Susan will continue to serve as a board director. Fiona joined the board in 2021 and the board has no doubt that Fiona’s extensive experience across government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors will be a valuable guiding force in her new role as chair.

After the resignation of two of our longstanding board directors Gaby Munro and Jono Spragg at our 2022 AGM, the board has been actively recruiting new board directors to replace them. We were pleasantly surprised by the calibre of the applicants for the open positions, and we also welcomed four new board directors to the board at our AGM.

Madeleine Church, Jason Linke, Yan Zhao and Freddie Gollan will join our existing directors in guiding the strategy and governance for Bondi Beach Cottage, we are excited by the expertise and energy each new director will bring to BBC. We also farewelled Whitney Brennan from the board, Whitney’s contributions over the past four years have been fundamental to the organisation and we are thankful for her contributions to Bondi Beach Cottage.

Introducing our new board directors:

Madeleine Church

Madeleine Church joined the Board in 2023, following nearly a decade of experience working in Government and advising state and federal Ministers, with a focus on domestic and family violence policy and reform. Outside the Board, Madeleine is a Senior Manager at Sydney-based consulting firm, C|T Group, advising clients on best outcomes for their industry group, not-for-profit and business. Madeleine brings experience in social, legal and domestic violence policy, coupled with extensive experience working with local, state and Federal Governments. Madeleine has a Bachelor of Laws and Public Relations from the University of South Australia.

Jason Linke

Jason Linke is a dynamic leader with 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Starting as a bartender down the coast to CEO of North Bondi RSL, his trajectory is marked by dedication and excellence.

Passionate about mental health advocacy, Jason’s impactful role as a lived experience speaker at Batyr expresses volumes about his devotion to making positive change. His influence extends beyond, including as Non-Executive Director at the RSL Club’s & Associations – Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge Board and membership at Club Managers Association Australia, now expanding to encompass his role at Bondi Beach Cottage.
Jason’s commitment to fairness shines through in his support for vulnerable communities. He is a four-year consecutive participant in the Vinnies CEO Sleep Out, raising over $55,000 to combat homelessness. Showcasing his fundraising prowess that will enrich his contributions to the Bondi Beach Cottage. With industry acumen and a heart for social change, Jason looks forward to the positive impact he will have on this organisation.

Yan Zhao

With a diverse background encompassing venture capital, finance, education, think tanks, arts, film, and real estate, Yan has deliberately transitioned into the for-purpose sector, seeking to dedicate her expertise where it can drive meaningful impact. Harnessing her extensive international marketing and business acumen, her focus lies in formulating and executing sustainable business strategies, fostering a philanthropic culture at all organisational levels, and enriching the communities we serve.

Yan holds a Masters in International Security (major in national and climate change security). She sits on a few board positions including the San Foundation.

Freddie Gollan

Freddie is a commercial lawyer with broad experience in private practice, ASX50 companies, and private enterprise. Currently, Freddie is General Counsel for a group of companies operating in Australia, North America, and Southeast Asia. Freddie has continuously sought to use his skills to help and advocate for at-risk groups, including providing pro bono legal advice to clients seeking compensation through NSW Government Victims Services, and as a volunteer solicitor at the Inner City Legal Centre in King’s Cross.

As a Bondi resident, Freddie is passionate about his strong and vibrant local community and is steadfast in his commitment to strengthening and preserving community service providers in the area for the benefit of local residents, and those commuting into the area to access them.