Members of The Board
DON SPENCER, OAM - Founder & CEO
Don Spencer is well known throughout Australia as his career in children’s entertainment has spanned television and radio for decades. Don is best recognised as the face of ABC’s Play School and as a singer and songwriter Don has recorded and released over 30 albums. Many of Don’s albums for children have sold in record numbers going gold & platinum and have been produced on video. Don has been a crusader for Australian music and through his work has taught children much about the country they live in and Australian animals. With material released both nationally and internationally, he has received numerous awards for his musical works. Don has performed in every part of Australia, NZ, USA, UK and Canada and the appeal of his music continues to create demand for his work.
His commitment to disadvantaged children is long standing and he has been awarded the Heart of Variety Award for services to charity. In 2007, Don was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his service to children’s music and television as a songwriter and performer and through the establishment of the Australian Children’s Music Foundation. In 2008, Don was awarded for Excellence in Community Support presented by Support Act Limited.
As the Founder of the ACMF he is clear in his objectives to use the power of music to inspire Australian children and enrich their lives.
ANTHONY BELL
Anthony joined the Board in September 2008 becoming Chairman April 2010. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Business Degree and is professionally a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants. Further to this, Anthony has been recognised in the field of Taxation Law by being elevated to the level of Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia. He is also an authorised representative for Financial Planning. Anthony is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Award Winning Firm, Bell Partners Accountants Advisors Auditor.
Bell Partners has been featured in BRW’s “Top 100 Accounting firms” from 2003 right through to 2010, noting Bell Partners as the No.1 Most Productive Firm for the eighth consecutive year running. In 2011, Anthony was invited to judge BRW’s Entrepreneur of the year award. He is regularly seen on Channel 7, Bloomberg Television, speaks regularly on Radio 2GB and writes for the daily telegraph as an expert commentator on business advisory and taxation law.
MARK DRIESSEN
Mark is a Senior Partner with the accounting firm, WalterTurnbull. With over 19 years experience in public professional practice, Mark specializes in the fields of assurance, probity, management consulting, financial evaluation and viability, risk management and corporate governance. Mark has worked with a wide range of clients in the private, public and community sectors.
Mark’s previous employment experience includes periods with both Deloitte Ross Tohmatsu and Coopers and Lybrand in addition to commercial roles as financial controller of a large trading enterprise. Mark holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (having also previously served on the Institutes NSW Regional Council), a Registered Company Auditor and a Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors in Australia. Mark works very closely with a large number of not-for-profit organizations providing strategic, financial and governance advice.
“Since becoming involved with the ACMF, I have been overwhelmed by the passion and commitment of those closely involved with the organization. There is a true belief and in fact proven fact that music can positively impact the lives of those children who may otherwise be overwhelmed by negative influences and fail to reach their potential. The ACMF is a dedicated vehicle to ensure this does not happen and that the lives of disadvantaged children are enriched”.
TIM FREEDMAN
Tim Freedman is the lead singer of award-winning Australian band The Whitlams, whose appeal reaches all ages and tastes. His lyrics have been described as having a ‘charming cynicism’, enhanced by an instinct for a poignant melody and a highly individual musical style. Tim’s occasional solo performances are a treat for any music lover, as his intimate banter and stripped-back piano stylings have captivated many an audience.Tim’s songs like ‘No Aphrodisiac’, ‘Blow Up The Pokies’, ‘Thank You’ and ‘Fall For You’ are now indelibly stamped in the Australian psyche.
The Whitlams won Best Group at the 1998 ARIA awards, as well as Song of the Year and Best Independent Release for their third album ‘Eternal Nightcap’. The Whitlams’ recorded output spans five albums over their decade-long existence, with the last album ‘Torch the Moon’ making its debut at number one on the ARIA national charts. It became the third consecutive Whitlams album that achieved platinum status. Recording for a 6th studio album, produced by J. Walker of Machine Translations, is nearly complete.
BRIAN RUSSELL
Brian Russell is the founding partner behind the Brooklyn Group and was previously founding partner and Managing Director of the successful executive recruitment group, Dunhill Management Services. Brian is a leader in his profession and has a list of clients that reads like the “Who’s Who” of today’s HR market. This year he celebrates 30 years in the recruitment industry.
Brian’s primary specialisation lies in the media area, consulting to the likes of News Limited, Fairfax, Text Media, ACP and Pacific Magazines for over 20 years. However, his achievements span a cross-section of industries including Engineering, Construction, Electronics and Office Equipment, as well as Financial Services and Banking. Brian brings a wealth of experience in overseeing senior appointments.
Brian is actively involved with several charitable organisations and is committed to encouraging philanthropic ideals.
BRIAN WEXHAM
Brian is the Chief Executive of SkillsOne, a Federal Government initiative with the mission to promote and advance learning, teaching and training in Australian trades education and elevate the status of traditional trades and trades education as a career choice.
Brian has an extensive background in media, advertising and publishing and includes executive roles with The Times and The Sunday Times in London, as well as Board positions with The Observer and the Today newspaper, London. He is also the former Chief Executive of Lonhro Media Group PLC East Africa and more recently was the Chief Executive of APN Educational Media (Australia and New Zealand).
Brian is proud to be on the board of The Australian Children’s Music Foundation and committed to helping the Foundation achieve its objectives.
BLAINEY NORTH
Blainey is the Managing Director of Blainey North and Associates, a successful Architecture and Interior Design Practice. The practice specialises in the design of five star hotels, luxury residences and bespoke commercial and retail projects around the world. The practice is expanding rapidly to open offices in London and Los Angeles, and is being recognised in Australia and International design circles for its unique and luxurious portfolio of work.
She has recently started a new division of her company, The Blainey North Collection, which specialises in custom designed furniture and lighting inspired by the glamour and sophistication of 1920’s Art Deco.
Blainey has spent her life dedicated to making unique and inspiring environments. She believes in music assisting the development of creativity in children and is passionate and motivated to help them realise their creative potential.
DANIELLE SPENCER
Although there have been a number of facets to her professional profile, Danielle Spencer’s musical career was undeniably destined from an early age. The daughter of Don Spencer – Danielle first started to sing and learn the piano from her father at the age of four.
Danielle released her debut album ‘White Monkey’ through EMI Music in Australia in 2001 to critical acclaim and soon after married and took time out to have a family. Danielle’s new album ‘Calling All Magicians’ was produced by Tony Visconti [best known for his work with David Bowie in the 70’s] and released in both the UK & Australia.
She will bring her years of musical expertise to the Boardroom table to help shape the future of music education programs for the ACMF.
