Our People

LACHLAN ANDERSON

BFin – Chair

Lachlan, a partner at a prominent financial planning firm in Melbourne, brings his extensive knowledge and experience to his role at Destiny Rescue. With a degree in finance and other specialised industry accreditations, Lachlan is well-equipped to assist in our mission. His dedication to helping people, evident in his everyday life and work, is a testament to his commitment to Destiny Rescue.

He has been in the financial services industry since 2010 and involved with Destiny Rescue since 2015. This experience and expertise provide valuable insights and input to our vision and strategies that will help us achieve our goals. After visiting some of Destiny Rescue’s projects in 2015, Lachlan strongly believes in the positive difference we are making in the lives of those who perhaps need it the most!

CHRIS LAWLEY

Director

Chris is a long-term active volunteer for Destiny Rescue. His contributions have extended in various aspects beyond his directorship, including taking advantage of opportunities to speak at fundraising events and varied frontline work overseas. Chris is also a non-executive director for DRI (Destiny Rescue International). He has held leadership roles for global organisations in the SaaS industry (Software as a Service) and brings skills to the organisation in commercial leadership and cyber security.

VENECIA PILLAY

CA (SA), ACMA, CGMA – Board Secretary

Venecia is an experienced Finance Manager with a demonstrated history of working various industries. Skilled in Income Tax, Financial Accounting, Consolidation, External Audit, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Strong finance professional with a CA (SA) and CIMA qualification focused in Accounting and Finance.

JOSH WERMUT

Director

Josh is an experienced entrepreneur and venture builder having worked with multiple businesses across the Consumer, Tech, Finance, and Health sectors. He combines a human-centric approach alongside high commercial and technology acumen, and has advised senior executives and boards at many of Australia’s ASX top 50 companies as a leader in McKinsey’s Digital & Analytics practice.

He is deeply committed to rescuing children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation, and utilising his capabilities to support Destiny Rescue in achieving this critical mission.

CHRIS GRIBBLE

 Interim Chief Executive Officer

Chris has served Destiny Rescue for the past six years in various roles, including as the Director of People and Culture on the Destiny Rescue Australia Executive team. He has also served on Destiny Rescue’s International Executive team and served as the Country Manager in Nepal, living in-country to bolster our rescue efforts.

Chris’s passion for rescuing children is evident in his commitment to serving in the field and developing projects that significantly impact many children’s lives.

Chris has worked in both Christian ministry and business including roles as a pastor, College Dean and chaplain, and owning two Registered Training organisations.

Chris holds a Master’s in Education and further postgraduate qualifications in Leadership and Management, Theology and Professional Supervision. He is also in his final year of completing a Doctorate of Public Safety.

Chris and his wife April have been married for over thirty years and have four children.

GEOFF HARRISON

MBA – Chief Marketing Officer

Geoff has spent the last 25 years helping guide Australians to care for the poor and marginalised in this world. He has a particular focus on women and children and helping charities grow. Prior to Destiny Rescue, Geoff ran a consultancy helping NFPs with marketing, fundraising, and capacity.

Geoff joined the Destiny Rescue team in 2018 and has had the privilege of helping grow the organisation exponentially.

Geoff holds a Masters in Business Administration and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment. Geoff is passionate about seeing the rescue of children who, through limited choices, are forced into abuse and trafficking.

GREG BRADLEY

BA (IntRel), GradDipBA – Chief Partnerships Officer

Greg has dedicated his career to working with organisations focused on helping children and communities flourish.

His experience includes twelve years with World Vision Australia and seven years in the tertiary education sector. Greg has travelled extensively in Africa and Asia, providing contextual awareness of the complexities of international development.

Since commencing at Destiny Rescue, Greg has visited projects in several countries and observed rescue operations with agents to help free sexually exploited children.

As Executive Partnership Manager, Greg oversees Destiny Rescue’s engagement and partnership activities nationally, seeking to build key relationships to raise awareness and funds to rescue children. 

Greg holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Relations and has undertaken postgraduate business studies.

VENECIA PILLAY

CA (SA), ACMA, CGMA – Chief Financial Officer

Venecia is an experienced Finance Manager with a demonstrated history of working various industries. Skilled in Income Tax, Financial Accounting, Consolidation, External Audit, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Strong finance professional with a CA (SA) and CIMA qualification focused in Accounting and Finance.