ABOUT LINK VISION
Our Story
Link Vision, originally named Aid for the Blind, was founded in 1968 by Reverend Elsie Dodd and her husband Gordon Dodd to help people with Low and No vision lead more independent lives.
Their mission then was simple, to improve working conditions and provide affordable self-contained living accommodation.
Over the past few decades, this mission has gone from strength to strength thanks to the support of many and our outlook for the future looks brighter than ever.
Meet Our People
CEO/Secretary
Terry has been CEO since 2012 and prior to that was a Board member. He has extensive senior management experience in both major corporates, also smaller organisations throughout Australia.
He has also successfully operated his own PR business, his specialty being Business Building. He has previously been involved with Rotary International and Ronald McDonald Charities, also Queensland state Government, all voluntary positions.
Terry has variety of qualifications, including Advanced Management, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Terry is also Chair of Charitable Reuse Australia (a National Peak Body which advocates for Australia’s charitable recyclers) and serves as President of the Queensland White Cane Committee. Terry also has an interest if Community Broadcasting.
Retail Manager
Tracy has over 30 years of retail experience and is responsible for Link Vision’s Retail activities, including management of 9 “Op Shops”.
Tracy is also responsible for the overall management of Link Vision in the absence of the CEO. She has been with Link Vision for 14 years, and during that time developed a very successful retail and export business for donated goods. Tracy’s indefatigable nature has helped put Link Vision into a very solid financial position.
There have been 3 generations of Tracy’s family, all very dedicated to Link Vision’s Mission for over 40 years.
Operations Manager
Liam has been with Link Vision for 8 years, commencing as a junior / trainee and progressing through the ranks to his current role.
Based in Link Visions Distribution centre, Liam is responsible for collection and sorting of donated goods, provision of goods to Link Vision retails stores, also sale of goods to export and wholesale markets. His goal has always been twofold; to provide quality goods to retail stores and other end markets, whilst ensuring avoidance of goods going to landfill.
Administrator
Tania has over 35 years in tourism and insurance underwriting, 25 of these with RACQ. She has tertiary qualifications in tourism.
As a former carer of people with low or no vision, Tania fully understands the needs of Link Vision Residents, and is the first point of contact for them. Tania is also responsible for day-to-day administration, and like all other staff and volunteers, is fully committed to Link Visions charitable purpose.
Meet Our Board
President
Luke brings over twenty years of extensive experience in business ownership and management across media and retail sectors, showcasing a diverse skill set. For thirteen years, he served as Director of a prominent media and consultancy firm, refining his strategic acumen. Currently, Luke oversees a portfolio of businesses ranging from travel to retail, with a specialisation in luxury Swiss watches, and manages a team of 50 dedicated staff.
In addition to his business achievements, Luke has navigated challenges associated with low vision, cultivating a profound understanding of the unique difficulties encountered by those with low or no vision. Furthermore, Luke has dedicated his time to serving on not-for-profit boards, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact in his community.
Director
Annie has worked as General Manager in the not-for-profit sector for both national and state-based organisations. During her contract with Guide Dogs Queensland, she had the privilege of interacting directly with people living with low or no vision who helped her understand what was needed as support.
Annie previously had senior roles with Coles Supermarkets, Flight Centre, and time in financial services. She also started up the Organ & Tissue Authority to help increase the Australian rates of organ donation. This diverse experience has given her a very strong business and governance background and an ability to work across all sectors with all types of people.
She would be delighted to have the opportunity to offer her skills and business experience as a member of the Management Committee.
Director and Vice President
Phillip (Phil) moved to Brisbane permanently 3 years ago, with his partner and three teenage children, after 15 years in Perth where he was a Senior Human Resources Manager with BHP. He became a Director of Link Vision in late 2021.
Prior to that, he worked in various Senior Human Resource positions for ExxonMobil, including as HR Manager for Mobil Oil New Zealand and HR Manager for Mobil Pacific Islands. The latter role provided him with incredible experience working with diverse cultures.
In June 2023 Phil took up a position as Senior Human Resources Business Partner at The Wesley Hospital, which is part of UnitingCare Queensland.
Phil was keen to devote more of his time supporting a worthwhile organisation such as Link Vision. He is really impressed with the support that Link Vision provides to persons with Low or No Vision, of which he is one. Thus, he can really appreciate the value of this work and support.
Phil brings to Link Vision 25+ years of Human Resource Management experience and management of senior leadership teams with leading Australian companies. He holds a Master of Business Admin and a Bachelor of Economics.
Phil is very keen to build on the achievements of those before him and help Link Vision into its next phase, working closely with the Board, Staff and most importantly our Members.
Director
Brian is the principal and founder of the Retail Doctor Group.
Retail Doctor Group specialises in the development and transformation of retail strategy into increased asset performance with independent systems and frameworks, increasing revenue and profitability.
He brings considerable senior executive experience in the specialty retail, franchising, and shopping centre sectors, including line management, consulting, also advisory Board roles. Given that Link Vision is about to open its 10th retail store, Brians expertise will be welcome should his nomination be accepted.
Brian has successfully led change teams and has been an integral part of strategy projects including Optus, Hutchison Communications, Global Brands Group, NAB and many others.
He is a featured columnist and contributing author for prestige publications, and has been a media commentator on ABC, 9 News, a Current Affair and Today Tonight.
Brian is a fellow of the Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Australian institute of Management, and a member of the Professional Speakers Association. He has a Bachelor of Business, a Diploma in Applied Science, and has post Graduate qualifications in Business Finance and Administration.
Director & Treasurer
David is a member of the Australian Society of CPAs, CIMA (UK) and the Governance Institute of Australia. He became Treasurer of Link Vision late in 2021.
He is the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of Heat & Control Pty Ltd and also sits on the Board of Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. His role is mainly in finance and administration, and he is responsible for the integrity of the financial information of the group. David also works with the group’s auditors during the audit process, legal counsel and group’s bankers as required.
David has a strong sense of community and has been a Treasurer for the Silver Fawn Club and has served on the Parish Council of St Barnabas Anglican Church, Sunnybank.
David has a desire to serve the community and believes that his experience in the corporate and not for profit sectors together with his skill set in finance gained over 40 years working in this field will enable him to contribute to Link Vision as a Director and Treasurer.
Director
Melissa is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Queensland.
She is already well known to several Link Vision Members, and very well known as an Inclusive teacher, and researcher who is passionate that all students have access to quality education that meets their individual needs.
She is a Doctor of Philosophy, a Master of Special Education, and also has a Graduate Diploma in Education and a Bachelor of Arts.
Melissa currently serves as Co President of the South Pacific Educators of Vision Impairment, and is also an Education Ambassador for LEGO Braille Bricks. She also has a public and media profile as an expert commentator in Mathematics and Inclusive Education.
She has been keynote speaker on many panels and initiatives both in Australia and overseas on topics including Assistive technology and Inclusive Education.
Melissa has a deep understanding of our sector and believes she can make a very positive contribution to Link Vision. She has an extensive network and enjoys a high level of credibility with all those she interacts with. She is looking forward to contributing to the progressive Link Vision Team.
Meet Our Ambassadors
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