A letter from the CEO

Dear supporters,

Kind, friendly, non-judgemental, funny, caring, loving, wise, intelligent are the more common words used to describe our mentors by the participants. These heartfelt sentiments are testimony to the humble, generous and dedicated care that our 350+ mentors offer to the participants they support through the Onwards and Upwards wellbeing mentoring program.

In addition to these testimonies, we have received many quotes of recognition for the program by our school and social enterprise partners – some of which have been listed below. We are so grateful for the gratitude and love working with the many dedicated teachers, leaders and schools to help inspire brighter futures.

• ‘You guys are awesome.’
•  ‘The work and success you achieve for others is so inspiring – thank you.’
• ‘The outcomes are unbelievable.’
• ‘I want to say thank you for the work of inspiring brighter futures, as the students love it and have really thoroughly enjoyed it.’
• ‘A huge thank you for the work of John and his crew to run such a successful programme, they have been flippen awesome !!!’

I would also like to welcome Peter Finnimore as the new Chair of the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation. To maintain good, open and transparent governance, with my new role as CEO, it was important for the board to appoint a new chair to work alongside myself, the other board members and the IBFF team and community. Peter is a former CCO of large mining companies including South 32. Among some commercial and family interests, Peter is the director of the Paul Finnimore Trust (in memory of his brother Paul, who was an outstanding educator for students who needed a little extra love.) and Chair the Villanova College Board. Peter is also the facilitator of the IBFF programs on the Gold Coast at Miami and Palm Beach Currumbin State High Schools. He is a tremendous person with outstanding character and team building skills.

Welcome also to Bernadette Murphy and Will Gooderson who are now facilitating the Onwards and Upwards programs and to Madonna Hampson who is working with Prue as volunteer and programs coordinator. Bernadette and Will work along side our other dedicated facilitators, Helen Winter, Ben Littleton, Cass Bridges, Peter Finnimore, Kay Waters, Prue and myself to deliver the programs in cooperation with our 350+ volunteer mentors.

Welcome also to Michelle Thompson who has been working alongside Bernadette Perrier the accounting role. Both ladies have been generous with their efforts and support.

Thank you also to our very generous board – Kelly Murphy, Helen Winter, Dan Perrier, Bernie Canavan, Micko O’Donnell, Glen Richards and Peter Finnimore, who have committed much effort, time and funding so that IBFF can continue to extend its services to those in our community who need a hand up. From the development and improvement of our risk management processes, to the development of our IT systems needs and requirements to their friend raising activities and accounting support – your goodwill and expertise is deeply valued – thank you.

We have also been blessed with the help from Tracy Cox and Alan Scott who have helped with the formation of IBFF’s strategic plan. Tracy is continuing to work with the team to develop and activate the operational plan and help the board in a company secretary role.  Well done to Jen Tucker for her efforts with the activation of our marketing and design.  Both ladies have undertaken big tasks with lots of  love.

We are also so deeply appreciative for our many supporters, including the

• Honeycombes – Vanessa and Peter and the team
• North Harbour Community and Development – Malcolm Hall Brown, Neil Morris, Bryan Finney, Vicki Wood and the team
• The Murphy Family Foundation – Robin, Kelly and family
• Healthia and My FootDr – Wes Coote who is also a mentor, Lisa Roach and the team
• The Richards Family Foundation – Glen, Lisa, Jess, Sophie and Hannah
• Siganto Family Trust – Jenny, Rob and family
• Pitcher Partners – Kylie Lamprecht, Ken Ogden, Norman Thurecht and, Kieran Wallis who are also mentors
• The Xavier Committee – Sean McMahon, Nick Cook, David Fraser, Ben George, Nick Haseler, David Jackson, Nick Stevens, Harry Tynan and Marianne Edmonds
• Simon George and Family – Prue, Ben, Matt and Michel
• Pitch Partners – Stephen Sealey, Lauren, Aly and team and
• Hydrra Digital – Matt Cage, Dharma and team.
• Civic Solutions Inc – Don Cameron, Bruce Weston and committee.

Your generosity and support is helping to change lives.

John Godwin
Founder and CEO