Mara Basanovic - Chief Executive Officer
Mara oversees the strategic direction of VWA, working at the local, state and national level to promote volunteering. She also provides strong leadership for the team at VWA.
We firmly believe that Mara knows EVERYONE, she has more contacts than the electoral role!
Anne Preston - Volunteer Services Manager
Anne manages the VWA Corporate Volunteering program and the Joondalup Volunteer Resource Centre. Anne and Joanne team up to manage the VWA volunteers and the West Perth Resource Centre. She is also a board member of AAVA (Australasian Association of Volunteer Administrators).
Anne enjoys playing golf (so watch out if you're on the course!) and relaxing with a good wine.
Beck McKimmie - Community Engagement Officer, Enhancing Access
Beck works with VRC's to implement the Enhancing Access program in their local communities. She also can occasionally be found delivering disability awareness training with Martha.
Beck is a "cool rider" who not only has her own bike, but is also breaking in a new four wheel drive.
Denise Bertilone - Information Officer
Denise is the first voice you hear or face you see when you contact VWA. In addition to reception duties Denise also assists with membership administration, research and policy development.
Denise never says no to free food and drink. When Denise is not eating or drinking she can be found entertaining the staff with her infectious laugh and quick wit.
Ellen Conner - Senior Manager, Services
Ellen oversees Volunteer and Member Services, compiles funding reports and assists Mara with the strategic direction of the organisation. She also collaborates with the WA VRC Alliance to promote best practice in volunteer management and represents VWA on various local and state committees.
Ellen is one of the resident VWA bakers, much to the enjoyment (and chagrin) of her colleagues' waistlines.
Janette Spencer - Senior Manager, Projects
Janette manages the Enhancing Access program and also oversees the development of projects in the CALD and youth volunteering areas. She liaises with state government and other peak bodies to create partnerships to advance volunteering in WA.
Janette is our "social butterfly", always out and about with family and friends. She is very sporty, taking part in dragon boat racing, coaching soccer and is a regular down the gym.
Jen Patience - e Services & Development Manager
Jen translates IT speak into language us mere mortals can understand. She oversees the ongoing development and maintenance of the VWA, give20 and YVolunteer websites, the VIKTOR Online database and the VWA e newsletter. Jen also works with Mara on VWA communications and branding.
Jen recently moved here from Scotland and is still adapting to the hot temps, sand and pesky flies. You'll find her chuckling in her office at 4pm every day listening to the Hamish and Andy radio show.
Jennie Loveridge - Member Services & Development Manager
Jennie is responsible for all aspects of VWA membership: communication, administration, training and networking. With Jen P. she also hosts events for the key volunteering dates throughout the year.
Jennie is PASSIONATE about her cricket and endeavours to teach all non-native Australians the intricacies of the game. Jennie is taking great delight at present in inserting clip art into emails.
Joanne Pollard - Office Manager
Joanne teams up with Anne to manage the VWA volunteers and the West Perth Resource Centre. She is also working on the Homeless Connect program with the City of Perth.
Joanne loves people, and is a star party planner.
Jospephine Koh - Accounts Assistant
While studying for a double major in Accounting and Financial Law, Josephine still finds time to assist Peter H. on a part-time basis with the VWA accounts.
Margaret Andrews - Visiting Volunteers Program Manager
As the program manager, Margaret joins volunteers Ivan and Jim to complete the Visiting Volunteers team. Her work in the regional areas of WA will expand in 2008 to include 10 shires in the Wheatbelt through a program aimed at utilising volunteering as a means of welcoming new people into the shires. Margaret will also support Jennie through delivering training to members in rural and regional areas.
Margaret LOVES desserts and is always first in line for something sweet.
Martha Barnard - Community Engagement Officer, Enhancing Access
Through the Enhancing Access program, Martha supports VWA member agencies to recruit and retain volunteers with disabilities. She delivers disability awareness training, represents VWA at various expos and community events and works to place take2 volunteers in member agencies.
Originally from Canada, Martha has yet to dip her toes into the beautiful Indian Ocean, but has taken up playing soccer.
Peter Hopps - Senior Controller, Finance
Peter H. was originally hired to oversee systems and research development for the Enhancing Access program. However, his background in corporate accounting has since lead him to take over as our Senior Financial Controller.
Peter's sense of humour (or sarcasm?) and smiling face have been a welcome addition to the VWA team.
Peter McGinniss - Administrative Assistant
Peter M. joined VWA as IRIS – our Internet Referral Information Service volunteer. His warm and friendly manner and keen eye for system improvements were a natural fit for our Administrative staff team. Peter M. works alongside Denise and Joanne to provide clerical support to the whole organisation.
Peter M.’s love of arts and culture has lead to the formation of a VWA Social Committee.
Robert Solomon - IT Consultant
Robert works behind-the-scenes to ensure all electronic systems are operating properly. He also provides support to community organisations and VRCs that utilise the VIRA and VIKTOR programs.
Robert loves his x box and lives on Nandos food
Traci Gamblin - Youth Services Manager
As Youth Services Manager, Traci oversees the development of volunteering opportunities for secondary and tertiary students across WA. She liaises with key stakeholders in the youth sector, including the Department of Education and Training, Catholic and Independent schools, member agencies and members of the VRC Alliance.
Recently returned from maternity leave Traci will only come into the office when the biscuit tin contains her favourite cream biscuits!