Committed to Transparency and Excellence in Social Service
Interact Australia stands as a thriving and forward-thinking not-for-profit organisation. As a public company limited by guarantee, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of corporate governance. We are dedicated to maintaining transparency and accountability to our valued stakeholders.
Our commitment to excellence drives us to continuously innovate and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of social impact. We believe in the power of collaboration and strive to foster strong partnerships with our stakeholders, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Chair – Julie Busch
Julie Busch is a highly experienced Board Chair and independent Non-Executive Director currently serving on a number of NFP, Community Health, Sports Leisure and Government entities. She is a graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), and holds qualifications in Business, Arts, Journalism and Psychology.
Ms Busch has had an extensive career in people focused organisations developing, placemaking and managing retail precincts. Her driver is to add value to ensure ongoing organisational sustainability supporting people to live well.
Director – Beau Vernon
Beau Vernon suffered a spinal cord injury whilst playing Australian Rules Football in 2012, leaving him a quadriplegic.
He uses this lived experience of disability to be an advocate for disability awareness and is an Ambassador for the Wings for Life World Run.
Beau is the Senior Head Coach of the Leongatha Football Club as well as a motivational speaker at schools, running personal development days with businesses, and sharing his inspiring story at awards nights.
Director – Damian Lacey
Recently retired, Damian spent 36 years as a CEO and a prominent leader in the disability sector. His advocacy extended through international, national and state levels as he participated in key disability and telecommunications sector peaks.
Significant milestones, such as his role as host of the 4th World Congress on Mental Health and Deafness highlighted his career achievements. Damian also received prestigious accolades, including CEO of the Year and various other industry awards.
Director - Secretary – Poul Bottern
Poul Bottern (MBA Hons, GAICD) joined IntoWork Australia as Group CEO in 2012 having over 20 years experience in management and executive level roles across community, training and employment related services.
Poul has worked with the Board and Management Team in building IntoWork Australia into a large progressive employment, recruitment, training and community service provider with over 200 locations across Australia. He is actively involved in various forums and peak bodies, including his role as the President of the National Australian Apprenticeship Association.
IntoWork Group of Businesses employs over 2600 staff, and thousands of apprentices, trainees, and short term placements, and trains tens of thousands of students each year. As an Apprenticeship Network Provider the Group supports tens of thousands of people entering apprenticeships and traineeships, and also supports many disadvantaged young people and people with disabilities to enter the workforce and settle into the community as a DES and NDIS provider.