Patron and Sponsors
Charter Patron
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC
Governor of South Australia
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC is a proud sixth-generation South Australian. Her mother, the Honourable Jennifer Cashmore AM, was a South Australian parliamentarian and her late father, Ian, was a manager at Hills Industries. Her late step-father, Stewart Cockburn AM, was a distinguished Walkley award winning journalist.
Her Excellency studied economics at the University of Adelaide. While there she became the first female captain of the rowing club in its 103 year history.
Her Excellency went on to join the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs in 1985. She worked in Hong Kong during the early years of China’s reform and opening, eventually becoming Australia’s Ambassador to China from 2011-2015.
In 2016, Her Excellency was appointed head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, pursuing Australia’s interests as world powers shifted and the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. She also led the department through a period of cultural change, encouraging more women into senior ranks.
She has also been International Adviser to the Prime Minister and Chief of Staff to the Foreign Minister and Defence Minister.
In June 2021, Her Excellency was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to public administration through the advancement of Australia’s diplomatic, trade and cultural interests, particularly with the People’s Republic of China and the Indo-Pacific region, to innovative foreign policy development and high level program delivery, and as the 36th Governor appointed in South Australia.
Her Excellency is married to Mr Rod Bunten, a former British diplomat and high school teacher. They have four adult children and a cavoodle, Alfie.
Charter Ambassador Program Sponsors
Bruce Djite
Bruce is the Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia, SA Division. He was previously CEO of the Committee for Adelaide and Director of Football for Adelaide United Football Club. Bruce is also the West Beach Trust Deputy Chair, sits on the South Australian Multicultural Commission Board and the Children’s University Advocacy Board, and is a Winston Churchill Trust South Australian Regional Committee Member.
Bruce played professional football for the Socceroos’ Adelaide United FC as well as representing clubs in several countries including Turkey, China, South Korea and Indonesia. He stays connected to the game through his role as a Football Analyst on Paramount+ and Network 10. Bruce was also a Beyond Greatness Champion for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Felicity Graham
At 17, Felicity published an autobiography, Not Held Down. She hopes her book will raise awareness about the challenges in the child protection system and give a voice to children in care who feel forgotten. Felicity advocates for better support for children, as well as training and support for foster carers, through her organisation Fostering Change Australia, which she launched at the age of 19.
Felicity was the overall winner of the 2023 South Australian Young Achiever Awards, as well as winner of the Create Change Award.
Felicity is currently studying Certificate III in Community Services and is collaborating with the Constellation Project to drive action and share a vision to end homelessness. Felicity’s dream is to make a difference in the child protection system and help other young people in care find their voice and strength to do all that they dream of doing.
Matt Cowdrey OAM MP
Matt has been the Member for Colton since 2018 and is the Shadow Treasurer of South Australia. Before entering State Parliament, Matt was a paralympian and business professional. This experience gave him the skills, knowledge and hard-working attitude he uses every day representing the people of Colton.
