national Energy and Resources team.

He has advised both private industry and government in relation to joint ventures, sale, purchase and delivery of assets and commodities, financing, construction, foreign and local takeovers, taxation, capital raisings, due diligence, titles (including native title), corporate governance and technology transfer. Between 1994 and 1996, he was Senior Counsel for the Western Australian Commission on Government.

Bruno is also a private investor in farming, engineering, land subdivisions and tourism and actively participates in these businesses.

He has been the Chairman of Board of Governors of Meerilinga Young Children's Foundation Inc since 1994, is the Patron of United Way (WA) Inc. and is a Trustee of The Royal Institute for the Blind Foundation. Bruno is a Member of the College of Law Advisory Board, University of Notre Dame Australia and was awarded the Butterworth's Lawyers Community Service Award (1998), the St. Georges Rotary Community Services Award (1999) ), named a Paul Harris Fellow (1999) by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and honored as a member of the Order of Australia 9 June 2008.

Rachel Akehurst

Vice President

"Enabling each child to know that it is loved, cared for and supported so that it can reach its full potential, is a noble purpose. Meerilinga’s heartfelt focus on, and expertise in, children’s development and nutrition through supporting those that parent, love and care for them, contributes to this purpose. I am privileged to have been asked to contribute in some way to Meerilinga’s activities."

Rachel has over 20 years experience as a behavioural psychologist. She has worked in the oil and gas, mining and banking sectors in Europe, Australia, South Africa and the Middle East. She is experienced in strategic planning, human resources and more recently as a consultant working with organisations that are looking to improve their performance through a significant shift in their culture. She also manages the Southern Dreams vineyard and wine label based in Pemberton, Western Australia.

She is a director of the Fortitude Foundation, which focuses on elevating self-esteem in children and women through training in life skills.

She was born and educated in UK and has a B.Sc in Psychology from London University (LSE). She has lectured at UWA. Perth is now home and she became an Australian citizen in 2001.

Rachel is passionate about each person having the opportunity to develop to their full potential. She has two beautiful children, Joanna and Matt and a gorgeous husband called John.

Penny Melsom

Since 1989 Penny has worked as an Occupational Therapist, initially in NSW, then back home to WA. Penny commenced working exclusively with children in 1991 and has enjoyed the opportunity to help children and families overcome hurdles and achieve their goals ever since.

Penny has held positions and completed projects with a number of organisations including The Centre for Cerebral Palsy, Therapy Focus, and PrincessMargaretHospital, before establishing Skillbuilders Therapy Services for children in 1995. In 2002 Skillbuilders purchased a second business to supply therapy products and developmental resources nationwide. She has also provided supervision to many students on clinical placement and worked for CurtinUniversity as a Student Fieldwork Coordinator.

Penny has been an active member of several organisations devoted to the wellbeing of children, including Noah’s Ark Toy Library, the Early Intervention Association of WA, the Cerebral Palsy Association of WA, and Developmental Occupational Therapists (WA).

Currently Penny focuses on managing Skillbuilders Therapy Services and enjoys juggling this role with managing three delightful and busy children (Sophie and Fraser 9 years, and Lachlan 11 years) and a patient husband, Stephen.

Susan Sheath

“I believe that wonderful childhood provides individuals with a foundation for a happy and fulfilling adulthood.  The programs lead by Meerilinga support the promotion of this belief.  I hope that my commercial skills will complement the expertise of the other members of the Board of Governors in guiding Meerilinga in its future development.”

Susan has over 30 years experience in the commercial side of the oil/gas industry.  After being born in England and gaining a degree in Engineering Science from Warwick University, she has worked in Europe, Africa and Australia, where she has now lived for the past 16 years.  She has experience in contract management including the tendering, negotiation and administration of large complex contracts, co-ordination of parties with differing agendas, and strategic development. 

Susan is now retired from full time work although continues to provide consultancy services to the industry.  She also operates a small business, Quirky Quilts, designing and making patchwork quilts. 

Susan has worked for various not-for profit organisations including the Red Cross, Volunteering WA and ConnectGroups.

Fiona Lander

Ms Fiona Lander is the Executive General Manager Corporate Affairs & Organisation Development of Perth Airport Pty Ltd.  As the premier international, domestic and regional gateway to Western Australia, Perth Airport is Australia’s fourth largest airport in terms of passenger traffic and plays an integral role in the State’s economy.

Prior to joining Perth Airport in August 2010, Fiona was the Executive Director Policy & Learning with the State Government’s Department for Child Protection.  In this role, she was responsible for the policy and procedural foundation of child protection operations across the State, family & domestic violence response coordination, legislation and media management.

Fiona began her career working for State and Federal Members of Parliament, then entered the WA public service and held a number of senior roles in a range of human services portfolios.

Fiona holds a Bachelor of Arts (Politics) and an Executive Master in Public Administration.  She was appointed to the State Government’s Women’s Advisory Council in 2011, the Youth Focus Board in July 2012 and the Fremantle Port Authority in August 2012.

Fiona is committed to working to ensure that all children and young people have opportunities afforded to them, and that families and communities are able to nurture and support their development.

Patricia O'Sullivan O.A.M.

Founding President and Life Governor

"I have seen young children blossom when they are loved and cared for, and when their parents gain confidence in their parenting. I hope that the spread of knowledge about children's needs reaches more households and those who make the decisions about them."

 I have trained, worked and have been influenced all my life by the people at Meerilinga. Firstly with the Kindergarten Association and PreSchool Board. Later with the voluntary organisations and the children that came with their parents to play and work there. In 1989 I was honoured to be elected as President of the newly established Meerilinga Young Children's Foundation Inc. by the members of the preceding Meerilinga Council, since dissolved. I remain as a Board Member of this not-for-profit organisation, which has always had children at its heart.