In almost 6 years, HOST International has established innovative and high impact programs in six countries across the Asia Pacific region to now be a leading enabler of grassroots refugee protection and community capacity building.
We have a strong vision for creating inclusive communities and a commitment to evidence informed practice and partnership in our delivery.
Behind this work is a dedicated international volunteer board who have been guiding the development of our work and stewardship of resources in line with our vision. Last week, after 2 years as Chair of the board, Jamila Padhee, decided to step down as chair but will remain a general director.
Jamila has brought great wisdom and humility to the board and has helped us steer through the challenges of COVID lock downs in multiple countries as well as growth opportunities. Her stewardship has strengthened the rigour of board processes and has been a great support to our CEO.
We thank her for her service in this role and are grateful that she will remain part of the team.
We are pleased to announce that Wendy Brooks has been elected to the role of Chair and will lead us forward into the next phase of our development as we seek to finalise and implement a new strategic plan for the organisation through to 2025.
Wendy is passionate about social justice, social inclusion, equity and human rights. This includes a desire to facilitate social inclusion of migrants, refugees and displaced people throughout the world.
Her career has spanned law, music, marketing, business development and fundraising for the tertiary education, environment and conservation, arts, health and medical research and social welfare sectors.
Wendy has a lived experience of disability and has been a keen advocate for social inclusion and the human rights of people of all abilities. In the past she served as inaugural Chair of Women with Disabilities Victoria and was a board director of Scope Australia.
Wendy’s voluntary leadership positions include: Co-Chair, Human Rights Watch (HRW) Australia; Board Chair of InLife Independent Living Ltd; Board Director of Geelong Community Foundation; Board Director of Summer Housing Ltd and member of the Committee of Management of Friends of Eastern Otways Inc.
Wendy serves on the HRW International Disability Rights Advisory Council and the Scope & University of Melbourne Advisory Council and is a founding member of the Australian Charity Law Association and the Melbourne Women’s Fund.
Through Wendy Brooks & Partners, Wendy provides strategic fundraising services and a range of administrative support services to the community sector.
Wendy works and lives on Waddawurrung, Gadabanud and Wurundjeri Country.