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Our Team

At the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, we’re driven by a shared purpose — to create opportunities, inspire belonging, and empower people across Melbourne’s west to live their best lives. Behind every program, partnership, and community connection is a dedicated group of people who bring this vision to life.
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Our Team

Board

Jenny Taing OAM

Chair
Jenny Taing, is a lawyer and board director with expertise in financial services and corporate governance. The first in her refugee family to attend university, she studied at Melbourne University and Harvard Business School. Jenny’s lived experience as the daughter of Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees connects her deeply to the Foundation’s mission, driving her passion for equality, opportunity, and community empowerment.

Ameet Bains

Director
Ameet is the CEO of the Western Bulldogs and a Director of both the Club and the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation. With a background in law and business, and prior leadership roles at St Kilda Football Club, he brings strategic vision, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to community impact through sport.

Louise Perry

GM - Community Foundation & Government Relations
Louise is an experienced executive leader and board director with a career dedicated to fairness, equality, and reform. The first in her Burmese family to attend university, she holds degrees across politics, communications, and international development. A passionate advocate for gender equity, multiculturalism, and youth empowerment, Louise leads the Foundation with a strong commitment to creating lasting social change across Victoria’s west

Prof. the Hon. Jill Hennessy

Chair
A former Victorian Attorney-General and Minister for Health, Jill has dedicated her career to public service and improving community outcomes. She now chairs Western Health and serves on multiple boards, alongside her role as Deputy Chair of the Foundation. A proud resident of Melbourne’s west, Jill is passionate about harnessing the power of sport and community to change and even save lives.

Ameet Bains

Director
Ameet is the CEO of the Western Bulldogs and a Director of both the Club and the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation. With a background in law and business, and prior leadership roles at St Kilda Football Club, he brings strategic vision, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to community impact through sport.

Stephen Scanlon

Deputy Chair
Stephen is the Group Chief Financial Officer at Oliver Hume Corporation, bringing extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, and corporate governance. With a strong background in business leadership, he is committed to supporting the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation in delivering impactful programs that strengthen communities and create opportunities for young people.

Sue Clark

Secretary
Sue is the Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary of the Western Bulldogs, with extensive experience in finance, risk, governance, and major projects. Formerly CFO and Company Secretary at the Geelong Football Club, she brings strong operational expertise and a commitment to supporting the Foundation’s programs and community impact.

Prof. the Hon. Jill Hennessy

Director and Deputy Chair
A former Victorian Attorney-General and Minister for Health, Jill has dedicated her career to public service and improving community outcomes. She now chairs Western Health and serves on multiple boards, alongside her role as Deputy Chair of the Foundation. A proud resident of Melbourne’s west, Jill is passionate about harnessing the power of sport and community to change and even save lives.

Ahmed Hassan

Director
Ahmed is the co-founder and Executive Director of Youth Activating Youth, a national not-for-profit supporting multicultural young people. Named 2022 Victorian Young Australian of the Year, he is also a member of the Australian Multicultural Council. With a strong focus on social cohesion and equity, Ahmed brings energy and vision to the Foundation, helping drive opportunities for disadvantaged youth across Australia.

Sue Clark

Secretary
Sue is the Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary of the Western Bulldogs, with extensive experience in finance, risk, governance, and major projects. Formerly CFO and Company Secretary at the Geelong Football Club, she brings strong operational expertise and a commitment to supporting the Foundation’s programs and community impact.

Louise Perry

Director
Louise is an expereinced executive leader and board director with a career dedicated to fairness, quality, and reform. The first in her Burmese family to attend university, she holds degress across politices, communications, and international development. A passionate advocate for gender equity, multiculturalism, and youth empowerment.

Ahmed Hassan

Director
Ahmed is the co-founder and Executive Director of Youth Activating Youth, a national not-for-profit supporting multicultural young people. Named 2022 Victorian Young Australian of the Year, he is also a member of the Australian Multicultural Council. With a strong focus on social cohesion and equity, Ahmed brings energy and vision to the Foundation, helping drive opportunities for disadvantaged youth across Australia.

Jerril Rechter AM

Director
Jerril is Vice President of the Western Bulldogs and a highly regarded Board Director and Chief Executive with over two decades of leadership experience across sport, health, media, entertainment, and the arts. Formerly CEO of VicHealth and Basketball Australia, and an executive at Disney, she is passionate about using the power of sport to drive social change and improve community wellbeing.

Aisha Nicolay

Director
Board Member since 2020, Aisha brings extensive corporate experience across infrastructure, transport, mining, and engineering, along with a strong commitment to multicultural communities in Melbourne’s west. She is also a Director at Greater Western Water, Chair of the Public Transport Ombudsman, and runs her own consultancy. Inspired by her upbringing in rural Victoria as a child of migrants, Aisha is passionate about resilience, opportunity, and helping communities thrive.

Brendan Peacock

Director
Brendan is a financial planner and partner at Pitcher Partners, with expertise in wealth management, superannuation, and investment advisory. Recognised in The Australian and Barron’s Top 150 Financial Advisers in 2024, he is passionate about educating younger generations on financial wellbeing. Growing up in Western Victoria, Brendan is deeply connected to the communities the Foundation serves and is proud to support its impact across the region.

Stephen Scanlon

Director
Stephen is the Group Chief Financial Officer at Oliver Hume Corporation, bringing extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, and corporate governance. With a strong background in business leadership, he is committed to supporting the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation in delivering impactful programs that strengthen communities and create opportunities for young people.

Glenn Hay

Director
Glenn brings decades of leadership in infrastructure and public–private partnerships, including as former COO of Plenary Group overseeing major projects across Australia and South-East Asia. Now Chair of several major infrastructure boards, he also served as Chair of the Western Health Foundation. With deep expertise, strong networks, and a passion for social impact, Glenn is committed to strengthening health and community outcomes in Melbourne’s west.

Mitzi Gilligan

Director
A lifelong Western Bulldogs supporter, Mitzi grew up in rural Western Victoria, where local footy clubs inspired her belief in sport as a driver of connection, inclusion, and social change. A corporate and commercial lawyer since 1991, she co-founded Hive Legal and brings nearly 20 years of board experience across the not-for-profit, public, and private sectors. Mitzi is passionate about strong governance as a pathway to equity and social justice.

Glenn Hay

Director
Glenn brings decades of leadership in infrastructure and public–private partnerships, including as former COO of Plenary Group overseeing major projects across Australia and South-East Asia. Now Chair of several major infrastructure boards, he also served as Chair of the Western Health Foundation. With deep expertise, strong networks, and a passion for social impact, Glenn is committed to strengthening health and community outcomes in Melbourne’s west.

Mitzi Gilligan

Director
A lifelong Western Bulldogs supporter, Mitzi grew up in rural Western Victoria, where local footy clubs inspired her belief in sport as a driver of connection, inclusion, and social change. A corporate and commercial lawyer since 1991, she co-founded Hive Legal and brings nearly 20 years of board experience across the not-for-profit, public, and private sectors. Mitzi is passionate about strong governance as a pathway to equity and social justice.

Jerril Rechter AM

Director
Jerril is Vice President of the Western Bulldogs and a highly regarded Board Director and Chief Executive with over two decades of leadership experience across sport, health, media, entertainment, and the arts. Formerly CEO of VicHealth and Basketball Australia, and an executive at Disney, she is passionate about using the power of sport to drive social change and improve community wellbeing.

Stephen Scanlon

Director
Stephen is the Group Chief Financial Officer at Oliver Hume Corporation, bringing extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, and corporate governance. With a strong background in business leadership, he is committed to supporting the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation in delivering impactful programs that strengthen communities and create opportunities for young people.

Glenn Hay

Director
Glenn brings decades of leadership in infrastructure and public–private partnerships, including as former COO of Plenary Group overseeing major projects across Australia and South-East Asia. Now Chair of several major infrastructure boards, he also served as Chair of the Western Health Foundation. With deep expertise, strong networks, and a passion for social impact, Glenn is committed to strengthening health and community outcomes in Melbourne’s west.

Mitzi Gilligan

Director
A lifelong Western Bulldogs supporter, Mitzi grew up in rural Western Victoria, where local footy clubs inspired her belief in sport as a driver of connection, inclusion, and social change. A corporate and commercial lawyer since 1991, she co-founded Hive Legal and brings nearly 20 years of board experience across the not-for-profit, public, and private sectors. Mitzi is passionate about strong governance as a pathway to equity and social justice.

Stephen Scanlon

Director
Stephen is the Group Chief Financial Officer at Oliver Hume Corporation, bringing extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, and corporate governance. With a strong background in business leadership, he is committed to supporting the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation in delivering impactful programs that strengthen communities and create opportunities for young people.

Glenn Hay

Director
Glenn brings decades of leadership in infrastructure and public–private partnerships, including as former COO of Plenary Group overseeing major projects across Australia and South-East Asia. Now Chair of several major infrastructure boards, he also served as Chair of the Western Health Foundation. With deep expertise, strong networks, and a passion for social impact, Glenn is committed to strengthening health and community outcomes in Melbourne’s west.

Mitzi Gilligan

Director
A lifelong Western Bulldogs supporter, Mitzi grew up in rural Western Victoria, where local footy clubs inspired her belief in sport as a driver of connection, inclusion, and social change. A corporate and commercial lawyer since 1991, she co-founded Hive Legal and brings nearly 20 years of board experience across the not-for-profit, public, and private sectors. Mitzi is passionate about strong governance as a pathway to equity and social justice.

Hannah Singleton

Head of Programs and Community Engagement
Hannah leads programs and community engagement at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, bringing a background in Biomedical Science and Public Health. Since joining in 2020, she has developed and overseen youth, school, and community programs, ensuring they are impactful, accessible, and evidence-based. Hannah is passionate about creating spaces where individuals and communities can connect, grow, and thrive.

Yvette Petersen

Head of Partnerships, Marketing and Communications
Yvette joined the Foundation in 2024, bringing extensive experience in leadership, marketing, fundraising, and philanthropy. With a background in international development and higher education, she builds teams that support impactful programs like Sons and Daughters of the West. Passionate about the power of sport to create change, Yvette is committed to enhancing the Foundation’s community impact across Melbourne’s west.

Josh Olver

Youth and Schools Program Manager
Josh leads youth and schools programs at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, bringing experience from the Danny Frawley Centre and the AFL’s Ahead of the Game program. With a Bachelor of Social Work (Hons), he is passionate about empowering young people, building resilience, and creating meaningful, community-driven impact across Melbourne’s west.

Hannah Singleton

General Manager of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation
Hannah leads programs and community engagement at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, bringing a background in Biomedical Science and Public Health. Since joining in 2020, she has developed and overseen youth, school, and community programs, ensuring they are impactful, accessible, and evidence-based. Hannah is passionate about creating spaces where individuals and communities can connect, grow, and thrive.

Yvette Petersen

Head of Partnerships, Marketing and Communications
Yvette joined the Foundation in 2024, bringing extensive experience in leadership, marketing, fundraising, and philanthropy. With a background in international development and higher education, she builds teams that support impactful programs like Sons and Daughters of the West. Passionate about the power of sport to create change, Yvette is committed to enhancing the Foundation’s community impact across Melbourne’s west.

Leyla Asadi

Head of Programs
Leyla leads the Foundation’s health and wellbeing initiatives, including Sons and Daughters of the West and CALDplay, supporting adults and multicultural communities across Melbourne’s west. With a background in health promotion and community development, and lived experience as a migrant and mother, Leyla is passionate about fostering inclusion, social connection, and positive outcomes for individuals and families.

Alexandra Duffy

Digital Marketing Manager
Alex brings a decade of experience blending journalism and marketing. With a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Master’s in Marketing and Communications, she specialises in storytelling that builds brand awareness and equity. Passionate about connecting people to meaningful content, Alexandra creates campaigns that inspire, engage, and strengthen the Foundation’s presence across the community.

Leyla Asadi

Healthy Communities and Programs Manager
Leyla leads the Foundation’s health and wellbeing initiatives, including Sons and Daughters of the West and CALDplay, supporting adults and multicultural communities across Melbourne’s west. With a background in health promotion and community development, and lived experience as a migrant and mother, Leyla is passionate about fostering inclusion, social connection, and positive outcomes for individuals and families.

Tom Langmaid

Partnerships Manager
Tom brings over a decade of experience in partnerships, with a focus on creating meaningful community impact. Having worked with The Reach Foundation and Australian Red Cross, he is passionate about preventative initiatives that support youth mental and physical wellbeing. At the Foundation, Tom builds strategic, values-aligned partnerships to help programs grow and deliver lasting positive outcomes.

Alexandra Duffy

Digital Marketing Manager
Alex brings a decade of experience blending journalism and marketing. With a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Master’s in Marketing and Communications, she specialises in storytelling that builds brand awareness and equity. Passionate about connecting people to meaningful content, Alexandra creates campaigns that inspire, engage, and strengthen the Foundation’s presence across the community.

Shelley Karpathakis

Equity & Inclusion Manager
Shelley leads Equity and Inclusion at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, bringing over a decade of experience across community, government, and advocacy sectors. Her work focuses on creating inclusive programs and policies that strengthen belonging and social cohesion. Passionate about community-led change, Shelley is helping build the Foundation’s new Equity and Inclusion stream and using the power of sport to drive meaningful impact across Melbourne’s west.

Maggie Toohey

Youth Empowerment Manager
Maggie leads youth development programs at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, focusing on leadership, social connection, and personal growth. Drawing on her experience as a netball coach and mentor, she is passionate about empowering young people, helping them overcome challenges, build confidence, and thrive. Maggie believes in the transformative power of community and creating opportunities that spark growth and self-discovery.

Naomi Fitzgerald

Senior Health Promotional Coordinator
Naomi leads the Sons and Daughters of the West programs and the Foundation’s community advocacy work. With a background in Applied Public Health and Global Studies, and experience in regional health promotion, she is passionate about fostering connection, inclusion, and wellbeing. Naomi is dedicated to creating programs that empower communities and deliver lasting positive impact across Melbourne’s west.

Nina Pombuena

Multicultural Health Programs Coordinator
Nina coordinates multicultural health programs at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, combining her background in nursing, public health, and education. She is passionate about improving health outcomes for CALD communities, addressing barriers, and tailoring programs to meet diverse needs. Nina draws on her personal cultural experiences to foster inclusion, equity, and community empowerment across Melbourne’s west.

Quang Huynh

Engagement and Multicultural Coordinator
Quang coordinates CALD programs at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, using his personal experience as a refugee to connect and empower newly arrived communities. Since volunteering in 2016, he has supported sports-based programs like CALDplay and the Unity Cup, helping participants build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging while fostering inclusion and social connection across Melbourne’s west.

Naomi Fitzgerald

Senior Health Promotional Coordinator
Naomi leads the Sons and Daughters of the West programs and the Foundation’s community advocacy work. With a background in Applied Public Health and Global Studies, and experience in regional health promotion, she is passionate about fostering connection, inclusion, and wellbeing. Naomi is dedicated to creating programs that empower communities and deliver lasting positive impact across Melbourne’s west.

Nina Pombuena

Multicultural Health Programs Coordinator
Nina coordinates multicultural health programs at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, combining her background in nursing, public health, and education. She is passionate about improving health outcomes for CALD communities, addressing barriers, and tailoring programs to meet diverse needs. Nina draws on her personal cultural experiences to foster inclusion, equity, and community empowerment across Melbourne’s west.

Quang Huynh

Engagement and Multicultural Coordinator
Quang coordinates CALD programs at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, using his personal experience as a refugee to connect and empower newly arrived communities. Since volunteering in 2016, he has supported sports-based programs like CALDplay and the Unity Cup, helping participants build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging while fostering inclusion and social connection across Melbourne’s west.

Maggie Toohey

Youth Development Coordinator
Maggie leads youth development programs at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, focusing on leadership, social connection, and personal growth. Drawing on her experience as a netball coach and mentor, she is passionate about empowering young people, helping them overcome challenges, build confidence, and thrive. Maggie believes in the transformative power of community and creating opportunities that spark growth and self-discovery.

Gabrielle Hutchins

Ballarat and Community Programs Coordinator
Gabrielle leads programs in Ballarat focused on health, wellbeing, and personal development, including Sons and Daughters of the West and youth initiatives. Drawing on her regional upbringing and personal experiences, she is passionate about empowering participants, fostering connection, and creating opportunities for growth. Gabrielle’s energy and dedication drive meaningful impact across Victoria’s western communities.

Amal Hassan-Ali

Multicultural Youth Programs Coordinator
Amal leads initiatives supporting multicultural youth, including Social & Study Club, Leaders of the Pack, and GOAL mentoring. Drawing on her own experiences and community volunteer work, she is passionate about fostering inclusion, confidence, and leadership. Amal’s dedication ensures programs are community-led, empowering young people from all backgrounds to thrive and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Jaymie Moynihan

Youth Empowerment Lead
Jaymie, more commonly known as Jim, brings a decade of experience in fostering environments that inclusively engage young people across mental health, all-abilities sport and local council sectors. As our Youth Empowerment Lead, Jim is driven by championing equitable opportunities for young people across Melbourne's west through the Youth Leadership Project, VU School Workshops, Bark for Youth and Leaders of the Pack programs. She is always up for a passionate chat about how we can continue creating safe, accessible and supportive spaces for young people to show up as themselves.

Gabrielle Hutchins

Ballarat and Community Programs Coordinator
Gabrielle leads programs in Ballarat focused on health, wellbeing, and personal development, including Sons and Daughters of the West and youth initiatives. Drawing on her regional upbringing and personal experiences, she is passionate about empowering participants, fostering connection, and creating opportunities for growth. Gabrielle’s energy and dedication drive meaningful impact across Victoria’s western communities.

Amal Hassan-Ali

Multicultural Youth Programs Coordinator
Amal leads initiatives supporting multicultural youth, including Social & Study Club, Leaders of the Pack, and GOAL mentoring. Drawing on her own experiences and community volunteer work, she is passionate about fostering inclusion, confidence, and leadership. Amal’s dedication ensures programs are community-led, empowering young people from all backgrounds to thrive and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Lunorphare Folly

Multicultural Development Officer
Luna bridges sport and community, creating pathways for multicultural youth through programs like GOAL, CALDPlay, and the Next Generation Academy. From playing and coaching soccer since age 10 to leading community initiatives, Luna combines their passion for sport with a commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and building strong connections for young people in Ballarat and beyond.

Jordan Eldridge

First Nations Youth Coordinator
Jordan brings lived experience, purpose, and leadership to his role at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through culturally safe programs, mentorship, and leadership development. Through the Nallei Jerring program, he creates pathways for First Nations youth to connect with culture, build confidence, and grow as leaders across Melbourne’s West and regional areas.

Mikayla Smith

Regional Programs Officer
Mikayla brings a deep understanding of rural communities to her role at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, having grown up in the small town of Jeparit, Victoria.. In her role, Mikayla delivers programs across the West Wimmera and Yarriambiack Shire, including initiatives like Leaders of the Pack, helping participants develop leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.

Lunorphare Folly

Multicultural Development Officer
Luna bridges sport and community, creating pathways for multicultural youth through programs like GOAL, CALDPlay, and the Next Generation Academy. From playing and coaching soccer since age 10 to leading community initiatives, Luna combines their passion for sport with a commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and building strong connections for young people in Ballarat and beyond.

Jordan Eldridge

First Nations Youth Coordinator
Jordan brings lived experience, purpose, and leadership to his role at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through culturally safe programs, mentorship, and leadership development. Through the Nallei Jerring program, he creates pathways for First Nations youth to connect with culture, build confidence, and grow as leaders across Melbourne’s West and regional areas.

Mikayla Smith

Regional Programs Officer
Mikayla brings a deep understanding of rural communities to her role at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, having grown up in the small town of Jeparit, Victoria.. In her role, Mikayla delivers programs across the West Wimmera and Yarriambiack Shire, including initiatives like Leaders of the Pack, helping participants develop leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.

Angeth Arik

GOAL Mentoring Coordinator
Angeth leads the GOAL Mentoring Program at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, supporting young people from African cultural backgrounds to build confidence, life skills, and future opportunities. Beyond her role, Angeth is actively involved in community initiatives that promote empowerment, inclusion, and positive change, ensuring young people have the support and guidance they need to thrive.

Annika Willoughby

Philanthropy & Engagement Coordinator
Annika brings a strong background in philanthropy and fundraising to the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, with experience spanning the arts sector and social services. Before joining the Foundation, she worked with a non-profit supporting young people experiencing homelessness, an experience that deepened her commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of underserved communities.

Amy Carey

Marketing Communications Coordinator
Amy is passionate about community, storytelling, and making an impact. Growing up on the Murray River in Echuca/Moama, she started her journey as a youth volunteer ambassador supporting adults with disabilities. She thrives in the ever-evolving world of marketing, bringing creativity, energy, and a genuine commitment to supporting communities to everything she does.

Annika Willoughby

Philanthropy & Engagement Coordinator
Annika brings a strong background in philanthropy and fundraising to the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, with experience spanning the arts sector and social services. Before joining the Foundation, she worked with a non-profit supporting young people experiencing homelessness, an experience that deepened her commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of underserved communities.

Kat Schuyler

Youth Engagement Officer
Kat supports young people through the YES Program in Ballarat, delivered by Berry Street and the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation. With a background in special education, disability support, and youth work, she brings strong experience in neurodiversity and trauma-informed practice. Kat is passionate about creating inclusive opportunities that help young people build confidence, connection, and positive pathways.

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Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (ABN: 26 160 537 459) is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient.

Donations of $2 or more to the Foundation are tax deductible in Australia.

Acknowledgement of Country

Western Bulldogs Community Foundation acknowledge that we work, train and play on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (ABN: 26 160 537 459) is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient.

Donations of $2 or more to the Foundation are tax deductible in Australia.

Acknowledgement of Country

Western Bulldogs Community Foundation acknowledge that we work, train and play on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

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