Biography:
Cheryl Sarah Bart AO is an Australian lawyer and company director, known for her remarkable achievements and contributions. Throughout her life, Bart has made significant strides in various fields, leaving a lasting impact on Australian society and beyond. Notably, Bart holds the distinction of being the first Australian female and the 31st person worldwide to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam, a testament to her exceptional determination and resilience.
Born and raised in Australia, Bart received her education at Moriah College in Sydney before embarking on an impressive academic journey. She graduated from the University of New South Wales, holding degrees in Commerce and Law. This solid foundation would become the launching pad for her successful career.
Bart began her professional journey as a banking and finance lawyer at Mallesons Stephen Jaques, where she honed her legal expertise and gained valuable experience. Building upon this foundation, she went on to achieve significant milestones in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
Throughout her career, Bart has held numerous influential positions, serving as the Chairman of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), ANZ Trustees Limited, the South Australian Film Corporation, the Adelaide Film Festival, and the South Australian Environmental Protection Authority. Her leadership and strategic acumen have been instrumental in driving positive change and promoting the advancement of various organizations.
Considering her vast experience and remarkable track record, Bart is highly sought after as a non-executive director on several company boards. Some of her notable board memberships include Spark Infrastructure Limited, ETSA Utilities, Shaw of Australia, Audio Pixels Limited, and the Buckland Foundation. She brings her sharp business acumen and visionary approach to these organizations, elevating their growth and success.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Bart was appointed as a non-executive director on the Board of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in June 2010. This prestigious appointment further solidifies her reputation as a trusted and influential figure in the media landscape.
Bart’s dedication to societal progress and keen interest in various domains is evident through her diverse board memberships. Currently, she serves as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of ME Bank, SG Fleet Ltd, Audio Pixels Holdings Ltd, Football Federation Australia (FFA), the Prince’s Trust Australia, Invictus Games Sydney 2018, Moriah Foundation, and TEDxSydney. By lending her expertise and guidance to these organizations, Bart actively contributes to fostering positive change and promoting growth across different sectors.
Beyond her numerous professional accomplishments, Bart has also achieved extraordinary feats in the realm of adventure and exploration. As the first Australian female and the 31st individual globally to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam, she has proven herself to be a pioneer and a trailblazer. The Explorer’s Grand Slam entails conquering the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each continent, as well as skiing, unsupported, to the North Pole and the South Pole. Bart’s unwavering determination and indomitable spirit have propelled her to achieve awe-inspiring feats.
Bart’s family and personal life have played an integral role in shaping her remarkable journey. She is married to Fred Bart, a distinguished company director, and together they have two children. Notably, Bart and her 23-year-old daughter Nikki made history as the first mother-daughter team to reach the summit of Mount Everest on 23 May 2008. This achievement also marked their successful completion of the Seven Summits challenge, solidifying their status as true adventurers and conquerors.
Bart’s family history carries its own significance, as her father, Emeric Klinghoffer, was a survivor of a Hungarian concentration camp, emphasizing the resilience and strength that has been passed down through generations. With her incredible achievements and unwavering spirit, Bart continues to inspire and empower individuals across the globe.
Throughout her life and career, Cheryl Bart has exemplified a tireless commitment to excellence, resilience, and making a positive impact on society. Her achievements as a lawyer, company director, and adventurer have set her apart as a true pioneer. As an influential figure in women’s history, Bart’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the collective narrative of Australian achievement. Her unwavering dedication and trailblazing spirit continue to shape and inspire generations to come.
Awards:
– Officer of the Order of Australia (2009)