Cara Patrons
Cara is thankful for to our Patrons for their ongoing commitment to helping us to find possible.
PATRON
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia
Cara is grateful to Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, for her support and passion for our work.
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC is a proud sixth-generation South Australian. She studied economics at the University of Adelaide, and joined the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs in 1985. Working in Hong Kong during the early years of China’s reform and opening, Her Excellency eventually became Australia’s Ambassador to China from 2011-2015.
In 2016, Her Excellency was appointed head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, pursuing Australia’s interests as world powers shifted and the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. She led the department through a period of cultural change, encouraging more women into senior ranks. She has also been International Adviser to the Prime Minister and Chief of Staff to the Foreign Minister and Defence Minister.
In June 2021 Her Excellency was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to public administration, innovative foreign policy development and high level program delivery, and as the 36th Governor appointed in South Australia.
Her Excellency is married to Mr Rod Bunten, a former British diplomat and high school teacher. They have four adult children and a cavoodle, Alfie.
PATRON
Hedley Bachmann AM
Hedley’s involvement with our organisation dates back longer than we have been Cara.
It all began in 1977, when he joined the Board of the Spastic Centres of SA, invited by then President James A Nelson OAM.
Having held senior leadership positions in State Government and a number of prominent Board appointments including Presiding Member of the Remuneration Tribunal, Chair of Super SA and the State and National President of the Institute of Public Administration Australia and National President of The Ports and Marine Association, Hedley’s financial and business skills were highly sought after.
In recognition of his long-standing support of the organisation, Hedley became a Cara patron in 2006. In the same year, he was awarded the Australia Medal for his roles across the disability and public sector.
Thank you Hedley, for your ongoing support of our work over many years.
