On 29 November 2025 the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Trust (NSW) was held at the S.H. Ervin Gallery and the 2026 Board of Directors announced.
We welcome our 2026 Board of Directors, from left: Hector Abrahams (continuing), Luton White (continuing), Suzette Meade (appointed), Bruce Pettman (continuing), Barrina South (appointed), Debbie Mills, CEO (appointed), David Pratt (appointed), Lucy Creagh (continuing), Caroline Mackaness (appointed), Deirdre Hall (appointed), Bimbi Turner (appointed), Dr Kimberley Webber (continuing), Paul van Ratingen (continuing – absent from image, attending online). (Photography by Yianni Aspradakis)
The AGM provides National Trust (NSW) members with the opportunity to hear an update on the 2025 – 2029 Strategic Plan by Chief Executive Officer Debbie Mills, to listen to a report from the last 12 months by the President and to engage with the Board of Directors.
Recipients of the National Trust Honours Awards were announced, with attendees celebrating the outstanding contribution from our volunteers and staff, including new Honorary Life Member, Janet Hay OAM from the Women’s Committee.
The AGM also offered the opportunity to see inspiring works from the Euan Macleod: Glacier exhibition, currently on display in the S.H. Ervin Gallery.
Items from the Archives were also on display, highlighting the current fundraising appeal.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the day.
The elections for the position of Director of the National Trust are governed by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) Act 1990 (the Act) and by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) Rules (Rules).
The Act requires the annual rotation of six (6) elected Directors. This year we were in the unusual circumstance of receiving five candidates nominating for the six available positions. Pursuant to National Trust Rule 41.3 when the number of candidates nominated is not sufficient to fill the vacancies, it is the privilege of the President to declare the nominated candidates elected at the AGM on 29 November 2025.
A special mention and thank you to our recently retired directors, Kathryn Pitkin AM, David Collingridge and Alison Page. We’re grateful for David and Alison’s valuable contribution. A particular thank you to Kathryn Pitkin AM for her dedication and brilliant leadership as the National Trust’s President for the past three years.
The Board of Directors for 2026 is as follows:
- Hector Abrahams, Deputy President (continuing)
- Lucy Creagh (continuing)
- Deirdre Hall (appointed)
- Caroline Mackaness (appointed)
- Suzette Meade (appointed)
- Debbie Mills (CEO) (appointed)
- Bruce Pettman (continuing)
- David Pratt, Treasurer (appointed)
- Paul van Ratingen (continuing)
- Barrina South (appointed)
- Bimbi Turner (appointed)
- Dr Kimberley Webber (continuing)
- Luton White (continuing)
Read more about each Board Member here.
