Moira Kelly AO - Founder, Director
Moira Kelly AO has dedicated her life to the service of others. She was inspired to look after the less fortunate when at the age of 7 she saw a video of Mother Theresa. At the age of 20, she left home to work with Aboriginal children in Western Australia. So began a lifetime of supporting the least fortunate children and families overseas and locally. Moira has worked on numerous humanitarian projects with desperate and sick children and adults overseas and in Australia. She has been recognised with many community, national and international awards for her humanitarian work. She was 2013 Victorian of the Year and her work has been the subject of two documentaries; A Compassionate Rage and Brothers in Arms and a Foreign Correspondent story.
Sara Pantaleo - Chair, Director
CEO of La Porchetta , Sara Pantaleo drove growth of the brand from only 12 outlets in 1996 into the largest, licensed, a-la-carte restaurant franchise in Australasia today by building systems and process that enabled the company to expand without compromising its core family values and culture. Sara was national Franchise Woman of the Year in 2010 and a Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Victorian finalist in 2012. She has served on the Franchise Council of Australia state and national Boards and is a member of the Family Business Association of Australia. Sara is passionate about the welfare of children and families and she has supported Moira Kelly’s work for many years. Most recently she coordinated the renovations to the inner Melbourne home where Moira supports the children and families who come into her care.
Louise Ward - Director
Louise Ward is the owner of Yarra Valley Estate a multi-award winning wedding, function and conference venue. Yarra Valley Estate, running for over 20 years, is an environmentally sustainable venue and during 2015 was awarded the Victorian Premier’s Award for Sustainability for small to medium Businesses, a United Nations World Environment day Award for sustainability and a ‘most Inspiring’ business award from River and Ranges Community Leadership program. Louise brings her skills and knowledge as a successful business owner to the board. She has been working with Moira for over two decades in various humanitarian missions and supports her husband John’s own humanitarian work in Papua New Guinea.
Louise Ward - Director
Louise Ward is the owner of Yarra Valley Estate a multi-award winning wedding, function and conference venue. Yarra Valley Estate, running for over 20 years, is an environmentally sustainable venue and during 2015 was awarded the Victorian Premier’s Award for Sustainability for small to medium Businesses, a United Nations World Environment day Award for sustainability and a ‘most Inspiring’ business award from River and Ranges Community Leadership program. Louise brings her skills and knowledge as a successful business owner to the board. She has been working with Moira for over two decades in various humanitarian missions and supports her husband John’s own humanitarian work in Papua New Guinea.