Ms Pamela Macklin, Managing Director of Zbar Consulting, has been engaged by the club and project partners, the Scanlon Foundation and the Australian Multicultural Foundation, to develop and assist with the implementation of a strategic plan for the Centre.
As part of her role, Ms Macklin will design the structure and content of programs, which have the underlying aim of promoting education, health and sport as a means to enhancing community spirit
and social cohesion.
North Melbourne CEO Eugene Arocca said that Ms Macklin's appointment was a significant step forward for the project.
"We have made our intentions to invest in our people and the community very clear, and the Learning and Life Centre is the centrepiece of this project," Arocca said.
"Given the unique nature of the project we felt it imperative that we get the best possible advice, and Ms Macklin and her company's expertise will ensure that we have effective and deliverable programs up and running in 2010."
Ms Macklin and Zbar Consulting have extensive experience in delivering education and leadership services to a broad range of community, business and public stakeholders in Australia and around the world, including work with the Department of Education Victoria, the Curriculum Corporation, and the World Bank in The Gambia and Sierra Leone.
"I am extremely enthusiastic about this project and am looking forward to making a contribution to this socially worthwhile endeavour," Ms Macklin said.
"I will be working closely with the North Melbourne Football Club and it's partners to ensure the Learning and Life Centre fulfils its potential as a truly innovative and relevant community resource."
The Arden Street redevelopment will be complete in December this year.
