KEYS OF LIFE DIRECTORS

Michael Tucker (Chair)

BCom

Michael Tucker held senior executive positions in a major Commonwealth agency. He has extensive experience in risk and project management and corporate governance. Michael has chaired a number of Committees and Boards in a range of settings.

He has used his representation and communication skills in various organisations and advisory groups that seek to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

Alex Devine

PhD (Public Health) MHealthSc(Public Health Practice) MPH(International Health) BAppSc

Alexandra Devine has both a professional and personal interest in promoting the inclusion of children with disability in all facets of life. As a parent of one of Daphne’s students, she recognises the transformative impact of music on the lives of children with disability and their families. When not supporting Keys of Life to bring this joy to other families, Alex works as a researcher in disability and health at the University of Melbourne.

Sze Lin Foong

LLB(Hons) BCom Cert IV TAE GAICD

Sze Lin is a lawyer and educator with Leo Cussen Centre for Law, where she delivers practical legal training to entry- level lawyers to prepare them for a career in law.

As an educator herself, Sze Lin believes that music education can transform and empower children with disabilities allowing them to gain confidence and giving them opportunities for social inclusion. Sze Lin brings with her a commitment to education, her legal and governance skills in her role as the founding director of Keys of Life.

Dinesh Kuhadas

CA, CPA

Dinesh Kuhadas is a Credit Analyst on the Australian Fixed Interest Team with Janus Henderson Investors, a position he has held since 2020. Before joining the firm, he was a credit investment analyst from 2014, a manager – accounting & finance, credit division from 2010, and a fund financial accountant – private equity fund/credit division from 2008, all at River Capital in Melbourne. Prior to this, Dinesh was a senior analyst at Deloitte from 2005. Earlier, he was a senior associate and senior accountant/graduate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from 2001.

Dinesh received his bachelor of accountancy degree (Hons) with a minor in law from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Australia. He has 23 years of financial industry experience.

Joseph Proietto AM (Secretary)

PhD MB BS FRACP

Joseph Proietto is Professor Emeritus at the University of Melbourne. He is the recipient of The Kellion Prize from the Australian Diabetes Society for outstanding contribution to research on type 2 diabetes. He was awarded an Order of Australia and was made a Cavaliere (Knight) of the Italian Republic for his research on Type 2 diabetes and its main driver, obesity.

He is currently on the Board of the Prader-Willi Research Foundation and is Chair of its Scientific Advisory Board. Joseph is also on The Board of World Obesity and Chair of its Clinical Care Committee. He has a keen interest in developing music education for all children and sees the Keys of Life as the perfect vehicle for providing students with diverse learning needs a greater opportunity to fully engage in the wonders of music.

Gerard Wright (Treasurer)

BA AssocDipBus

Gerard is currently employed as Finance Director at Mathews Timber Pty Ltd in Knoxfield. He has a history of being involved in community organisations and is a past Treasurer and Life member of East Ringwood Cricket Club and Aquinas Old Collegians Football Club. He is also a past Chairman of the Mt Lilydale Mercy College Advisory Council.

Gerard was introduced to Keys of Life through family members and having been inspired by the work of Daphne had no hesitation in accepting an invitation to join the board in 2019.

John Jeffreys

FCPA GAICD

John is an experienced senior Finance Executive and Company Director having worked in the mining, service and manufacturing industries. John is a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors. He is married with two children and two grandchildren. Sport is a particular interest: cricket and football – supporting Richmond in the AFL.

John has been actively involved in community activities including the National Chairman of the Lord’s Taverners Australia, Director of Melbourne City Mission and Chairman of Candlelight Productions.

Carmel Jacobson

Dip.Acc

Carmel is currently employed as the Research Finance Manager at a Melbourne Medical Research Institute. She has over 20 years extensive experience in financial management and reporting in the not for profit sector, particularly in the management of government and philanthropic grants. She has also held various operational roles in her current organisation.

Carmel has been active in holding Committee positions for her (now grown) children’s pre school and sporting clubs – mostly as Treasurer.

Carmel has an interest in giving back to the community and supporting the development and learning opportunities of children with disabilities and diverse learning needs.