Media Personality Osher Gunsberg Joins New Look We Ride Australia Board
Osher Gunsberg is well known as the host of national TV series including Australian Idol, The Bachelor and Bachelorette. He’s also a radio host, best selling author and advocate for mental health. But less well known is that he’s an avid cyclist.
He joins the We Ride Australia Board to bring his extensive media savvy, experience and passion to the Foundation’s objectives that will make riding bicycles accessible, safe and convenient for all.
“I’m passionate about the potential of bicycles to improve our society and the many health, transport and environmental benefits that they bring” said Osher.
“I want my kids to have the same freedom to ride a bike that I had when I was young. It’s clear that more people cycling is a part of us building a healthier, sustainable low carbon future.”
“Through the 20 years of experience they have at a national level, We Ride is perfectly placed to lead this advocacy and I am very excited to be able to contribute to the work they are doing across Australia,” he said.
Neelesh Mehta, outgoing Chair of the We Ride Board and welcomed the appointment. “We could not be happier that someone with Osher’s profile has committed to help us realise the vision of the Foundation to make Australia a better place to ride a bike.
“Osher brings a young and engaged audience with him and we hope this will work for us as the Australian public rediscovers the simple fun and enjoyment of riding a bike throughout this difficult COVID-19 pandemic.
“He joins the Board of We Ride as the focus shifts to a range of exciting new programs and projects to get more people in Australia riding bikes, including the recently announced Parliamentary Friends of Cycling group.”
In other board changes, after seven years as a Director, Managing Director of Shimano Australia, Matt Bazzano, retires and three term Lord Mayor of the City of Port Phillip and lawyer, Amanda Stevens, also steps down to focus on her role in a key government agency.
Fortunately two high calibre new directors have stepped up to fill their shoes.
Laura Wilson of Specialized Australia is joining the board. With international experience in advertising management roles and a decade in marketing, integrated marketplace, digital commerce and women’s business development roles, Laura will bring a unique perspective.
“I look forward to the day when, as a nation, we will be celebrating the opening of bicycle ‘super highways’ throughout our cities and major towns, allowing for more people to move around safely and swiftly,” Laura said.
“I believe the passion, industry insights, and strategic and creative experience I can contribute will help deliver on We Ride Australia’s vision.
“We Ride Australia’s strategic national approach is a great platform for effective bicycle advocacy, and I am very happy to join the team and contribute to the great work they are doing.”
The third and final high powered new board member is Dr Scott Taylor. Scott is Engineering Director for Major Road Projects Victoria. He brings a wealth of knowledge in the strategic and governance approaches governments use to plan, fund and deliver major infrastructure.
In addition to responsibility for design and project delivery, Scott fulfils leadership roles in national transport committees and has a focus on the development and delivery of industry training and professional pathways initiatives.
“I am very pleased to be able to bring my experience in planning, design, risk management and delivery of transport infrastructure to the Board,” Scott said.
In addition to a high level career in the private and public sectors, Scott has a PhD in Engineering from the University of Melbourne and double Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering and Commerce.
We Ride Australia’s Board of Directors
