Anne Lowe

Chairperson and Secretary

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.

Pat Barrett

Deputy Chair

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.

Morris Massarotto

Treasurer

Morris was born in and lives in Griffith New South Wales with his spouse Therese.

Morris completed his Bachelor of Business in Wagga Wagga in 1984 and has worked as a public accountant for over 40 years, 32 years of which as a Principal. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA) and was a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).   

Morris is also a director and secretary of another local charity, the Griffith Base Hospital Pioneers Trust Fund, which supports the Griffith Base Hospital.

Morris enjoys being able to use his professional skillsets to help his local community and great organisations like Country Hope.

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.

Jenny Skidmore

General Director

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 was motivated to join the Board 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.