Board of Directors

Nicholas Begakis AM
Chairman

Nick has more than 30 years experience in senior management roles in manufacturing industries, as an entrepreneur in his own enterprises, in venture capital, merchant banking and corporate recovery roles. He currently has various State and National roles as an independent, non-executive Company Director and Chairman.

In particular, he is Chairman of a number of Boards including the Council for International Trade and Commerce, and a Director of Business SA and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Michael O'Connor
Deputy Chairman

Michael graduated from the South Australian Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Applied Science in 1984. Since then he has carved a significant career and business in the building industry in South Australia. In addition to his role on the WCH Foundation board, Michael is also a member of the Master Builder's Association and the Young Presidents Organisation.

Barbara Lamkin

Barbara has been on the WCH Foundation board since 2001, and has been heavily committed with the Hospital in a voluntary capacity for the past 36 years. Barbara has served as President and Patron of the Auburn/Watervale Auxiliary of the WCH for the past 26 years.

Dr Tony Bourne

Tony studied Medicine at the University of Adelaide from 1964-1969 and subsequently trained in pathology at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Tony took up post as a Consultant Pathologist at the Adelaide Children's Hospital in 1977, a position which continued with the Women's  & Children's Hospital until he retired in 2007.

Francis Wong

A prominent figure in marketing Australia and South Australia as a tourist destination, Francis established one of the country’s leading inbound tourism companies, Encounter Australia. Francis is the only South Australian to have ever been elected to serve as Chair on the Asian Industry Advisory Panel, is a Councillor on the Adelaide City Council and is National President of the Australia Brunei Darussalam Business Council.

Leigh McClusky

With a career spanning almost 30 years, Leigh is one of South Australia’s most experienced and respected journalists. Having worked in print, radio and television, Leigh is perhaps most well known for her role as host of Channel Seven’s top rating current affairs program, Today Tonight. She is also a mother to young twins.

Bronwen Gwynn-Jones

Bronwen is the founding Director of Jigsaw Media, an independent South Australian media organisation which publishes a number of high quality niche magazines and produces local television.

John Harley

A respected solicitor and notary, John is a past President of the Law Society, a past Public Advocate and current President of the Notaries Society of SA Inc.

Darren Lehmann

Darren Lehmann is one of the nation’s favourite test cricket legends and, as a South Australian, holds a special place in the hearts of many and is widely respected for his business acumen and commitment to charitable causes.

Wee Keat Chan

Wee is a Partner of Bray Chan Chartered Accountants and his areas of expertise include the manufacturing, fashion and services industries. Wee Keat is currently the National President of the Australia Malaysia Business Council. In 2007, in recognition of his meritorious service and contribution in further strengthening the trade relations between Australia and Malaysia, Wee Keat was conferred the honorary award of Johan Mangku Negara (J.M.N.) (Companion in the Order of the Defender of the Realm) by the King of Malaysia, His Majesty Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Mark Coughlin

A Price Waterhouse Coopers Partner, Mark is the Partner in charge of Adelaide Advisory Practices and is the Lead Partner in South Australia for Energy and Utility Advisory Services.