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
Amy Waters
Chief Executive OfficerAmy joined the Foundation as Program Manager in March 2023 and commenced as Chief Executive Officer in September 2024. Amy is a passionate leader and grants professional with a focus…
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…
Charlotte Walker
Program & Impact ManagerCharlotte joined the Foundation as Program and Impact Manager on 11 November 2024. Charlotte has over ten years’ experience working within the community sector, in a diverse range of roles…
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 Betts is a Director and Consultant. He is a retired Chartered Accountant with over 37 years of experience in public practice, including 26 years…
Allana Goldsworthy
Deputy ChairpersonAllana 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…
Val Lawrence
Founding DirectorVal is a Founding Director of the Foundation, joining the original Board in 1999. She was Board Chair from 2009-2015. Val is the Immediate Past President Point Lonsdale/Queenscliff Red Cross…
Hayden Torney
Emeritus 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.…
Bridgette Kelly
DirectorJoined the Board in 2019. Bridgette is a Principal at Harwood Andrews. She is a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Family Law. Bridgette was the Chair of the…
Nick Klein
DirectorJoined the Board in 2023 Nick is a principal with LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, a prominent business and advisory firm located in Geelong. Nick has been with LBW since…
Alice Macdougall
DirectorJoined the Board in December 2024 Alice is an expert in the laws applicable to charities, including laws relating to tax concessions, charitable purposes, governance and structures. She is a…
Keith Fagg
DirectorJoined the Board in February 2025 Keith is company adviser, director and mediator. He holds an honours degree in Economics and a member of the AICD. Prior to a long…
