Changing of the guard at Geelong Connected Communities

LOCAL philanthropic organisation Geelong Connected Communities (GCC) has embarked on a major succession plan with founding directors handing over to new Board members at their AGM in November.

GCC’s unique 24/7 all-year-round grants program has been operating for the past 12 years and funded grants totalling $2.5 million for 930 community projects to 500 local not-for-profits. GCC’s model is underpinned by support for smaller NFP’s and charities that are volunteer based and find it difficult to access sponsorship and grant funding.

GCC Chair and Harwood Andrews Principal, Paul Gray paid tribute to retiring directors. Roger Grant was GCC’s inaugural chairperson and led the establishment of the fledgling organisation for eight years and completed 12 years as a director.

Grant was the chief executive officer of Tourism Greater Geelong & Bellarine for 25 years. Cameron Loftus, chief executive officer of Barwon Sports Academy, is also a founding director of GCC with 12 years’ service. Cameron played a pivotal role in GCC’s unprecedented support of sporting clubs across the Geelong region.

“It is impossible to replace directors of the calibre of Roger and Cameron, who have such highly established business and community credentials and networks, we are fortunate to boast, what we believe to be one of the strongest volunteer Boards in our region,” Gray said.

“We now have the opportunity to introduce two new directors in Cameron Murnane and Tim Gleeson, who are both highly talented emerging leaders within the Geelong business community.”

Both Gleeson (Preston Rowe Paterson) and Murnane (Beyond Bank Australia) hold executive roles with two of GCC’s most important long-term supporters.

“We are delighted that both Beyond Bank and PRP are not only supporting us financially but are prepared to commit the time and talent of quality young directors who will make a positive contribution to our Board,” Gray said.

GCC have approved 54 grants over the past 12 months and have only been able to deliver this incredible level of support via the generosity of more than 30 local businesses and organisations led by major sponsor Beyond Bank Australia.

Any individual or business who would like to assist with support for GCC’s community grant program can contact Pat Murnane on 0419 104 246 or John Fitzgerald on 0412 523 009.

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