Zac Lewis. Chief Executive Officer

Zac Lewis’ role at Western Chances involves leading the organisation and working with the board to develop and implement Western Chances’ vision and mission. He joined Western Chances in December 2020, after more than 12 years working across the not-for-profit and government sectors. In his recent role as Food Programs and Partnerships Manager at Foodbank Victoria, he led Foodbank Victoria’s community food programs department, leading three teams across community development, food supply and school’s program delivery.

Zac is passionate about tackling social challenges and is committed to ensuring that young people facing financial, social, and cultural barriers are given opportunities to fulfil their potential. His Big Dream is to be a positive force in ensuring that everyone has access to education, regardless of their background or circumstance.

Betty Klonaris. Finance and Administration Coordinator

Betty Klonaris is the longest-serving team member at Western Chances, having joined the team in February 2006, not long after the organisation was established. She has seen a lot of positive changes and huge growth over the years. Prior to joining Western Chances, she worked in a large medical practice managing the day-to-day running of the surgery including the daily reconciliation and the preparation of medicolegal reports. At Western Chances, her role involves managing the key processes related to accounts receivable and accounts payable. She is responsible for reconciling bank accounts, paying scholarships, the scholarship acquittal process, entering donations and donor nurturing.

Over the years, she developed a deep passion for charitable work having experienced similar challenges in her teens as our young people. She can relate to our recipients and there is no better reward than knowing she has made a difference in their lives! Her big dream for the future is for education to be free and for all young people to have the same opportunity no matter where they live or which school they attend.

Frank Scifo. Corporate Partnerships and Events Manager

The Corporate Partnerships and Events Manager role involves working closely with the CEO to support Western Chances’ work to empower young people achieve their potential. The role combines strategy and operations to enable growth of Western Chances’ corporate partnership portfolio and more broadly to assist achieve our organisation’s strategic fundraising goals. Frank Scifo is responsible for developing relationships with current and prospective corporate partners to secure financial support and provide outstanding stewardship to ensure mutually identified goals and objectives can be realised. He is also responsible for delivering events and activations to increase the profile of Western Chances.

The first half of Frank’s career has involved sales, marketing and leadership roles spanning across the hospitality, tourism and business event sectors. As he embarks on the second half of his career, he strives to deliver impact and outcomes that will serve and strengthen his community.

Julie Noonan. Program Manager

Julie Noonan joined the Western Chances team in January 2023 having long admired the work the organisation was doing across the west. As Program Manager, her role is responsible for contributing to the development and delivery of the Scholarships and Links Program at Western Chances. Prior to joining Western Chances, she managed key community development projects at Berry Street, one of the largest Child & Family welfare organisations in the state, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and GenWest (formerly Women’s Health West).  

Having made a values-based decision to work in the not-for-profit sector for most of my professional career, and as a long-term resident of the western suburbs, Julie has a deep connection to my local community. Just as she has been afforded wonderful opportunities in life, her ambition is to create transformative pathways for others.

Rosanna Spanio. Program Manager Internships

As the Program Manager Internships, Rosanna Spanio is responsible for managing the newly launched Internship Program, which extends the support offered to our scholarship recipients as they transition from university to the workforce.

She has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, primarily in the arts, leadership development, disability, and health. She specialises in working for for-purpose organisations, focused on program and project development and implementation, with small but ambitious and impactful teams.

She is absolutely thrilled to be working with the Western Chances team! The opportunity to join an organisation that offers life-changing opportunities to young people in the community of Melbourne’s west in which she calls home, coupled with the opportunity to drive the development and implementation of this newly launched program, is an exciting combination.

Rosanna looks forward to working with our young people, as well as engaging with host organisations across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sector to drive positive impact.

Simone Tsantarlis. Program Coordinator

Having spent the past 14 years working in a P-12 school, the past 6 as the Career Practitioner, Simone Tsantarlis often voiced, that one of the highlights of her role was nominating students for Western Chances Scholarships. The joy, disbelief and elation when students were advised their applications were successful is euphoric! To have the opportunity to make a difference is a very special thing!

Simone loves all that Western Chances represents and feels very privileged to have joined the Western Chances team in January 2023. As part of the Programs team, she looks forward to meeting and engaging with the wider Western Chances community, their partnerships and supporters to grow and further develop the scholarship and Links programs.

Melanie Augustine. Program Coordinator

Melanie Augustine’s role at Western Chances contributes to the development and delivery of the Scholarship and Links Programs. With a background in Community Development, and influence of her lived experience, central to her work is a strengths-based approach underpinned by principles of empowerment, inclusion, social justice, self-determination, and redistribution of power; whereby young people are recognised as experts in their own lives and are empowered, resourced, and supported to play a decisive and influential role to realise their aspirations. Caring deeply about social justice, community well-being, and lifelong learning, Melanie brings her passion and transferable skills to support the Western Chances community.

Jillian Anderson. Program Coordinator Geelong

With Western Chances’ expansion into Geelong, Jillian Anderson took up the role of Program Coordinator for this region in January 2024. For over two decades, she has been a teacher in Geelong, at both State and Catholic secondary schools, where she was dedicated to my role of educating young people to enable them to transform their own lives and make a difference in their community.

Her involvement with Western Chances is a natural extension of this passion for helping others, especially those facing hardship and challenges.  She is delighted to be part of this dynamic team that seeks to assist young people to be empowered to thrive through access to education and opportunities, knowing that their growth will also ensure the development and progress of their communities.

Anthony Tran. Activations and Communications Coordinator

Anthony Tran, a Western Chances recipient of 8 years, joined the team in 2022 as an intern, which subsequently transitioned into a graduate position upon his completion of studies.

In his role as Activations and Communications Coordinator, Anthony collaborates closely with the Corporate Partnership and Events Manager to deliver Western Chances' activation and events programs. Supported by Western Chances' pro-bono marketing partner, Willett Marketing, he also spearheads the organisation's digital communications strategy.

Anthony deeply values the opportunity to engage in purpose-driven work with a dedicated and passionate team at Western Chances. This role allows him to give back to a cause that has profoundly impacted his life, bringing him immense fulfilment through meaningful collaboration.

Julia Gillard was the 27th Prime Minister of Australia and the first, and only, woman to serve in that role. Since leaving office, she has dedicated her time to education, advocacy, governance roles, and writing. In 2021, Julia was appointed Chair of Wellcome, a global charitable foundation based in the UK, which supports science to solve urgent worldwide health challenges. Julia is also the founder and inaugural Chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL) at King's College London and Australian National University, which through research, practice and advocacy, examines women’s under-representation in leadership. In 2014, Julia joined the Board of Beyond Blue, one of Australia’s foremost mental health awareness bodies, and served as Chair from 2017 to 2023. As a life-long advocate for increasing access to education, especially in developing nations, Julia was Chair of the Global Partnership of Education from 2014 to 2021. Julia wrote ‘My Story’, a memoir based on her experience as Prime Minister.  Her second book, ‘Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons’, co‑authored by Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, explores the challenges women face in leadership. Her third book, Not Now, Not Ever – 10 years on from the misogyny speech, was released in October 2022.

On accepting the role of Patron in January 2020, Julia said: “I have always believed that everyone has a right to the transformative power of a good quality education. Western Chances helps turn that right into a reality by making sure young people, who may not otherwise have the means, are able to access the education they deserve. I am delighted to be involved with Western Chances as Patron.

Terry Bracks, AM GAICD BEd GradDipAppSc. Founding Chair

Terry Bracks is a board member of the Melbourne Theatre Company Foundation, Patron of Heide Gallery and Patron of the Williamstown Literary Festival. She has been a board member of Breast Cancer Network Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive, the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and a Trustee of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust. Terry worked as a teacher in regional Victoria and as an electorate officer to Federal MPs. She received a Centenary Medal, was inducted onto the Women’s Honour Roll, awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Victoria University and made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2012.

Rosalind Willett, BEd. Deputy Chair

Ros Willett has previously held teaching and Principal positions in secondary schools, including development and provision of specialist education programs for disadvantaged young people. As Managing Partner at Willett Marketing, Ros has accumulated extensive managerial experience. Her experience includes sponsorship and event management, digital communications and education campaigns for corporate and government clients. Ros is Chair of the Theatre Works board and sits on the Marketing and Fundraising Committee. She is also a member of Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation Marketing and Fundraising Advisory Committee. Ros joined the Western Chances board in November 2004.

Patrick J Flannigan AM, BBus FAIM FAICD Dip. Treasurer

Patrick Flannigan has over 30 years of commercial experience in infrastructure and major events. He has held senior positions at CEO level with responsibilities for a wide range of activities including finance, operations and marketing. Patrick established Integrated Maintenance Services in 2000 and was founding Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Service Stream Ltd. He founded Utility Services Group and served as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director until 2015 when the company was acquired by an ASX listed company. He is currently Chair of the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, Chair of Vicroads (Registration, Licencing and Custom Plates) and is a Director of Vocus Communications. Patrick joined the Western Chances board in August 2004 and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2023.

Michael Nossal, B Sc, MBA, FAusIMM, MAICD. Board Member

Following a long career in the mining industry Michael Nossal is now a consultant and non-executive. He brings business development, strategy, management and leadership skills and deep experience in ESG matters. He is currently non-executive Chair of ASX-listed IGO limited. Through his involvement in mining projects across five continents, Michael developed a strong interest in community relations and development work, particularly with remote and First Nations communities. Michael joined the Western Chances board in September 2021.

Felicity Pantelidis, B Comm (Hons) AICD. Board Member

Felicity Pantelidis is the Deputy CEO at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and a Director of Eastern Health and Industry Fund Services. Felicity is a former Deputy Chair of the Royal Women’s Hospital and former Board Director of the Victorian Deaf Society. Her prior executive roles include Chief Operating Officer, Slater and Gordon Lawyers; and General Manager Consumer Finance, Marketing Director Consumer & Commercial Finance at GE Capital. At Telstra, she was Group Marketing Manager Mobiles and held other leadership roles. Felicity joined the Western Chances board in December 2013.

Tony Simpson, MEd BEd GradDipEdAdmin. Board Member

Tony Simpson is a Senior Education Improvement Leader in the South West Victorian Region of the Department of Education and Training. He works in the department’s Brimbank Melton Area with a focus on supporting the school improvement journeys of each government school. Tony was previously Principal of Copperfield College, a large multi-campus government secondary school located in Kings Park, Delahey and Sydenham. A Principal for 20 years, he has broad leadership experience in strategic improvement, predominantly in Melbourne’s western metropolitan region. Tony joined the Western Chances board in June 2015.

Celia Tran, BSocSc MAIntDev. Board Member

Celia Tran is an experienced policy and communications professional. She is an executive member of the Vietnamese Community in Australia (Vic), and member of the advisory board of the Dual Identity Leadership Program and Harmony Alliance – Australia’s peak body for refugee and migrant women. A strong human rights advocate, Celia’s awards include the 2015 Victorian Multicultural Commission Ambassador Award for Multicultural Excellence, the 2016 Australia Day Maribyrnong City Council Youth Leadership Award and the 2016 Premier’s Volunteer of the Year, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award. Celia joined the Western Chances board in April 2016.

Vu Long Tran. Board Member

Vu Long Tran is a consultant at Grosvenor Performance Group. He received his first Western Chances scholarship in 2012 whilst in year 9 at Melbourne High School. He was supported until 2018 when he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Melbourne. Long is fiercely passionate about youth empowerment, community growth and education. He has spent considerable time volunteering across a range of NFPs like The Australian Red Cross, Doxa, The Vietnamese Community in Australia, The Centre for Multicultural youth, Trinity College, The Skyline Education Foundation and The Dual Identity Leadership Program. He hopes to further grow the impact of Western Chances for its young scholars and create a connection between the current recipients and the scholarship alumni. Long joined the Western Chances board in February 2021.

Rachel Fastuca. Board Member

Rachel Fastuca is a teacher at Manor Lakes P-12 College. She has held leadership positions in the areas of Wellbeing and Engagement and at coordinator levels. She is currently a leader of FLIP - Flexible Learning Intervention Pathways in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay. FLIP is an interim education program in government secondary schools working towards reconnecting young people with their education. Rachel has a long standing connection with Western Chances. She has extensive experience as a nominator of students for Western Chances scholarships having successfully nominated over 160 students with new scholarships and has overseen the renewals and financial management for each of these.  She is also an auditor assessor for Western Chances scholarships. Rachel joined the Western Chances board in December 2023.

Zion Shane Abatayo FGIA, FRM, CPRM, PGDip Mgmt, B Comm/B Eng (Hons) 

Zion Shane Abatayo is an experienced risk and investments advisory professional. He is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, a Chartered Financial Risk Manager, and a Certified Practicing Risk Manager. His experience covers financial risk, compliance and operational risk management across financial services, energy transition, entertainment, and non-profit industries. Zion joined the Western Chances Finance and Risk Board Subcommittee in February 2015.

John Yiannis FCPA, FGIA, GAICD

A Senior Finance and Risk Management Professional with extensive experience in Senior Finance, Corporate Governance, Risk Management, Crises Management, Internal Audit, Corporate and Forensic Investigations, Global Security and Board Reporting within a global Australian (ASX) listed corporation. Excellent management and financial skills spread across all elements of international business within large corporations (covering manufacturing, retail, services, construction, public transport, transport and logistics and welfare services). Currently: Board Member and Treasurer of Yservices, Member of the Finance Committee for Western Chances and Member of the Finance and Risk Committee for Transparency International Australia.

Julia Truong, BFA

Western Chances has supported Julia Truong’s education and career pathway since 2008 by providing scholarships and personal and professional development opportunities. Despite enduring financial hardship, Julia has been focused and ambitious in relation to achieving her goals and dreams. Julia completed her Bachelor of Production at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) in 2013, majoring in Production and Stage Management for theatre events. During this time, she worked on various productions around Melbourne, including a placement in the production of King Kong the Musical. Since graduating, Julia has founded her own event management company, JT. Production Management.

From 2010 to 2012, Julia worked part-time in the Western Chances office as part of the Western Chances Links Program, helping in a variety of areas from administration to organising events. Western Chances now employs Julia to manage several events including the Scholarship Award Ceremony and the Good Business Forum. In 2016 Julia joined the Multicultural Business Ministerial Council, an advisory body to the Victorian State Government that provides important input from the perspective of culturally and linguistically diverse business communities. In 2016 Julia also won AustralianSuper Career Kick Start Award as part of the Victorian Young Achiever Awards. In 2017 Julia celebrated a milestone 10 years since she ran her first event. She now employs a team of 10 people and has created a strong portfolio of projects and events. Throughout 2018 and 2019, Julia's business has continued to thrive and the JTPM team are running events all over the country. Julia was the inaugural Young Ambassador and has officially transitioned to become our first ever Ambassador. We look forward to appointing a new Young Ambassador in the future.