Foundation Staff
Zoe Waters
Executive Director
For nearly two decades, I have been privileged to work within not-for-profit, for-purpose organisations, all united by a common goal: improving the health and wellbeing of our community. My career has spanned the mental health sector, child protection and children’s rights, and public health.
The highlight so far has been meeting countless inspiring people through my roles at Barwon Health and the Barwon Health Foundation. It is always an honour to hear the heartfelt stories behind why people choose to support Barwon Health. The collective generosity of the Greater Geelong region reflects a unique community spirit unlike any I have encountered elsewhere.
I currently serve as a Board Director at Hope Bereavement and Benefit Geelong, and was an inaugural member of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Volunteering. I have been humbled to be recognised along the way, including as a finalist in the Geelong Business Excellence Awards, as a finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards, and as the winner of the Regional Entrepreneur or Manager of the Year in the NAB Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards.
Outside of work, family is my greatest joy. My husband and I are the very proud parents of our toddler, Sonny. We love visiting my parents, who split their time between Melbourne and the small regional town of Bealiba in Central Victoria. I treasure my regular weekend video calls with my two sisters - one an Accountant at Barwon Health, the other a CFO in New York.
My family and I are proud to call Geelong home. From its incredible restaurants and wineries to its beautiful beaches and landscapes, there truly is no better place to live, work, and raise a family.
Contact Zoe
E: foundation@barwonhealth.org.au
P:4215 8900
Sherryn Bennett
Head of Impact
I love playing my part to support Barwon Health Foundation’s mission of making a real difference in our community.
I have an extensive background working within the Marketing, Communications and Public Relations arena, across diverse industries and sectors from higher education, retail, tourism and health, including leading local organisations Deakin University and Cotton On Group. The beauty of the Communications industry is that your skills and experience are transferable and can take you anywhere and everywhere. I’m incredibly passionate about applying these skills to amplify the Foundation’s impact.
It was a personal goal of mine to move into the not-for-profit sector and I’m honoured to be a part of the Foundation's team, working towards elevating its profile and maximising its impact.
Outside of work, I live in the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula with my husband, two teenagers and two fur-children. My spare time is filled by my kids sport, cheering the Western Bulldogs, exercise and family travel adventures.
Contact Sherryn
E: sherryn.bennett@barwonhealth.org.au
P: 4215 8907
Torren Woolley
Head of Fundraising
With a career across the not-for-profit sector in health and family services, I’m driven by strengthening communities and supporting the systems that help people thrive.
I’ve worked across a range of not-for-profit organisations to grow support for programs that improve health, wellbeing and connection. This has included roles with globally recognised organisations such as Movember and Make-A-Wish, contributing to some of the world’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, alongside deep engagement with regional communities.
Originally from Tasmania, I have a strong appreciation for the role community, connection and pride play in shaping people’s lives. I’m now proud to call Geelong home and love being part of a region with such a strong sense of belonging.
I also serve as a Non-Executive Director with Our Village (formerly Geelong Mums), supporting families in crisis by redistributing essential baby’s and children’s items.
Outside of work, you’ll find me enjoying a run in the sunshine along the foreshore, tackling our latest home renovation, or spending time with my family.
Contact Torren
E: torren.woolley@barwonhealth.org.au
P: 4215 8919
Helen Woods
Legacy Consultant
It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work in the-not- for- profit and community space for more than 25 years. During this time, I have led corporate strategy, capital campaigns and major gift and legacy programs generating funds in partnership with generous philanthropists, private trusts and public foundations to realise significant projects across the sector.
My career focus includes philanthropy and fundraising advisory services to a range of organisations including scientific and medical health institutes, national and international arts and cultural organisations, universities and schools, conservation and heritage agencies.
Proud moments include the development of the academic program for arts managers at Deakin University’s Business School and more recently leadership as the inaugural Chair of The Women’s Spirit Project based in Frankston to provide funding for an accredited personal development program to support disadvantaged women on the Mornington Peninsula.
Fundraising and philanthropy have taught me that building trusted relationships and having conversations that matter is the key. As we work together we all help to bring significant and exciting projects to life that can create successful outcomes and have impact.
The Barwon Health Foundation is a unique organisation making a difference for our community in Geelong and across the greater region. As Legacy Leader my intention is to bring passion, experience and involve people as grateful patients, community leaders and benefactors to future proof our body of work.
Personal interests outside of work include gardening, painting, personal development and exploring our region’s wonderful destinations and all they have to offer.
Contact Helen
E: helen.woods@barwonhealth.org.au
P: 4215 8906
Elise Gibson
Corporate Partnerships Manager
With over 25 years’ experience in sales, marketing and advertising, I have enjoyed the challenge and reward of exercising this experience in the not-for-profit space since joining the Barwon Health Foundation team in 2021.
As Corporate Partnerships Manager, I have a genuine passion for building relationships and love creating partnerships that are the perfect fit for all involved. The values of the Barwon Health Foundation are a natural fit for me and I enjoy working in a dynamic team that promotes the many and varied ways for the community to support our local health service. There’s nothing more rewarding than enhancing the wellbeing of our community for now and in the future.
Outside of work, I am a mother of three to children Tom, Grace and Ruby and pet dog, Floyd. I love to spend time with family and friends, socialising and meeting new people, music, sport, dining, travel and enjoying all that our beautiful region has to offer.
Contact Elise
E: elise.gibson@barwonhealth.org.au
P: 4215 8902 or 0438 559 986
Kahlia-May Lewis
Communications Manager
I am proud to be part of the Barwon Health Foundation team as the Digital Fundraising and Social Media Lead. I studied Marketing and Communications through IT Masters and Next MBA and have built my career working as a Social Media Manager and Marketing & Communications Manager across a variety of industries, including recruitment, business services, retail and not-for-profit.
It was through my work in the not-for-profit sector that I discovered my passion for using my professional skills to give back to the community, a passion that led me to the Foundation. In my role, I have the privilege of helping to grow our digital presence and fundraising efforts, while also sharing the powerful stories of impact that reflect the difference the Foundation makes to Barwon Health patients and their families.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my two young daughters, enjoying time with friends, and making the most of the beautiful region we get to call home here in Geelong.
Contact Kahlia-May
E: kahlia-may.lewis@barwonhealth.org.au
P: 4215 8908
Hayley Johnston
Commercial Fundraising & Internal Events Manager
I have been a part of the Foundation team since 2012 working within administration, corporate partnerships, and events and now heading up fundraising innovation and commercial opportunities.
I love being a part of the not-for-profit sector, which allows me to work on my two great loves; creating memorable events and positive change in our community.
Having been born at Baxter House, and grown up in Geelong, I feel lucky to be able to make a difference to our health service and in turn our great city. Hearing stories of how Barwon Health Foundation funded equipment, facilities and initiatives have supported the community and improved the lives of loved ones makes me proud of the work we do.
Outside of work, you will find me surrounded by family and friends, eating great food, drinking great wine and playing or watching sport… or you’ll find me on a plane, my greatest love is travelling.
Sheri Steenhuis
Finance, Grants and Administration Lead
I have been with the Foundation since 2016 in a Finance and Administration role. I have enjoyed developing this role as the Foundation continues to grow and evolve.
I love being part of a small, collaborative team that provides lots of opportunity to work together on events and projects.
I have a Bachelor of Business and was previously a partner in a successful local hospitality business. I have three children that ensure my taxi driving skills are well utilised.
I lived in Sydney for a number of years with my family when the children were in primary school before returning to settle back in my hometown of Geelong. We enjoy being around our family and friends and close to the coast. Outside of work, I enjoy travel, good company, food and wine.
Contact Sheri
E: sheri.steenhuis@barwonhealth.org
P: 4215 8900
Madeleine Laidlaw
Events and Community Coordinator
I have a Bachelors of Business, Majoring in Event Management and Management and Innovation from Victoria University. I have worked through University gaining years of retail management experience and also event management experience with my placement beside Vanessa at A Simple Wish Events doing event styling, coordinating and set ups and pack downs.
Events are my passion and I love to create days that people will remember and love working through everything that is needed to put together successful events.
This is my first post graduate role and I’m excited to implement the knowledge and skills I have built over the years to hopefully make an impact in the community.
In a past life, I was also a nanny and world traveller, now I am a big fan of hanging out with the babies in my life, especially my niece Chloe, watching my Geelong Cats and Swansea City, planning parties and trying out a new program at the gym.
Contact Madeleine
E: madeleine.laidlaw@barwonhealth.org.au
P: 4215 8900
