Our People

Mark Stone AM runs a business advisory company, and is a Non-Executive Director/Chairman. Mark was Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for over eight years, the peak body for business in Victoria. During this time, Mark developed a reputation as a leader in the Australian business community and was regularly consulted for business-related advice and commentary.

Previously, Mark was Chief Executive of Parks Victoria for 12 years. During this period, Mark identified, negotiated and secured large-scale tourism development opportunities for the State of Victoria, as well as highly successful major events, at the same time ensuring the protection of the natural environment. Mark lead and developed Parks Victoria from a State-based and State-focused entity to one with national and international stature. The complexity and diversity of this organisation required strong leadership and management of multi-disciplinary staff, including 800 professional bush firefighters. He has extensive knowledge of regional issues, having lived and worked in many parts of the State.

Mark was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2016 for "significant service to commerce and industry through leadership roles, to the environment and tourism sectors, and to the community."

His other roles included Member of the Premier’s Jobs and Investment Panel, Co-Chair of the Victorian Aboriginal Economic Board, Board Member of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CEO of Tourism Victoria, and Board Member of Tourism Australia.

Mark is currently Chairman of SCT Logistics, Chairman of Goulburn Valley Water, a member of the Premier’s Special Advisory Council for Bushfire Recovery Victoria, and is an Advisory Board Member of Delaware North (Australia).

Melissa has worked in the philanthropic sector for the last 12 years. She is Chair of her parents Foundation which was started over a decade ago. In her role as Chair, Melissa has been developing strategic vision and mission for the Foundation as well as building close, collaborative, and transparent relationships with For Purpose organisations who share the Legacy’s vision.

Melissa is passionate about contributing to social change with a focus on homelessness and food security, youth empowerment and Indigenous advancement. In addition to her role as Chair Melissa runs her own family Foundation with her husband and two children which focuses on early intervention support for disadvantaged youth and the issues of climate change with a strong focus on advocacy and policy change.

Aside from her work in philanthropy Melissa has a background in Marketing and was Marketing Director for Iconic fashion brands. She is currently a Member of Philanthropy Australia and Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network and has a Bachelor Business (Marketing) and Bachelor Arts (Psychology).

Ali Ahmed is a qualified counsellor with a Bachelor of Counselling (psychotherapy) from the Australian College of Applied Psychology. He has significant experience within the public sector with a special focus on supporting and advocating for disadvantaged youth across some of Melbourne’s most marginalised communities.

Ali believes there is a lack of opportunity for multicultural youth to access education, employment opportunities and services due to cultural differences which undoubtedly hampers their ability to integrate into mainstream society. Ali is committed to giving a voice to young people who do not feel heard.

Yasmin practises in creative industries law, representing world-class graphic and motion design studios, agencies, illustrators, streaming services, visual artists, authors, managers, fashion designers, format and content creators, influencers, photographers, tv/radio talent, and app developers. Additionally, Yasmin has a strong employment law practice at the firm. Holding both a Juris Doctor (hons) and an MBA, Yasmin combines experience with expertise, industry insight, and a passion for the creative sector.

Working in close partnership with her clients, she brings clarity to their legal rights and obligations, and advises with the intention of achieving the very best strategic and commercial outcome. Committed to giving back to the industry, she is a volunteer lawyer for the Arts Law Centre of Australia and former board member of the Creative Women's Circle.

Ali began his career as a teacher in Melbourne’s northern suburb. In 2005, he joined Essendon Football Club as a Multicultural and Education Officer developing curriculum to engage the multicultural community with AFL.

He has previous experience as the National Diversity Programs Manager at the AFL as well as extensive experience in the multicultural sector. Ali brings his experiences and learning from the AFL on social leadership, employment and engagement programs to broaden opportunities for multicultural youth.

Ali Fahour is the Managing Director of the Islamic Museum of Victoria overseeing the strategic direction and engagement.