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Our Patrons

Learn more about our Patrons, who play an important role in supporting our ambitions.

  • The Hon Ms Sam Mostyn

    AC
    Vice-Regal Patron

    Ms Sam Mostyn AC was sworn in as Australia’s 28th Governor-General on 1 July 2024 and was named NextSense Vice-Regal Patron in 2025.

    A businesswoman and community leader, Ms Mostyn is known for her exceptional service to the Australian community. She has a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors, including business, sport, climate change, the arts, policy and not-for-profit.

    She has extensive experience in the mental health sector, having undertaken leadership roles with major organisations including Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, the National Mental Health Commission, Beyond Blue, Reconciliation Australia and the Foundation for Young Australians.

    In 2024, Ms Mostyn was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service in the social justice, gender equity, sporting, cultural and business sectors, to reconciliation, and to environmental sustainability. She had previously been appointed an Officer of the Order in 2021.

    Head and shoulders shot of Ms Sam Mostyn, who has shoulder length grey hair and glasses and is wearing a black blazer

  • The Hon John Howard

    OM AC
    Vice Patron

    The Hon John Winston Howard OM AC served as Australia’s 25th Prime Minister between March 1996 and November 2007. He is the nation’s second longest serving Prime Minister, was a Member of Parliament for 33 years, and was Treasurer in an earlier government.

    During his term in office, Mr Howard made significant reforms in workplace relations, taxation, privatisation and welfare, and implemented national gun control laws.

    Mr Howard is a Companion of the Order of Australia and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian award in the United States—by President George W Bush. In January 2012, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Mr Howard to the Order of Merit. In 2013, he received the Japanese Award, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

    John Howard profile photo

  • Michael Easson

    AM

    Michael Easson AM graduated with a BA (Hons) in Politics from the University of NSW, and has a PhD in history from the Australian Defence Force Academy, an MSc in urban development from Campion Hall at the University of Oxford, and a PhD in transport planning from the University of Melbourne.

    He co-founded EG Funds Management in 2000 and has served on boards in insurance, water, energy, property management, and transport infrastructure. He is currently serving on the board of the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation.

    Michael was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1997.

    Michael was born with auditory nerve deafness and is greatly impressed with the work of NextSense.

    Profile photo of Michael Easson