For Australia to become a place where all people and communities thrive, we must work hard to remove the barriers to participation and learning that exist throughout many of our social systems.

It is an honour to be writing this note as incoming CEO of SVA, where removing those barriers is what we work towards each day.

Having been at SVA for almost eight years, I could not be more delighted to be continuing my contribution by stepping up to lead as CEO.

I believe in SVA’s mission with every fibre of my being.

The uncommon collection of skills within the SVA team and our strong and diverse partnerships across the social purpose ecosystem provide us a unique opportunity to influence lasting positive change in Australia.

I am proud of what we have achieved to date and believe the strong foundations and track record SVA has today have set us up to contribute even more meaningfully going forward.

I am deeply thankful to both Rob Koczkar and Michael Traill for creating and growing this organisation, as well as for their mentorship and trust in me over many, many years.

I look forward to working collaboratively with the team, and with our partners, to create a more vibrant, dynamic and just community.

Suzie Riddell