Kristian Downing - Chair

Kristian graduated from The University of Adelaide with Honours in Mechanical Engineering. He subsequently enjoyed a career in engineering consulting, including three years in London, before returning to manage a large engineering business in Adelaide. In that time he also obtained degrees of Master of Engineering Science and Master of Business Administration. Kristian now manages property investment and other businesses, and maintains a great diversity of interests.

He joined the St Andrew’s community in 2010 (ELC), with both of his children now having completed their primary schooling at the School. He joined the St Andrew’s School Board in 2012 and retired from the board in 2022 after 10 years' service. Kristian joined the St Andrew’s Foundation Board in 2014.

Kristian also served as Chair of the Association of Independent Schools of SA Board (AISSA) from 2012 to 2022 and devotes time to community and volunteer work. Kristian highly values the importance of education and was immediately impressed by the depth and breadth in quality of this great School. He hopes to use his skills and experience to sustain and enhance St Andrew’s School’s education experience and outcomes.

Melinda Parent

Melinda Parent is a highly regarded member of the South Australian marketing community. A well-known face in Adelaide, she began her career as a model in the 1990s while pursuing her university studies. In her role as Creative Director of Oranje Creative, Melinda has helped forge an effective design and marketing presence for many of the State’s most high profile companies, business entities, organisations and private schools. With a sound understanding of the complexities of target markets and ability to communicate across all levels, Melinda and her team have carved an enviable reputation in Adelaide’s highly competitive marketing arena.

A passionate supporter of the arts, Melinda has extensive experience in, and commitment to, arts fundraising. Arts organisations benefiting from her philanthropic efforts are the Australian Ballet, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, State Theatre Company of SA, the State Opera, Adelaide Youth Orchestra, Art Gallery of South Australia Foundation and the Australian Youth Orchestra. She is particularly dedicated to increasing recognition of the arts within the wider community.

Melinda has worked with an impressive range of organisations including the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, National Pharmacies, Parliament of South Australia, The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, TAFESA, Solver Paints, National Trust of South Australia, Walford Anglican School for Girls, St Peter’s College, Immigration SA and The Barossa Co-op.

A proud South Australian and highly effective communicator, Melinda Parent is a patron of The Australian Ballet, was a board member of the Adelaide Youth Orchestra and member of the University of South Australia School of Communication, Information and New Media Advisory.