Council

Ms Deborah McMurtrie, President

Deborah is a lawyer by background and has been a partner of two national law firms. Most recently she was 7 years with KPMG leading their governance practice. She has an extensive knowledge of commercial practice and business structures and an appreciation of finance, marketing and human resource issues. She retired from full time work in May 2006.

Mr James Balfour, Honorary Treasurer

Mr Balfour has a degree in engineering and law from Cambridge and an MBA from the London Business School. Thirty years of experience in government, commerce, banking and consultancy, both in Australia and overseas, has given him a wide knowledge of business organisation and financial management.

Professor Leo Jeffcott, University Officer

One of the world’s leading experts in equine health, Professor Jeffcott joined the Faculty of Veterinary Science in October 2004, following 13 years as Dean of the Veterinary School at Cambridge University. With more than 300 scientific publications including contributions to a number of equine texts, Professor Jeffcott is a highly regarded and internationally-renowned academic, clinician, researcher and equine specialist. He has had a long association with the Olympic movement and his role as Official Veterinarian at the Beijing Olympic Games will be the sixth time he has presided over this major international event.

More about Professor Leo Jeffcott

Dr John Culvenor

Dr Culvenor is a veterinarian and an alumnus of the University of Sydney. He is a specialist surgeon and has been President of the Surgical Chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists. John is a partner in the North Shore Veterinary Specialist Centre in Sydney.

Philippa Smith AM

Philippa joined the Council in December 2007. She has had a diverse career spanning both public and private sectors, with several appointments at Board level. In her most recent role as CEO of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia she spearheaded major policy reforms to improve adequacy of retirement savings. As Commonwealth Ombudsman, a statutory position she held for 5 years, she reviewed accountability measures and governance structures across a range of government entities.

Dr Marc Polese

Today Marc is one of Sydney’s best known restaurateurs (Beppi’s), however he started his professional life with 1st class honours in Veterinary Science at Sydney University in 1984. After spending 2 years working in a mixed practice in Orange, Marc returned to Sydney University to complete a Diploma of Veterinary Clinical Studies. During his 5 years with the North Shore Veterinary Hospital as a surgeon, Marc sat and passed the exams giving him Membership to the College of Veterinary Scientists Small Animal Surgery Chapter. Marc continues to work as a Veterinary surgeon one day per week. Marc joined the Council in December 2007.

Deborrah Lambourne

Deborrah is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and holds a Masters of Applied Finance from Macquarie University. Deborrah has extensive experience in the accounting and finance sectors and held senior management roles within the Banking and Financial Services Industry. Her commercial experience includes the evaluation and development of corporate growth strategies, including mergers, acquisitions, specific experience in consumer and commercial finance, and in capital projects. Deborrah joined the Council in October 2007.