Update from the Community Foundation
Over the last few months we have had a number of important ‘people’ changes within the Community Foundation: the retirement of Director Walter Aich at the end of 2025, the appointment of Lorraine Sainsbury to the Board and the retirement of Joy Koh, member of the Investment and Finance Committee, both in April of this year.
At the AGM last November, Walter Aich finished up as a Director of the Community Foundation after 11 years of service, including two years as Vice Chair.
Walter’s background in education, both in the secondary and adult learning sectors, led to an on-going interest in the connection between well-being and learning which he brought to his work as a Director. A long term resident of Dumbalk, Walter also brought his interest in learning and teaching skills to his work with community organisations, like the local Dumbalk Fire Brigade and the local CFA district.
“While Walter has stepped down from the Board, we are very pleased that he will continue to provide his skills as a member representative of the Audit and Risk Committee,” noted Ruth Rogan, Executive Officer.
After a well advertised Director recruitment campaign, the Community Foundation’s Nominations Committee’s process recommended Lorraine Sainsbury be appointed to the Board. The Board was delighted to approve this appointment and welcome Lorraine in April.
Lorraine, who hales from New Zealand, has been a resident of the Mirboo North district for ten years. In this short time she has made a very positive contribution to a range of local community groups; the Cemetery Trust, the community newspaper, Friends of the Library, and as one of the South Gippsland representatives on the Community Advisory Committee for Myli Library. Lorraine joined the Community Foundation’s Audit and Risk Committee as a member representative in 2024 and has already developed a sound knowledge of the governance and risk management structures of the organisation.
“The Community Foundation has had a clear impact on the health, well-being and resilience of our district. I was keen to get involved and support this work,” explained Lorraine.
A final important change of note is the retirement of Joy Koh as a member representative of the Investment and Finance Committee. Joy has been an active sub-committee member since late 2018, using her financial and investment background for the benefit of the Community Foundation.
“Joy also made a very valuable contribution to this community as a member of the Project Control Group for the Mirboo North Medical Centre,” explained Ruth.
This group, chaired by Joe Piper, gave their time and expertise to secure land and plan the building of the Mirboo North Medical Centre facility, which his now leased to our medical practice.
“A huge thanks to Walter and Joy for giving their time to benefit this community and a big welcome to Lorraine Sainsbury who takes up the baton,” Ruth concluded.