THE FOUNDATION'S BOARD
Chris Mara
Chris has a long association with Aboriginal issues and development. Chris established Coles Group’s Indigenous philanthropic programs in 2001 including Coles Indigenous Food Fund, relationships with the Arnhem Land Progress Association (ALPA) and with Islander & Cape Indigenous Services (IBIS). Chris also shaped and continues to advise Coles on the implementation of its successful Indigenous employment program, Indigenous supply chains and Coles philanthropic partners.
Chris is a former Corporate Affairs Adviser to Coles Group and inaugural Chair of Coles Indigenous Food Fund until 2014. Chris has broad private (Coles Myer & NAB) and public sector (ACCC, Defence) experience in Government and Public relations. In 2015 Chris was appointed as the Foundation’s Executive Director.
Tanya Carter
Yasmin Power
Peter Wilson
Juleigh Robins
Rick began his career in the Information Management sector with Infotrieve Australia Pty Ltd servicing government agencies, education, NFP and corporate sectors; including blue chip pharmaceutical, legal and consulting firms.
Rick gained an insight into the invaluable work many of them delivered to the community, prompting a transition to the NFP sector as a professional fundraiser, applying a passion for building and stewarding long-term relationships.
In 2009 Rick served as a member of Victoria University's Advancement Office for five years, working across a full spectrum of fundraising channels including Major Gifts, Corporate Partnerships, Sponsorships, Workplace Giving, Trusts & Bequests.
Rick then joined Arthritis and Osteoporosis Victoria, as Community Fundraising Manager, helping the organisation re-brand as MOVE – the voice of muscle, bone and joint health.
In 2016, Rick transitioned into Recruitment, in particular marketing and fundraising for community services. In 2018, Rick and Philip Mayers joined forces to create Mayers Recruitment.
Tanya is a marketing communications and fundraising specialist with expertise in branding, media relations and stakeholder management. Tanya has extensive experience with events, project management and issues management, together with strong speechwriting, copywriting and digital content marketing expertise. Tanya has held senior communications roles for large Victorian organisations, including Austin Health, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer, Research & Wellness Centre and the Royal Women's Hospital. Tanya has a recent Masters of Marketing with additional qualifications in social impact and philanthropy, from Swinburne University and The Centre for Social Impact.