Structure, staff and Board
Our Structure
The Geelong Community Foundation has been endorsed by the Australian Tax Office as a charity. Donations to the Foundation’s Gift Fund are tax deductible and the Foundation is exempt from tax.
It has been set up to support the people living in the City of Greater Geelong, the Borough of Queenscliffe, the Surf Coast Shire and the southern part of the Golden Plains Shire.
The Foundation is able to support charitable organisations across the full spectrum of health and welfare services, as well as cultural programs and projects that support our environment and assist indigenous residents living in our region.
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of Directors, with a wide range of skills and experience and an extensive knowledge of the community. Our staff are part-time employees and they have the support of various professional companies providing services at reduced or pro bono rates.
Our Staff and Board
Gail Rodgers
Chief Executive OfficerGail commenced as Chief Executive Officer on 1 February 2016, succeeding inaugural Executive Officer Andrew Lawson who retired. Gail joins the Foundation with a distinguished career spanning roles in the…
Tony McManus
Development ManagerTony joined the Foundation as Development Manager in June 2018. Tony’s background includes the role of the first Independent Chairman of a Headspace local consortium and was also an active…
Amy Waters
Program ManagerAmy joined the Foundation as Program Manager on 15 March 2023. Amy is a grants professional with extensive experience in program design, program management, continuous improvement and relationship management. Amy…
Gennette Jewell
Administration AssistantGennette commenced at the Foundation as a Volunteer in 2017 before transitioning to the role of Administration Assistant in 2018, following a sea change to the Geelong region from Northeast…
Michael Betts
Board ChairJoined the Board in 2020 Michael is a director and consultant. He is a retired Chartered Accountant with over 37 years of experience in public practice, including 26 years as…
Mark Osborne
Deputy ChairJoined the Board in 2018. Mark is currently a Senior Advisor for InvoCare Australia and Advisor, Mentor and Coach to Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service. Previously the Victorian General Manager…
Hayden Torney
DirectorJoined the Board in 2014. Hayden moved to the Surf Coast in 1973 and taught Legal Studies and Economics in Geelong for the next 17 years. In 1989, Hayden left…
Andrew Locke
DirectorJoined the Board in 2017. Andrew is a founding Director of Maven Insurance + Advisory, an insurance broking and financial services business that commenced on the Surf Coast in 2019.…
Val Lawrence
DirectorVal is a Founding Director of the Foundation, joining the original Board in 1999. She was Board Chair from 2009-2015. Val is a Civil Celebrant and currently a Board Member…
Richard Anderson
DirectorJoined the Board in 2014. Richard is a principal and former chairman of Harwood Andrews Lawyers. As well as holding degrees in law and commerce, Richard is an accredited specialist…
David Lindsay
DirectorJoined the Board in 2014. David joined Wighton and McDonald Lawyers in 1984 and became a partner in 1986. He retired from Wightons Lawyers in 2013 following a successful career…
Allana Goldsworthy
DirectorAllana joined the Board in 2018. Allana has been a resident of Geelong since 1982. After completing her Arts/Law degree at Monash University, she worked as a solicitor in Geelong…
Bridgette Kelly
DirectorJoined the Board in 2019. Bridgette is a Principal Lawyer at Harwood Andrews. She is a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Family law. Bridgette was the Chair of…
Barton van Laar
DirectorJoined the Board in 2020. Barton van Laar has worked in Marketing and Communications in Geelong since 1972 and is now semi-retired. After working as a Marketing Manager for various…
Carly Luke
DirectorJoined the Board in March 2018. Carly is a strategic communications expert; she holds a Bachelor of Arts (Public Relations) majoring in Media & Communications, and she currently undertaking a…
Wendy Brooks
DirectorJoined the Board in 2020 Wendy is passionate about social justice, equity and human rights. Her career has spanned law, music and strategic fundraising. Wendy’s other leadership positions include: Co-Chair,…
Cameron White
DirectorJoined the Board in 2019. Cameron established and is a founding Partner at accounting and financial services firm Advisory Partners in 2014 after commencing his career with Day Neilson, having…
