CALD2LEAD Founders
Dennis Banfield, FICDA, Co-Founder
Dennis Banfield has substantial leadership experience in the business and not-for-profit sectors across Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia.
An executive member of Vp PLC, Dennis leads the growth and transformation strategy of one of VP’s Australian and Asia Pacific businesses.
Former chair and co-founder of CALD2LEAD, Dennis is passionate about assisting members of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities to secure quality leadership development from high-calibre contemporary leadership programs.
Dennis is a Starlight Children’s Foundation board alumnus, Leadership Victoria mentor and Community Leadership FOLIO Fellow, and Victorian Government–appointed Australia Day Ambassador.
Dennis was born on 26 January 1968 and is delighted to celebrate his birthday as an Australia Day Ambassador.
Hugh Wareham FICDA - Co-Founder
As a Co-Founder & former inaugural Chair of CALD2LEAD Hugh is passionate about assisting members of CALD communities to secure quality leadership training and access to industry leading programs through scholarships.
Hugh has spent 25 years in the environment and sustainability sector within government and not for profits in the United Kingdom & Australia including senior executive and CEO roles over the past 15 years including Greening Australia.
His current position as Policy Advisor at GreenCollar involves focusing on strategic policy, fundraising and influencing and engaging Australian governments.
Hugh is a board member of Jane Goodall Institute Australia and has served on the Board of Environment Victoria and been the Chair of Trustees.
Stephen Lansdell FCLP - Co-Founder
As a Co-Founder, Former Chair and current Board Director, Steve is passionate about supporting CALD women leaders and their communities to access industry-leading programs, scholarships and increase diverse experiences and voices in leadership, decision-making and Board roles.
A Leadership Victoria alumni Steve’s leadership journey and community volunteering weaves throughout his life and across the globe from building and fundraising for African schools to lifelong bonds and mentoring with asylum seekers, to creating gender diversity in local football and sports, and helping transform communities, education and not-for-profit organisations.
Steve currently serves as Director on the Geelong Grammar School Council where he brings his passion for positive, creative and adventure education, and also serves on their Survivor Engagement and Asset Management Committees. With 20 years of experience in the environment sector, previously leading EPA’s Western Metropolitan and Gippsland Regions, he has helped communities and industry grow and transition through complex issues and emergencies, major industry closures, and legislative reform.
Steve lives and works in the Grampians/Gariwerd region, driving community and environmental outcomes through a range of tourism, events, and immersive arts, culture and nature-based experiences with Northern Grampians Shire Council, Experience the Grampians, Absolute Outdoors/Trail Made, Black and Ginger Wines, and the WAMA Foundation and National Centre for Environmental Art.
