Meet the team

Patron – Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston, AK, AFC (Retd.)

“ShelterBox continues to impress me with their no-nonsense, practical approach to disaster relief. Their determination to reach the most vulnerable in the hard to reach places of the world sets them apart. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for emergency shelter and in many cases, shelter provision can save lives. The organisation’s ability to ‘pivot’ during the current crisis and continue to support families in need, shows that where there is a will, there is a way. Now, more than ever, the world needs organisations like ShelterBox”

Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d) was awarded the Knight of the Order of Australia in January 2015 for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia, through distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force, continued commitment to serve the nation in leadership roles, particularly the national responses to the MH370 and MH17 disasters, and in a variety of roles in the community.

Sir Angus retired from the military in July 2011 after serving for 41 years. He was Chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2005-2011 and prior to that was Chief of Air Force for four years.

Sir Angus is Chancellor for the University of the Sunshine Coast, Chair of the Murray Darling Basin Authority and chairs several other boards. He also serves as a board member for numerous organisations as well as being a visiting fellow of the Australian National University National Security College. In addition, he is the Ambassador/Patron for a number of charitable organisations, including several mental health charities. Sir Angus has been awarded four honorary doctorate degrees from the University of South Australia, the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales and Griffith University.

Dr Rob Walliser – Chair of the Board

I have over 25 years of international work experience, including financial services, top-tier management consulting, government and oil & gas. I am able to translate insight into action and have delivered substantive organisational change within businesses ranging from start-ups to ASX 20 listed companies.

I hold a PhD in Electrical Engineering as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce.  I am an Associate of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Finance.

I collaborated in the development of ShelterBox Australia’s Strategic Plan in early 2019 and was elected as a Director in July 2019.

I believe in shelter as a basic human right and empathise with the ShelterBox global mission of a world where no family is without shelter after disaster.

Shane Burette – Company Secretary 

I have worked within the public sector for more than 20 years, serving with the Australian Army, Australian Federal Police and currently with the Department of Veterans Affairs, more recently in senior management governance and compliance roles.

Throughout my professional career, I have always felt community-minded, actively volunteering with community service groups and Not for Profit organisations. I am an active member of my RSL Sub-Branch, Sydney Legacy and Rotary, serving in a variety of management positions in these organisations. I am also currently a Director with a registered/licensed club in NSW. I became passionate about Shelter Box after having deployed with the Army and seeing firsthand the support people need in war countries affected by war and disaster.

I was elected a Director of ShelterBox Australia in 2022, act as the Company Secretary and sit on the Operations Committee. I hold a Bachelor of Laws, a Graduate Certificate in Veterans’ Law and a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management.

Yvonne Howie – Director

I am a CEO, senior executive and company director, with over 30 years of experience. I was CEO, NSW for The CEO Institute, a leading membership organisation for CEOs and future CEOs, providing experiential professional development for leaders and entrepreneurs. Later, I consulted with the Institute, working with major organisations and the tertiary sector.

Previously, I was CEO of a major Chamber of Commerce in Greater Western Sydney. Earlier in my career, I was a senior regional public relations manager with The Coca-Cola Company, based in Sydney. My track record is in building up organisations and in mentoring leaders.

Concurrently, I developed a director career over 15 years and have served on a wide range of boards across the NSW Government, pharmacy, health, retail, education and philanthropy as Chair, Deputy Chair and Chair of key board committees.

I have a B.A, Dip. Ed. and am a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and am a member of Sydney’s Balgowlah Rotary Club. I’m delighted to support SBA’s vital work in overseas community service.