On 16 May 2023 Garratt Publishing hosted the virtual launch of Deep Governance Matters: The World of Community Service and Mission by Kathleen Donnellon.

Deep Governance Matters is a wonderful resource for the growing number of directors and council members of schools, parishes, organisations and social institutions – and for those considering taking the plunge to join their ranks.

But who runs these organisations, and what is it that these people actually do?

Serious in nature and light in approach, this book offers a lot of common sense and provides answers to questions that are often not as simple as they might first appear to be. It is peppered with personal anecdotes that give an insight into some of the pitfalls and nuances of working on a board, and delivers an engaging resource for understanding governance responsibilities. The Question and Answer style is user-friendly and not intimidating, making Deep Governance Matters is a book that can be dipped into again and again for specific information or read cover to cover. It addresses questions many may have felt too awkward to ask!

Deep Governance Matters was launched by Michael McGirr – who contributed a foreword and prayers to the book – and author Kathleen spoke about her experiences as a board member and Chair, and why she wrote the book. A Q&A session followed.

The event was recorded and can be viewed below.

KATHLEEN DONNELLON

Kathleen is a lawyer, mediator and facilitator. For the past 15 years, she has been a board director and board Chair of various faith-based, not-for-profit organisations, mainly involved in international and local aid programs and in education. Kathleen has worked in private legal practice as well as in community-based law and has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Course. She has taught at the University of Melbourne Law School, where she lectured in mediation and dispute resolution. Kathleen lives in Melbourne with Tony. They have three grown-up children and two needy dogs. 

MICHAEL MCGIRR

Michael McGirr works for Caritas Australia. He is the author of  many popular books, most recently Ideas to Save Your Life.  His other titles include Books That Saved My Life, Snooze: The Lost art of sleep, Bypass: the story of a road, Things You  Get for Free and Finding God’s Traces. He has been a regular contributor to both Madonna and Australian Catholics. His essays, reviews and short fiction have appeared in numerous places, both in Australia and overseas. He lives in Melbourne with Jenny, their three teenage children, and a dog with a large personality and an equally large appetite.