NSW Board Members 2024

Meet our Board:

Ms Kathryn Pitkin AM, President

In December 2022, Kathryn Pitkin was elected as President of the National Trust of Australia (NSW). In 2020 Kathryn joined the Board of the National Trust and became a member of the Finance and Risk Management Committee because of her appreciation of the work of volunteers in Trust Properties and Branches. Kathryn believes in the vision and objectives of the National Trust NSW, and is committed to the good governance of organisations, especially those handling public money.

Kathryn Pitkin was a teacher of English and History in NSW Secondary Schools for Department of Education. She then joined TAFENSW and was a teacher of Communication and English. She was a Head Teacher then Campus Manager of Bathurst, Walgett and Lightning Ridge campuses of the Western Institute of TAFENSW until her retirement and relocation to Newcastle in 2004. From 2002 to 2010, Kathryn managed OzScot Australia, an Australia-wide company of Highland dancers, who performed at Military Tattoos in Edinburgh, Switzerland, Oman, Canada, USA, Korea and Australia.

Since 2016, Kathryn Pitkin has worked as a Program Leader with Odyssey Traveller and has led groups of Australian travellers to Ireland, Scotland & the Scottish Isles, Spain & Portugal, South Africa, Bhutan, Iceland & Greenland, Houses and Gardens of the Blue Mountains, and Wildflowers of WA. During COVID she wrote travel articles for the Odyssey Traveller website.

She previously held positions such as Deputy Chancellor of Charles Sturt University and Deputy Chair of the Council and Chair of the University’s Finance Committee. She was Treasurer then Chair of National Trust’s Miss Porter’s House from 2009–2014.

In 2014 Kathryn was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Charles Sturt University and in 2016, she was awarded an AM. For love, Kathryn plays the Celtic harp and is part of a harp trio which plays in Newcastle and the Hunter.

Mr David Pratt, Treasurer

David Pratt was born in Sydney with a family line that goes back to the very early days of colonial settlement. This and his keen interest in Australian history, architecture and horticulture are what aligns him to the National Trust (NSW).

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants with a Masters of Economics degree from Macquarie University. His extensive career as a partner at PwC in management consultancy; specialising in restructuring, risk and financial management optimisation, are the skills and knowledge he brings to the leadership team of the National Trust.

David has been a member of the National Trust (NSW) FARM Committee since 2018, has been a Director and Treasurer of the Australasian Pioneers’ Club since 2015 and was previously a Director and Treasurer of the Arthritis Foundation of NSW for over 10 years.

Mr Hector Abrahams, Board Director

Hector Abrahams has enjoyed a 38-year career in heritage conservation. Firstly, as a heritage architect and partner at Clive Lucas Stapleton and the last twelve years in his own practice. He has had a long association with the National Trust, joining as a member when he was a young architecture student through to advising on the recent conservation works at Cooma Cottage and Everglades House & Gardens.

Hector is also connected to other organisations related to heritage, serving as the chair of the heritage committee at the Australian Institute of Architects NSW, Chapter, the Vice President of Australia ICOMOS and a board member at the Royal Australian Historical Society. He has also taught continuously in the Masters of Conservation course at the University of Sydney since the mid-1990s.

Mr David Collingridge LVO, Board Director

David Collingridge has enjoyed two careers. His first, in the Royal Australian Navy from 1962-1990 was initially operational as an aviator and then ashore and at sea in both operational and training tasks. Later leadership roles were centred in Canberra on Naval Air Warfare policy and lastly as Director of Naval Personnel Planning.

His second career was a leadership role as Executive Director of a medium size management consultancy in Sydney, assisting clients in NSW Government agencies with business improvement services between 1990 and 2011, including an instrumental role in establishing the operations of the RTA’s new Transport Management Centre in Redfern, to meet the deadlines of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Having joined the National Trust in 1993, David’s interests in heritage matters were kindled by both the National Trust’s endeavours in Sydney and the properties of the NSW Historic Houses Trust (now Sydney Living Museums). David joined the Southern Highland Branch Committee in 2014 and was a member of the Golden Vale Management Committee before his current role as a volunteer with the Collections Team at Retford Park, since November 2017.

Ms Lucy Creagh, Board Director

A practicing urban designer, Lucy Creagh is trained in architecture and architectural history. Lucy sits on the NSW State Design Review Panel, the North Sydney Design Review Panel and the Hunters Hill Conservation Advisory Panel. Lucy also works in an advisory capacity to the NSW Government Architect NSW and has a range of experience working on significant urban design and transport projects for State and local Government.

Lucy has published and lectured on topics related to 19th and 20th century architecture, town planning and social history, held a teaching fellowship in art and architectural history at Columbia University and has taught studies in architectural design, technology and history at the University of Sydney and UTS. As a qualified horticulturalist, Lucy is also passionate about protecting heritage gardens, streetscapes and landscape settings.

Ms Caroline Mackaness, Board Director

Caroline Mackaness is Director, NSW Government and her previous appointments include being a Committee Member, Hunters Hill Trust; and Member of the ANZAC House Trust. She is a sixth generation Sydney-sider who is passionate about Australian history, heritage and the natural environment.

Throughout her extensive career in NSW Government Caroline has been responsible for some of the state’s most significant heritage places, delivering government policy and programs focused on community outcomes, including the development, management and operation of heritage and cultural facilities, delivery of major cultural projects, capital works and governance.

Ms Suzette Meade, Board Director

Suzette Meade is a passionate heritage advocate with expertise in community engagement and campaigns. In addition to her career in construction project management, she is a dedicated volunteer, ensuring our built and natural heritage is preserved, through advocacy, education and tourism.

Suzette has been a strong voice for Greater Sydney heritage, in particular Parramatta. She is currently the Spokesperson for Alliance for Public Parklands, Heritage Advisory Committee Member for City of Parramatta and Stronger Communities Grant Selection Committee Member for Federal Government.

Ms Debbie Mills, CEO

Debbie Mills was appointed as Chief Executive Officer at the National Trust of Australia (NSW) in August 2017 following an extensive career as an executive leader at PwC and Caltex Australia. At Caltex Australia she took a lead role in the Climate Change team working on the strategy and implementation plan to ensure the business was ready to meet its obligations under any proposed and existing Climate Change legislation.

Prior to joining the National Trust (NSW), Debbie was the Executive Officer at Friends of the Botanic Gardens Inc. and became significantly involved in the merger of Friends with the Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation, and was appointed CEO of Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens Ltd in July 2012. This role gave Debbie exposure to many environment and heritage issues and importantly experience with members and volunteers.

Debbie is a Chartered Accountant and has also been on the Board of Directors of a charity that looks after re-homing lost and abandoned animals. She brings her passion for conservation of heritage, culture and the arts, the environment and animal welfare to her role.

Ms Alison Page, Board Director

Alison Page is a descendant of the Dharawal and Yuin people and an award-winning designer and film producer. She is currently Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement) at UTS Faculty of Design, Architecture & Building, and a member of several cultural boards including the National Australia Day Council, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, and the National Museum of Australia’s Indigenous Reference Group.

She is the founder of the National Aboriginal Design Agency and in 2015 she was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame and in 2022 was the Interior Design Excellence Awards Gold Medal winner. Alison was a panelist for eight years on the ABC television program The New Inventors, which showcased Australian innovation and has previously served on numerous boards, including the Indigenous Land Corporation, the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, and the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Mr Bruce Pettman, Board Director 

Bruce Pettman’s areas of expertise cover building and urban conservation, including the protection, repair, adaptation and adaptive reuse of culturally significant buildings and sites. He is a retired heritage architect and is the former Director Heritage, Environment & Planning for NSW Public Works, and has 48 years professional experience as an architect and heritage architect.

Since 1993 Bruce has also provided heritage conservation capacity building and the delivery of heritage projects in various parts of Asia for the World Bank, UNESCO, government agencies, NGOs and private sector. In 2003 he received a Centenary of Federation Medal for services to the conservation of historic buildings. In 2022 he received the National Trust’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr Paul van Ratingen, Board Director

Through his 35 years of international architectural practice, Paul van Ratingen has led a diverse range of projects that have received global acclaim and been recognised at the highest level of international and national awards programs. Passionate about cities, communities, heritage, and responsible building, his projects include new master planned communities, the contemporary renewal of significant heritage buildings, and hotel, residential and workplace projects. Recent work includes the Anzac Memorial Centenary Project, White Bay Cruise Terminal and 33 Alfred Street.

Paul has recently retired as a Director of JPW Architects and continues a part time role within the practice. With a skill set that crosses architecture, design and heritage, he is passionate about the preservation and contemporary interpretation of our built and cultural heritage.

Dr Kimberley Webber, Board Director

A long-term volunteer with the National Trust, Dr Kimberley Webber first volunteered as a student, joining the team at Old Government House as a guide. In 2016 she joined the Women’s Committee and is also a member of the Country House Inspections Panel.

Having worked as a curator in the field of social history, Kimberley has over 40 years’ experience with cultural organisations, historic collections and heritage places. She has a PhD in Australian history from Sydney University and has produced a wide range of exhibitions. She also has a master’s degree in Public Administration and has held a number of governance positions.

She currently manages the Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation, raising funds to support its collection and fleet of historic vessels.

Mr Luton White, Board Director

Luton White is a legal professional with a strong accounting background and substantial experience in banking and financial services. Admitted to practice as a solicitor by the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia, Luton works predominantly in commercial law, corporations law, banking and finance, and commercial disputes and litigation.

His wide experience in banking, investment banking, and consultancy, has given Luton an intuitive understanding of business processes, security arrangements, compliance and regulation, securities law, market licensing and taxation. Luton is uniquely placed to identify commercial drivers and risks.

Luton has a keen personal interest in conservation and heritage and has been a member of the National Trust (NSW) Board since 2023.