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30-Jul-2026 |

NEW BOARD CHAIR FOR SYC

After 20 years of distinguished leadership and service, SYC Board Chair David Hallett has determined the time is right to retire from the Board.

In a planned transition, Arabella Branson – currently Deputy Chair – will be the next Chair of SYC. Her appointment takes effect from August 1, 2026.

David has made an outstanding contribution to SYC. Under his leadership, SYC’s footprint has grown from a South Australian to national organisation, operating across four states with 500 employees.

We now proudly assist more than 50,000 Australians to achieve social wellbeing and economic independence via employment, education, housing and justice support.

In 2021, David’s contribution to SYC was recognised with a Lifetime Supporter Award. David leaves SYC a stronger, more resilient and impactful organisation.

“It has been an absolute privilege to serve as Chair of SYC,” David said.

“My focus has always been to strengthen SYC’s capability and capacity to create good outcomes for the Australians we support.

“Importantly, this has not been achieved alone. I thank and acknowledge my fellow board members, and all SYC employees, for the sustainable impact we have created together.

“With Arabella stepping into the role of Chair, SYC is in safe hands.”

We acknowledge and thank David for his vision, dedication and leadership. While we are sad to farewell David, we are pleased for him as he enters this next phase of well-deserved retirement.

Meanwhile, we are delighted that Arabella is the next Chair of SYC. Her appointment by the Board was unanimous.

Arabella has been a non-executive director of SYC since 2007, was appointed Vice Chair in 2026, and in 2021 was recognised for her service to SYC with a Lifetime Supporter Award.

Arabella is an experienced Chair and board director across various sectors and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). She has practised as a lawyer in commercial transactional and advisory law for more than two decades, establishing her own commercial advisory practice 15 years ago.

We hold Arabella in high regard for her experience and expertise, as well as her inclusive, consultative and respectful leadership style.

“SYC is one of the great quiet achievers in our community,” Arabella said.

“Far too few Australians know what we do or the scale of difference we make. I look forward to helping more people understand the value of SYC’s work and ensuring we continue to deliver these vital services well into the future.

“SYC gives Australians the opportunity to thrive and succeed, often in circumstances where opportunities have been limited. Being part of an organisation with such a profound impact has kept me involved for nearly two decades and I am proud to now serve as Chair.

“SYC has a strong history working with vulnerable young people and an exceptional ability to bring out their best. That same commitment extends to our own people. We have many long-serving staff members who started their working life at SYC and have enjoyed fulfilling careers in the sector.

“It is rewarding to be part of an organisation that is so focused on maximising the opportunities of everyone we encounter.”