At Volunteering Australia, we recognise that our goals can only be realised through the collective efforts of a dedicated and empowered workforce, an exceptionally effective board, and the seamless operations of our organisation.
Our team, comprising dedicated employees and volunteers, embraces our vision to make volunteering the heart of Australian communities. We are united in our commitment to support one another and our members while striving to achieve the most significant outcomes for the volunteering ecosystem.
Mark Pearce
Chief Executive Officer
Mark draws on his extensive experience in the social purpose and commercial sectors to lead Volunteering Australia to build a stronger, more connected, and resilient Australian community through volunteering.
Prior to joining Volunteering Australia, Mark was a senior executive at the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples and held senior investment banking and institutional funds management roles with Goldman Sachs, JBWere, nab, and Macquarie Bank.
Mark holds a Bachelor of Science (Politics and International Relations (Hons.)) from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a Graduate Diploma in Human Rights from the School of Advanced Studies at the University of London and is currently studying for a Master of Public Policy at the Australian National University.
Driven by a strong belief in the transformative power of compassion, Mark applies his skills and expertise as a Non-Executive Director of Community Council for Australia, a member of the Emergency Relief National Coordination Group, and sustainable food company, Growrs Ltd. In addition to a passion for human rights, Mark is active in fighting for animal rights and is Deputy Chair of Australia’s leading animal protection organisation, Animals Australia.
Cindy West
Policy Director
Cindy has an insatiable interest in public policy and is proud to be part of an inspiring ecosystem of people and organisations who make a tangible difference in big and small ways every day.
She draws on 20 years Australian Government experience to shape and lead Volunteering Australia’s national policy, advocacy and research program; from the environment, sport and the care economy to emergency response and key advocacy platforms, such as the Federal Budget and Federal Election Platform, Volunteer Nation: Positive Impact, Strong Communities.
She has Executive oversight of Australia’s 10-year National Strategy for Volunteering.
Cindy worked on aged care reform, climate change, and child safety during her time as Policy Adviser at Volunteering Australia, before being promoted to Policy Director.
Cindy’s public sector experience is diverse, spanning executive roles with the Departments of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Veterans’ Affairs, Human Services and the Family Court of Australia. She also spent a year seconded to the Canadian Government and has represented Australia internationally on issues, such as foreign aid, trade and capacity building, in multi-lateral and bi-lateral fora, from Guatemala, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia to the United States.
She is a member of the Child Safe Sectors Leadership Group, convened by the National Office of Child Safety, and the UN COP31 Collaboration Group advocating for a whole-of-society approach to an Australian Pacific hosted COP.
Cindy is a published writer, holds degrees from the University of Canberra and Deakin University, and is an alumnus of the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership.
Andrew Richards
Operations Director
Andrew has strategic responsibility for delivering all of Volunteering Australia’s operations including, governance, finance, HR, and systems and is the Project Manager for the Volunteering Gateway.
He is a professional with extensive project management experience, collaborating with government organisations such as CSIRO, Transport, SES, and local government, as well as in education with RTOs, universities, and community colleges.
Andrew has successfully scaled a small business from a startup and holds qualifications, including a Masters of Business Administration, Bachelor of Communications, and certifications in computing, IT networking, Prince2 Project Management, and IAP2. Currently, he’s pursuing a Certificate IV in Training and Education.
On most weekends, he can be found either scoring local cricket matches, coaching a basketball team, helping with nippers or at school fundraisers.
Sarah Wilson
National Strategy and Policy Advisor
Sarah has expertise in volunteer involvement and not-for-profit strategy and governance. She holds degrees in Arts, Psychology, and Law and is currently completing her Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Psychology at the University of Western Australia.
Before joining Volunteering Australia, Sarah served as Policy Manager for VolunteeringACT for nearly a decade. She then elevated her impact within Volunteering Australia, serving as the National Strategy Director, moving onto Strategic Partnerships Director and now continuing her journey as National Strategy and Policy Advisor.
Sarah is a passionate volunteer as a Deputy Chair of Animals Australia, Telephone Crisis Supporter for Lifeline Canberra, and Research and Policy Volunteer for the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds. In her spare time, Sarah is a full-time carer to her rescue greyhound George, a tragic LA Lakers fan, and an adventurous spirit who spends her weekends diving with sharks.
Saman Herath
Senior Finance Officer
Saman supports Volunteering Australia’s financial operations, contributing to accurate reporting, strong internal controls and the efficient delivery of core finance functions.
Before joining Volunteering Australia, he worked across management accounting and financial operations within the ACT Government’s Community Services Directorate, Rexel Holdings Australia, the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society, and earlier at Ernst & Young (Sri Lanka). His experience spans budgeting, forecasting, month-end processes, performance reporting and strengthening financial systems and practices across diverse organisations.
Saman holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is an Associate of CPA Australia and a Chartered Accountant (Sri Lanka).
He brings lived experience and works to support children and people with disabilities through advocacy and opportunities for inclusion.
Sarah Guise
Senior Policy Officer
Sarah draws on 25 years of Australian Government policy experience in a wide range of areas including disability, communities, refugee resettlement and defence and national security. Sarah holds an Executive Masters of Public Administration from the Australian National University through the Australia New Zealand School of Government.
She brings deep insight to complex policy challenges; She also provides secretariat support for the National Volunteer Research Network.
Sarah is also a passionate and active volunteer with Canberra community radio station, Radio 1RPH.
Dr Christian Nyemcsok
Policy Officer
Christian brings a strong commitment to support the delivery of policy and advocacy projects. Prior background in psychology and public health, with a PhD in Philosophy at Deakin University. He is an accomplished qualitative researcher with a particular focus on reflecting the voices of lived experiences in policy and decision-making processes. He also has successfully published six academic papers as lead author on the topic of youth gambling determinants and harm prevention.
When Christian isn’t working, he can be found surfing, gardening, exploring the world, cooking and digging into European and Asian cuisine.
Anna Henderson
Digital Content Producer
Anna brings a wealth of experience in digital media production and a heartfelt commitment to using social media for social change. With a Bachelor of Media Arts and Production from the University of Canberra, she combines creativity and strategy to craft content that connects and inspires.
Before joining Volunteering Australia, Anna worked across events and communications, including as a videographer and editor in video production and as the founder of a small business amplifying diverse voices through media.
Starting at Volunteering Australia as a Communications Officer before stepping into her current role as Digital Content Producer, Anna leads the creative direction across social media, video, and digital campaigns, including National Volunteer Week. She is passionate about amplifying stories that highlight the power of volunteering and its impact on communities.
Rayan Millard
HR, Governance and Operations Officer
Rayan brings strong HR generalist skills having worked across several industries in the private sector, government and multinationals, in Australia and internationally. She holds a BA in Political Science and Public Administration, Masters in HR Management, and a Diploma in HR.
Rayan is a member of the Human Capital Institute (NY, USA) and the Australian HR Institute. As the HR, Governance and Operations Officer, Rayan is passionate about promoting a positive workplace culture, enhancing employee engagement and productivity, and participating in maintaining governance and compliance at Volunteering Australia. Rayan is an advocate of volunteering, and in her personal time, she volunteers as an American University Alumni – Australia Chapter committee member.
Volunteer Team
Currently, Volunteering Australia’s volunteer team consists of the following roles:
- Research and Policy Analyst
- Evidence Bank Curator
- Researchers
