Our Patrons
Our valued patrons help draw attention to the important work of Family Life and we are sincerely grateful for their involvement with our organisation. Family Life is fortunate to have the support of these respected individuals, who are passionate about supporting families, children and young people in our communities.
Malcolm Parks OAM
Malcolm has been involved with the work of Family Life for more than 22 years in a variety of volunteer roles, encompassing mentoring homeless youth to being an active Board member.
Malcolm’s generosity has been shared across a range of voluntary roles including on committees, the Board, as President, donor and community ambassador for our work and the people we serve.
Heather Spooner LLB
Heather joined the Family Life Board of Directors in 2011 and retired from the Board in November 2016. She made a valuable contribution to her community through Family Life with a particular focus on vulnerable families and young people.
Heather, a lawyer, was appointed a Magistrate in 1987 and then continued her work as a Coroner until her retirement in 2014.
Heather has been a long-time volunteer and supporter of Family Life and we are grateful for her ongoing commitment to children, young people and families.
Len Gill
Len is a professional non-executive director with a 40 year career in the electricity, gas and infrastructure industries. He also provides energy and management consultancy services. He is currently Chairman of Infigen Energy. His previous roles include Chairman of Alinta Energy, Chairman of Metgasco, Non Executive Director of WDS Limited, Ecogen Energy, Ampetus Energy, and Verve Energy, Managing Director and CEO of TXU Australia and Chairman of South East Australian Gas Pty Ltd.
Len says, “I love being involved with Family Life. The organisation supports and transforms the lives of so many children and families doing it tough in our community.”
Click here to view Len’s LinkedIn Profile.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
Professional Memberships:
Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Extra Family Life Responsibilities:
Member of the Sub-Board – Finance and Property, Partnership Working Group and Child and Parent Centre for Excellence Governance Group.
Past Patrons
Roger Riordan AM
Roger Riordan AM (1932-2019)
Roger was a pioneer of computer science in Australia and a significant philanthropist. In 1973 he set up Cybec Electronics with his wife, Sally, and donated millions of dollars to support community, scholarships, projects in social welfare, First Nations health and education, the environment and arts in Australia. Roger was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2002 for service to the community.
Since 2003 Roger and his late wife Pat were strong supporters and the major philanthropic benefactor for Community Bubs and Community Houses in the Bayside Peninsula region where their contribution supported hundreds of babies, children and families. Roger embraced the research findings for the impact of the Family Life model of intensive home visitation combined with growing strong community connections to transform the lives of vulnerable children and parents.
His legacy will always be remembered.
Graeme Disney OAM
Graeme Disney OAM (1938-2023)
Graeme was a former Mayor of Bayside, where his contributions and service to our community have been recognised by many awards including the Attorney General’s Department Award for his voluntary work as a Justice of the Peace, as well as the Federation Medal.
In 2006, Graeme was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition for his service to the community of Sandringham, contributing to a range of local government, yachting, church and local history organisations. Graeme said that these, along with family, are the five aspects of his life.
Family Life is very grateful for Graeme’s commitment to our purpose and vision and to the community in general.
Graeme’s incredible contribution to Family Life will always be remembered.
