Kerry Flinn

Chairman

Kerry became involved with Country Hope in 2003 – firstly, as a carer and then in 2005 he was invited, and gladly accepted, to join the Board of Directors.  Kerry became Chairman of the Board in 2015 after being nominated by the existing Chairman, John Studdert, who wished to have more time to travel.

Married to Kaylene, Kerry has six children and ten beautiful grandchildren, Kerry has had a very interesting, varied and successful career, including the hotel and club industry for over seventeen years, and the real estate industry for approximately thirty years.

Kerry has also been heavily involved with the South Wagga Wagga Rotary Club for over fifteen years, being a past President and a Paul Harris Fellow.  He is a Life Member of the Wagga Wagga Brothers Rugby League Football Club and held the positions of Vice President and President and was also a major sponsor of the club.

Kerry is extremely passionate about Country Hope and the great work they do.  He feels very strongly that the money donated and raised in this region stays in this region, supporting children diagnosed with cancer and other chronic life threatening illnesses and their families in Southern New South Wales and North East Victoria.

Pat Barrett

Deputy Chair & Secretary

Pat and his young family reside near Mangoplah and he works as a solicitor at Walsh and Blair Lawyers in Wagga Wagga.

In 2010 Pat was introduced to Country Hope through his role on the Wagga Wagga Picnic Races Committee, which has donated over $300,000 to Country Hope since it was established in 2003.

Sally Whitley

Treasurer

Sally is the finance manager of Wagga RSL Club. She is a CPA and registered company auditor. Sally is a Riverina local and has worked in the Wagga Wagga accounting and financial industry for over 25 years. Sally joined the Country Hope Board of directors in 2017 and has the position of Treasurer. Sally lives with her husband and three sons on a farm in the Mangoplah area.

Ged Madden

General Director

Ged has been involved with Country Hope since it’s inception and was a founding member of the first board in 2003.

A key supporter and volunteer of the annual Country Hope Camp, Ged is a well known figure amongst the families that Country Hope has supported throughout it’s long history.

Anne Lowe

General Director

Anne is a long-term resident of this region and is married with two daughters. 

Having enjoyed an extensive  career in vocational education and training, and as a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Anne is now focused on providing support to the community through her involvement in not-for-profit organisations. 

Anne is particularly drawn to the work of Country Hope because of its focus on regional areas and its commitment to providing practical and timely assistance to families in need.

Inspired by the work of the organisation, Anne is excited by the opportunity to add support to the impact that Country Hope makes.

Jenny Skidmore

Fundraising Coordinator

Jenny (along with her husband Richard) is originally from Edinburgh, Scotland. She moved to Sydney, Australia in 2012 at just 21 years old, and in 2014 made the move to Wagga Wagga.

Jenny and Richard are local business owners with a keen interest in giving back to their community. Together they have two young daughters, Jessica and Rachel.

Jenny has a Diploma in Events Management and from a young age has been involved in voluntary work with various charities. Jenny is keen to bring her experience and some fresh ideas to the Wagga Wagga fundraising scene and hopes that she can achieve this by supporting Country Hope and the incredibly important work they do.

Kirsty Fenton

General Director

Kirsty has lived in North-East Victoria most of her life and is passionate about helping regional communities.

She brings her experience of grant management and program evaluation developed during her career in the public service, and knowledge from owning several small businesses. 

Kirsty is our newest Director, joining in late 2023, after seeing the positive impacts of Country Hope in supporting children and their families.

Andrew Walsh

General Director

Born and raised in Wagga, Andrew has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years, holding various roles including mechanic, sales, and spare parts. 

Married to Louise, who is the driving force behind their fundraising activities, Andrew and his wife have two teenage children. In 2016, Andrew established his own business, Andrew Walsh Mechanical Repairs.

In 2017, Andrew and Louise became involved with Country Hope's fundraising efforts, participating in their first Riverina Outback Rally. This involvement was spurred by the diagnosis of a friend's son with neuroblastoma, and the life-changing support that Country Hope provided to the family during the child's treatment and care.

Thrilled to join the Country Hope board in 2023, Andrew is eager to help the organisation continue its mission of supporting families in need within the community.

KERRY PASCOE

Former Director

Former Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga.  Owner and operator of Pascoe Constructions, Kerry was a dedicated member of the Board of Country Hope since 2012.

SIMONE EYLES

Former Director

What started as an idea "wouldn't it be cool to order a coffee on your phone" between two mates has turned into a global tech company, with the flagship 365cups.com the order ahead Apps that can be white labelled and franchised. Simone is also a published author with her book Kidney Kidnections sharing stories of Australian Families whose children have Kidney Disease. Simone's son Josh had a rare kidney disease and underwent successful transplant surgery in 2012.

JOHN STUDDERT

Former Chairman

After retiring as a successful businessman John became a valued member of the Board of Directors in 2005 and became the Chairman of Country Hope in 2006. 

Married to his wife Carol, he and his family reside in Wagga Wagga.  John is passionate about ensuring that our regional families are supported when going through hardship.  Through his generosity and compassion he continues to deliver the mission of Country Hope to children diagnosed with cancer of other life threatening illnesses in Southern NSW and North Eastern Victoria.

DIANNA SOMERVILLE

Former Director

Dianna Somerville is the founder and director of Regional Grants, Tenders and Corporate Services. Her passion for regional Australia coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit has seen Dianna become a voice for innovation in the bush.

Dianna is also the founder of Regional Pitchfest, Agrihack, Bush Angels and the ROPE program. Born and bred in the Riverina, she has a sound understanding of the regional community. She currently resides with her husband and two children on their sheep and cropping farm in the Riverina.

As former Managing Director of 2WG Radio Wagga Wagga and retired business woman, Yvonne was one of the founding members of the Board of Directors for Country Hope.  She dedicated her time to Country Hope by promoting its imperative Vision. 

SETCHEN BRIMSON

Former Director

ANGELA CROFT

Former Director

JEN SPAIN

Former Director