After nine years of extraordinary leadership, Liz Mackinlay is stepping down as CEO of Australian Business Volunteers, leaving behind a legacy of growth, innovation and community impact.
From diversifying ABV's business model, to opening up new partnerships and creating an Australian program portfolio, impact and innovation have been hallmarks of Liz's leadership of ABV. Her ability to sit as comfortably with communities and volunteers, as with CEO's and government Minister's has meant that ABV has and will continue to play an important role in fostering economic resilience both in Australia and across the Pacific Islands.
A defining moment in Lizâs time with ABV, was her innovative and decisive approach to a challenging period in the organisationâs history. When COVID 19 closed international borders, ABVâs development experts and volunteers were suddenly grounded. At the same time, the Black Summer bushfires had torn through NSW and VIC, leaving communities facing long, complex recovery journeys. Liz recognised that ABVâs community led development expertise could be redirected to support Australian rural communities.
This insight became the foundation of ABVâs Disaster and Economic Resilience program in Australia. What began in Cobargo NSW has, in the five years since, grown into a major pillar of ABVâs work. Under Lizâs leadership, ABV pivoted with purpose, establishing a model of community led recovery that puts local priorities at the centre. The program has since engaged with more than 600 community organisations across three states, strengthening local capability, supporting small business recovery and helping communities rebuild with confidence. This work is now embedded as a core part of ABVâs identity â grounded in listening, collaboration and practical support that builds long term resilience.
Partnerships also deepened and expanded during this period with Liz strengthening and building long standing relationships that continue to underpin the organisationâs impact. Partnerships with NAB, now in its ninth year, and the Bank of South Pacific (BSP), now in its eighth, reflect Lizâs commitment to cross-sector collaboration that endures and evolves over time. These flagship partnerships have seen ABV building the capacity of NABâs not-for-profit customers while also working with BSP to expand its reach across six countries in the Pacific Islands. These and other long term partnerships have reinforced the organisationâs reputation as a trusted collaborator across government, business, community organisations and the volunteer sector.
Beyond the programs, partnerships and organisational growth, Liz will be remembered for the culture she built. An authentic, caring and deeply values-driven leader, she created an environment where people felt supported, empowered and connected to a shared purpose. She challenged people to think bigger, encouraged collaboration and always kept communities at the centre of decision-making. Central to this culture is the exceptional people Liz brought into ABV over her tenure â a skilled, values aligned team whose dedication and expertise have been instrumental in the growth of the organisation and delivering meaningful impact for communities.
Liz's legacy can be seen in a stronger organisation, deeper partnerships, expanded programs and more resilient communities. Most importantly, it can be seen in the countless people whose lives have been positively impacted through ABV's work.
On behalf of the ABV community, we thank Liz for her vision, leadership and unwavering commitment over the past nine years. Her impact will continue to be felt for many years to come, and we wish her every success in the next chapter of her journey.
