It was Sir James’ intent that the board consist of public figures in certain categories to ensure the money was well distributed. These directors would sit alongside Kirby Family members. Detailed below are the Directors who the Kirby family are very grateful to for their support, wisdom and guidance over many years:
| 1996 – current | Ms Helen J Kirby (Chairman 2016 – 2018, 2024 – 2026) |
| 2012 – current | Mr James R Kirby (Chairman 2018 – 2020) |
| 2002 – current | Ms Margaret A Kirby (Chairman 2012 – 2014, 2020 – 2022) |
| 2020 – current | Mrs Virginia A McClelland (Chairman 2022 -2024) |
| 2019 – current | Mr James T Hodgkinson OAM |
| 2011 – current | Emeritus Professor Ross Milbourne AO |
| 1991 – current | Mr David W Smithers AM |
| 1995 – 2025 | Emeritus Professor Christine E Deer AM |
| 2004 – 2020 | Mr Michael J Kirby (Chairman 2014 – 2016) |
| 1981 – 2018 | Dr Brian W Scott AO |
| 1973 – 2010 | Emeritus Professor Sir Rupert Myers KBE AO FTSE FAA |
| 1971 – 1975 | The Hon. Sir Kevin Ellis KBE |
| 1967 – 2012 | Mr Raymond J Kirby AO (Chairman 2002 – 2012) |
| 1967 – 2002 | Mr Kevin J Kirby AO (Chairman 1971 – 2002) |
| 1967 – 1995 | Sir Frederick Deer CMG |
| 1967 – 1991 | Sir John Bates CBE |
| 1967 – 1981 | Sir Walter Scott CMG |
| 1967 – 1973 | The Hon. Sir Leslie Herron KBE CMG KStJ |
| 1967 – 1971 | Sir James N Kirby CBE (Chairman 1967 – 1971) |