OUR TEAM
Greater Shepparton Foundation is led by a diverse and highly-skilled Board of Directors. They offer a wealth of local knowledge and understanding of the complex issues in this region as well as experience in place-based philanthropy and community-led giving.
The Directors and staff are focused on creating partnerships and collaborations to connect the needs of the Greater Shepparton community with the resources and skills needed to tackle disadvantage. The team will drive change through innovative initiatives, and support community organisations that align with our purpose.
OUR BOARD
Mark De Paola, Chair
Mark moved to Shepparton in 1997 to begin his optometry career and is currently the director of Graham Hill Eyecare. Mark was a Board member of The Community Fund Goulburn Valley from 2008 until the transition to the Greater Shepparton Foundation. Mark also serves on the regional advisory board of La Trobe University. His aim as a Director of GSF is to make a positive difference in his community.
Julia Thomas, Deputy Chair
Julia has spent nine years in the local Agri-finance industry and is a 2016 Fairley Leadership Graduate. Originally hailing from Sydney with a Business Degree, Julia has spent her career working across rural and regional Australia, in agriculture, mining and finance. Now living with her husband and young family on their cropping farm at Youanmite, Julia is passionate about improving youth outcomes across the Goulburn Valley region.
Kara Shields, Director
Kara is a Chartered Accountant at local business, MB+M. Kara is the current Chair of GSF’s Audit, Risk and Finance Committee. The mother of two is a former Board Member and Treasurer of the Shepparton Festival and has volunteered as a member of the Shepparton Toy Library Committee. She is a keen runner and enjoys the lifestyle of Greater Shepparton, which she has called home for 15 years.
Neha Samar, Director
Neha Samar, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Community Directors, is an experienced educator and leader in vocational education and training (VET). As a vocational specialist in youth mental health, she empowers young people to navigate the job market and achieve sustainable career goals. Her board director roles, with a focus on governance, risk, and strategy, have honed her strategic leadership skills. Neha also founded The Flamingo Project, a mentorship program for women in the Goulburn Valley, fostering a community dedicated to personal and professional growth.
Vaughan Bradshaw, Director
Vaughan is the Director of Bradshaw Automotive Holdings, an automotive retail business spread across 5 regional Victorian locations, employing approximately 150 people including Shepparton Toyota and Shepparton Mazda.
Vaughan grew up in Shepparton before leaving for further studies and to pursue a career in Aviation. After spending 15 years in flight operations, including a decade with Virgin Australia, a promising business opportunity beckoned in Shepparton. In 2016 Vaughan, alongside his wife and three children, made the decision to return to his hometown.
Vaughan is committed to contributing to the remarkable work and achievements facilitated by the Greater Shepparton Foundation.
Kate Long, Director
Kate grew up in the Shepparton area, and returned to commence her Legal career following University.
She has spent most of her career working in crime and child protection, and is now working in Therapeutic Justice.
Kate lives locally with her husband and children.
Ebony Tonks, Director
Ebony is a lawyer in the Property and Commercial teams at Dawes & Vary Riordan. She studied at Monash University and later Deakin University, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Accounting). Prior to working as a lawyer, Ebony worked at a local accounting firm and later in local government. Being a Director of the Greater Shepparton Foundation allows Ebony to use her expertise to give back to the community she was born and raised in.
OUR PEOPLE
Amanda McCulloch,
Executive Officer
Amanda has worked in the non-for-profit and philanthropic sectors and is the current Deputy Chair of the Goulburn Regional Partnership. Amanda’s background has seen her deliver strong outcomes for organisations in the community, local, state and federal government spaces. With a diverse skill set and experience in project management, economic development, event management, tourism and marketing communications, She has a wealth of experience to draw upon as she advocates for the needs of our local community.
Amanda Morton,
Finance Manager
Amanda has joined the team in 2024 and is responsible for the financial management of the fund including compliance reporting, payments and reconciliations.
Amanda is a qualified CPA with over 20 years’ experience in the accounting and commercial business sector.
Originally from Wagga Wagga, Amanda moved to the Shepparton region 10 years ago with her husband to take on the family business.
Kate Smith,
Grants Manager
Kate joined the GSF team in 2020. She’s worked in private business and government however the majority of her career has been in the community sector, including many years with local disability and welfare agencies. It’s here where she relishes the opportunity to use her communication and grant writing skills to make a real difference.
Elizabeth Kelly-Dalgety,
Data and Evaluation Manager
Elizabeth is a psychologist specialising in program design, research, and evaluation. She has over 20 years’ experience supporting organisations in the health, community, and not-for-profit sectors to improve service delivery and outcomes to people in their care. Youth wellbeing and resilience has been a key focus of her work.
Katie Thorp
Greater Shepparton
Healthy Child Co-Design Project Co-ordinator
Katie is a Public Health Nutritionist, with her own locally based business. With a background in Psychology and a Masters in Human Nutrition and Public Health, Katie has worked in an array of locations and with a vast range of community groups, supporting their health & wellbeing. From as far afield as London to the very outback of Western Australia.
Katie's passion is the health and wellbeing of children, resulting in health promotion work within local schools and the community at large. Katie is deeply committed to the Healthy Child Co-Design Project and is excited to see the outcomes and strategies developed, which will hope to minimise the barriers experienced by our multicultural community.
