2024 AGM and End of Year Event
On Wednesday night the Rottnest Foundation held its Annual General Meeting in Fremantle where we welcomed two new Board Members: Richard Atkins and Zoe McAlpine.
Richard has strong skills in finance having been CFO for the McRae Investments Pty Ltd (the Clough Family’s Private Company) for the past 16 years and a chartered accountant (ret). He has been a member on various boards, including Silver Chain Nursing Association for 12 years. He has a strong affinity to Rottnest Island and was on the Rottnest Channel Swim Association Committee for six years and has completed a solo swim to Rottnest.
Zoe is a Coach and CEO with 20+ years’ experience in developing and leading high-performing teams and individuals to deliver significant growth strategies. Zoe has worked for organisations including Starlight Foundation, David Jones, Breast Cancer Care WA and Santa Maria College. As CEO of Breast Cancer Care WA, Zoe oversaw a program that doubled revenue, and services reach during her eight-year tenure. A 40under40 Winner, Zoe has volunteered on the Boards of the Cancer Wellness Centre and BCCWA.
At the meeting we had several Board Members step down in 2025, with Graham Edwards, Sue Campbell, Vicki Taylor and Kate Atkins all retiring.
We are very grateful for the contributions these four members have made whilst serving on the Rottnest Foundation Board:
Graham has been a passionate and active Deputy Chair, providing sage advice and important introductions in government.
Vicki has been fundamental to streamlining our accounting systems and her meticulous presentation of the Foundation’s accounts will be sorely missed.
Kate has been instrumental in driving good governance, focusing on Board composition, expanding membership and our Ambassador Program and bringing in many high value attendees to our events.
Sue has been a very committed and hard-working Board Member for the past 8 years and her passion for conservation on Wadjemup has never wavered.
The loss of these outstanding individuals from the Board was softened by the announcement that some will be continuing their volunteer work with the Foundation in support roles. Graham has taken on a Ministry Advisory role; Vicki will be undertaking a detailed handover to the new Treasurer, Kate will remain engaged at a sub-committee level and Sue Campbell has been appointed our newest Rottnest Foundation Ambassador.
New Board appointments followed, with Yvonne Parnell taking the position of Deputy Chair and Richard Atkins as Treasurer.
Our Chair, Steve Carre shared with members and guests the key activities and achievements of the Foundation over the last year, including:
Our focus on the 5 Priority Projects and seeking funding to finance these projects from conception to completion
The addition of 7 new ambassadors; Sandy Barblett, John Langoulant, Greta and Mitch Marsh, Andy Fethers, Karen Jacobs, and Sue Campbell.
Our corporate partnerships and huge fundraising efforts through the year
The provision by the RIA of a new part-time administration and membership officer and the promotion of our Corporate Engagement Officer to Chief Executive Officer
And finally, a thank you to the RIA, in particular Board Chair, Hamish Beck and Executive Director, Jason Banks, the RICC, and our Members, our Board and our Patron, Janet Holmes à Court for all their support.
Following the AGM, we were joined by members and friends of the Rottnest Foundation to celebrate the end of another successful year. We were also treated to a trailer for a new project by Emmy Nominee, Leighton De Barros, from Sea Dog TV International, called ‘Life on Wadjemup Rottnest Island’. We are in talks to partner with Leighton and the Perth Symphony Orchestra to tour ‘Life on Wadjemup Rottnest Island’ as a unique experience, blending stunning visuals, orchestral music, and augmented reality.
And thank you to RI Gin and Nail Brewing for generously providing the drinks for our event.