30 September 2014

Jim Hughes AM – appointed as National Chairman elect

Steve Callister – appointed as Deputy National Chairman elect

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) will farewell its National Chairman of three years, David Sandoe OAM, on 31 March 2015 following his recent announcement of retirement from PCFA's National Board.

David has been a Director of PCFA since 2004 and National Chairman since May 2012. His extensive involvement in the organisation spans 18 years from when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and includes:

  • Co-Leader of Sydney Adventist Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group with his wife Pam
  • Chairman, NSW/ ACT Support and Advocacy Committee
  • Chairman, National Support and Advocacy Committee
  • Chairman, National Awareness and Education Committee
  • Inaugural Chairman, NSW / ACT Board
  • Deputy National Chairman
  • Acting Chairman, National Support Group Committee

PCFA is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Hughes AM as National Chairman, and Steve Callister as Deputy Chairman with effect from David's retirement.

About his retirement David said "I've been very fortunate, as has my wife Pam, to have had incredible opportunities over the years in our various PCFA roles and to have worked with such wonderful people across the country. We now need to focus more on our family as the organisation is in excellent shape and in very talented hands."

Chief Executive, Associate Professor Anthony Lowe said, "PCFA would like to extend a sincere thank you to our outgoing National Chairman, David Sandoe, for his dedication and commitment over the last 18 years. His exceptional contribution as a Director of PCFA has made a tremendous contribution to our organisation, and we wish him all the best for his retirement."

"We are very fortunate to have Jim Hughes and Steve Callister step into these key roles. Their leadership and extensive management experience will help PCFA continue its work across the country."

Of his appointment as PCFA's National Chairman, Jim Hughes said, "I'm looking forward to my new role at PCFA after working so closely with David as his deputy. My focus will be to continue the momentum that has been established to improve our work in the areas of advocacy, awareness, support and research." Jim has been National Deputy Chairman of PCFA since May 2012.

Steve Callister said his appointment to Deputy National Chairman will give him the opportunity to build on the great work that has already been done by his predecessors. Steve has been a Director of PCFA since 2007.

"PCFA is now a well-resourced and coordinated organisation thanks to the fantastic work to date. My focus will be to draw on my experience to elevate PCFA's presence so we can reduce the impact of prostate cancer in the community."

BACKGROUND - Jim Hughes AM, National Chairman elect
GAICD, ANZIIF (Senior Associate)

Jim Hughes has been involved with PCFA as a Director, Deputy National Chairman and Chairman of PCFA's Queensland Board.

He has held many senior positions in the insurance industry throughout Australia over many years and is actively involved in community activities. He is a Senior Associate of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

He continues to be actively involved in the insurance industry via his management consulting practice, and also lectures on behalf of the Australian Institute of Company Directors on corporate risk management and business strategy formulation.

In addition, Jim is a Director of Youi Insurance as well as a Director of the Apex Foundation of Australia and a Life Governor of the Apex Clubs of Australia.

BACKGROUND – Steve Callister, Deputy National Chairman elect
B.Bus., MBA, FCPA, FAICD, FAIM

Steve is Managing Director and Partner of an import wholesale company, dealing with all major retailers in Australia and New Zealand. Former roles include Convenor of St Vincent's Prostate Cancer Support Group, Chairman of the NSW Chapter Council, delegate to the National Support Group Committee and Chairman of the NSW/ ACT Board. Steve became Chairman of PCFA's Marketing and Fundraising Committee of the National Board in May 2009. He has been a Director of PCFA since 2007.