Our Board

Southern Tablelands Community Foundation (STCF) is guided by a philosophy of community empowerment and social justice, building resilience and enabling local groups to lead positive change. The Board, made up of like-minded volunteer members, guides strategy, ensures good governance, oversees finances, and supports initiatives that create lasting community impact.

President:

Dick Kearins

WDA, M. App. Sc. (Agric. and Rural Dev.), Dip. Community Services (Financial Counselling)

In retirement Dick continues to support the development and delivery of projects that enhance the structures and frameworks necessary to strengthen social networks and wellbeing of a community. He has worked in and lead teams developing and delivering activities where human interaction and organisational dynamics were vital in socio-economic growth, improving quality of life and achieving transformations in regional and rural communities.
As President of Community Plus Incorporated he led the development of the Southern Tablelands Community Foundation, a philanthropic opportunity, to provide ongoing financial support for the evolving social needs of our community in and around the Goulburn Mulwaree region.

Secretary:

Paris Parker-Cox

Born and raised in Goulburn, Paris Marie has always been grounded in strong family values, kindness and compassion.

With over 20 years’ experience in the media industry, she has built a successful career working with both local businesses and some of Australia’s most recognised national brands, with a strong focus on building genuine relationships and delivering meaningful results.

In 2020, Paris chose to return home to Goulburn to be closer to her family, caring for her parents and creating a life centred around loved ones. She is passionate about giving back and helping others through generosity, empathy and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the Southern Tablelands community.

Treasurer

Bob Kirk

Bob is a Goulburn local and after a 31-year career in the Commonwealth Bank, which saw service across regional NSW, he and his family settled back into Goulburn in 1991. He retired in 2011 as Secretary Manager of the Goulburn Golf Club. He is a Justice of the Peace (since 1975) and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Bob is deeply committed to the Goulburn Mulwaree region, where he is a current Local Government Councillor. Elected to council in 2008 he served eight years as Deputy Mayor before becoming Mayor in 2016, a role he held for five years until the end of 2021. He is involved in several other community organisations being President of the West Goulburn Bushland Reserve Group and Chairman of the Goulburn Rail Trail Steering Committee. He is a life member of the Goulburn Rugby League Football Club and Chairman of the Country Universities Centre, Goulburn.

Board Member and Public Officer

Mark Bradbury

Board Member

Barbara Nell

Barbara is an artist and educator living and working in the Canberra Goulburn region. She developed an interest in social justice in her early years and regularly raises funds for local and international causes. After a long career teaching in schools and TAFE, Barbara connected with Community plus, (2018) as it reformed a community college. Running art classes for everyone, Barbara has a particular passion for teaching people with special needs. In 2023, she delivered a creative arts Youth Project, funded by a NSW government grant and sponsorship of Community Plus (the forerunner to Southern Tablelands Community Foundation). With a passion for art education and a breadth of diverse experience Barbara has founded CREATIVE SPACE Goulburn in 2021. Through this venture, Barbara channels her enthusiasm for connecting everyone to community. She recently joined the Goulburn Mulwaree Access and Inclusion Committee, which informs and recommends actions to be taken by council on all aspects of inclusion within our community.

Board Member

Mark Collins

BA, Grad Dip Ed, Grad Dip Strategic & Defence Studies

Mark has lived in the Goulburn Mulwaree region since 1984. He was heavily engaged in charitable fundraising in the early 1990s, while involved in law- enforcement education here and overseas. Mark had an extensive career in the RAAF, working in Australia and overseas and completed his thirty-three-year service as a Senior Air Intelligence Officer, with “Returned from Active Service” medal. Numerous personal and work-related travels to overseas areas provided Mark with an insight into the inequities within society, and the requirement for those capable to assist others in need of a helping hand.