Governance and Board

Nicholas Sweeney

CHAIRMAN

Nicholas Sweeney is a Division Director at Macquarie Bank with a focus on structured and acquisition finance to mid-market Australian Corporates. Nicholas’ professional career spans 18 years across various financial services and marketing roles. 

Nicholas has worked with Poetry in Action over the last 5 years as a non-executive director and as of February 2020 has now taken on the role as PIA Board Chairman. He is proud to be a part of an organisation that is committed to providing a creative opportunity for students on a global scale to express themselves and witness amazing Australian drama. Nicholas is also co-founder of a charitable organisation Too Many Pricks which focuses living an active and healthy lifestyle while raising funding and awareness for research in to Type 1 diabetes.  

leah coogans

BOARD DIRECTOR, COMPANY SECRETARY, ACTING TREASURER

Leah is an experienced governance and risk professional with over 20 years’ experience in the not for profit sector. Leah is passionate about the sector’s role in delivering value to the community, particularly those who experience disadvantage. Leah firmly believes education, in all its manifestations, is a transformative path to social mobility. Leah joined the Poetry in Action Board in September 2024 and is proud to be part of an organisation whose purpose is to unlock the power of words for students everywhere. 

Matthew Abbott

BOARD DIRECTOR

Matthew Abbott joined Poetry In Action as a board director in June 2021. He is a seasoned public affairs practitioner and has worked for large financial organisations including Australia’s leading consumer finance company Latitude Financial and global buy now pay later fintech Zip Co. Matthew also spent nine years leading corporate affairs at the Australian corporate watchdog ASIC, been an adviser to Westfield founder Sir Frank Lowy and press secretary to Hon Joe Hockey during the Howard Government. Matthew was a financial journalist in London and started his career as a reporter on The Australian Financial Review. He also lectures masters students at Sydney University on political campaigning and stakeholder relations. Matthew has a commerce degree from the University of NSW and a Masters of Public Affairs from Sydney University.

Chris Fabiansson

BOARD DIRECTOR

Chris Fabiansson is a partner in the Real Estate group of the global law firm Dentons, based in Sydney and specialising in commercial and residential property development.  Since joining Dentons in 2002 Chris has enjoyed providing pro bono legal services to a number of community and arts organisations and has a particular passion for music and theatre. Chris joined the board of Poetry in Action in August 2023.

Harriet Pratten

BOARD MEMBER

Harriet Pratten is a purpose-driven advisor and strategist with expertise in marketing, accounting, and applied finance. She combines commercial acumen with creativity and empathy to help organisations balance purpose and profit while driving social impact.

As the founder of a global content strategy agency in South Africa, Harriet harnessed the power of storytelling to inspire change and build communities. Today, she advises not-for-profits and profit-for-purpose ventures, specializing in strategy, governance, stakeholder engagement, and brand identity.

A curious explorer and lifelong learner, Harriet brings a fresh perspective to solving complex challenges, aligning perfectly with Poetry in Action’s mission to inspire, educate, and connect communities through the power of words.

daynah Hamilton

BOARD MEMBER

Daynah is a sales and marketing guru with an obvious passion and love for the industry. She has a vast network of influential contacts in media and PR and her knowledge of digital marketing has resulted in published works and guest speaking opportunities at numerous events and conferences. 

A director of four successful Australian companies and a joint venture partner in two International companies, Daynah’s skills for taking businesses to new heights has gained her national recognition in the market. 

Her exceptional marketing skills and ability to transform businesses sales practices has seen multiple Australian businesses grow to be the market leaders in their industry. 

One of these companies is her own business, DUK Agency. DUK is a digital marketing agency that Daynah started in 2007 and has built over the years to become one of the top digital agencies in Sydney.  

BRYCE YOUNGMAN

CO-FOUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Drawing upon his extensive industry experience and buoyed by a coffee addiction, Bryce has worked in every capacity at PIA as a writer, actor, director, salesman, and much more – in doing so energetically steering PIA’s growth from its very first production to its status today as one of Australia’s foremost and most extensively touring theatre companies for young people.