Our Board, Their Legacy
By Zoe Waters, Executive Director Barwon Health Foundation
When I pause to consider what truly strengthens the Barwon Health Foundation, my thoughts turn not only to our generous and community-minded region, but to the dedication and vision of our Board. Behind every campaign launched, every grant awarded and every donor thanked, there is a group of people quietly giving their time, insight, networks and counsel to ensure this Foundation delivers for our region. Their contribution is voluntary - but their impact is profound.
Our board is a collective of highly respected and experienced local people who generously give their skill, wisdom and expertise in service of something far greater than themselves: the health and wellbeing of our Barwon region.
Each Director brings a unique set of skills and strength. They come from different professions, industries and life experiences, yet they are united by a shared passion - to advance healthcare in Geelong and across the Barwon South West through philanthropy. Together, they are building a legacy that will be felt not only within hospital walls, but in the lives of families for generations to come.
Our Chair, Dan Simmonds, anchors us with strategic clarity and unwavering commitment. Dan’s legal and business acumen, honed over decades advising organisations and families, both large and small, has been instrumental in shaping our governance and guiding our ambitious vision. His steady leadership ensures we do more than raise funds - we steward them with integrity, transparency and purpose.
Numbers and compliance matter deeply in philanthropy, and that’s where John Miles, Chair of our Finance, Risk, Audit, Investment & Nominations Committee, has made an extraordinary contribution. With a lifetime of financial and philanthropic leadership behind him, John ensures our decisions are built on solid foundations. His oversight gives our supporters confidence that every dollar entrusted to us is managed responsibly and directed to where it can have the greatest impact.
Ray Frost, a founding force behind our Future Fund, sets a tone of innovation and long-term thinking that shapes how we plan for sustainability. His entrepreneurial spirit challenges us to think boldly - not just about the next campaign, but about how today’s decisions will strengthen healthcare for local families decades from now.
On our Grants Committee, led by Kylie Steel and Associate Professor Don Robertson, we have strengthened the way we invest in meaningful outcomes across Barwon Health. Their thoughtful leadership ensures donations are linked to measurable impact - advancing services that meet real and evolving needs across the full continuum of care.
Our collective voice is stronger when it resonates across the region, and Roxie Bennett OAM has played a powerful role in that. As Chair of our Fundraising Committee, Roxie brings deep community connection and communications expertise, amplifying the Foundation’s presence across Geelong and ensuring our stories of impact inspire action.
From Rory Costelloe’s steadfast advocacy and willingness to roll up his sleeves to lead campaigns, to Theresa Best’s communications, governance and strategic insight, Clare Amies’ public sector leadership, Ian Broadway’s financial oversight across the health sector, Catherine Middlemiss’ ability to drive transformational campaigns and relationships with heart and passion, and Glenn King’s global financial and investment expertise - each Director leaves an indelible mark.
Under the leadership of our Board - and thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community - the Barwon Health Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to purchase life-saving medical equipment, fund innovative research and clinical trials, enhance patient comfort and care, and invest in vital healthcare facilities that support families across our region. It is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when strong governance and community philanthropy unite with a shared purpose: better health outcomes, closer to home.
To our Directors, thank you. Your vision and care are woven into the fabric of what makes the Barwon Health Foundation such a powerful force for good.
Together, we are building a healthier, more compassionate future for Greater Geelong and beyond and it is a testament to each of you.
