Greiner joins National Seniors Australia

Seniors advocacy peak body National Seniors Australia has welcomed Kathryn Greiner to its board of directors.

Ms Greiner brings to the role a wealth of experience having held leadership positions in public and private companies, government bodies and non-profit organisations.

The former local government politician has sat on the boards of Pacific Power, John Singleton Advertising, Carlovers and the Financial Planning Association and been a member of the Bond University Council and the Advisory Council of L.E.K. Consulting.

In the NFP sector, her roles have included director of Bell Shakespeare Company along with chair of the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, Save the Children Australia and Sydney Peace Prize Foundation.

Previous job roles have included social work and early childhood services, plus media roles at Radio 2UE and Channel 10. Ms Greiner was elected Councillor to the Sydney City Council from 1995 to 2004 and is the recipient of an Order of Australia.

In 2012 she was appointed as the chair of the NSW Ministerial Advisory Committee on Ageing.

Ms Greiner told Australian Ageing Agenda that she has “long respected” the evidence-based advocacy of National Seniors Australia and its “effectiveness” in bringing about “meaningful change” for older Australians.  

“I had the opportunity to learn more about NSA’s work during my involvement with the Everald Compton Community Medal which gave us both a greater understanding of our shared goals to promote the value and contribution of older Australians,” Ms Greiner said.

“After all, older Australians are the backbone of our families, communities, and society. Yet too often they are seen as a burden as opposed to an opportunity. What some see as ‘grey’, I see as ‘silver’ – something precious to be cherished and valued. The timing and stars aligned for both NSA and for me and I look forward to working together to promote the interests of a large and growing part of our population that is too readily and easily overlooked.”

National Seniors Australia chair Ross Glossop welcomed Ms Greiner to her new position within the “family” and said everyone there was pleased to “work together more formally” in a long-term capacity.

“Ms Greiner brings to the board distinguished experience in strategic leadership, government relations and advocacy gained throughout an esteemed career in public and private companies, government bodies and non-profit organisations,” Mr Glossop said.

“This experience combined with a deep desire to help NSA defend, protect and promote older Australians sees Ms Greiner not only eminently qualified to join the board but entirely suited.”

He added: “Older Australians face a range of issues including ageism, ability to age in their own home, health and aged care affordability, cost of living pressures and digital literacy. These challenges can be addressed only if government, industry, and the broader community work together. Ms Greiner will play a critical role in these engagements.”

Mr Glossop also commended Ms Greiner on her recent celebration of older unsung heroes, when she presided as a judge of the Inaugural Everald Compton Community Champion Medal.

Ms Greiner told AAA she was delighted to be a part of an organisation that is so experienced, in touch with and committed to the people it represents.

“It will be an interesting start to my post and for everyone next year with the federal election,” she said.

“NSA will continue to prosecute the case for better home care supports and cost of living relief, among other issues. I aim to build upon my previous leadership and board experiences, including leading the Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing and NSW Review into Retirement Villages, to help NSA achieve its mission to defend, protect and promote older Australians.” 

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