Committee of Management transitions: Welcome Anna and farewell Simon and Hannah

As we prepare for 2026, VANISH marks important transitions in our Committee of Management. We warmly welcome Anna Anderson while expressing deep gratitude to two longstanding Committee members, Simon Pryor and Hannah Spanswick, whose years of dedicated service have shaped VANISH’s direction and impact.

Welcoming Anna Anderson

Anna is a leader in strategic communications and engagement, with extensive experience overseeing innovative communications programs for policy areas with a focus on multicultural affairs, prevention of family violence and education sectors.

Currently Anna is in a senior advisory role for the transport and infrastructure sector, listening to communities and stakeholders to design better, more inclusive transport for everyone.

She’s held governance roles as community engagement representative on committees for major projects as well as creative arts initiatives designed to mitigate disruptions and enhance Melbourne’s liveability.

As one of the first South Korean Australian adoptees through government organisations, Anna brings valuable personal experience and a strong appreciation for the vital work of VANISH and understanding of the complex and diverse needs of those impacted by family separation.

Anna is passionate about advancing equity, inclusion and belonging among diverse communities. She actively supports adoptees and prospective parents through mentoring and speaking engagements, and volunteers as a crisis supporter for Lifeline Melbourne (Naarm).

Why did you want to get involved with VANISH?

“I was keen to offer my expertise in governance and strategy to an organisation that’s doing important and meaningful work in the social policy or health sector. I’ve seen firsthand the practical support VANISH provides and the positive impact it makes to the lives of adoptees and community, across diverse backgrounds and stories.

It’s a privilege to be appointed to the Committee of Management for VANISH and have the opportunity to serve and contribute to the work of such a vital and respected organisation. I look forward to playing a role alongside an impressive and thoughtful team, CEO and committee members.”

What do you like to do outside of work and the adoption space?

“I’m passionate about Melbourne and the beautiful regions. There’s always a new laneway, gallery or market to explore! My weekends are filled with sport or arts activities with my kids, or I enjoy a challenge like skiing!

I find people and stories fascinating and enjoy reading or connecting with friends, or community through my volunteer work.”

Farewell to Simon Pryor and Hannah Spanswick

This year, we also say farewell to Simon Pryor (2017-2025) and Hannah Spanswick (2004-2009; 2020-2025), whose years of service have been instrumental in strengthening VANISH’s governance and lived-experience leadership.

Simon joined the Committee as Treasurer in 2017 before stepping into the Chair role, bringing both financial expertise and deep personal understanding to his governance work. Hannah’s extraordinary commitment spans over 11 years across two terms, demonstrating sustained dedication to VANISH’s mission.

Their contributions have helped guide VANISH through significant growth and change, ensuring the organisation remains responsive to the diverse needs of those impacted by adoption, family separation and loss of identity.

We are deeply grateful for their years of service, wisdom and commitment to the VANISH community.

VANISH’s Committee of Management is guided by lived experience, with members bringing both personal understanding of family separation through adoption or donor conception and professional expertise to their governance roles. To learn more about our Committee, visit vanish.org.au/about-us/governance.