Paul is the current Chairman of the Foundation and has been a Director since 2009. Paul grew up in Pakenham and works across the region in a fourth generation local media business. Paul has seen first hand the growth of the Casey-Cardinia region and understands the many challenges confronted by local residents. The Foundation is one small way to be able to provide some positive impact to the community.

“Together we are making a difference to our local community. Giving something back benefits us all”

Bachelor of Commerce, University of Melbourne – Director Country Press Australia – Director Victorian Country Press Association.

Simon is a motivated and dedicated professional, committed to fostering a thriving community and promoting sustainable practices. He has established his residence and professional career in the Cardinia region for an extensive period of time, becoming deeply rooted in the community and possessing a wealth of experience and familiarity with the area.

Simon has over 30 years of experience in the Real Estate, Construction, and Development industries, having proved pivotal in leading four (4) wholly-owned companies to great success. He brings forth the leadership skills necessary to foster growth in dynamic environments, as well as forward thinking and an environmental conscious across all aspects of business.

In addition to being a part of the Housing Industry Victoria, Simon also serves on the committee of the Toomuc Landcare Group. Simon’s strong passion and commitment to making a positive impact is shown through his is active involvement in numerous charitable initiatives and community support projects.

Carol Jeffs is the Chief Executive Officer of Cardinia Shire Council. Carol has extensive experience in local government management and leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to community engagement and participation. Carol brings more than 18 years’ experience as a senior local government executive, having led planning, corporate services, economic development and community services at both regional and inner metropolitan councils.

Carol is committed to making a difference in a place that she knows and loves by working closely with the community, councillors and staff to continue to deliver high quality services and infrastructure across the whole shire. She believes in advocating strongly for what Cardinia Shire needs and engaging with residents, community groups, farmers, businesses and landowners, as we take up the challenge of creating a future we can all be proud of.

Kate is proud to be an inaugural member of the Casey Cardinia Foundation since it’s inception in 2003. Committed to making a difference, providing positive outcomes in personal and business philanthropy.

Kate has served Cardinia as Mayor twice and Councillor for three terms. Former President of the Save the Children Charity and Lord Mayors Charitable Fund, Kate, is former Vice Chair and current Board Member, Duke of Edinburgh Award. Dame of the Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitallier, she is Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Kate has tertiary and post tertiary qualifications in Financial Services, Management and Governance. Kate is well known as a Rotarian in Pakenham and Casey and is a Paul Harris Fellow recipient.

Kris is an experienced and authentic leader who builds strong relationships with individuals and organisations to deliver outcomes aligned with their strategy and purpose.

Kris has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 20 years and has experience in all fundraising streams and has worked with many organisations to grow their fundraising income. Kris is keen to see the Foundation’s ability to support local community groups grow in order to build community resilience. Now working locally as a Director of OrgMent Talent Solutions, she is enjoying contributing to the area’s economic development.

BA Hons – Exeter University – Past President and Paul Harris Fellow, Emerald & District Rotary Club – National Fundraising Award Recipient & Executive Member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia

Abiola is an experienced equity and inclusion consultant, social Innovator, service transformational coach and successful entrepreneur. Abiola has more than 20 years of management experience in local and state government and not-for-profit organisations both here and overseas, coupled with a background in business, humanitarian, financial services, and social entrepreneurship.

Abiola has a Graduate Certificate of Management of Not-for-Profit Organisations from Australian Catholic University, where she was honoured with the Inaugural Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Innovation Alumni Award 2020. She is also a 2021 alumnus of the For-Purpose Executive Leadership Program at Melbourne Business School. She is the founder and lead consultant of Leading Impact NOW. A lived experience-centred management consulting firm with equity and Inclusion at its core.

Abiola sits on the Board of Plan International Australia, and the Chair of United African Farm and Women of Colour Melbourne Incorporated.

Tony has lived and worked in Cardinia Shire since 1989. He is the current President of the Bunyip Complex Fires, Community Recovery Committee. The BCRC lobbied and raised considerable funds to support residents after the 2019 fires.

Tony is a former CEO of Outlook Australia Inc. He was Chair of National Disability Service Victoria for 6 years and sat on the Australian Board. National Disability Service was the peak body that successfully lobbied for an NDIS.

In 2015 Tony was a finalist in the Australian Human Rights Awards for his contribution to disability services. In December 2017 Tony was honoured by the Victorian Minister for the Environmental at the official opening of Tony Fitzgerald Environmental Park in Officer.

The Garry McQuillan - Tony Fitzgerald Award is awarded annually to a Cardinia Shire employee and a Community member who is doing great work in the prevention of domestic violence.

Ravi is the Founder and Director of Sunrise2Sunrise, a registered NDIS and TAC disability support provider, employing more than 700 staff. He started his career as a disability support worker in 2008 and noticed gaps in the NDIS system. During the 2012-13 trials for a new NDIS model, he participated in the Geelong trial to explore better opportunities for disability support. Despite challenges with the new system, he played an active role in finding solutions.

In 2018, Ravi established Sunrise2Sunrise, and since then, he has been pivotal in expanding services, forming partnerships, and ensuring a coordinated approach to disability support. He also works on fostering collaborations between Australia and India to improve understanding of mental and physical disability care in India. Ravi’s vision is for the Sunrise2Sunrise model to be adopted both nationally and internationally for a healthier future for all. Alongside his professional efforts, Ravi is actively involved in various social initiatives within and beyond Sunrise2Sunrise.

Christine is a dedicated and qualified Myotherapist with a passion for helping people. Her commitment extends beyond her business into the wider community. She volunteers for the Cardinia Council's Aged Well program and holds positions on both the Massage Myotherapy Association Ethics Board and the Tourism Advisory Committee for Cardinia. Active in many networking groups, Christine also fundraises for MND and cancer research. She is driven by a desire to provide accurate advice and support to help people thrive. Christine looks forward to working with fellow board members to enhance community safety and foster stronger connections.

Growing up in Catani and living in the Cardinia Shire for over 30 years, Chris has strong ties to the local community. Over the years, Chris has contributed through various volunteer roles at his local football and cricket clubs, demonstrating a deep commitment to community engagement.

With a Master's degree in Sports Business and Integrity from Victoria University, Chris brings a diverse skill set to the Foundation, including leadership and strategic thinking. As a Director, Chris is eager to leverage these skills to support the Cardinia Foundation and enhance community impact, achieving the Foundation's purpose of building a strong, healthy, and sustainable community.