ABOUT US
The Foundation
What is a community foundation?
Community Foundations are like community banks created by and for the people of our communities. A capital base is built up over time through philanthropic donations and bequests. These are kept in perpetuity to provide a permanent and growing financial resource to meet the needs of the local community.
Our Background
Like many rural areas, the communities of the Upper Lachlan suffered through devastating drought for the 5 years to 2009. These communities are built around the farming pursuits that have dominated the local economy for over 150 years and hence when drought hits the farm it tests the fabric of the community and no one escapes the impact. This is when rural communities pull together and support one another to overcome the financial and social pressures that climate uncertainty creates.
Following on from the creation of the successful, volunteer run “Look After Yours Mates” network in 2006 and the subsequent 2020 Group that sought to ensure the sustainability of the region beyond drought, the Upper Lachlan Foundation (ULF) was created in 2011 with the aim of creating an ongoing income stream to support local organisations and groups who in turn support the community.
Our Mission
Our purpose is to offer support for our diverse Community organisations and groups. We do this by providing a secure platform and income stream for the organisations and groups to build on and connect with. We raise capital through Foundation memberships, donations, fund raising events, corporate sponsorship and bequests.
The vision of the Foundation is to increase and expand upon the availability of funds to meet the aims of the Foundation and to facilitate a transparent process for the distribution of funding within the Upper Lachlan Community.
The Greater Good
The GreaterGood is a public charitable foundation established by the Public Trustee and Guardian for the ACT. All funds raised by the Foundation are invested under this banner to generate capital growth and income,and are subject to the stringent accounting and auditing requirements of the ACT Auditor General. Go to www.greatergood.org.au for more information.
Financial Report
Our 2023 Annual Report as presented by the Tresurer to the AGM on 21/03/2024
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BEN CARTER - President
Ben was on the original steering committee and subsequently elected as the first President of the ULF. Work opportunities took Ben out of the shire 10 years ago, leading to travel overseas selling beef to our major trading partners. This experience and exposure to different cultures and at times challenging situations, makes you realise how important family and community is to our wellbeing. Ben has recently re-established himself in the shire in a more permanent capacity and in 2023 was re-elected to the board, having the desire to become involved again, and help contribute to the growth of the foundation for our wonderful community, and in 2025 was elected as President.
PIP FROST - Vice President
Pip joined the Upper Lachlan Foundation Board in 2017, initially taking on the role of Treasurer and currently the Deputy Chair. Pip completed a Bachelor of Business at Sydney University and has worked in banking since graduating. She was also the project officer for a local farmers group for 3 years and is the current treasurer for the Bannister Hall committee. The purpose of the Foundation and how it strives to support the whole of the Upper Lachlan Shire appealed when joining the Board. The cohesive way the Board works together in carrying out the Foundation’s aims is another reason Pip continues to support the ULF.
NADIA LINDOP - Secretary
Nadia Lindop OAM is an experienced Non-Executive Director and Company Secretary, as well as co-founder and past CEO of the MJD Foundation.
New to Crookwell in 2023, Nadia was appointed to the Upper Lachlan Foundation as Director and Secretary in March 2025 and will utilise her experience in strategic planning, governance, risk management, finance, fundraising & income generation and advocacy to support the ULF’s goals.
Nadia has held various Board and Subcommittee positions, along with advisory roles to Government.
Nadia is passionate about equitable access and opportunities for all Australians, and particularly those living in regional and remote communities.
KATE PRICE - Treasurer
Kate joined the Upper Lachlan Foundation Board in 2014, acting in the role of Treasurer from 2014 – 2017, and returning to the role in 2021 to present. During her time with the ULF, she has helped to digitise and streamline our business and administration procedures, setting up our current website and introducing the Foundation to cloud-based accounting systems. Kate has seen the Foundation grow exponentially during this time and is proud and thankful to be involved in something that will prove to benefit our Upper Lachlan community for years to come.
SIMON PEIRCE - Director
Simon has been a resident of Gunning since 2015 having a 21 year career in Customs and Border Protection in Operations and Operational Safety (Training) and 11 years in Defence Contracting and procurement.
Simon obtained a Graduate Diploma of Criminal Intelligence from Charles Sturt University 2003, Certificate of Project management, 2014. Simon is the Brigade President and current member of Oolong RFS, and President of the Friends of Gunning Library, and Gunning RSL Chapter Member. Simon is one of our newest Directors having been elected to the ULF Board of Directors in 2023.
BEN CARTER - Director
Ben was on the original steering committee and subsequently elected as the first Chairman of the ULF. Work opportunities took Ben out of the shire 10 years ago, leading to travel overseas selling beef to our major trading partners. This experience and exposure to different cultures and at times challenging situations, makes you realise how important family and community is to our wellbeing. Ben has recently re-established himself in the shire in a more permanent capacity and in 2023 was re-elected to the board, having the desire to become involved again, and help contribute to the growth of the foundation for our wonderful community.
GARRY KADWELL - Director
Garry is a 4th Generation farmer in Crookwell NSW. He has recieved many accolades during his career including 2020 Harvey Norman Producer of the year, Landcare Grand Champion for innovation and Sustainability and
Citizen of the year. Garry is also a Recipient of the Australian Fire Service Medal. Garry is the past Chair of Crookwell Taralga Aged Care, and most importantly has been Director of the ULF since inception, having a direct impact on our community by establishing the
PAUL MILLETT - DIRECTOR
Welcome to Paul who joined the ULF Board of Directors in 2024.
MICHAEL COLEY - DIRECTOR
Mike is a life member of ULF who joined the Board in 2024. He has a fund in the Foundation in memory of his wife Wendy, who died in 2021 and has long been a supporter of ULF for its vital contribution to the Upper Lachlan community.
Mike lives in Gunning, where he arrived in 1995. A member of the Public Service from 1964 to 1998, he specialised in cultural and heritage matters. He is secretary of the Gunning District Community and Health Service, vice-president of the Gunning Focus Group, the arts body he founded with Wendy in 1998, and secretary of Gunning Historical Society. He is also a community member of a number of Council committees including the Shire Hall and Showground Committee, where he is also secretary.
Mike was a councillor on Gunning Shire Council from 1999 to 2004, when it was abolished, and Upper Lachlan Shire Council from 2008 to 2012. He is a retired member of the RFS and SES.
His voluntary activities include being a driver for the Health Service and worker at the Historical Society Pye Cottage. Mike is also Gunning’s voluntary snake catcher, being awarded the National Medal for this activity in 2022.