Our Team

Catherine Freeman OAM

Catherine Freeman – One of Australia’s greatest ever and most loved sportspersons. The Olympic 400m gold medallist is the only Australian person in history to be awarded with both The Young Australian of the Year and The Australian of the Year. Catherine Freeman was also awarded the Order of Australia medal in 2001.

Catherine Freeman is known for her down to earth approach to life and her empathy with her fellow Australians. She has been a long-time patron of Cottage by the Sea and the Inspire Foundation and is now spearheading her own foundation to provide opportunities for all Australians to achieve their full potential. Catherine Freeman is seriously committed to the Catherine Freeman Foundation and feels compelled to assist in creating positive lives for Australians.

Andrew Cannon

Andrew Cannon is the Honorary Consul – Consulat de Monaco. He is a very keen sportsman and has represented Australia in Skiing, rowing, sailed in the America’s cup, trekked to Everest Base Camp with Sir Edmund Hillary’s son Peter and organised a trek to the North Pole for the Heart Foundation.

Andrew was employed by Merrill Lynch and worked in investment banking departments in Melbourne and New York prior to commencing his own investment company. He was seconded to write up planning and strategy documents for the Melbourne Olympic bid 2006 and fundraised in support of the campaign. Andrew is currently the MD of a Private Family Investment Company and has worked in a number of roles in philanthropic organisations including the Board of the National Trust. He is actively involved in the establishment of the Catherine Freeman Foundation.

Wesley Walden

Wesley is a Partner with strategic consulting firm McKinsey and Company where he works across a variety of industries in Australia and overseas. Originally from Far North Queensland, he has spent time in many of the indigenous communities in Cape York and the Gulf of Capentaria and is passionate about the region and its people. Prior to joining McKinsey, Wesley worked as an environmental consultant for 8 years. 

Svea Pitman

(B App Sci, M(Qual) Envtal Sci, JP)
Svea has been involved in remote indigenous community development for the past nine years after moving to Palm Island in 2000 and living there until 2008. During her time on Palm she worked for the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, the Coolgaree Community Development Employment Program, the Queensland Government as Principal Project Officer for the Government Coordination Centre for Palm Island and established a local community development charity, Bwgcolman Future Inc., of which she is still a Board member. Svea has been an avid supporter of the Catherine Freeman Foundation since its inception.

Richard Thomas

(B.Bus, CA, A Mus A)
Richard Thomas is a Partner at Melbourne based Jeffrey Thomas & Partners, Chartered Accountants. He has worked with not-for-profit organisations including The Royal Children’s Hospital, Starlight Foundation and Ronald McDonald House, and is also actively involved with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. Richard has been Treasurer of the Catherine Freeman Foundation since inception and has seen the Foundation grow from a start-up to development stage. Also a talented musician, Richard is keen to assist with music programs on Palm Island.

Carol Ross

Carol has an MBA from The Wharton School and brings with her a range of experience from companies such as General Electric, Procter and Gamble, AT Kearney, Telstra and The Boston Consulting Group. Carol believes in the power of sport as a means to inspire individuals as well as developing resiliency and life skills. She spent many years training as a gymnast and was twice national tumbling champion in the US. Carol's love of gymnastics transitioned to a love of dance where she is still actively involved. Carol is passionate about working with children and helping create opportunities for indigenous children via the Catherine Freeman Foundation.

Trish Yates

Born in the UK I came to Australia as a child and settled in Adelaide. Following my graduation from Business College I worked for a large finance corporation, assisted in the establishment of a Radio Station and also worked for the Australian Film Commission. I returned to University and completed a degree in Social Science and worked in the area of health promotion. I was involved in voluntary work during my early years and was a counsellor with Lifeline, and a mentor for girls in a secure institution. I also assisted running programmes for young male offenders.

Whilst in the UK I was involved in the health system and established the roll out of the medical audit programme before co-founding an IVF Unit in the UK and also one in Kuwait.

Following the completion of my daughters’ education I returned to Australia and made my home in Melbourne. I currently work 2 days a week and am socially involved in various groups. Hobbies include Mah Jongg, gym, theatre, walking and I admit to being a bit of a movie addict and an avid reader.

My daughters are independent now; one being a Communications Officer with the Government and the other a Structural Engineer, the dog is just spoilt!

The thought of growing old fills me with dread - so I have decided not to!