New Era at Northern Futures

It's been a busy time at what is now Northern Futures Ltd, with the organisation farewelling Lou Brazier, who led the organisation for the past ten years, appointing new Executive Officer Lyn Morgan from the TAC, becoming incorporated and establishing a Board. Hardly surprising then that there was plenty to talk about the Northern Futures Industry Partners breakfast. 

The TAC’s Manager of Records and Information and Business Enablement, Lyn is no stranger to the organisation that has set the bar on northern suburbs advocacy soaring, having managed the Northern Futures traineeship program within the TAC.

Northern Futures Chair, Michael Betts, paid tribute to founding Executive Officer, Lou Brazier, acknowledging her commitment to social justice throughout two decades in Geelong as well as her success in developing Northern Futures into a highly respected and internationally recognised organisation, 'one that represents a true collaboration between government, industry and community to drive sustainable employment for jobseekers living in and around the 3214 postcode areas of Geelong.'

“Lou has made an outstanding contribution to the northern suburbs and we wish her well in her retirement in the US,” Mr Betts said,

The appointment of Ms Morgan coincides with a new era for the organisation as Northern Futures Ltd. Previously operating under the auspices of the Norlane Community Centre, Northern Futures Ltd will now be governed by a Board with Michael Betts as Chair, Dr Joan Benjamin as Deputy Chair, Matthew Grapsis (LBW) as Treasurer and Board members including John Giacchi (TAC), Dr Louise Johnson (Deakin University), Nic Jarvis (Job Prospects) and Fiona McIntyre (Matchworks).

Mr Betts said the new structure would retain the valued contribution of the Northern Futures Steering Committee but the committee would now be called the Northern Futures Community Advisory Committee.

“These changes place Northern Futures on strong foundations to continue its work delivering innovative and place-based training and employment programs to the city’s most disadvantaged jobseekers,” Mr Betts said.