Why I’m passionate about Starlight
Each Starlight board member has their own special reason for volunteering their time and efforts…
Peter Butler
National Chairman, Starlight Children's Foundation
Managing Partner, Freehills
Starlight is a true pioneer. It strives to find new ways to help the children and their families we exist to serve. The staff and volunteers of Starlight are wonderful people who are absolutely devoted to helping where it is most needed. They deserve our support.
Jill Weekes
Chief Executive Officer, Starlight Children's Foundation
The kids are the most rewarding part of my job – I see so many children and families who, through no fault of their own, are confronted by real challenges. Fortunately, Starlight can help them smile, laugh and cope better. Having now been CEO for ten years, it’s been the most wonderfully rich, challenging and rewarding journey, and continues to be so. Working here reinforces my faith in human nature, and shows me the positive influence that Starlight has.
Ian Kennedy
National President, Starlight Children's Foundation
Director DM, George Patts Y&R
Starlight is truly there for the children. Once, I granted a wish for a 14 year old boy called Adrian who was dying from muscular dystrophy. Leaving his home one night after looking at the pictures of his father carrying him on his back into the porpoise pool, Adrian's mother said to me, ''it will be a wonderful place to go to when he's gone.” That we can help Starlight take children and families in despair to such places I find astonishing, humbling and rewarding all at the one time.
Graham Watman - Treasurer
Treasurer, Starlight Children's Foundation
Director, Catalyst Partners Pty Limited
I’m passionate about Starlight because we aren’t content with brightening the lives of a third of all seriously ill kids, but are constantly finding ways to reach every single seriously ill and hospitalised child in Australia. It’s not an easy task, but with everyone’s support we’ll be able to research the needs of these children and their families, bringing them happiness when it’s most needed.
Laura Anderson
Chairman, Strategic Vision Global
Independent Company Director
It is an honour and a privilege to be associated with Starlight. I hope that I can assist Starlight in achieving their mission of reaching '3 out of 3' seriously ill children and their families to make a difference in their life when they least expect it but need it the most. The greatest reward for me is to see a genuine 'smile from the heart' on the face of a seriously ill child. For me, it’s all about people…
Alison Deans
Executive Director Operations, netus Pty Ltd
As a mother of three young children I’ve seen the power of Starlight programs. Strengthening the spirit through laughter provides a potent complement to medicine and a great reminder for me to treasure the laughter, spirit and health of my own children and all people.
Neil Flett
Chairman, RogenSi IP Ltd
The chance to assist a wonderfully-motivated and professional team in bringing happiness back to the lives of seriously ill children and their families is an honour. The challenge now is to extend Starlight’s services to the hundreds of thousands still untouched by the many Starlight services.
Phillip Hennessy
Queensland Chairman, KPMG
I was naturally drawn to Starlight as its focus and initiatives allow me to make a 'right now' difference to those children and families facing extra challenges. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see the smiles when the word Starlight is heard, then I know we are truly making a difference.
Stephen Johnston
Senior Client Partner, Korn Ferry International
I have long been inspired by the work of the Starlight team and their unwavering commitment to their purpose of 'brightening the lives of sick and hospitalized children'. Without the work of organisations such as Starlight it can be very difficult for children and their families to see a light in the dark during these painful and often stressful times – and so the need for such work is profound. It is a privilege to add my voice and endeavour to the pursuit of such a profoundly important mission.
Doug Jukes
Global Head - People, Performance & Culture, KPMG
I'm passionate about Starlight because I've witnessed our ability to lift the spirits of seriously ill children, right when they need it the most. Starlight works in conjunction with the medical profession and provides a total approach to care using our innovative programs of distractive therapy. For two decades, Starlight has delivered happiness to critically ill and hospitalised children and I know that this is an essential part of the healing process.
Carolyn Kay
Company Director
The benefits of the happiness that Starlight brings to these children and their families is evident time and time again and in most cases has a positive impact on the child’s [medical] treatment.
Kieren Perkins
Director, Rogen Si IP Ltd
From my own personal experience, after having a serious accident in my childhood, I understand the stress, discomfort and loneliness that hospital treatment brings. Having been on the Board since 2002, I have seen first-hand how Starlight can immediately put a smile on the face of a very sick child, and for me, it is vital to ensure that Starlight’s work can continue in meeting the needs and increased demand of all seriously ill and hospitalised children in Australia.
Professor Les White
Executive Director, Sydney Children's Hospital
The wonderful services provided by Starlight are key components in the provision of total care. These services not only change the hospital and illness experience for so many children and their families, but also enhance the capacity of health professionals and the health system in delivering the best possible care.
