On the 18th of February, TDTF attended the Observership 2025 observership.com.au program launch. Program Patron and guest speaker, David Gonski AC, delivered an inspiring speech to the upcoming board observers, offering valuable insights on the importance of communication, building relationships with executives, and engaging effectively with other board members.
About the Observership Program
The Observership Program founded in 2014 facilitates the involvement of young, talented and energetic individuals in a structured experience on non-profit and Government appointed boards. Each Observer is paired with an organisation for a 12-month period. During that time, Observers attend all board and/or committee meetings as non-voting members and learn about fundamental principles and functions of not- for-profit and Government appointed boards, the roles of board members, fiscal processes and other governance priorities.
“The Observership Program and Westpac Board Observer Program provide invaluable opportunities for emerging leaders to gain firsthand experience in the full complexity of governance while contributing their expertise to the non-profit sector. At Think+DO Tank Foundation, we see this as a meaningful way to strengthen our work in community-led impact. We’re grateful to be part of a program that fosters leadership, good governance, and real-world change.”
Meet Our New Board Observers
Think+DO Tank Foundation is proud to be participating in the program. Think+DO Tank Foundation (TDTF) Administrator Maysoon Elnigoumi, attended alongside the two selected Board Directors.
Kuppal Palaniappan (Associate Director at Multicultural NSW, TDTF Board Observer), who has a background in business, information, social impact, and design. She brings a wealth of experience and skills, and her recent work in anti-racism early intervention aligns closely with TDTF’s mission of using art to amplify community voices.
Carolina Zequim (Senior Associate at Architectus and TDTF Board Observer) who has a background in architecture and experience in planning health facilities and spaces—an area of interest for TDTF in designing modern, inclusive, and empowering community spaces.
We’re also pleased to welcome Antonija Lousin from the Westpac Board Observer Program as a TDTF Board Observer. With over 15 years of experience in risk, strategy, and governance, Antonija’s expertise in business intelligence and data visualisation will be invaluable to TDTF’s mission and impact reporting.
Board Director Sera Mirzabegian SC (Senior Counsel, Omnia Chambers) also attended, offering support and well wishes to all new Board Observers participating in the 2025 program.
“Congratulations to the Observership team on the launch of the 2025 program! Wishing the best of luck to all the new board observers, and a warm welcome to Kuppal and Carolina—we look forward to your contributions to TDTF’s mission of empowering and connecting communities.”
