Casey Kaminskyj, Chair

Casey is a GM within the utilities sector and has key leadership & transformation experience across a range of private and government enterprises. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Business & Diploma of Management. Casey joined the Wombats Wish Board 2019 after first becoming involved with the organisation through a community grants program in 2017 and connecting with our Vision. An avid traveller and sports fan, if she’s not working, wombating or with loved ones (and in the country) – you’ll find her at the footy or in the water.

David Trott

David Trott is a commercial sales and marketing leader with more than twenty years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Business, Master of Business Administration and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. David is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Companion Member of Engineers Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute.
David joined Wombat’s Wish as a board member in 2014. He is passionate about the cause and dedicated to its aim of being the leading service for parentally bereaved children across the state of Victoria.

Simone Shannon

Simone, a compassionate accountant with over 17 years’ experience, and currently Founding Director of Ascend Accounting and Advisory in Geelong. Simone’s dedication to her clients goes beyond numbers; she deeply values the personal connections she forms, especially with those who have experienced grief. Having previously served on charity boards, Simone is thrilled to join the Wombat’s Wish team, where she aims to expand the charity’s reach to support more vulnerable children coping with the loss of a parent. As a mother of two, Simone understands the importance of providing comfort and stability to families in difficult times. With her expertise and passion, Simone is committed to helping Wombat’s Wish make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Peter Burke

Hi, my name is Peter. After 16 years as a secondary teacher I moved into Financial Planning in 1996 and am one of the 2 Directors of our business, BURKE BRITTON Financial Partners in Geelong West.

I am delighted and privileged to have recently been approached to join the Wombat’s Wish Board. We as a family and a business have had a strong commitment to the great work of Wombats Wish for some time now.  This very personal commitment is due to the fact that sadly two of my sons have been taken from us way too early, leaving young children without Dads.

I sincerely look forward to being able to assist the growth and capability of Wombats Wish in order to be able to provide invaluable guidance and support, for many more young people who have/are suffering through the horrible loss of a parent.

Jo Betz

Jo Betz is the author of Grief – a guided journal and a passionate advocate for giving grief a voice within our community, having experienced the sudden death of her own husband in 2017. Jo is also a marriage celebrant and the co-founder of Ivory Tribe, a digital wedding publication and a mother to her gorgeous 8 year-old daughter.

Hannah Dawes

Update coming soon

Marnie Holden

Marnie is a Clinical Psychologist with a background in Social Welfare. Marnie specialises in the assessment and treatment of children, young people and their families, and has been practising throughout Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula for over a decade. Before joining our Board in in 2018, Marnie served as a Team Leader at our Wombat’s Wish Weekend Camp program.