Our People

With a background in education, economics and small business management, Mary joined the Board of South West Community Foundation 4 years ago and has been the chair for the past 2 years. She has previously served both as a member and as chair of the Boards of Lifeline South West Vic (now Lifeline Direct) and of WDEA Works (now AreAble). Mary has a strong commitment to having a foundation that strengthens and empowers local communities to build vibrant and thriving economies and enhance the quality of life in regional communities across South West Victoria.

Ray moved to Koroit in March 2020, having retired after working as a lawyer in private practice for 49 years. Throughout his professional life, Ray served on not-for-profit boards and small family charities. SWCF gives Ray the opportunity to continue with these community interests. He has children and grandchildren living in Koroit and is forming strong community and local personal relationships. He is passionate about Koroit and its future and the wider aims of the South West Community Foundation.

Originally from Sydney, NSW, David has travelled widely through a professional career spanning Foreign Exchange, Statistics, Hotel and Resort Management, Logistics, Professional Services and Information Technology. Possessing a Bachelor of Business with Technology and Economics streams, coupled with a lifelong interest in Finance and Investment, then founding a tech start up, David has a unique perspective drawing on all aspects of his accumulated knowledge to problem solve. Settling in the South West with a young family, it was time to commit his considerable energy and knowledge to the building blocks of our community through his numerous pursuits, which include the South West Community Foundation

Dr Angie Paspaliaris is a local dental professional, who has lived in Warrnambool for the last 13 years after moving from Adelaide as a new graduate. She is a small business owner, and has volunteer and executive committee experience in local community and sporting groups. She is a founding member of the Young Professionals Warrnambool group which aims to facilitate networking for young people new to the South West district.

Angie has more recently joined the SWCF board, and is keen to gain experience in raising and distributing funds to community organisations. She believes SWCF granting can strengthen compassionate attitudes and positive relationships within the local community, and feels the foundation can become a beacon of giving for local individuals.

Trish is honoured to be a part of the South West Community Foundation Board and contribute to an organisation that makes such a profound impact in our community.

Her background includes roles within hospitality (Running Hotels), not-for-profit sectors (Community Groups), and disability support services (Mpower). For the past 8 years she has been working within the timber industry in the green triangle region.

Trish is passionate about strengthening community connections and creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration, and she looks forward to continuing to support SWCF in its mission to fund the communities in which we live to empower themselves through philanthropy.

Stacey has lived in south-west Victoria since 2013. Her early work in the region was in local government, where she supported the tourism and events sector and managed marketing and communications for two major arts venues. Through this work, she developed a strong understanding of place-making, building local capacity, and the role events and creative activity play in social and economic wellbeing.

Stacey now works with Regional Arts Victoria, leading a collaborative Creative Industries Strategy to support long-term outcomes across the Great South Coast. She is deeply passionate about empowering regional communities and the people who make them thrive, and was drawn to the South West Community Foundation for its strong focus on strengthening, supporting and celebrating local communities.

Joining the Board provides an opportunity for Stacey to contribute her skills and networks, while building on governance experience gained through board, committee and observership roles. She is committed to harnessing the power of place-based philanthropy to support positive, long-term outcomes for the region.

Cathryn is a proud Portland local, born and raised in the south-west, where she is now raising her children. She has worked across the Great South West region for many years in youth and community development roles, building strong connections with communities throughout the region.

More recently, Cathryn’s work has focused on improving youth mental health and reducing suicide, an area she is deeply committed to both professionally and personally. She has been involved in a range of impactful youth programs, including Future Leaders, Passport to Employment, and Live4Life. Cathryn is also a passionate Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor, delivering training across the region to build young people’s confidence and capacity to support one another.

Cathryn joined the South West Community Foundation Board following her completion of the Leadership Great South Coast program in 2023, where one of her post-program goals was to contribute at a board level to an organisation whose purpose and values aligned with her own. Conversations with the SWCF EO in 2025 about the Foundation’s new strategic direction confirmed this alignment and her desire to be part of the Board.

We’re pleased to welcome Chaise to the South West Community Foundation Board.

A qualified Financial Adviser based in Colac, Chaise brings a strong combination of financial expertise, governance experience and a genuine commitment to the South West community. Having grown up and built his career in the region, he has a deep personal connection to the communities SWCF supports and a strong desire to give back.

In his professional role, Chaise works with clients to develop long-term financial strategies, with a focus on sustainable outcomes and responsible decision-making. He also chairs his organisation’s Investment Committee, contributing to portfolio strategy, governance and risk management.

Chaise’s commitment to community extends beyond his professional life. He is a long-standing member of the Colac Tigers Football Netball Club and currently serves on its senior leadership group, reflecting his passion for community connection, collaboration and local leadership.

Chaise is excited to contribute his skills and experience to SWCF and help strengthen opportunities and outcomes for communities across South West Victoria.

Alison brings more than 30 years of experience across the not-for-profit, health, and education sectors, with deep expertise in philanthropy, governance, strategic leadership, and community engagement.

Based on a small farm in Chocolyn with her partner, Alison is deeply connected to the communities she serves. Her leadership experience includes roles with the Courthouse Camperdown Information Centre, serving as Foundation Executive Officer at Emmanuel College Warrnambool, and most recently managing the newly established Scholarship Fund at Mercy Regional College.

Alison has been on numerous Boards, and contributed extensively at board level, including locally with Timboon & District Healthcare Service and Women’s Health & Wellbeing Barwon South West.

With a strong passion for storytelling, collaboration, and building a vibrant culture of giving across the region, Alison’s values and vision align seamlessly with the Foundation’s mission. We are excited to have her leadership guiding our next chapter.

Maggie has been part of the South West Community Foundation team for just over 12 months, supporting the Board and Executive Officer with administration and governance. Her work helps keep the organisation running smoothly and ensures strong foundations for community impact.

Outside of SWCF, Maggie is deeply woven into life in Port Fairy. Many will know her from her long involvement in local community organisations. She recently stepped down from the Port Fairy & District Community Bank Board, volunteers with the Red Cross Emergency Services Warrnambool Team, convenes the Missions Team at Warrnambool Baptist Church, and hosts travellers through the International Servas Organisation. With her man, she is also well known for “Pancakes on the Beach” gatherings, welcoming locals and visitors alike. Maggie has spent several years supporting older community members to live independently for as long as possible, and she continues her governance work as a Director on the DemoDAIRY Foundation Board.

When asked what she’s most proud of at SWCF, Maggie points to the bigger picture: helping people understand the power of philanthropy. For many, it’s an unfamiliar concept — but she loves showing how accessible it is, and how Community Funds can change towns and lives forever. For her, being part of that message is something truly special.