OUR Committee
Arlene Cassel – President
With graduate qualifications in Disability & Inclusion, and a passion for empowering people to reach their potential, Arlene has over 30 years of diverse experience in education, community services, and volunteer organisations. Arlene brings skills in communication, mentoring, building relationships, and delivering programs to support the needs of vulnerable communities.
Andrew Duchesne - Vice President
Andrew is a retired school principal & teacher of 30 years experience. Prior to that, he worked in finance and as a youth worker. Andrew is an active member of the Grace church in Bega & has been involved with the Bega Heritage Motor Club for 22 years. In his spare time, he enjoys living on acres, raising cattle & sheep. Andrew is a long term volunteer with Sapphire Community Pantry, volunteering with us since 2017. He enjoys serving the community & is looking forward to seeing Sapphire Community Projects thrive into the future.
Martin Booth – Treasurer
Martin retired from banking in 2020 after 35 years working in London, Tokyo, New York and latterly Sydney, first as Head of Risk and Compliance for Australia's largest domestic fund manager and then as an Executive Director in Operational Risk, Governance and Compliance at another of the 'big four' banks. A long term visitor to Bermagui since 1996 and now living there full time, Martin is interested in giving back to the community, getting involved and building connections. Previous not-for-profit experience includes roles as Treasurer of Lambeth Mediation Service in the United Kingdom as well as of a small London pre-school.
Paula Williams – Secretary
With a Master’s Degree in public policy, Paula was a senior executive in the Australian Public Service before moving to the wonderful Bega Valley in 2017. Paula is passionate about access to nutritious food, and providing support to people who may find this difficult. Paula is a weekly volunteer at Ricky’s Place and the Bega Valley Seedsavers. She has been President of the Bega and District Garden Club for several years, and grows most of her family’s fruit and vegetables. When not gardening, Paula loves to spend time with her 6 grandchildren.
Anna Lindstrand – Committee Member
Anna Lindstrand holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Studies, with a focus on community, education, and conservation. She has worked extensively in social support programs in Sweden and has spent the past ten years involved with the Native Animal Education Sanctuary that operates Potoroo Palace and Cowsnest, serving as Director since 2020.
Anna is also President of the Candelo Arts Society and is passionate about conservation, community development, the arts, and sustainable organisational leadership
Terry Hutchinson – Committee Member
Terry had 30 years working for ANZ Bank, doing branch banking, lending manager & regional personnel manager. Terry was also CEO of Tulgeen Group for 3 years, and also owned and managed ToyWorld in Merimbula for 10 years. Terry is a returned Army serviceman, and has an extensive volunteering background, with 14 years on the board of the Bega RSL Club & Club Bega. He was Chairman of the board for 5 years. Whilst with the RSL, Terry had a War grave approved for Indigenous Light-Horseman, David Mullet, who was buried at the Bega Cemetery without a headstone or identification. Terry is now retired and volunteering at Sapphire Community Pantry twice a week.
Association Memberships
Anyone wishing to join the committee or vote at the Annual General Meeting must become a member of the association.
Membership costs a one-off $1 joining fee plus a $2 annual membership fee. Existing members only need to pay the $2 annual fee each year.
Payments can be made in person at the Sapphire Community Pantry or online via the website’s “Make a Donation” button. If paying online, please email the secretary to confirm your payment.
New members, or members whose details have changed, are also asked to complete a membership form, available for download below.