Trustee Board of Directors

Sandy McDonald

Chairperson

Popular Manly hotelier Sandy McDonald has been a Director of the Intrust Super Trustee Board since 1 April 1997. He is also the longest-serving member of the Investment Committee.


A father of two, Sandy joined the pub trade more than 40 years ago and has been an active participant ever since. In addition to his current role as licensed vitualler of the Manly Hotel, Sandy also sits on the Liquor King Board and the Southern Zone Committee of the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA).

Sandy is great believer in supporting his local community, as evidenced by his involvement with more than 100 community organisations in and around Manly. He is also the Treasurer of the Manly Chamber of Commerce.

When asked about his attitude to superannuation, Sandy says it is a key element of any savings plan. Sandy's investment philosophy is simple: he believes in setting a sound strategy based on economic fundamentals and then sticking to it. He is wary of being too influenced by the 'noise' that accompanies each big new idea.

Sandy has a Bachelor of Economics and Commerce and has been an Associate of the Australian Society of Accountants since 1970.

 

Gary Bullock

Deputy Chairperson

Gary Bullock grew up in the Bayside suburbs of Brisbane. He worked in the hospitality and public sector before taking up a position at Taubmans Paints. While working in the paint industry, Gary joined United Voice (Qld branch), formerly the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU Qld branch), becoming a delegate before taking up a full-time position as organiser. He is currently Branch Secretary.

In his free time Gary enjoys boating, fishing and four-wheel-driving.

 

Justin O'Connor

Director

Justin O'Connor is the Chief Executive of the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) and was appointed a member of Intrust Super's Trustee Board in 2007. The QHA is the peak industry body for the hotel and hospitality industries in Queensland. Its primary objective is to bring about legislative, regulatory and industry outcomes that are favourable to the interests of its members and the wider hotel, hospitality and tourism industries.

The association also provides a range of services to members including employment relations, human relationsand industrial relations advice and services, as well as vocational and industry training, workplace health and safety services and business development assistance.

Against this background, Justin sees the availability of a high-quality, Queensland-based industry superannuation fund such as Intrust Super as being of significant benefit for all participants in Queensland's hotel and hospitality industries.

"Our employers, staff members and industry stakeholders know that Intrust Super has competitive fees, high standards and excellent long-term returns for members, and they value their ability to participate in the fund."

Justin is a former senior Queensland public official, having been appointed as Chief Executive of the Office of the Queensland Governor from 1995 to 2005. Before that, Justin was a commissioned officer in the Australian Army, having graduated from the Royal Military College in 1975. He was born and raised in Coonamble, New South Wales, and now lives in Brisbane with his wife, Heather, and their three children.

Justin has a Bachlelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales.

Michael de Brenni

Director

Currently working as a campaigner for Queensland unions, Michael de Brenni brings over 16 years of experience in managing projects to enhance the lives of workers in a variety of sectors, including hospitality. Michael's approach to securing high-quality outcomes focuses on progressive strategies that incorporate comtemporary practices and techniques that ensure significant engagement from all stakeholders.

As an official with United Voice (Qld branch), formerly the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (Qld Branch), for ten years, Michael has built a solid knowledge of the issues facing business in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Additionally, holding industry portfolios across manufacturing, health and education sectors has provided him with a broad grasp on the future of work and the workplace.

"The single most inspiring part of my work in unions is about making sure that all people who experience work get to do it with a measure of dignity. And as far as superannuation goes, it's about dignity in retirement. For everyone that has worked hard, superannuation provides that dignity when they are no longer working."

Michael is a father of a young daughter. Both he and his wife enjoy careers that give them an opportunity to have a significant impact on key Australian institutions including public education, the workplace and our superannuation system in a way that paves a brighter future for the next generation of young workers.

 

Fiona Scalon

Director

As Operations Coordinator for Australia's hospitality industry union, United Voice (Qld branch), formerly the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (Qld branch), Fiona Scalon commands a wealth of experience and knowledge of the issues facing employees and employers in the sector. With over 120,000 United Voice members, Fiona oversees the day-to-day operations of a large and powerful membership-based organisation, placing her well to act as Trustee Director of Intrust Super.

"The workplace is rapidly changing and, for organisations engaged with workers and employers, it's not good enough just to keep up. That's why it's important that Intrust Super continues to be at the cutting edge of innovation in superannuation. We have a true 'service first' culture and are dedicated to providing our members and employers with the highest level of quality service and support."

Fiona has worked tirelessly to ensure that workplaces in the sector offer safe and rewarding jobs. As a Trustee, Fiona brings this passion to superannuation, ensuring that Intrust Super contributes to a positive future for everyone involved in the industry.

 

Peta Irvine

Director

A commitment to educating young people about financial management led Peta to accept the opportunity to join the Intrust Super Trustee Board.

"For so many younger people, superannuation is not something you think about - we tend to leave the crucial decisions until it is too late to make a real difference. Superannuation funds owe it to their members to provide them with relevant and easily understood information about superannuation in Australia, so all members can make informed decisions about their future."

Providing easily understood and relevant information is something Peta knows a lot about. With an extensive background in public sector management, Peta spent many years ensuring complex legislation and Government policy was accessible to the wider community.

In 2004, Peta chose to transfer her skills to an industry environment, joining the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) in the role of Accommodation Division Manager. Here she gained a good understanding of the hospitality industry in Queensland and, in particular, the challenges facing the accommodation and tourism sectors. 

Currently CEO of Local Government Managers Australia (Qld), the professional association representing local government staff, Peta remains committed to advocating on behalf of her members right across Queensland and ensuring that the unique and diverse nature of the Queensland environment is reflected in legislation and government policy. She believes continuous professional development is critical to any sector and has worked to enhance the range of training and development activities LGMA offers to members.

As mother of two, Peta understands the importance of preparing for the future and being in control of your investments.

"With a family to provide for now, and my future retirement to save for, it is important to fully consider how superannuation funds will work for us to ensure we are able to enjoy life after work."

Peta has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the Australian National University, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has a Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning).