New chairperson for foundation

NEW CHAIR: The Stand Like Stone Foundation has a new chair, with Georgie McKay taking on the role. Picture: Supplied

The Limestone Coast’s only community foundation, the Stand Like Stone Foundation, has announced Lucindale’s Georgie McKay as its new chairperson.

Stand Like Stone Foundation CEO Mr Roger Babolka said with the recent stepping down of Mr Robert Mock, who was the Foundation’s chair for three years, the board formally appointed Mrs McKay to the key role last month.

Mrs McKay is no stranger to the Foundation, holding the position of executive \officer of Stand Like Stone from 2012 through to 2020, and over the eight years was at the helm of the organisation during a period of significant growth.

Mrs McKay had recently returned to the foundation, taking up a directors position in the second half of 2023.

Mrs McKay is a member of Impact100 SA, was the 2016 recipient of the Australian Community Philanthropy Award for Excellence and Achievement and a former Non-Executive Director and Treasurer of Community Foundations Australia, the peak body for Community Foundations in Australia.

“I am honoured to be appointed as the fourth chairperson of the Stand Like Stone Foundation and I am looking forward to working with both the board and the executive team to grow the foundation for the Limestone Coast community,” she said.

“I’ve had the privilege of working under previous chairs Sue Charlton and Bill DeGaris, and more recently having sat on the board with retiring chairperson Robert Mock.

“I hope to draw from their exceptional leadership and bring renewed energy and strategic focus.

“It’s an exciting time for Stand Like Stone and I can’t wait to get things underway,” said Mrs McKay.

Mr Balboka said Mrs McKay has a wealth of knowledge and experienced in the philanthropic sector.

“Georgie also brings to the Foundation strong technical understanding and practical experience in the operation of community boards,” he said.

“It’s also appropriate that we take time to acknowledge efforts and commitment of the retiring chairperson, Robert Mock.

“Robert was with the Foundation for over 10 years and will certainly be missed, but I know he’ll continue to be a strong advocate for the Foundation,” said Mr Babolka.