Building tech that connects
We're technologists, humanitarians and builders with one mission: to create scalable, open solutions that restore agency, dignity and opportunity to displaced communities worldwide.
Open Pathway Collective connects refugees with the organisations that can support them, using shared data on their skills, qualifications, experience and aspirations. We build and maintain the software, and we give it away as open source so the whole sector can use it.
- Founded
- 30 May 2025
- Based in
- Melbourne, Australia
- Status
- Registered charity and Deductible Gift Recipient
- ABN
- 17 687 590 272
What we believe
- Technical excellence meets humanitarian heart
- We blend deep technical expertise with long-standing humanitarian partnerships, building systems that are both robust and compassionate.
- Shaped by those we serve
- The best technology is co-created with communities. We design with humility, listening to displaced people as experts in their own solutions.
- Open by design
- We believe in open-source collaboration because complex humanitarian challenges require collective solutions. Our work is transparent, accessible and built to scale beyond our core team.
- Impact driven
- Every system we build and every decision we make is guided by one question: does this restore agency and opportunity to displaced people?
Our team
Our core team provides strategic direction and full-time development, working in the open with a global community of contributors.
Andrew Walsh
CEO
Andrew is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in technology, strategy and M&A, notably as co-founder of Xplan Technology and former CEO of Iress Limited. He is passionate about using business and technology for social impact.
John Cameron
CTO
John is a software engineer who, after a successful career in fintech, has spent the past decade applying technology to help refugees rebuild their lives. He co-founded Cameron Foundation, Talent Beyond Boundaries, Pathway Club and Open Pathway Collective.
Sadat Malik
Director of Engineering
Sadat is an experienced technology leader and software engineer with a background spanning fintech, startups and humanitarian tech. He is passionate about building inclusive systems that empower displaced communities.
Caroline Ritchie
Software Engineer
Caroline enjoys solving complex problems and designing thoughtful digital solutions. She focuses on making technology more accessible and empowering for displaced communities.
Ehsan Ehrari
Software Engineer
Ehsan is a software engineer and technology educator dedicated to expanding access to digital skills and creating inclusive pathways for underserved communities to succeed in tech.
Hiba Machfej
Software Engineer
Hiba is a software engineer and researcher with experience spanning frontend engineering, design and community-centred technology. She develops digital solutions that create meaningful social impact.
Our extended team
Much of our work depends on open-source collaboration. Developers, designers and testers volunteer their time across time zones, so the team working on OPC projects is far larger than our full-time staff. The mission is stronger for their shared effort, and we're grateful for it.
Our board
Leaders in technology, humanitarian policy and social impact. Our directors serve pro bono.
Derar Alkhateeb
Software engineer and co-founder of Pathway Club
Originally from Syria, Derar was the first skilled refugee to receive international employment through the Talent Beyond Boundaries program. He now uses his professional expertise to advocate for displaced talent.
This initiative brings back hope for a better future, and I am grateful for the chance to help others change their lives through their own skills.
Stuart Ball
Chartered Accountant
Stuart runs a practice serving high net worth clients and has helped run the financial operations and governance of the Cameron Foundation since its inception. He brings extensive experience in philanthropic financial management and organisational oversight.
After many years of managing the financial side of John's activities, I am excited to be directly involved and to learn more about the technology and refugee operations.
Meghan Benton PhD
Director of Global Programs, Migration Policy Institute
Meghan is a leading expert on labour mobility, integration and humanitarian protection. At the Migration Policy Institute she shapes the international strategy and leads the Transatlantic Council on Migration. She has a longstanding interest in how technological and social innovation can transform refugee integration and global mobility.
I am excited by the opportunity for tech to deliver solutions to long-standing challenges and want to help reduce the time refugees spend in limbo.
John Cameron
Co-founder
John co-founded Open Pathway Collective, Pathway Club, Talent Beyond Boundaries and the Cameron Foundation. With a background in computer science and a career in financial technology leadership, including roles at Iress and FIX Trading Community, he now focuses on scaling technology solutions for refugee displacement.
We have a one-shot opportunity at creating a shared global platform to make refugee pathways sustainable; it is a mission I am committing my time and resources to see succeed.
Cath Scarth
Former CEO, AMES Australia
Cath is a leading expert in refugee settlement and education. Her career spans the UK and Australia, focusing on social programs and partnerships that increase economic participation for newly arrived migrants.
I trust the team to deliver different ways of thinking about wicked problems and am passionate about finding faster, alternative ways to help resettled refugees succeed.
Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs AC
Human rights lawyer and former UN Assistant High Commissioner for Protection
Gillian is a world-renowned human rights lawyer who served as UN Assistant High Commissioner for Protection with UNHCR. She was previously President of the Australian Human Rights Commission and Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Sydney.
I view OPC as a practical opportunity for refugees globally at a time when traditional solutions are diminishing rapidly, and I fully believe in the team's mission.
David Wilden
Former senior executive, Australian Department of Home Affairs
David led the Refugee, Humanitarian and Settlement Division in the Department of Home Affairs. He is a recognised expert in international migration policy and a Fellow of the Centre for Policy Development.
I joined to help build the international systems that underpin complementary refugee pathways, which are growing in global significance.