Amaze Announces Appointment of New CEO

An executive who combines senior management expertise in the not-for-profit sector and lived
experience growing up with Autistic family members has been appointed the new Chief Executive
Officer of Autism peak body Amaze Inc.

David Tonge has been Chief Operation Officer at Amaze since 2020, and for the past three months
its Acting CEO. He developed the Amaze helpline Autism Connect into a national service, partnering
with autism organisations across Australia. Prior to that he was Director of Family Services at the
Royal Children’s Hospital 2015-2020, General Manager (Operations and Strategy) for the Better
Health Company 2009-2014, and Regional Manager (North of England and Scotland) of the
healthy lifestyles organisation M.E.N.D 2007-2009.

Educated in the UK, David holds an MA and BA(Hons) in Physical Education from Leeds Beckett
University, and subsequently earned an MBA from the Australian Institute of Management. He is a
Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and recently completed a Graduate
Certificate in Education (Autism) from Queensland University of Technology.

Chair of Amaze Professor Warren Bebbington said that the Board was very pleased to have
appointed as CEO such an approachable and effective figure. “David has proven to be a
resourceful leader, focused on our mission, openly encouraging staff engagement and interaction,
and bringing a thoughtful approach to the changing and challenging environment we now face,” he
said.

David said, “It’s an honour and a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead such a wonderful
organisation, with a dedicated Board and expert team, all working together to create a more
Autism inclusive Australia.”

Professor Bebbington also acknowledged the contributions of previous CEO Jim Mullan, who
resigned from Amaze in July. “Jim’s strong leadership magnified Amaze’s influence on government
Autism policy and greatly enhanced its support from government, corporations and philanthropic
donors.”

Mr Tonge has been Acting CEO since Jim departed and will commence his duties as ongoing CEO on
30 September.