Mara Basanovic - Chief Executive Officer
Mara oversees the strategic direction of VWA, working at the local, state and national level to promote volunteering. She also provides strong leadership for the team at VWA.
We firmly believe that Mara knows EVERYONE, she has more contacts than the electoral roll!
Denise Bertilone - Research & Project Officer
Denise works on various tasks including research and policy development in this role. Denise provides support to all the project team and will be leading the re-established research committee.
Denise never says no to free food and drink. When Denise is not eating or drinking she can be found entertaining the staff with her infectious laugh and quick wit.
Jen Patience - Senior Manager, Services
Jen oversees the ongoing development and maintenance of the VWA and YVolunteer websites, the VIKTOR Online database and the VWA e newsletter. Jen also works with Mara on VWA funding reports and oversees the Services team consisting of volunteer services, membership, research, IT, training and development.
Jen's Scottish accent throws people so she now also answers to the names Jan and Janet!
Jenni Brown - Volunteer Hub Manager, UWA Student Guild
Jenni is the newest addition to the Volunteering WA team. Jenni will be based at the University of WA's student guild where she will run the first on campus volunteer hub in Australia. With the hub now open Jenni is busy, busy, busy.
There must be something in the name - Jenni is the third Jennifer to be employed by Volunteering WA in recent years.
Lorien Doherty - Volunteer Services Manager
Lorien looks after all our internal volunteers as well as our Joondalup Resource Centre. For anyone coming to us to find out more about volunteering Lorien is the first port of call. Along with our volunteers Lorien delivers community presentations and organises the promotion of our volunteer service.
Recently arrived from New Zealand Lorien is the kiwi representative on the VWA world team.
Margaret Andrews - Business Services Manager
As the Business Services Manager, Margaret has taken on this newly created role and will help connect Volunteering WA and corporate organisations.
Margaret LOVES desserts and is always first in line for something sweet.
Martha Barnard-Rae - Training & Development Manager
Martha is currently working on our Better Connections project. She also looks after all our training and development work.
Originally from Canada, Martha has yet to acquire a taste for Vegemite. She is also the keep fit queen and is always off to do some form of exercise.
Maurene Palmer - Executive Support Officer
Maurene comes to VWA from the government sector and provides executive support for the Board and senior management team. Along with the admin team Maurene also provides support and structure for the smooth and efficient operation of the VWA office.
Maurene hears several different pronunciations of her name everyday!
Melusha Robson - Project Officer
Melusha works with us on various different projects that come up. At the moment she is working in our youth and events team.
Melusha first joined VWA as a volunteer in 2008 and is also studying at university. We feel Melusha is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.
Patrick Cornish - Journalist
As Volunteering WA's media man Patrick works fast at producing media releases, newsletter articles, website information and various promotional material.
Patrick has a real dislike of the (mis)use of exclamation marks in writing, shame about that!!!
Peter Hopps - Senior Controller, Finance
Peter H. was originally hired to oversee systems and research development for the Enhancing Access program. However, his background in corporate accounting has since led him to take over as our Senior Financial Controller.
Peter's sense of humour (or sarcasm?) and smiling face are a welcome addition to the VWA team.
Peter McGinniss - Information Officer
Peter M. joined VWA as IRIS, our Internet Referral Information Service volunteer. Peter works with Denise, Robert and Jen making sure that VIKTOR (our membership and positions database) is always up to date.
Peter M.'s love of arts and culture has led to the formation of a VWA Social Committee.
Robert Solomon - IT Consultant
Robert works behind-the-scenes to ensure all electronic systems are operating properly. He also provides support to community organisations and VRCs that utilise the VIRA and VIKTOR programs.
Robert loves his x box and lives on Nandos food
Traci Gamblin - Senior Manager, Development
As Senior Manager Development, Traci oversees the development team, which includes corporate volunteering and youth program management. She liaises with key stakeholders in the business, youth and education sectors.
Traci works part time, spending the rest of the week being overrun by her young children's busy schedules!