Local giving with powerful results
Our purpose is simple: to strengthen the Cardinia community by supporting local families, people in need and initiatives that create impact today and for future generations.
Cardinia is a growing community with growing needs in health, wellbeing, housing, transport and connection. Since 2003, we’ve made giving simple by finding where the need is greatest, so generous individuals and local businesses can give with confidence. Your generosity always reaches the people and causes in Cardinia who need it most.
Established 2003
Over $1.7 Million Raised
More than 240 Grants Awarded
We don’t spread our support thin. Every grant we give is focused on the local challenges that matter most: supporting families, children, housing stability and crisis support. That focus is what allows every dollar donated to create genuine, lasting change in the lives of locals.
We’re honest and transparent, and accountable for every dollar given.
We keep focus on what Cardinia needs, today and for generations to come.
Every dollar stays local, supporting the community we call home.
We look closely at Cardinia’s needs, and distribute funds where impact will be greatest.
We answer only to Cardinia, not a government body or parent organisation.
Our Foundation is powered by volunteers and a small dedicated team, each bringing real experience and shared enthusiasim for Cardinia’s future.
Explore the projects your support has helped fund, and find out how you can get involved.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
James brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience in local government to his role on the Cardinia Community Foundation Board. He has held senior positions across several councils, including Director of City Planning and Infrastructure at the City of Casey and Director of Social and Economic Development at Yarra Ranges Council.
A respected and authentic leader, James has expertise in infrastructure delivery, community development, and strategic planning. He has represented the Local Government Sector on national and state policy reforms and led major initiatives benefiting growing communities, including the Thompsons Road extension and South East Melbourne Airport project. James is committed to fostering collaboration, sustainable growth, and meaningful community outcomes, bringing a strong understanding of both rural and urban community needs to the Foundation.
Liz moved to Pakenham from Western Australia in 2005. In the last twenty years she has been involved in the local Pakenham community including taking on roles on a kindergarten parent committee, School Council and presidency of the Pakenham and District Toy Library. She also has volunteered for a local food relief agency. Liz was named Cardinia Citizen of the Year in 2024.
She brings to the board her experience as a Social Planner, Journalist and Media Adviser. She is passionate about the local community working together to recognise local needs and put in place strategies for long term sustainable support. Liz was elected to Cardinia Shire Council in late 2024 to represent the Henty Ward and was delighted to be chosen as Council’s delegate to the Foundation board. Liz holds an industry leading qualification in Community Engagement (IAP2) and is a member of the Institute of Community Directors Australia.
Cherise brings extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to community wellbeing to the Cardinia Community Foundation. With more than 15 years in the Victorian justice sector, she has held senior operational and leadership roles focused on improving outcomes for individuals and strengthening communities. Having lived in Cardinia for 13 years and with more than 17 years of volunteering experience, Cherise is passionate about making a lasting contribution to her local community.
A 2017 Churchill Fellow, Cherise is committed to embedding innovative approaches and translating insights into practical improvements. She is also a Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Consumer Representative, using her lived experience to advocate for improved cancer care and more person-centered health services.
As a Board Director, Cherise is passionate about supporting local initiatives and strengthening community connections to help build a strong, healthy and sustainable Cardinia community.
Kara is our part-time Executive Officer, bringing her experience from a wide range of skills and knowledge from working within a number of different industries. Her experience on a non-for-profit board in education as secretary offers strong governance and compliance experience.
Having a background in finance and payroll, Kara has a Bachelor in Business Management and an Advance Diploma in Accounting.
She believes strongly in the benefits of lifelong education, and the importance of providing the community with the opportunity to live in a safe and inclusive environment.
