Tait Trustees
Isla Baring OAM
Isla Violet Baring OAM founded The Tait Memorial Trust in 1992 in memory of her father, Sir Frank Tait and his brothers, who played such an important part in the establishment of theatre and the performing arts in Australia. Isla’s mother, the singer Viola Tait, inspired her to organise a fundraising concert in support of a young Australian singer, Liane Keegan, who was newly arrived in London. It kicked off with a Christmas Concert at Australia House. The concert was a great success, became the foundation of our yearly events and Liane is now singing major roles in Berlin.
In 2009 Isla Baring was awarded the Order of Australian Medal (OAM) general division for her service to the arts — supporting young Australian musicians and performing artists!
Photo by Angus Forbes
Justin Baring
Justin Baring is Founder & Chief Executive Officer at JB Management (UK) LLP. He has spent over 17 years in the global natural resources arena advising mining companies and investment funds. Until March 2009, he was a Director and Global Head of Equity Basic Materials Specialist Sales at Citigroup, London. He started his career at Natwest Securities and ING Barings. Mr. Baring is a graduate of the University of Cape Town.
Anne Longden
Awaiting biography
Susan Thornton
Awaiting biography
Matthew Phillips
Matt Phillips
Matt is a qualified accountant and a member of CPA Australia with broad financial services experience specialising in regulation, audit, risk, compliance and corporate governance. His 25-year career in the UK and Australia spans across retail and wholesale banking, insurance and the pensions industry.
A keen traveller, foodie and popular science reader, Matt also enjoys the performing and fine arts. He has been a board member and treasurer of Community Music Victoria since 2017, and has performed with several choirs, musical theatre groups and opera companies – most recently with Melbourne Opera, where he sang chorus for Lohengrin, Tristan & Isolde and The Flying Dutchman.
Matt is honoured to be joining the trustee board at the Tait Memorial Trust, having previously sat on the Grants Panel of the Tait Emergency Relief Fund. He is passionate about supporting young artists to fulfil their dreams within their chosen industry.