Our People.

The volunteers at Anam Cara House Geelong are our gold. From all walks of life, they fulfil many roles including Office & Administration, Day and Overnight Palliative Care, Housekeeping, End-of-life Care and Transport.

Anam Cara House Geelong is governed by the voluntary Board of Directors, drawn from the ranks of Geelong's professional associations.

The large volunteer base at Anam Cara House Geelong complement the Directors and professional staff by undertaking a wide range of duties – from general administration and housekeeping to fundraising and companionship for guests. The Board provides legal, financial and marketing expertise to lead our not-for-profit organisation in the fulfilment of its mission, and our professional staff provide excellence in administrative support and person-centred palliative care.

The focus of person-centred palliative care is on quality of life, symptom management and comfort.

Diana Taylor

Board Chair

Diana has over 25 years’ experience as a lawyer, director, business owner and consultant. 

Diana completed her law degree at Deakin University and now operates her own business, Diana Taylor Legal Consulting, specialising in workplace relations, training, sport, strategic planning and governance. 

Diana has over 22 years’ experience in Australian Rules Football administration. Diana became the first female president of a men’s AFL metropolitan football league, the Western Region Football League, and was the first woman appointed to the VFL Tribunal. In 2010, Diana became a director of the Geelong Football Club and in December 2019 was appointed as the Club’s Vice President. 

Diana also has extensive board experience and is the chair of the Geelong Authority. Diana is also a trustee on the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, a Deakin University Law Advisory Board member, a member of the AFLW Competition Committee and trustee at Doutta Galla Aged Services. 

Robert Threlfall

Board Deputy Chair

Rob is a highly skilled executive with over 25 years senior experience in finance management, business strategy & planning, governance and sports infrastructure funding and delivery. He founded AQtive Sports Business Consulting in 2015 specialising in expert services to elite and community levels of sport throughout Australia. In 2019, Rob co-founded Elite Sports Philanthropy providing strategic philanthropic advice to Australia’s sporting industry.   

Prior to consulting, Rob spent 15 years at the Geelong Football Club as General Manager Finance and Company Secretary.   

Rob currently serves on the Boards of two further Geelong community organisations; Geelong Football Club Foundation and Thirteenth Beach Golf Club.  

He’s a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has studied at Harvard Business School.  

Jennifer Cromarty

Director

Jennifer’s career has included significant policy and program development for local, State and Federal governments and has advised commercial and not for profit organisations on strategic government relations and engagement. 

She is the Director of her consultancy tandemVox and is regularly contracted to support organisations to drive change programs and develop projects that create impact. During 2019-2022, she was the CEO of the Committee for Geelong and led advocacy and policy priorities on behalf of members and developed strong, collaborative relationships with government, key stakeholders and community. 

As an experienced Board director, she founded not for profit Creative Geelong Inc, and is a member of the Barwon Regional Partnership. In 2013 she was recognised as a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Australia. 

Dr Frank Scheelings

Director

Dr Frank Scheelings is a Geelong based medical practitioner in private practice. He is a member of the Medicare Local GP Alliance- Palliative Care BSW.

Aaron Shrimpton

Director

Aaron is a lawyer working in the areas of planning, environment and local government at Harwood Andrews. His core area of practice involves advising statutory and private clients in statutory and strategic planning matters, as well as appearing as an advocate before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and Planning Panels Victoria. His particular areas of interest include developer contributions, planning agreements, heritage planning and administrative law.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws (Hons), and a Master of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies from Deakin University, as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law.

Dr Sarah Leach

Director

Registered Nurse and holds a Bachelor of Nursing with Honours, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). MAICD 

Experience: Non-Executive Director and Health Advisor with extensive strategic and operational experience in health and community services, clinical and corporate governance, research, and community leadership.  

Current Directorships: InLife Independent Living (Disability Service), Active Geelong. 

Consultant  & Committee Members Roles: Senior Health Advisor to GMHBA; Senior Consultant OMC Group; The Geelong Authority; 10 South Advisory Committee The Geelong Football Club. 

Sarah is also an Honorary Adjunct Associate Professor in the Office of the Executive Dean, Faculty of Health at Deakin University. 

Jimmy Buck

Director

Jimmy is Chief Advancement Officer at Deakin University with experience leading higher education and medical philanthropy programs. Jimmy is a Regional Council Member and Laureate of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. He is also an Advisory Board Member of the Deakin University Community Bank and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Boston University); Master of International Studies (University of Sydney); Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (Deakin University)

Anam Cara logo over an 'A'

Adrian Hart

Foundation CEO

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Barry Fagg

Campaign Chair – New Anam Cara House Geelong, Project.

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Bob Gartland

Founding Ambassador – Patron

Adrian Hart

Foundation CEO

Vanessa McColl

Director of Clinical Services

Caroline O'Donnell

Quality, Safety and Risk Manager

Marian Barley

Community Outreach Nurse

Brett Morris

Housekeeping

Richard Lyle

Finance and Operations Manager​​

Chantelle Hodgson​

Philanthropic Fundraising Manager​

Jenny Reeves

Financial Administration Officer

Tessa Davis

Day Palliative Care Manager

Rosie White

Training Coordinator

Alana Whitten

Marketing and Community Engagement Manager

Julie Forte

Activities Coordinator

Sue Reyment

Facilities and Administration Coordinator

Claire Walker

Volunteer and Reception Coordinator

Pip Jankowski

People and Culture Coordinator

Our Volunteers

Anam Cara Geelong is reliant on a team of volunteers from all walks of life. The volunteers at Anam Cara Geelong are our GOLD.

Volunteers fulfil many roles, including Office & Administration, Day and Overnight Palliative Care, Housekeeping, End-of-life Care and Transport.

We provide all volunteers with a 12 module training course delivered over 5 weeks; it is a Palliative Care Victoria endorsed training package to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and information required to for their volunteer role at Anam Cara House Geelong. A Certificate of Completion is awarded to each participant.

Please call us Monday to Thursday between 9am and 3pm on (03) 5222 5831 or email v.coordinator@achg.org.au

Having a choice is what the people of Geelong deserve.
Our guests are given dignity and the highest-level of comfort and care when it matters most.

Our Supporters

Anam Cara House Geelong is so thankful to the corporates, trusts and families who contribute financially and/or with their time to our not-for-profit organisation.

To be able to deliver our critical palliative care services now and in the future, we are heavily reliant on support from the people, businesses and organisations of Geelong. There are a range of ways you can support and partner Anam Cara House Geelong including financial gifts, in kind goods or services, volunteering and promotion of our not-for-profit organisation. 

Our Supporters

Anam Cara House Geelong is so thankful to the corporates, trusts and families who contribute financially and/or with their time to our not-for-profit organisation.

To be able to deliver our critical palliative care services now and in the future, we are 100% reliant on support from the people, businesses and organisations of Geelong. There are a range of ways you can support and partner Anam Cara House Geelong including financial gifts, in kind goods or services, volunteering and promotion of our not-for-profit organisation. 

Who we are

Anam Cara House Geelong is a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing person-centred care for people living with a life-limiting diagnosis. Support is extended to families and carers.

How you can help

Anam Cara House Geelong is reliant on a team of volunteers, donations, business and community partnerships, and other forms of support. Learn more about how you can help Anam Cara House Geelong.

News

Keep up to date with what’s happening at Anam Cara House Geelong, including the progress of our exciting new home.

Who we are​
Anam Cara House Geelong is a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing care for people affected by life-limiting diagnosis. Support is extended to families and carers.​
LEARN MORE
How you can help​
Anam Cara House Geelong is reliant on a team of volunteers from all walks of life, donations, business community partnerships and other support. Learn more about how you can help Anam Cara House Geelong.
LEARN MORE
News
Keep up to date with what’s happening at Anam Cara House Geelong, including the progress of our exciting new home opening late 2022!
READ MORE
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Find out why Anam Cara House Geelong’s vision really hits home for Geelong Cat’s footy player, Tom Hawkins.

Proudly supported by

Howard Glover Trust

Deakin University

Brian and Jennifer O'Shannassy & Family

Lino and Marina Bisinella & Family

Frank and Shirley Costa & Family

Ian Potter Foundation

Barry & Jan Fagg

GMHBA

City of Greater Geelong

Thank you for supporting our not-for-profit organisation.

Donate online now to ACHG’s Annual Giving Appeal to support day-to-day operations so we can continue to deliver our critical services.

This link will open our external secure donation page in a new window. 

There are various ways to donate & support ACHG. In-person, leave a gift in your will, become a member and more!

Or maybe you’re interested in volunteering or partnering with ACHG?