SVA thanks First Nations Practice Lead Desmond Campbell for his lasting impact as he steps into CEO role at Welcome to Country

Social Ventures Australia (SVA) is pleased to share that Desmond Campbell, of the Gurindji and the Ngalakan people and SVA’s First Nations Practice Lead, will be stepping into the role of CEO at Welcome to Country, the not-for-profit marketplace for First Nations experiences and products.

SVA CEO Suzie Riddell expressed her enthusiasm for Desmond’s new opportunity at a wonderful organisation working to address employment and economic development outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. ‘This is a great next step for Desmond and I want to thank him for his remarkable contribution during his tenure at SVA, both as SVA’s First Nations Practice Lead and as a Manager in our consulting team.’

‘Desmond has changed and shaped SVA’s journey to being a more culturally safe workplace and improved the way we work alongside First Nations communities – particularly through development of our First Nations Practice Principles.

‘These principles have shaped how we partner and how we approach social impact. I know they will have a lasting positive impact in this organisation and beyond.

Throughout his time at SVA, Desmond has provided his expertise on a range of impactful projects in sectors such as health, social justice, family welfare, and strategy development in community-led initiatives,’ said Riddell.

Personally, I have valued Desmond’s unique wisdom and thoughtful engagement style as a member of SVA’s Leadership Team. He will be greatly missed but we are excited to see the impact he will create in his new role at Welcome to Country.’

SVA Board director and proud Wiradjuri man, Adam Davids, shared thanks and congratulations on behalf of the Board.

‘Desmond brought such great leadership to the way SVA addresses some of the most pressing issues First Nations peoples experience,’ he said. ‘I think his legacy provides an incredible platform for the organisation to make an intergenerational impact with community in the years ahead.’

In announcing his new role, Desmond Campbell reflected on the value of his time at SVA. ‘There is genuine heart, soul and passion at SVA – I always felt supported and trusted to lead. I’m proud of the impact that SVA creates, but more importantly,

‘I’m proud of the way that it goes about creating that change. And I strongly believe it’s because of the people that work here and the wonderful partners that we have the privilege of working with. 

‘I’m excited to take on the role of CEO at Welcome to Country and directing this organisation that’s at the forefront of cultural change in Australia,’ he said.

Desmond’s last day at SVA will be Friday 11 November.

Welcome to Country’s media release about Desmond’s appointment is available here.