Since 2017, Stephanie has led MPF's growth with a pioneering approach to systemic change, driven by local communities. She combines personal engagement, targeted support, data analysis, government collaboration, and community empowerment to drive place-based philanthropy. With 15 years of experience in philanthropy, she has worked with marginalized populations, grassroots organizations, and major donors across Melbourne and regional Victoria, in roles with Igniting Change, the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation, the Reichstein Foundation, and the George Hicks Foundation. Stephanie also has a background in music and arts administration and remains a passionate cellist.

Nikki has over 25 years of experience working in media and communications. As a journalist Nikki was a regular contributor to ‘The Age’ for over a decade. Nikki completed a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies and a Graduate Diploma in Adolescent Health and Welfare. Her studies provided her with research and writing skills as well as knowledge of social systems, in particular the systemic disadvantage vulnerable women and children face, and knowledge of protective factors for health and well being for women, children, and adolescents. Nikki has lived on the Mornington Peninsula for 18 years with her husband, they have two teenage sons. She is passionate about social change and excited to support the work of MPF using her well honed communication skills.

Anna started with MPF in February 2025 bringing over 15 years of experience in professional services, most recently as a Director in Business Restructuring Services at PwC. She has supported businesses across various industries to streamline processes and optimise performance, using skills in problem-solving, data analysis, and reporting. Anna was excited to transition into a community-focused role and to learn more about philanthropy, education, and the intricacies of place-based strategies, while collaborating with the team to drive long-term impact. Anna loves living on the Mornington Peninsula with her young family and is actively involved in the Peninsula community.

Ivy is a Financial Accountant at MPF. She has a strong background in finance and accounting having completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Master’s degree in Professional and Practicing Accounting. Ivy is an associate member of CPA Australia and is a passionate accountant who has worked in various industries.

Gitz is Chief Financial Officer of MPF and has been working for the past 9 years within Ian Hicks Family Office – Applied International. A passionate accountant and Chief Financial Officer with 20 years experience in Finance and Accounting. Gitz started her career in public accounting and prior to this, she served as a Chief Financial Officer in Retail Industry and in IT Tech firm. She has a strong background in Finance and Tax with her Masters degree in Taxation and is a fellow of CPA Australia and Tax Institute of Australia and a graduate member of AICD.

Ian is Executive Chair of Applied International Pty Ltd (a private investment group based in Melbourne), and Chair of the George Hicks Foundation. In June 2021 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of his community and philanthropic work. Ian has a strong interest in the arts, is a major supporter of the Australian Ballet and an enthusiastic collector of Australian art and sculpture. He has a vineyard, avocado farm and sculpture park on the Mornington Peninsula in Shoreham. Ian holds a Bachelor of Economics.

Andrew Fairley AM, LLB (Melb), Hon Doc (Deakin), is a commercial and equity lawyer at Hall & Wilcox in Melbourne. He has a deep involvement in the philanthropic sector as Chair of the Sir Andrew Fairley Foundation and former Chair of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education. He is an Industry Director of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and a Director of Qualitas Securities Pty Ltd. He is a former Chair of Equip Super, an Industry Superannuation Fund managing $30b. He also formerly Chaired Parks Victoria and is the former Deputy Chair of Tourism Australia.

Georgia Dawson is a Lecturer and Research Fellow at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, Centre for Program Evaluation. She has extensive skills in quantitative data analysis including item response theory, structural equation modelling and path analysis.

James Flintoft has substantial private sector and government executive leadership and governance experience. He has served on various private sector, government and not-for-profit boards. He is currently on the boards of Transport Accident Commission, Epworth Healthcare, Development Victoria, Foundation House for Refugees, Social Traders, and Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal. He spent a decade in the public service including as Chief Executive of Regional Development Victoria facilitating regional and community development; and was First Assistant Secretary, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Before joining the public service, James worked in the private sector as a senior executive at ANZ Business Banking; a management consultant at McKinsey & Company in Sydney, London and Washington; and a commercial lawyer at Allens Arthur Robinson. He was formerly Treasurer of the Mirabel Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that provides support and counselling services to children orphaned or abandoned due to parental drug abuse. He has a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Melbourne, an MBA from the Wharton School, and is a Graduate of the AICD. James and his family have lived and spent holidays on the Mornington Peninsula, and is passionate about education creating foundational skills and pathways for all Australians.

Paul-Thomas Hicks has a diverse range of experience in local and international business roles obtained over 25 years specialising in Entrepreneurial, Commercial Management, Supply Chain and Logistics. PT is a director of the George Hicks Foundation and Applied International Group and is heavily involved in local and community sports organisations. Having grown up holidaying on the Peninsula and with children of his own he's passionate about breaking the cycle of disadvantage and creating long term sustainable change on the Mornington Peninsula.

Sarah has over 20 years of experience in sales and digital marketing across the corporate and education sectors. She has worked with major brands like News Limited, Australian Consolidated Press, and Murdoch Magazines, leading sales for top Australian publications including donna hay, madison magazine, Harpers BAZAAR, and INSIDEout. In the past eight years, Sarah has advised leading educational institutions on the Peninsula, including Chisholm TAFE, Chisholm Online, and Monash University's Peninsula campus. She played a key role in developing strategies to raise awareness of local educational opportunities, driven by her passion for accessible education for all.

Professor Frank Oberklaid, OAM, MD, FRACP, DCH, served as the Foundation Director of the Centre for Community Child Health at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne for over 25 years. He is currently the Co-Group Leader of Child Health Policy, Equity, and Translation at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and an Honorary Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne. An internationally recognized researcher, author, lecturer, and consultant, Professor Oberklaid has published two books and over 200 scientific papers on paediatrics. His work has earned numerous prestigious awards and invitations for international lectureships and visiting professorships.

Cathy is CEO of the Scalzo Family Office and Trustee of the Grace and Emilio Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to ensure children and young people at risk of not meeting their full potential are given the support they need to thrive. Cathy is a board member of ygap, Australians Investing in Women and Kids in Philanthropy. She was previously General Counsel of Scalzo Foods, one of Australia’s largest privately owned food businesses, a senior associate at Allens specialising in workplace, anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws and a diplomat at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Having spent her holidays on the Mornington Peninsula since childhood, Cathy is a passionate supporter of MPF’s placed based approach to philanthropy and her family foundation is a long term donor to MPF’s No Limits and Scholarships programs.

Elina is a Co-Founder and Director of SALT Catalyst, a private company established in 2018 to manage her family's investments and philanthropic activities. Operating with the ethos of leveraging intellectual, social, and financial capital, SALT Catalyst aims to catalyze a more just, kind, and compassionate world. Before founding SALT Catalyst, Elina had an extensive career in brand and corporate marketing across her native Finland, several European countries, and Australia. She is passionate about education, particularly early childhood and language development, and advocates for socio-economic, gender, and indigenous equality, mental health, empathy, and environmental sustainability. Elina serves on the Zoos Victoria Foundation Advisory Board, the Wolf Foundation board, and various advisory boards of private companies. She holds an M.Sc. in Economics and Business Administration.

Patrick has held executive management positions across a range of fields including public health, financial services, and not-for-profit and brings a wealth of expertise to MPF. He is currently the Director of The Alfred Foundation at The Alfred Hospital. Patrick is also on the Board at The Bays Hospital Mornington, Cancer Council Victoria and Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials. And has held directorships at OzChild, Windana Drug and Alcohol Recovery Centre and Dementia Australia (VIC) Advisory Board.