Catherine is committed to maximising philanthropy’s role in supporting positive change within the community. In addition to thoughtful grantmaking, a community foundation can use research, collaboration, education and now impact investing to make a difference.

Catherine is a lawyer (Melbourne University) who has also studied business management and is undertaking a PhD in practice related research at Swinburne University related to philanthropic foundations and innovation.

She has worked in law, human services management, consulting (strategic philanthropy, NFP organisational development and governance) and on a variety of Boards, including as Chair of the Queen Victoria Women’s Trust and The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.  She is the author of Great Foundations –a 360⁰ guide to building resilient and effective NFPs (ACER Press, 2010).