ACORN staff

Diane Harapin

Diane joined ACORN as the new CEO in April 2023 having led successful Australian and New Zealand Not for Profit entities for fifteen years. Diane’s passions include education, advocacy, governance and compliance, quality assurance and stakeholder management including members, policymakers, the media and sponsors. 

Formerly, the CEO of Australian Vision Research and the Breast (cancer) Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand and managed their Foundation for Breast Cancer Care. Previously, she was the founding CEO and a Board Member of National Adoption Awareness Week and has sat on several boards including the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation and Cambodian Children’s Trust. She was also events and funding coordinator for the Sunrise Children’s Village, Cambodia and has consulted to several educational philanthropic entities.

Diane’s interests include enablement, philanthropy, business and technology.  She holds degrees in leadership, management and educational administration at the University of Sydney, obtaining a Master’s Degree with Merit in Administration and Management, before moving to Asia to manage a technology training business. Her thesis work resulted in an M.Phil. in Education Law, further she holds a B.Ed. and a Dip.Ed. and Cert IV. in Adult training and assessment.

Based in Sydney, Diane volunteers as a senior mentor in the University of Sydney Executive Women’s Mentoring Program, an ambassador and mentor in the Scots College Indigenous Education program, and at Sydney High supporting the alumni. She has four very busy adult children and follows the Sydney Swans.

Eleanor Tan

Eleanor Tan was first engaged in September 2015 to manage production of the journal. In July 2016 she was employed as ACORN's Publications Officer to manage the production of ACORN's publications.

With more than twenty years' experience in the education and health sectors and ten years' editing and publishing experience, Eleanor's expertise and attention to detail have ensured ACORN publications reflect the College's professional standing within the community.

Lesley Woods

Lesley Woods joined ACORN as Administration and Accounts Officer in June 2019 providing administrative and account support to its members, stakeholders and staff.

With over 30 years' experience in senior roles of business administration in the not for profit medical education sector I bring proven skills and sound knowledge in leadership, change management, budgets and event management, and innovation of processes resulting in clients needs met.

ACORN has grown to be a well-recognised peak body for its members and the role out of the 'Road Map Project' will enable the ACORN team to be a part of its future through operational change, innovation and commercial growth. To be part of ACORN's future through the Roadmap and opportunities for involvement the years ahead look to be very rewarding for all involved.

Bronwyn Weeks 

Bronwyn joined ACORN as Member Services Officer in February 2022 providing support to ACORN members, stakeholders and staff. Bronwyn is an Administrative juggler. With over 25 years experience working in a number of organisations within Australia and the UK, including Maggie Beer Foundation, Hilton UK and the Department of Health. Bronwyn is knowledgeable in a wide range of applications and platforms.  With a positive attitude and helpful nature, Bronwyn is excited to be joining the ACORN team.  In her free time, Bronwyn likes to spend time with her two sons and enjoys the area of McLaren vale where she lives and has her own dehydrated fruit label.