About the merger
Who is Whitelion?
Whitelion recognises these young people can become trapped in a cycle of disadvantage that may be impossible for them to break out of, without external intervention. Whitelion provides these positive interventions in the form of opportunities such as: a job; a mentor; role models; intensive outreach; leadership and other relevant programs. Further information can be found on www.whitelion.asn.au.
How has this merger come about?
Whitelion supports young people in the youth justice, out of home care and child protection systems whilst OFA supports at risk young people.
What’s the connection between Whitelion and OFA?
OFA and Whitelion share a deeply held value and philosophy regarding helping the most marginalised of young people whilst never giving up on the individual. Both organisations have the same purpose - to help at-risk young Australians. Whitelion and OFA offer complementary and non-competitive services to the same target group of young people. With a continuous service model through the complementary programs currently offered separately by both organisations, we can offer young people a better chance in life. Both organisations have similar cultures, values, interests and community profiles. Coming together will strengthen them and significantly benefit young people at risk.
What does the merger mean for the young people OFA work with?
The merger will result in increased stability and better co-ordinated care for young people because they can be supported within one organisation. The merged organisation will be better able to provide a holistic wraparound service, minimising the risk of young people becoming lost where one service ends and another one begins. This enables our clients to potentially remain engaged for longer. They also receive long-term support which improves their chance for a successful outcome and reintegration back into mainstream society.
Who will be leading Whitelion and OFA?
The current Whitelion CEO, Mark Watt, will lead the joint organisation. OFA CEO Emma Cassar has worked closely with OFA Chairman David Evans from the beginning of this merger to ensure the best outcome and long term sustainability can be achieved for OFA staff, clients as well as Whitelion Staff and clients.
Emma, after successfully negotiating the merger, has decided to join Mission Australia as Victorian State Director. We are excited for Emma and her new opportunity and wish her well in her new role.
Will the merged organisation have a new name?
No, OFA and Whitelion will retain their own identity; Mark Watt will be CEO of both.
What is the Board structure and composition of Whitelion and OFA Australia?
OFA has a 10 member board chaired by David Evans. Whitelion has a 12 member board chaired by Anne Barker. The two boards will consolidate into one 12 member board, incorporating members of both organisations. Both boards include senior figures from the business and community service sectors, with rich experience to offer the new merged entity.
After many years of dedicated service to OFA, David Evans will step down from the board to accept an Ambassador position with the merged organisation. Anne Barker will Chair the new organisation.
Our Structure
Open Family Australia is incorporated as a public company limited by guarantee and is governed by a Board of Directors. It is registered with the Australian Taxation Office as a Public Benevolent Institution and has Deductible Gift Recipient status.
Board of Directors - Open Family Australia and Whitelion |
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| Chairperson Ms Anne Barker |
Treasurer Mr Kevin Mullen Director Moore Stephens |
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| Directors Mr David Tucker CEO Enviro Pacific Services |
Ms Emma Needham Director Emma Needham Corporate Affairs Consultancy |
Mr Bob Dalziel |
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Ms Donna Watt |
Mr Mark Watt Chief Executive Officer Whitelion and Open Family Australia |
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| CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Watt |
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Kim Wood |
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GENERAL MANAGER |
EXECUTIVE MANAGER STRATEGY |
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| NATIONAL MANAGER, FINANCE Ian Robertson |
HR Advisor Aida Akhlaghi |
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| VICTORIAN STATE MANAGER Jeff Hamilton |
NEW SOUTH WALES STATE MANAGER Sharon Everson |
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WESTERN AUSTRALIA STATE MANAGER |
TASMANIAN STATE MANAGER Barbara Walters |
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| SOUTH AUSTRALIA STATE MANAGER Amy Duke |
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Ambassadors - VictoriaJohn Turner (Lead Ambassador) |
Ambassadors - New South WalesDr Andrew Refshauge
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Our History
The organisation known today as Open Family Australia was informally founded in Melbourne in 1978.
- In 1978 Father Bob Maguire and Brother Alex McDonald founded Open Family.
- In 1981 Open Family Foundation was established as a charitable organisation and an unincorporated association.
- On 6 March 1984 Open Family Foundation Incorporated was incorporated in Victoria.
- On 1 September 1992 Open Family (Australia) Incorporated was incorporated as an association in the ACT.
- On 2 December 1992 Open Family Foundation Incorporated changed its name to Open Family (Victoria) Incorporated.
- On 7 November 2005 Open Family (Australia) Incorporated became a Registered Australian Body with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).
- In December 2006, after 28 years of service, Father Bob Maguire retired from Open Family (Australia) to pursue his own Foundation.
- On 6 September 2007 Open Family Australia became registered as a public company limited by guarantee.
- On 1 December 2011 Open Family Australia merged with like-minded youth organisation Whitelion.
Who We Are
For more than 30 years, Open Family Australia has been providing a range of Outreach services to young people experiencing high complex needs.
Our client group is young people aged between 12 and 25 who are disengaged from society.
Over 80% of these young people are in this situation due to family break down or family conflict. This issue goes across all socio-economic groups and may result in homelessness, criminal activity, drug abuse, mental health problems and disengagement from school or employment.
Methodology
Open Family Australia is incorporated as a public company limited by guarantee and is governed by a Board of Directors. It is registered with the Australian Taxation Office as a Public Benevolent Institution and has Deductible Gift Recipient Status.
In December 2011 Open Family Australia merged with like-minded youth organisation, Whitelion. Read more about the merger.
Endorsements
To view Open Family Australia's endorsements please click on a link below:
