The role of the board

The Board of Advice was established in 2000 under a Deed of Trust signed by Queensland Public Trustee and Minister of the former Department of Families, Youth and Community Care.

The primary role of the board is to make recommendations to Queensland Public Trustee about how the trust funds should be distributed. Their aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of former child residents of Queensland Institutions and former children in the care of the State.

Sarah Lim

Sarah Lim

Chair since 2021 and member since 2018

Sarah Lim holds a Master of Laws, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Law (Hons), and has over twenty-five years’ experience across human services, both in government and the not-for-profit sectors.

With her legal background underpinning vast social and legal policy analysis and development experience, Sarah’s achievements in institutional child safety, youth justice, corrections, women’s policy, domestic and family violence and not-for-profit governance and operations are grounded in her passion for social justice. Sarah’s commitment to justice and advocacy for the needs of vulnerable people can also be seen through her volunteer roles in local community and on not-for-profit boards.

Sarah was the lead in responding to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse on behalf of one of the largest community service agencies in Australia and has worked with many survivors of abuse in that context. She is now the national lead for redress for a large faith-based organisation, working with survivors of abuse, embedding trauma-informed practice and working towards restoration of relationships.  Sarah is also Co-Founder of BBSafe, working tirelessly to improve cultures of safety within organisations and communities.

Sarah joined the Board of Advice in 2018, first as a member and then as the nominated Chair. As a result of Sarah’s “make things happen” ethos, combined with her professional expertise and a strong commitment to helping improve the lives of others, it came as no surprise when Sarah was recently nominated by all Board members to lead the Board for a further three-year term

Anne Livingstone

Member since March 2017

Anne Livingstone holds tertiary qualifications in the areas of business, psychology and quality, and post-graduate/masters-level qualifications in business, supply chain innovation, social impact and project management.

Anne has attained national and international executive-level certifications and is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors; the Australasian Institute of Clinical Governance; Social Leadership Australia; and is an internationally Certified Association Executive; a Certified International Company Director from INSEAD Business School; a Certified Advisory Board Chair, and holds international executive certifications from Harvard Business School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Digital Transformation.

Anne currently is the Executive Director of Global Community Resourcing and her work focuses on business transformation and innovation agendas across primary health care areas and advocacy.

Anne has chaired the National Roundtable for Aged and Community Care for Forgotten Australians since its inception in 2019, and was inducted into the ACIITC National Hall of Fame in 2018. Anne is also a published author, having written journal articles on innovation in primary care, and contributed to the content of multiple published books.

Having joined the Board of Advice in 2017, Anne is a highly respected board member who brings over four decades of experience in the community care sector, alongside her passion and commitment to innovation and individually responsive service models.

Teresa Scott

Member since 2021

With tertiary qualifications in Social Work and Arts, Teresa Scott brings over 35 years of experience across the fields of child protection, family violence prevention, mental health and education.

As a qualified Social Worker, Teresa commenced her early career with Queensland Health, supporting people with chronic mental health issues to live in a community setting. Teresa’s passion for working directly with people led her next to a challenging and fulfilling role in child protection services, later moving seamlessly between service delivery positions, to policy development roles, and to academia.

In 2003, Teresa was appointed Board President of the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN). Teresa has continued for over twenty years in this volunteer role, supporting the work of the charity, offering specific expertise in the areas of child protection/ child abuse prevention strategies, and providing ongoing support to NACAN’s executive and senior staff.

In 2005, Teresa was awarded the Department of Child Safety’s Australia Day award for her contribution to leadership in child abuse prevention.

In April 2021, Teresa accepted a nomination to join the Board of Advice. Teresa continues to share her time between volunteering as NAPCAN Board President, convening online courses as a casual academic, and her role on the Board. Having worked for many decades directly with children in care, care leavers and adults in crisis, Teresa’s depth of practice knowledge and experience provides strong guidance, insight and meaningful context to the day-to-day discussions and deliberations of Board members.

Steve Powis

Member since 2021

Steve Powis’ 40-year career is rooted in social work and program planning and management, with dedicated expertise in aged care and disability services. Beginning with the delivery of social work services and the shaping of policy and programs for a prominent London Local Authority, Steve carved his early career path in the human services field.

His subsequent move to the Queensland State Government involved working as a Program Manager and then a 12-year span where he served as Director, Home and Community Care program and pivotal in transitioning aged care funding and establishing the Community Care program for under-65s with disabilities since 2012. Steve's leadership was integral to the evolution and implementation of the Queensland Community Support Services (QCSS) program in 2019, which dovetailed with Queensland's adoption of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

From January 2020 to December 2022, Steve contributed his extensive expertise to the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), advising on and managing projects within the aged care business unit. IUIH is a not-for-profit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation which focuses on cultivating comprehensive health, aged, and disability care tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Southeast Queensland. In 2021, Steve further extended his influence and commitment to service by accepting a role on the Board of Advice. With a career distinguished by continuous advancement in service to the community, particularly focusing on support for the elderly and people with disabilities, Steve continues to make a meaningful and significant contribution to the Board of Advice.

Anne Marie O'Callaghan

Member since 2022

Anne Marie is a commercially astute Director, Independent Chair and Finance professional, with national and international qualifications and over 25 years’ experience in executive leadership and board roles. As a qualified accountant, Anne Marie has advised the not-for-profit sectors for over 25 years on complex taxation, investment and financial transactions.

For over twenty years, Anne Marie has also been active in board and committee roles in rural and regional communities, primarily in aged care, water resources, agriculture, and the arts. Through strategic leadership and effective governance, Anne Marie is focused on building a sustainable future for vulnerable people, promoting outstanding customer experience and enhancing financial success for individuals, communities and the broader not for profit sector.

Anne Marie is currently Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chair of a large community charity providing care to older people and people with disabilities. She is also principal of an accounting and consulting business delivering financial, taxation, and strategic advice to business clients.

Anne Marie is driven by concepts of positive change and strongly believes in leveraging her own expertise to make a meaningful contribution.

Joining the Board of Advice in 2022, Anne Marie brings strong expertise in financial oversight, risk management, and corporate governance, and is adept at navigating challenging business landscapes and industry reform. Anne Marie’s strong passion for social impact, and her commitment toward ensuring that decision-making, strategic direction, and organisational values are closely aligned has made her a well-respected addition to the Board of Advice.

Steve Whitehead

Member since 2022

Steve Whitehead boasts a dynamic career spanning high-profile sectors both nationally and internationally. Moving from an early career in the London Stock Exchange, to key managerial positions in Queensland's banking and money market industries, prior to transitioning into the not-for-profit sector, Steve’s final role was in sales and marketing within the automotive sector.

Steve’s transition into the not-for-profit domain was driven by his commitment to community service and recognition of the value gained through working with organisations that valued giving back, embracing cultural diversity and genuinely engaging with and listening to people. Steve’s career included significant roles in education, BlueCare, Lifeline and Uniting Care QLD, including work across their four hospital locations.

Famed for forging sustaining business partnerships, Steve's expert role in connecting the corporate sector with non-profit initiatives has led to the creation of essential revenue streams for societal benefit. His signature achievement was the development and successful capital campaign for the Ronald McDonald House Charities' $34 million South Brisbane project, which was inaugurated by His Excellency Sir Peter Cosgrove.

Since joining the Board of Advice in July 2022, Steve has remained an active contributor and participant to all board processes, while still supporting causes close to his heart.

Steve continues to dedicate time to Lifeline as well as lending his expertise in a casual capacity as and where required. Steve’s breadth of professional knowledge and experience, combined with his long-standing dedication to enriching lives and strengthening communities, continues to be recognised and valued by other members of the Board.

Ann Maree Liddy

Member since 2024

Ann Maree Liddy is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Associate Fellow of the Australian College of Health Service Executives. She holds tertiary qualifications in Social Work (Honours, 1st Class).

Since 2019, Ann Maree has been appointed to several Director roles across the health and community sector. She has been a member of the Board of Health Consumers Queensland for past five years and was appointed Board Chair from November 2024.

Ann Maree has over 38 years’ experience working across the health and community services sector, spanning not-for-profit; public sector; hospitals and academia.  She has worked extensively with vulnerable Queensland communities and families, (e.g. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, rural and remote communities, people, and families impacted by mental health and disability).

Ann Maree understands the unique challenges and complexities that often prevent individuals and families from accessing the care they require in a timely manner and closer to where they live. Since joining the Board of Advice in October 2024, Ann Maree is honoured to work alongside other members of the Board to ensure the Forde Foundation continues its leading work in supporting former children in care and former child residents of Queensland institutions.

Ann Maree’s passion for creating equitable and accessible health and care services is a passion and commitment shared by other members - every person, regardless of who they are or where they live has a right to access to safe, quality care.

Last updated: 13 June 2025