OUR PEOPLE

JAMES LEIPER

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Previous Board Member James Leiper has taken on the role of ACF's first Executive Officer in 2024. This is a significant step for the organisation as we build our capacity to support those who have fallen on hard times in our community. James was selected by the Board to lead us into this new chapter, bringing a wide range of skills, experience and networks that will strengthen the capabilities of the ACF.

James grew up in a regional town before completing a Bachelor of Engineering at UWA. He worked as an engineer for Pritchard Francis in the Perth office for over 10 years, before relocating to Albany with his young family. James and his wife own a physiotherapy clinic in Albany, and are involved in local sporting clubs and community groups. He has strong skills in project management, strategic development, business management and leadership, and deeply values community and giving back to those in need. James has completed the AICD Company Directors Course and also sits on the Board of the Great Southern Development Commission.

TAE WOOD

Chairman and Head of Finance 

OWNER AND ACCOUNTANT AT GM TAXATION

I grew up in Albany and love the lifestyle the region offers.  My personal journey through life has always felt blessed, but I know this is not the case for everyone.  Disadvantage comes in many forms and being able to help address this through my involvement with the Albany Community Foundation is a privilege.  The Foundation offers the perfect vehicle to allow me to share my skills, resources, and networks, to support community in a meaningful way.

JEREMY STEWART

Vice Chairman and Head of Marketing 

DIRECTOR AT MERRIFIELD REAL ESTATE

I’ve been the owner and director of Merrifield Real Estate for over 15 years, employing 22 staff in Albany. I currently fulfil roles in the local community being a board member at Business Great Southern since 2011, President of Manypeaks Cricket Club, Director of Albany Finance, mentored students at St Joseph’s college from 2008 - 2018, oversee a networking group of local business people plus also commit to variety of MC and speaker roles for non for profit functions in Albany community. I am extremely proud to be involved with a board that is made up of kind & giving people who are committed to looking after people that have fallen on hard times in their own community. As a leader in the community I feel privileged to be able to give back to my community that has been very kind to me, my family and friends.

SARAH MOIR

BOARD MEMBER + MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

ASSOCIATE AT H+H ARCHITECTS

I am passionate about giving back to the community, and am privileged to work alongside the dedicated and like-minded team of the ACF. I moved from Perth to Albany in 2013 and love living, working and raising a young family in a coastal regional town. As an architect, I enjoy sustainably enhancing regional communities through the built form, and value the reciprocal benefits of contributing to our local community. I undertake the graphic design, marketing, advertising and promotion for the ACF, and love this aspect of my role. It has been great to see the foundation grow and evolve over the past ten years, from the grass roots support for individuals in need, to successful promotional events and advocacy for civic projects alongside our partner agencies and organisations. Contributing towards helping people in genuine need or a time of crisis is a rewarding experience and the impact the ACF has in our region is inspiring.

JULIE DE JONG

GRANT Funding Sub-committee

DIRECTOR AT H+H ARCHITECTS

I am focused on making a positive contribution to the local community in both my professional industry and as an individual. H+H Architects offer a diverse range of skills and expertise and promote sustainability in an architectural, environmental and social capacity, and have a passionate interest in growing and enhancing regional communities through the built environment. I am involved in numerous local community groups, boards and volunteer working groups, and enjoy working together with like-minded professionals and individuals in the Albany region. I enjoy working alongside partner agencies and organisations, and the great feeling of directly helping people via managing the Grants Committee. 

ASHLEY ISMAIL

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND GRANTS SUB-COMMITTEE 

PSYCHOLOGIST

I moved to Albany from Fremantle after graduating from uni to finally fulfill my dream of living in the country and experiencing a more personal community vibe. The ACF seems to tie together such a wide range of backgrounds within and around Albany, and I’ve had the privilege to see it first hand while working with at-risk youth and their families. There is so much struggle that happens behind closed doors and truly anyone’s situation can change with a drop of a hat, and often people in crisis fall through the gaps. I have been blown away with how the ACF efficiently and effectively supports these individuals and families experiencing long-term and/or short term hardship. I am touched by all the success stories and want to do my part to help out. I love to bump into people I have met along the way since living in the big 6330, and I bet rarely shy away from a conversation, so come say “hello”!

LIBBY CORSON

grants committee and SPECIAL PROJECTS

RETIRED TEACHER

I am a retired secondary English teacher and enjoy being immersed within the Albany and Denmark communities as a volunteer with a number of local organisations. I have been involved in supporting people in the third world and instigated the Denmark Fuiloro East Timor Association which began as a link between Denmark Agricultural School and an agricultural school and became a significant donor organisation for that school and its students for twelve years. Then it became time to focus on supporting organisations at home. I have served on the board of the Albany Community Legal Centre and on the board of the Parklands Primary School. Subsequently I wanted a more hands on volunteer role.  I have become more aware of disadvantage in the Albany Community since becoming a volunteer for Breakfast in the Park. I am most interested in raising awareness of homelessness and working both to shift local attitudes and perceptions and to help understand and coordinate local efforts to make change.

BIANCA BLAKE

BOARD MEMBER

SOCIAL WORKER + REINTEGRATION CASE MANAGER AT PIVOT SUPPORT SERVICES

I am a passionate and assertive advocate for change and empowerment, always eager to challenge the status quo. After 13 years away, I recently moved back to the Great Southern to raise my family, seeking the warmth and support of a close-knit community. My deep dedication to community and support comes from personal experience, knowing firsthand the incredible difference it can make in someone's life. As a qualified Social Worker working in the human services sector, social justice is close to my heart. I see the challenges and disadvantages many people face, and understand and recognise the gaps in support available to people in our community. Contributing to ACF is an opportunity for me to give back to the local community in a meaningful way, and work towards making a difference in alignment with my personal values. 

SHANTELL ANDERTON

BOARD MEMBER + SECRETARY

SENIOR SALES ADMINISTRATION AT MERRIFIELD REAL ESTATE

I grew up on a small farm in Ravensthorpe, and moved to Albany to complete my secondary schooling. In addition to being a single mum of my two daughters, I have a strong background in administration, having worked in a local medical centre in a senior role for 12 years. In 2020, it was time for a change, and I joined the team at Merrifield Real Estate as a sales administrator. I am involved in coaching and umpiring in the local basketball association, as well as a player. I am also the Chair of the Flinders Park Primary School board, which has been a real learning experience for me. I first learnt about the ACF when I started my employment with Merrifield. Over the last 2.5 years, I have been involved with organising and attending events and fundraising through Merrifield on behalf of the ACF, and when Jeremy mentioned the opportunity to join the board and become involved further, I jumped at the chance. As a single mum, through my involvement with the school board, and working in real estate, I have seen first hand the struggles that many of our community members face, and I am looking forward to working with the ACF to help as many people as possible.

LAURA ALEXANDER

BOARD MEMBER

Since moving to Youngs Siding in 2018 to establish Great Southern Hops with my husband, I’ve been passionate about using my skills to contribute to my local community. With over a decade of experience in the charity sector, including roles at Anglicare WA, Ability WA, Atlassian Foundation and Skip Foundation, I bring a deep understanding of governance and philanthropy. As an affiliate member of the Governance Institute of Australia, holding a Certificate in NFP Governance, I’ve also worked with several not-for-profits, helping them implement technology solutions to streamline their governance, reporting and operations. In addition to my professional work, I’ve spent the last six years volunteering with the Future Living Trust, supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. I believe philanthropy has the power to address societal challenges in a meaningful way, and I’m excited to collaborate with fellow board members to support the Albany Community Foundation’s critical and impactful work.

OTHER KEY MEMBERS

STUART ROBERTS - ACF INDiGENOUS ADVISOR AND FORMER BOARD MEMBER

The ACF are fortunate to have the expertise of Stuart Roberts as our Indigenous Advisor. He has been involved with the ACF for a number of years, and we greatly appreciate his input.

PAST MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE ACF

We have also had various other board members in the past that have volunteered their time and services to the ACF with the shared goal of helping our community. Thankyou for your time and dedication. 

GRANTS SUB-COMMITTEE

Volunteers WHO assist with assessing grant applications (NON BOARD MEMBERS)

The ACF is fortunate enough to have a number of volunteers that assist in a variety of roles. From members on the Grants sub-committee, to volunteers at our fundraising events.