Commissioner Cameron Baker has more than 20 years’ experience in the Vocational Education and Training sector. He was appointed as South Australia's Skills Commissioner in July 2023.
Economic, social policy and workplace safety imperatives underpin Cameron’s work, which sees him engage daily with industry associations, employer bodies, co-regulators, unions and training organisations.
As the former Acting Victorian Skills Commissioner, Head of Apprenticeships Victoria, Deputy CEO of Manufacturing Skills Australia and General Manager – Skills and Engagement at the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC), he is well-versed in the regulatory and training needs of existing and emerging industries.
An accomplished strategic operator, Cameron was also a Commercial Director at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and held various educationally-focused appointments over 10 years of service with the Department of Defence.
Andrew Keogh served for 22 years in the Australian Navy, which included command of two Collins Class submarines and a three-year exchange posting with the US Navy’s Submarine Force in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii.
He was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for his leadership in command of HMAS SHEEAN in 2006.
Andrew retired from the Navy in 2007 and joined the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) where he was responsible for establishing the business improvement capability and managing ASC’s operations in WA, which included maintenance and training for the Collins Class fleet.
After a two-year stint as Chief Executive of Defence SA, Andy commenced as the Managing Director of Saab Australia in November 2017.
Donny Walford is the founder behind two successful enterprises, Behind Closed Doors and Bottom Line. Her influence extends nationally through significant contributions in collaborating with Boards, Executive teams, and senior management across diverse sectors, including industry, government, and non-government organisations.
With extensive experience spanning banking, finance, government, broadcast media, small business, and the For Purpose sectors, Donny is driven by her passion for imparting invaluable lessons to both established and emerging leaders throughout Australia.
As a Non-Executive Director and experienced businesswoman, Donny has built a career marked by resilience in the face of adversity. She consistently identifies and capitalises on opportunities while actively guiding, coaching, and mentoring businesspeople to excel in their careers and achieve significant accomplishments.
A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Certified Chair for Advisory Boards, Donny holds multiple directorships across both public and private sectors. Her strategic leadership and commitment to developing Australia's next generation of leaders underlines her significant impact on the business landscape and her dedication to creating pathways for professional growth and excellence.
Estha van der Linden has over 20 years working for industry associations and representing South Australian businesses across many industries including mining, manufacturing, construction, health and retail.
After spending the first 15 years of her career as a workplace relations specialist she made the move to policy and advocacy in 2015 where she has gained experience at peak industry associations such as the South Australian Business Chamber and Master Builders SA. She is currently the State Head of Australian Industry Group, which is a peak national employer organisation representing traditional, innovative and emerging industry sectors.
Estha has completed a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Business Management and the Australian Institute of Company Directors course and is a member of several government and non-government Boards and Committees.
Helen is responsible for the direction and
scope of the United Workers Union's work in early education. She drives a strong research and
policy base to the work and builds collaborative relationships with other
stakeholders. Helen spearheads advocacy for quality early learning
environments with well-supported and respected professional staff.
In her 20 years at United Workers Union, Helen has worked across the country and been Secretary of the Tasmanian branch and later Assistant National Secretary.
Prior to working for the United Workers Union, Helen spent 20 years in the early education and care sector, developing educational programs and environments for the youngest members of our community.
Helen is also Deputy Chair of HESTA, an industry superannuation fund with over $73 billion under management and a member of the IFM Shareholder Advisory Panel. At HESTA, Helen chairs the Governance and Remuneration Committee and sits on the Investment Committee.
Helen holds a Diploma of Teaching from University of South Australia, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees Directors’ Course and has an Advanced Diploma in Children's Services from TAFE SA.
Ian Horne is a leading advocate for the hotel, hospitality, and tourism industry in South Australia, having been the CEO of the Australian Hotels Association (SA) on two occasions for a total of thirty-one years. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Adelaide University and completed an Executive Education program at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.
His advocacy in the tourism, business events, accommodation and hospitality industry, is reflected in positions he holds on the boards of the South Australian Tourism Commission, as Chairperson of the Business Events Adelaide (formerly Adelaide Convention Bureau} and his appointment in 2023 to the board of the Adelaide Venue Management Corporation (AVMC) and to the SA Skills Commission.
Ian's roles and responsibilities cover four decades and reflect the commitment, drive and dedication that go well beyond the job that has seen Ian considered a major influencer, campaigner and advocate on all policy issues that have impacted the tourism and hospitality industry.
Ian also has significant experience in industry training through his involvement in Group Training thorough both the AHA and Motor Trade Association (MTA) in South Australia. Ian was appointed to the board of Tourism Australia in August 2023 and is currently its Deputy Chair.
John Chapman’s multi-faceted career includes extensive experience at CEO/senior executive level in public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
He was appointed as Industry Advocate in July 2024. The role was expanded in February 2025 to include that of Whyalla Regional Coordinator during the administration of the steelworks and mines.
He is an experienced Board Director and is currently the Presiding Member of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), as well as an independent member of the Department for Energy and Mining, Audit and Risk Committee.
John was South Australia’s Small Business Commissioner between 2014 and 2021, following eight years as CEO of the Motor Trade Association of SA. This role included management of an industry-based group training organisation (GTO) employing more than 500 apprentices and trainees and an automotive focussed registered training organisation (RTO).
He holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Adelaide and is a Fellow and Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He was recognised for service to public administration in South Australia with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in January 2024.
Josh Peak has served as Secretary of the South Australian Branch since 2019 and has been with the SDA for over 15 years. The SDA represents over 33,000 retail, fast food and warehousing workers across South Australia, the Northern Territory and Broken Hill and over 217,000 workers nationwide.
Josh started out in retail working at Foodland when he was 15, and he joined the SDA when his employer pressured him to sign an individual Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA). He immediately recognised that AWAs were unfair to workers and stripped away their rights at work so Josh fought back and joined the campaign to end WorkChoices by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
Josh started working at the SDA in 2008 as an Organiser, working to grow the union and help members to resolve workplace issues. Josh went on to serve on the ACTU Executive from 2009-2015 and is a current member of the Australian Labor Party National Executive.
Michael brings over 35 years of domestic, national, and international senior executive leadership and commercial experience across diverse industry sectors and organisational structures. His expertise spans driving innovation, enhancing business performance, governance, and operational excellence, with a focus on technology, education, health, and arts sectors.
An accomplished board director, chair, and executive leader, Michael has successfully led large, medium, and small multi-disciplinary organisations through significant strategic changes and restructures. He has managed cultural transformations while driving efficiency and productivity improvements and provided thought leadership and guidance to CEOs and executive teams.
Currently, Michael serves as Chair of SA Health’s Statewide Clinical Support Services Committee, Chair of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Board Director of the ACH Group.
His notable previous roles include Chair of Country Arts South Australia, Chair of the Taxi & Chauffeur Review Panel, Chair of the Australian Information Industry Association, Board Director of the Flinders Medical Centre Foundation, and Chair of the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation.
Michael has also held key senior leadership roles as State Director at Optus SA & NT, Interim CEO of the SA Tertiary Admissions Centre, State Director at Telstra SA & NT, and National Executive General Manager for Dell Computers Australia & NZ.
Robyn Verrall has had a unique career path, following opportunities in both traditionally female and male fields. She began her career as a Registered Nurse, then went into medical equipment sales, and now after marrying a Farmer, is navigating life opportunities and challenges in agriculture in regional SA.
Robyn worked for 20 years' as an Executive Officer and Director of farming enterprises owned and operated in SA, providing meat products to Australian and international markets under the Bully’s Meats brand. Robyn has experience as a Treasurer on Boards, as well as a Non-Executive Director.
She currently sits on SA Leaders for Gender Equity, Regional Development Leadership Program (Limestone Coast), Rural Women’s Alumni and is an Advisory Board Member for CirPro Australia.
Robyn holds a Bachelor of Nursing, Graduate Certificate of Health (perioperative), Diploma of Agribusiness, Non-Packer Export Certificate, Fellow Governors Leadership Foundation, Finance for Non-financial Directors Certificate and is currently completing her Australian Institute of Company Directors course.
Stuart Gordon has over 30 years’ experience working in the manufacturing industry, including 19 years with the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU).
Stuart has a wealth of experience as a director across multiple sectors. With a trade background in printing and finishing, Stuart has held directorships in printing and media industry super funds between 2005 and 2019, bringing a focus on corporate governance, committee leadership, and growth.
He is the State Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), representing members in manufacturing, print, construction, and defence industries.
Stuart is a board member of CBUS Super, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Deputy Board member on the Construction Long Service Leave Board (CLSB).