Qantas Foundation Memorial Ltd (QFM) is a Trustee Company responsible for the administration of the Qantas Foundation Memorial Trust. QFM is a not-for-profit registered charity comprised of an unlimited number of limited liability members (refer to “Become a Member” below). QFM was incorporated on 20 February, 1990, with the goal:
“To preserve the history and innovatively present the story of Qantas and its Founders.”
It operates the “Qantas Founders Museum”. While Museums preserve past heritage for the historical, educational and entertainment benefit of the community, within this Museum, displaying people, places and aeroplanes, and the re-creation of flight in this pioneer era of aviation, there is a theme for the present generations of Australians:
“To enthral and inspire all with the vision, determination and deeds of the Qantas Founders and those who have followed.”
Qantas Founders Museum is the initiative of people of Western Queensland.
We are a separate and distinct entity from, and not owned or operated by, Qantas Airways Ltd but proudly independent having been initiated by the people of the region and receiving their ongoing support. We enjoy an excellent and close working relationship with Qantas and have an Intellectual Property Licensing Agreement and currently receive an annual donation from them. Qantas employees, past and present, continue to support us in a range of ways including through donations and substantial volunteer labour, information and advice. To read the Qantas Foundation Memorial Limited Constitution click Here.
Become a Member
As a Qantas Foundation Memorial Member you will receive free entry into the Qantas Founders Museum for the duration of the membership, invitations to special events and 10% discount on gift purchases (Excludes food / refreshments and consignment lines). If you would like to become a member, please click the button below to download the membership form
For more information you can call Qantas Founders Museum on 07 4658 3737 or email info@qfom.com.au.
Help Us Save Australia’s Aviation History
If you would like to help us save our aviation history you can donate online by clicking the Donate button below. Every dollar helps and donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. Thank you for supporting our museum!
Donate ONLINEBoard of Directors
ALASTAIR FYSH
BOARD CHAIR
Alastair has a background in media and film production. He has worked at leading creative and media agencies in both London and Sydney. He was previously Head of Media & Sponsorship for McDonalds Australia.
Alastair then became General Manager of Sales at oOh Media, Australia’s leading outdoor media advertising company, and oversaw an Australia wide team which delivered significant and sustainable revenue growth.
More recently Alastair started his own video production business producing TV commercials for companies such as CommBank, Glenfiddich, Bayer and New Holland Tractors.
Alastair’s experience and expertise will assist QFM with advice on marketing & media, including digital video production, and with corporate fund raising.Alastair is passionate about Qantas and its history.
Qantas has always been part of his life. His Grandfather was Sir Hudson Fysh, one of the founders, Managing Director and finally Chairman until his retirement in 1966 (46 years). Alastair’s father John Fysh was born in Longreach and was also with Qantas as a senior Executive for 33 years.Alastair lives in Sydney with his wife Pippa and has 3 adult children.
DAVID THIESS
QANTAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR
David’s family have been associated with outback QLD since the 1930’s and David has been with Qantas since the age of 16. Employed initially as an Aircraft Engineer Apprentice (Mechanical).
After attaining his pilot licence in his mid-20s, he started his flying career with Qantas. David has flown 747-2/300/SP, B737-3/4/800, B767, A380 and just recently gained his command on the A330.Interesting fact: David actually flew VH-EBQ with its brand new paint job from New Iberia Louisiana USA to Australia. It makes him very proud to see it at Longreach today.
David gained his LAME licence and owns a CASA approved workshop where he restores and maintains many vintage aircraft from the 1920s to 1940’s. He regularly flies a DH82 Tigermoth and DH83 Foxmoth. David is a committee member of the Antique Aircraft Association of Australia. David helped organise a successful aircraft pilgrimage for the RFDS to celebrate their 90th Birthday. Where they flew 30 aircraft on the very first flight route 90 years to the day Cloncurry to Julia Creek.
David has a passion for aviation history including QANTAS history. David is excited to be associated with QFM and continue the great legacy that Qantas and the museum have become world renowned for.
PETER O'REGAN
TREASURER
Peter is the senior partner in O’Regan & Partners, a Chartered Accountancy Practice providing professional services to regional and remote Queensland.
He commenced his career with Deloitte in Brisbane and later established O’Regan & Partners in Longreach in 1992, with the firm expanding in subsequent years to now have offices in Mount Isa, Winton, Emerald, Townsville, St George, and Brisbane, as well as a visiting office in Cloncurry.
Peter is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in the beef production sector, having been raised on a cattle property in the Marlborough district of Central Queensland, and worked on the family properties for a number of years before moving to Longreach.
In addition he also owned, operated, and developed two cattle and sheep properties South West of Longreach for a period of 12 years.
The agricultural sector is a significant part of the firm’s client base, ranging from large pastoral operations in Western Queensland to irrigated cropping operations in the Queensland Central Highlands.
With over 25 years experience in advising businesses, Peter offers expertise in business structures and taxation strategies, business growth and succession, as well as finance and restructuring.
In addition, Peter has significant expertise in Local Government, having for many years been a contract auditor with the Queensland Audit Office, with the firm now providing consulting and internal audit services to many local authorities in Western and South Western Queensland.
ANTHONY PENNEY
QANTAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR
Anthony is the Qantas Regional Manager for Queensland, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, responsible for commercial activity in the state, as well as, government, industry and tourism relations. He has considerable commercial experience, having led sales teams across the airline and has held management roles in customer experience, operational and learning and development areas.
Prior to Qantas, Anthony was the Executive Director, Industry & Government Engagement at Business SA, South Australia’s chamber of commerce.
Sitting on the leadership team he led Business SA’s policy and advocacy efforts lobbying state and federal politicians regarding key issues facing South Australian businesses. He was also the media spokesperson conducting over 1000 interviews with local, national and international media outlets over a 4-year period.
Anthony has a Bachelor of Sports Science and a Masters of International Business and has lectured in Management, Organisational Behaviour and Business Communication at universities in Perth and Sydney.Originally from Canada, he has lived and worked in Europe, Asia and Australia.
DAVID MILES
DIRECTOR
David Miles is the eldest Son of Wendy Miles (nee Fysh), daughter of Sir Hudson Fysh. As the eldest grandson, David developed a special relationship and shared a common love of the Australian bush with Sir Hudson. Some of his happiest childhood memories involved trout fishing trips down to the Snowy Mountains and visits to Sir Hudson’s farm at Dural in NSW.
David trained as a Chartered Accountant and spent 13 years working in Toronto and Sydney with Price Waterhouse before joining JPMorgan where he spent a total of 16 years in roles which included Finance Director in Sydney and Jakarta, CEO of Chase Trust Bank in Tokyo, CEO of Austrapay Ltd (a Joint Venture between JPMorgan and Australia Post) and COO of JPMorgan Investment bank based in Sydney.
In the latter part of his career, David helped setup Moelis and Company in Australia, acting as COO for the new investment banking startup, now an $800million company listed on the ASX.
David now runs a small Angus cattle breeding operation on the Fish River at Duckmaloi, 3 hours West of Sydney. He is also Director and Treasurer of Australian Doctors International, a not for profit which provides volunteer medical aid to the people of Papua New Guinea.David has a keen interest in the history of QANTAS and in respecting and preserving the legacy of the Founders.
JOANNE KHOO
DIRECTOR
Joanne Khoo GAICD, GIA (Affliate) BA//LLB and Masters of Law, is an experienced C-Suite legal, risk and governance executive and NED with 18+ years of combined professional experience working at former ASX listed Sydney Airport (Australia’s busiest gateway) and regional Cairns Airport and Mackay Airport, where she was the immediate past, General Counsel and Company Secretary and played a key role in helping to drive the success of the airport business and contributing to the broader socio-economic prosperity of the local economy.
Joanne also brings diverse industry experience from her time working in the professional services/consulting sector as senior legal advisor at the leading design/engineering firm, Arup Pty Ltd and as a senior lawyer at Australia’s top national law firms, in Sydney.
Joanne is a current NED on the board of the Ngak Min Health (since 2022- present) which is part of the Cape York Partnership entity group. Ngak Min Health strives to provide holistic and preventative health care services to first nations students and their families at Djarragun College in Gordonvale, Cairns.
KALAIR MCARTHUR
DIRECTOR
Kalair McArthur has a background in marketing and economic development with skills in grant-writing, project management, project due diligence, communication, risk analysis and political and stakeholder liaising. She is a previous Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia, Fitzroy and Central West where her role was to facilitate economic development opportunities across the region.
Kalair also operates her own business supporting projects in rural and remote areas.
Having completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course, Kalair is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Kalair has previously served on the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network Board, holding the Communications Portfolio and has also served on the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce. This is not all though, she has advised multiple boards on a regular basis regarding project investments and project due diligence.
Chris Phillips
DIRECTOR
Chris Phillips journey as a leader, behavioural architect, and catalyst for organisational excellence spans over two decades. His professional background includes both State and Local Government. Chris’ tenure in both State and Local Government has been transformative. Three years in the State Government provided insights into policy dynamics, while two decades in Local Government immersed him in community life. Chris has witnessed firsthand the power of effective leadership and people-centric strategies.
Areas of Expertise:
1. Behavioural Architecture: As an organisational behavioural architect, Chris crafts interventions that enhance performance, well-being, and culture. Chris' practical application of behavioural neuroscience ensures tangible results.
2. Coaching and Leadership Development: Chris is a certified coach and mentor, passionate about nurturing leaders. His ICF-accredited training equips him to unlock potential and drive growth.
3. Industry Insights: His industry experience spans resources, agriculture, government, retail, manufacturing, aerospace, construction, and logistics. Chris understands the delicate balance between strategy, business development and human dynamics.
4. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Having founded six start-up businesses, Chris appreciates the challenges of growth. These ventures have shaped his understanding of foundational hurdles and resilience.
5. Global Leadership Programs: Under his leadership, Grey Matta Solutions (GMS) has expanded internationally. The programs, delivered in nine countries, adapt to cultural nuances while fostering effective leadership.
Qualifications and Certifications:
Advanced Diploma in Neuroscience of Leadership
Birkman Signature Certification
Certified Practitioner of the Australian Human Resources Institute
PRISM Behavioural Brain Mapping Practitioner
ICF Accredited Coaching Training
Rewire Your Brain and Rewired Conversations
Think on Your Feet
The Workplace Investigations Training Program
Chris has a unique perspective which extends beyond corporate walls. As thecustodian of the Rockhampton Heritage Village, Heritage Rail facilities, andthe Rockhampton Zoo, Chris navigated the intricacies of a tourist destination. Chrisunderstands the delicate balance between preservation, visitor experiences, andsustainable growth.
Chris is excited to contribute his expertise to the Board with commitment to fostering growth, enhancing organisational culture and driving positive change.
Tracey Cuttriss-Smith
DIRECTOR
Tracey is a seasoned professional with a rich career spanning over three decades. Her journey began in Central Queensland in the field of education and training with the Queensland Department of Education, where she dedicated 20 years to shaping young minds.
Transitioning into executive management, Tracey has since 2012 been at the helm of C-Res, serving as the CEO and leading four national Local Buying Foundations and their Advisory Committees. Her leadership at C-Res is marked by her ability to steer the organisation towards growth and success, always leading with a clear purpose.
Tracey is a proud Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of The CEO Institute. Her tertiary education background spans Education, Business, and Project Management, equipping her with a diverse skill set that she brings to her leadership roles.
Now residing in Emerald, Tracey has spent most of her life in Central Queensland. She is deeply committed to working in regional communities across Australia, forging strong connections and partnerships. Her goal is to enhance the resilience and sustainability of these communities by fostering robust regional businesses and
organisations.
Tracey’s unique capabilities extend to managing multi-million-dollar portfolios and collaborating with a range of entities across small businesses, large global corporates, Trusts, not-for-profits, and charities. Her expertise lies in governance, compliance, strategy, finance, people and culture, as well as risk management.