The time has come for the Canberra Innovation Network inaugural Chair, Tony Henshaw to move on from his role after serving two consecutive 2-year terms.

Tony’s stepping down from the Board is a significant moment for the team and the Board of Directors, it is a sign of us maturing as an organisation and an opportunity to reflect and recognise Tony’s outstanding contribution to the network over the early years.

As the Chief Minister’s nominee director on the Board and elected Chair, Tony has provided essential stewardship to the network in its formation phase, as it was navigating the complexities of relationships among foundation members, and as it was defining its program of work. Tony has also provided crucial support and direction to the network’s first CEO, Dr Sarah Pearson and to its current CEO, Petr Adamek.

Tony is the rare type of person who connects art, music, creativity and social inclusion with economics, technology and innovation. He is full of new ideas and enthusiasm.  Tony is a true Canberran. A person with love, passion and strong commitment to Canberra and its future. The relationship Tony has to this city is inspiring and contagious. We have absorbed this in our team, have learned from the love he has for this city and from the commitment he so strongly demonstrates.

Saying ‘Thank you and Good bye’ to Tony marks an end of an era for the network. These moments remind us how important people are in the business of innovation and how important it is to have many great people so that if someone has to depart, we do not fall apart.

Tony has done a terrific job of helping the network emerge from an idea to be a major magnet for many wonderful and enthusiastic people with passion to make Canberra a clever, connected and creative city. These people are doing it in a number of ways, including but not limited to, by building high growth companies that create wealth for our future generations. And the support that the network provides to these people is also Tony’s legacy.

We are certain Tony, you must be proud of where you are leaving the Canberra Innovation Network and be assured that we are proud that you have been our Chair!

Thank you from the team and the Canberra innovation community!

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