Prominent Newcastle businesswoman and community advocate Julie Ainsworth OAM has joined the Greater Charitable Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Her arrival comes after Jayne Drinkwater stepped into the role of chair, following the retirement of Anne Thurlow, who stood down in November 2022.
Over the past two decades, Ms Ainsworth has held directorships and advisory roles with 20 not-for-profit foundations, associations and local charities.
Most notably, she was a member of the Mark Hughes Foundation Advisory Committee, University of Newcastle Foundation Advisory Board, the Samaritans Marketing and Fundraising Committee, City of Newcastle Australia Day Council and an ambassador for the John Hunter Children’s Hospital Kids Club.
For 12 years, she served on the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, too.
In 2020, Ms Ainsworth was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the community of Newcastle.
“Giving back to the Hunter, that has given me so much for many years, is something that I am very passionate about,” she said.
“It’s why I’ve dedicated my time to serving the boards of organisations that share this philosophy.
“I’ve watched on for more than 10 years at the wonderful work Greater Charitable Foundation has done working with a wide range of partners to improve life outcomes and financial wellbeing for individuals, families and communities.
“I’m very much looking forward to working with the board as we continue to grow our support of partners across the Hunter and beyond.”
Ms Drinkwater takes over as chair after five years on the Greater Charitable Foundation Board.
She is also a director of the newly-formed Newcastle Greater Mutual Group Board, established following the merger of Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent.
Ms Drinkwater welcomed Ms Ainsworth to the fold.
“Julie has been a wonderful supporter of the Hunter community for many years and a strong advocate for a range of campaigns and organisations,” she said.
“Not only does she bring experience and business acumen to our board, but also a great passion and a desire to make a difference.”
Greater Charitable Foundation funds practical, life-changing initiatives, with a key focus on enhancing the financial wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.
It does so by partnering with Australian-based charitable organisations, throughout Greater Bank’s area of operations, to provide significant opportunities designed to improve life outcomes.
Since 2011, the foundation has committed more than $12 million in funding to community partners across NSW and beyond.
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