The work of Symbiosis in Bangladesh is carried out under the overall management and oversight of Symbiosis International, an NGO registered in Australia and based in Brisbane, Australia.  Our dedicated staff working in our local organisation, Symbiosis Bangladesh, are essential to our success. The local transfer of knowledge and experience in all walks of life enables Symbiosis to facilitate change without destroying the culture or sense of identity of village communities.  Symbiosis International undertakes projects in Bangladesh through its implementing division, Symbiosis Bangladesh, which is registered in Bangladesh as an NGO.  Symbiosis International has a range of funding partners that have agreements with either Symbiosis International or directly with Symbiosis Bangladesh.

Symbiosis Executive Leadership

LISA WEST-NEWMAN

CEO | Symbiosis International

ROGER WHITE

CEO | Symbiotic

DR. ABDUR RAHMAN

Country Director | Symbiosis Bangladesh

Lisa stepped into the CEO role, following the retirement of our Founder, Dr Morris Lee in July 2020.

With 10 years experience in community development in South East Asia and a background in communications and public policy, Lisa joined the Symbiosis Board as a Director in 2017 with a particular focus on supporting our communications and fundraising efforts.

Lisa spent time in  Bangladesh in 2017 and again in early 2020 meeting with staff and group members to hear first hand the stories of transformational change occurring in participants lives.

An industrial chemist with water treatment skills, Roger visited Bangladesh for the first time in 2007, immediately feeling a strong connection with the people.

In 2007-2008 he joined the Board of Symbiosis International where he served for seven years. During that time he continued to support the water treatment program with Symbiosis and make occasional visits to Bangladesh.

Roger now leads our endeavours to develop a sustainable social enterprise program in country.

Dr. Abdur Rahman is a Medical Doctor with 34 years of experience with the Government Health Ministry in Bangladesh. With expertise in training, leadership, research and community development, Dr. Rahman has worked in senior level management for many years.

He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor for the School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences at James Cook University in Australia.

Dr. Rahman has been a friend and supporter of Symbiosis since it began in 1995, and in 2014 became Country Director of Symbiosis Bangladesh.

Symbiosis Australia International Board

DR NEIL PARKER Chair

A Doctor specialising in public health medicine. He spent several years living and working in Bangladesh.

NOEL HARVEY OAM Deputy Chair

A results driven, motivated, resourceful director with proven ability to develop & strengthen management teams to maximise organizational performance & efficiency.

DAVID VANCE

Marine Research Scientist with extensive experience travelling and working in Bangladesh.

LYNDALL PURCELL

Management consultant with experience in the public and private sectors.

DAVID YATES

Lecturer and researcher with expertise in agriculture and environment.

SCOTT DALE

Qualified Chartered Accountant and CPA specialising in business development.

ANDY McCULLOUGH

Andy is a Director of an NGO with extensive experience working cross-culturally following a career in Urban and Environmental Planning.

NICK YOUNG

Director in the Public Sector in Queensland, with experience in NGOs and community development.

MARK HOLT

Director of an NGO  with extensive experience working cross-culturally.

Symbiosis Australia Staff

TRAVIS MCAULIFFE

Chief Financial Officer