About The Foundation

Since 2003 the Foundation exists to unite the community to create change, so everyone has a chance of getting ahead. We help people and places in our region thrive now, and into the future.  We do this through the power of collective giving, and partnering with local businesses too – connecting causes in our community with the funds they need to do good.

Download our Impact Report here

IMPACT REPORT 2025

Helping Our Community

Cardinia is a growing community with diverse needs, including improving health and wellbeing, fostering social inclusion, and strengthening community connections. Without sufficient funding and support, many local initiatives and causes struggle to address these issues effectively. The community needs a unifying force to connect resources with the areas where they can make the most impact, ensuring that everyone can thrive.

Without the Cardinia Community Foundation, local causes may remain underfunded, and vital community services may be unable to meet the growing needs of the region. This could lead to increased social isolation, unmet health needs, and weakened community ties, ultimately hindering the region’s growth and the wellbeing of its residents. The absence of a coordinated effort to address these issues could result in a community where many are left behind, unable to access the support they need to succeed.

The Cardinia Community Foundation unites the community to create positive change by mobilising collective giving and forming partnerships with local businesses. We identify critical needs within the community and provide grants that directly support initiatives focused on health and wellbeing, social inclusion, and community connection. By connecting causes with the necessary funds, we ensure that local organisations have the resources they need to make a meaningful impact.

Meet our Board

Our volunteer Board of Directors are community representatives who reflect a broad range of skills and local experience.

Kristine Ash - Chair

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 Dunstan - Vice Chair

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 Fitzgerald

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 Ajetomobi

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.

Chris Banbury

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 Bhatt

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 Bailey

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 Collins

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 Roberts

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.

Meet Our Team

Executive Officer – Kara Norton-Jones

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.

Fundraising and Partnership Manager – Open Role

We will be recruiting for this role shortly, if you have any questions about the role, please contact us via email.

The Cardinia Community Foundation is a registered charity of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.