Welcoming Two New Board Members to Generation Australia

Generation Australia continues to grow with purpose. We are delighted to welcome two new board members who bring deep experience, clear vision and a shared commitment to opening doors for learners across Australia.

They join our Chair, John Lydon, our CEO Karena Newland, and existing board directors Abi Cleland, Isabel Domingues, Jeremy Fox, and Freeke van Son. Together, this leadership group guides Generation Australia as we strengthen education to employment pathways for people who need them most.

Samantha Sayers

Samantha, known to many as Sam, joins the board with more than twenty years of cross sector leadership experience. She is currently a Principal at Good Foundations and works closely with for profit businesses to build philanthropy and community engagement programs that create real benefits for people and organisations.

Her career spans multinational FMCG companies, the not for profit sector and philanthropy. She has led teams as a senior executive and CEO. She has shaped strategy across corporate, NFP and philanthropic spaces. She brings experience in social innovation, program co design and impact measurement. She also brings commercial acumen from her international FMCG career, balanced with practical insight from running a not for profit as a former CEO.

Sam’s belief in thoughtful programs that deliver real impact sits naturally with Generation Australia’s mission. Her perspective strengthens our ability to create meaningful opportunities for learners who need support to enter and thrive in employment.

Robert Assaf

Robert brings deep experience across corporate affairs, communications, government relations and stakeholder engagement. His work sits at the point where policy, industry and community outcomes meet. He has helped organisations convert complex political and economic priorities into strategies that make sense for people and for industry.

Most recently, he served as Director of External Communications and Engagement at the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, Australia’s fifteen billion dollar sovereign investor in manufacturing. He led communication, media and stakeholder engagement efforts that connected business, government and community to support investment in Australia’s future industries.

His earlier background includes serving as a ministerial adviser in Federal Parliament, supporting ministers on policy and communication priorities. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Education and has contributed to national initiatives focused on innovation, skills development and social impact.

Robert’s passion for education and economic empowerment is deeply personal. As the son of refugee and migrant parents, he understands the profound role that access and opportunity play in shaping a person’s future. His values reflect Generation Australia’s purpose: creating strong, supported pathways into meaningful work.

Looking Ahead

Samantha and Robert join at a time when the need for accessible training and supported employment pathways continues to grow. Their arrival strengthens a leadership group already anchored by an experienced chair, a committed CEO and a board that brings broad insight across industry, philanthropy and social impact.

With two new voices at the table, the work ahead gains fresh energy and sharper perspective. Our team looks forward to the impact this strengthened board will create for learners, employers and communities across Australia.