Why did you decide to join the board of Footprints? As a long term resident of the inner north I have seen the changing demographics and been able to observe first-hand the impact that the increasing lack of affordable housing has had on other long term residents. I believe that a strong community is one which embraces and values the diversity of all of its members and consider that organisations such as Footprints play an important role in ensuring that all members have the opportunity to participate and be engaged in our community. I passionately believe that it is incumbent on those of us who have the skills, time and opportunity to contribute what we can to support our community based organisations.  What do you like most about Footprints? I love that Footprints is an organisation made up of passionate staff and volunteers who share a common vision to provide our clients with the opportunity to live their lives with dignity and on their own terms. Footprints is that rare organisation where its values are not just printed on a nice wall poster or in the Annual Report and forgotten. Footprints staff and volunteers put those values into action every day in everything they do. What do you feel your greatest achievement at Footprints has been? As the President of the Management Committee since 2012 I have been privileged to lead Footprints to achieve exponential growth during a period of great funding uncertainty and significant change in the health and community sectors. I am most proud that, in facing these challenges, Footprints has become a mature, flexible and resilient organisation which has managed to change and grow while maintaining our strong community focus and putting our clients at the centre of everything we do.

Why did you decide to join the board at Footprints. I was very impressed with the work of Footprints in the local area – as I am a local myself this was a very important factor for me. I also liked the vision for the future of Footprints which has not only been achieved over the years but has far surpassed all my expectations. I am very proud of Footprints and its standing in the local community and the not-for-profit sector it works in. What do you like the most about Footprints? I like the fact that throughout the years of continuing growth, Footprints has managed to maintain its wonderful culture of a caring, inclusive and respectful environment for staff and clients alike. How do you feel that Footprints makes a difference? Footprints through its range of  programs reaches out to a broad spectrum of clients particularly in the area of aged care assistance,  homelessness and mental illness. Footprints is recognised by its peers for its expertise and professionalism in these fields. What do you feel you your greatest achievement at Footprints has been? I believe my commercial experience particularly in the area of commercial leases and property has assisted Footprints over the years.

Why did you decide to join the Board of Footprints? I have a background working with a number of charities in aged care and supporting people with disabilities and knew of the great work of Footprints. What do you like most about Footprints? It is full of passionate people! How do you feel that Footprints makes a difference? Being there for people no matter what and often when no one else will. What do you feel your greatest achievement at Footprints has been? Supporting the finance function to navigate the new NDIS world.

Why did you decide to join the board of Footprints? When I first joined Footprints it had a strong presence in New Farm, a vibrant and close knit community which is home to a wide range of people from differing backgrounds. As a New Farm resident I was drawn to Footprints as an opportunity to contribute to an organisation which is so active in my local community. What do you like most about Footprints? The client is at the heart of everything which Footprints stands for. The dedicated and passionate team work very hard to care for and respond to their clients individual needs while continuing to grow and develop an innovative range of programs. How do you feel that Footprints makes a difference? Through the delivery of their programs, the Footprints team give their clients choices that they otherwise may not have, helping people to lead a more independent life.

Why did you decide to join the board of Footprints? Having worked as a mental health occupational therapist in the inner Brisbane area for over 20 years, I have had many opportunities to engage with Footprints. I have always been struck by and very impressed with their staff and the services provided. So when I was asked if I might be interested in nominating as a board member, I jumped at the chance to be more actively involved in such a great organisation. What do you most like about Footprints? That is a difficult question, because so many things come to mind, including the quality of the programs and the commitment and values of the organisation. However the thing I like the most is that Footprints is a local organisation that prides itself on working with people who are the most marginalised and in need, delivering an exceptional standard of care and support to better their lives and wellbeing. How do you feel Footprints makes a difference? People who live with homelessness, physical disability or frailty, and mental illness are some of the most vulnerable and isolated in the community. The work Footprints does to ensure essential contact, support and services are accessible to people in need is vital to help people to live ‘a life worth living’. The care and connections made by Footprints staff, and the positive impact this has on people’s lives is truly inspirational.

Bronwyn has extensive experience working in marketing, fundraising and event management across a range of sectors including not for profit, sport and social enterprise.   Bronwyn has held senior roles specialising in working collaboratively to manage and deliver innovative brand, product and technology solutions systems and processes, for a diverse range of stakeholders. In her current role Bronwyn is involved as head of a new social enterprise within a large Australian corporate. Bronwyn joined the Board in 2017 and is excited to have the opportunity to bring her expertise to the Footprint community.