Committee

The IAFQ Committee is made up of a wonderful bunch of volunteers who work together with the aim of supporting families throughout the journey of adoption and to make life-long connections and friendships.

President [Richard Dunks]

I have been very fortunate to be a part of the IAFQ community for about 10 years. We adopted our son from South Korea and the support and advice we have received from IAFQ has been invaluable both during and after the adoption process. IAFQ is made up of a special group of volunteers and friends who aim to help families navigate through all stages of the adoption process and create a community of support and friendship.

Please feel free to get in touch with me should you have any questions about what we do or where we may be able to assist you.

Vice President [Kathy Harris]

I am a Mum of a precious son and a waiting adoptive parent of our next child. My husband and I went through the intercountry adoption process years ago with Thailand, only to withdraw and re-enter this year. Our first time through, we found the information and support of IAFQ very beneficial and had no hesitation in joining again this time, even before we had done any paperwork for adoption. Just like everyone else I am super busy with work, family life and volunteering roles.

Don’t hesitate to contact me about all things IAFQ–we’re here to help.

Secretary [Jane Shea]

I have been a member of IAFQ since becoming a waiting parent back in 2007, and started by helping out on the International Adoption Day committee to help pass the long wait time. In 2014, we became parents to two beautiful girls through the Taiwan CWLF program. Through IAFQ we have made some life-long friends who have helped us through the many ups and downs of adoption, both before and after becoming parents. It’s wonderful to now see our daughters also make some special friendships through the many IAFQ activities on offer. I’m proud to be helping out on the committee this year as secretary.

Treasurer [Rita Wockner]

My name is Rita and I’ve always had a love of other cultures and children. I worked as a nanny for many years and travelled overseas extensively. It only seemed natural when I wanted to have my own family to adopt internationally, so I made the move to Northern NSW, (back in the day when singles couldn’t adopt in Queensland). I adopted my son from the Philippines three years ago and he is now 7 years of age. I have been back in Brisbane for two years and have really appreciated the support of IAFQ. My day job is in Administration at Griffith University.

For any inquiries about your financial membership of IAFQ, please get in touch.

Membership Secretary [Lane Thornton]

My name is Lane and I have been involved with IAFQ for over twelve years. In that time, I have held various positions on the committee, including Secretary, Membership Secretary, Magazine Editor and Country Coordinator for Chile. The support that IAFQ gives to families on their journey to adopt is invaluable, and I do not know where we would be without it. The first Queensland couple to navigate the Chilean adoption program, we now have two girls from Santiago.

If you have any concern with your membership, please do not hesitate to get in touch.