We appointed two outstanding women to the board of directors of The Chappell Foundation last month: Vera Poole and Lisa Sthalekar.

Vera Poole has worked for many years for international firms such as Coopers and Lybrand and Fragomen. A fanatical cricket follower, Vera also volunteers at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital and at Australia for UNHCR.

She passionately believes that The Chappell Foundation can make a positive difference in improving the lives of homeless youth and those at risk.

Lisa Sthalekar is an Australian all-rounder who retired from international cricket in 2013 after a 12-year career at the top. She is the highest all-time wicket-taker in the Women's National Cricket League, along with being the most capped player in the competition.

Off the field, Lisa is still heavily involved in cricket, as head coach for the Mosman men's grade club – the first woman in Australian cricket history to coach a men’s grade cricket team.

A passionate advocate for women’s equality in sport, Lisa is the first female appointed on the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) executive committee, as well as the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) board. She is an Ambassador for Adopt Change, Primary Club, The McGrath Foundation and Australian Rotary Health (mental health research).

Lisa is also a much-in demand cricket commentator for a number of networks the world over.

There is nothing to suggest that resources required for combating youth homelessness in Australia are going to eradicate the problem in the short term. It is a national disgrace and yet there is no cogent national plan to tackle it on a war-footing. We, at The Chappell Foundation, don’t believe that we can merely sit by idly, or watch helplessly, as the situation worsens.

The Board has finalised a handful of exciting fund-raising initiatives for 2018.

We are determined to make a difference, but can only do so with your help!

See the message of Patron Greg Chappell :