News

Meet long-term MWF volunteers, Christine and Amanda.

Both have been key to our vibrant development and are now undertaking new roles to further develop and strengthen MWF.

Christine and Amanda are also past recipients of the Sue Beecher Memorial Award, given to recognise outstanding volunteer leadership and contribution to MWF, embodying our mission, vision and values. The award honours a greatly-missed MWF founding member whose commitment to causes, philanthropy and MWF continues to inspire us today.

In 2014, Christine Darcas joined the inaugural Grants Committee as Co-Chair, laying the foundations of our rigorous approach to granting. She also served as Co-chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and for over 3 years, Christine was our Executive Officer (pro-bono). When MWF became a Foundation in 2023, Christine stepped up as Chair of our newly-formed Board. There is no part of MWF that Christine has not shaped, influenced or led.

When asked what she reflects on with satisfaction about her 11 years putting together the nuts and bolts of our giving circle, Christine could not hold back:

• We have grown from strength to strength with resilience and the goodwill of all involved.
• We have always put mission first.
• The organisation is so strong, the Founders and founding members can step back.
• We are in good hands with the Board and operational committees in great shape.
• This year we will report continued membership and funding pool growth.

Christine also reflected on Pat’s and Gillian’s commitment to supporting women in leadership.

“Pat and Gillian have been wonderful mentors. They encouraged me to build my skills and be brave to lead and use my voice.”

We can’t wait to hear more, as Christine steps up to broaden her influence within collective giving at the National level.

Amanda Thornton met Pat and Gillian at Swinburne, studying a Masters in Philanthropy and Social Investment. With a varied career and background in fundraising and grant-seeking within cultural and community nonprofit organisations, Amanda was inspired by Pat’s and Gillian’s brave vision to create a giving circle.

Amanda joined MWF in 2016 and volunteered with Grants Committee to 2022, the final four years as the committee’s Chair. In late 2023, she joined the MWF Board as Company Secretary, bringing her nonprofit Board experience to contribute to and learn how to meet the governance needs of our new entity.

As a hands-on member of our former Executive Committee, Amanda is familiar with all areas of our operations, including membership, events, marketing and communications, and IT. When we needed a dedicated Operations Administrator, Amanda was the obvious choice. Her role purpose is to continue improvements in our operational systems and processes, whilst also supporting the Board and all committees.

“I love contributing my knowledge and collaborating with all the MWF volunteers to help make things easy and efficient for them, so that everyone can focus on what really matters – our purpose, vision and mission.”