Our team
Our small but passionate team is made up of dedicated law, policy and advocacy experts who have a long history of working for marriage equality and LGBTIQ+ rights.
Anna Brown oam, CeO
She/Her
CEO Anna Brown’s fingerprints are on nearly every major reform for LGBTIQ+ people in recent years. She played a critical role in the campaign for marriage equality co-chairing the Equality Campaign.
Heather Corkhill, Legal Director
She/Her
Heather Corkhill is a dedicated human rights and anti-discrimination law and policy specialist. With combined qualifications and experience in law, mediation and film production, Heather is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and human rights for LGBTIQ+ Australians, addressing systemic issues through practical and innovative solutions.
Emily Mulligan, Engagement Director
She/Her
Emily has many years experience winning campaigns, building online communities, fundraising and writing persuasively. Emily was a Campaign Director at GetUp during the Marriage Equality plebiscite building mass support for the Yes vote.
Tara Ravens, Communications Director
She/Her
Tara Ravens has been a journalist and communications specialist for 25 years. During her 15 years at the national news agency Australian Associated Press, she worked as NSW Political Correspondent, Northern Australia, Bali and Timor Correspondent, Sydney Chief of Staff and World Editor. Since then she has worked for a range of government agencies, private companies and NGOs on communications strategies, media engagement and crisis management.
DALE DAWSON GAICD, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
He/Him
Dale Dawson is an experienced senior leader with two decades of experience in operations, governance, people and culture, change management, commercial negotiation, organisational risk and strategy. With a passion for generating and amplifying impact through building effective teams, Dale has honed his skills across a variety of sectors including NGO, NFP, for-purpose and corporate. Prior to joining Equality Australia, Dale was Director of Operations for Asia-Pacific and appointed to the regional Boards of Directors at a leading global sustainability advisory firm. Dale is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is Company Secretary of Equality Australia.
Savanh Tanhchareun, Senior Advisor – International Policy
He/Him
Savanh Tanhchareun has worked for the last 20 years in international human rights and overseas aid. He has held gender, disability and human rights expert roles with the United Nations World Food Programme, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Victorian Government and Australian non-profits.
Teddy Cook, Chair of #TransEquality
He/Him
Teddy comes to Equality Australia to help lead our work in trans rights, he joins with over 20 years experience in advocacy and program delivery across the community, health and political landscapes.
During his 12 years with ACON, Teddy held key roles in the Anti-Violence Project, Regional Outreach Program and Trans Health Equity Program, eventually as Director for Community Health overseeing 60 LGBTQ+ health professionals. Teddy has forever changed our communities in Australia.
We are delighted to have Teddy on board in this exciting era for the #TransEquality Initiative as we continue work towards a future where all of us can live a life of dignity, recognition and respect.
Sanjay Alapakkam, Legal and Policy Adviser
He/Him
Sanjay Alapakkam is a lawyer with a background in commercial litigation, having worked at Clayton Utz and Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Sanjay is Company Secretary of the Australian LGBTQ+ Board and Execution Inclusion Forum and has previously served on the board of South Asian queer community and arts organisation, Trikone Australia.
Sanjay’s interest in social justice and equality stems from his work in social security, refugee law and prison oversight.
Amber Wright, Grants and Impact Manager
She/Her
Amber is a passionate and skilled fundraising professional, committed to driving impactful initiatives and nurturing new grant opportunities for Equality Australia.
With a strong background in leading grant proposals and ensuring compliance through effective reporting, she expertly showcases organisational impact. Her experience includes valuable roles at the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation, and Workplace Giving Australia, where she honed her talents in fundraising and evaluation.
Kristie Baker, Philanthropy Manager
She/Her
Kristie is a professional fundraiser with more than 16 years’ experience across the for-purpose sector, media partnerships and events. She has raised millions of dollars for children’s education, social services and environmental organisations through strategic partnerships, appeals, donor engagement and long-term relationships.
Guided by a strong commitment to social justice and advancing equality for the LGBTIQ+ community, Kristie is dedicated to stewarding meaningful giving and growing philanthropic support for Equality Australia’s mission.
Alexander lagos, finance manager
He/Him
Alexander Lagos is an experienced Finance Manager with significant experience spanning accounting, operations and human resources across both commercial and government sectors. Alex’s passion is emphasised by creating a productive and effective finance function, achieved through strong processes, communication, and partnering with leadership to provide quality financial reporting to drive effective decision-making in support of organisational vision and objectives. Prior to joining Equality Australia, Alex held Finance Manager roles at Department of Justice, NSW Rural Fire Service and IKEA, and has been a CPA for over 40 years and has Emerald status.
Mike Hitch, Media and Communications Advisor
He/Him
Mike Hitch is a Digital Campaigner with over six years of experience in media, journalism and LGBTIQ+ activism. Having specialised in covering politics and social justice, Mike’s work involving Queer and First Nations communities has taught him how people are the greatest tool for driving political change.
Mia Sanders, Digital Designer & Content Creator
She/Her
Mia Sanders is a communications professional with a background in design, branding and grassroots campaigning. With experience spanning copywriting and digital marketing, she works across content, design and strategy to create campaigns that are engaging and accessible. Mia is passionate about using storytelling to support social change.
Hanna Yorth, Executive Assistant to the CEO
She/Her
Hanna Yorth is an experienced Executive Assistant with over a decade supporting C-suite leaders across complex corporate, consulting and for-purpose environments. She brings deep expertise in executive operations, governance coordination, stakeholder engagement and organisational effectiveness, shaped through roles at Suntory Oceania, Automic Group and KPMG.
With a long-standing personal commitment to LGBTIQ+ equality—grounded in her lived experience as an ally and close family ties to the community—Hanna has been an active contributor to corporate DEI and RAP initiatives throughout her career. She is passionate about strengthening organisations that drive social change and is dedicated to supporting Equality Australia’s mission to advance dignity, equality and justice for all.
Max Pick, Operations Coordinator
They/Them
Max is a proud non-binary and trans person with a versatile background. Prior to Equality Australia, Max worked largely in community and administration positions with over 4 years in the disability field, and as a Policy Advisor with the former City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor, Irene Doutney.
