Tony Manso
Board Chair
Tony’s professional career spans over 25 years of management consulting, strategy, accounting and taxation experience across a diverse range of industry sectors, encompassing multiple business functions at Board, strategic and operational levels.
Having served the major part of his inaugural professional years with KPMG, he has devoted the past 20 years as Founder and Principal of Manso Consulting, a Perth-based business management firm specialising in financial and strategic management.
Aside from his role with ERCWA, Tony currently also sits on a panel for the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation and acts as an Advisory Committee Member for a Private Family Office.
His educational qualifications and professional memberships include a Bachelor of Business Degree (Accounting and Business Law) from Curtin University, as well as being a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors, a Chartered Tax Adviser of the Taxation Institute of Australia and a professional member of the Australian Institute of Management.
Outside of the professional and not-for-profit arena Tony's interests include maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise through cycling, jogging, swimming and walking and enjoys a wide range of sports with a particular interest in European football and the AFL. Non-sport interests include family-centred activities, classic cars, music, cooking, reading and travel.
Rowena OByrne - Bowland
Vice Chairman
Rowena runs The Write Words Communications, a strategic copywriting and project management consultancy. The Write Words works with businesses to determine how best to communicate their core business via websites, tenders, award applications, marketing collateral, internal documentation, grants and so on. Rowena also regularly guest lectures at her alma mater, Curtin University.
With over 10 years of industry experience, Rowena first became involved in ERCWA in 2013 when she was approached to help write and edit our quarterly newsletter, The Eddie-torial. Rowena then joined our Profile, Fundraising and Events Committee (PFE) in 2015 before being appointed to the Board in 2016. She has since also become the PFE Chair.
Ira Gibbs
Treasurer
Biography coming soon!
Maria LoPresti
Board Member
Biography coming soon!
Aaron Dominsh
Board Member
Aaron is a trusted professional with 5 years' experience in restructuring, insolvency, forensic and management accounting services at Hall Chadwick Chartered Accountants. During this time, Aaron has been exposed to a range of industries and insights into the effective management of successful operations.
He joined ERCWA in 2013 and was involved as a volunteer leader, camp coordinator and representative of the volunteer leader committee. Through his role on the Board, Aaron is endeavouring to give back to the organisation that has helped shaped his character and expand his comfort zone.
Aaron also sits as the secretary of the Restructuring and Insolvency Network of Western Australia (RINWA) committee, which provides networking opportunities to young professionals in the insolvency industry, and volunteers his time at the Achievers' Club WA, where he tutors children between grades 1 and 12 in English and Mathematics.
Aaron has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Marketing) from the University of Western Australia, is a professional member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a professional member of the Australian Restructuring, Insolvency and Turnaround Association. In his free time, Aaron enjoys watching sports (especially his beloved West Coast Eagles), playing guitar, dishing up new cuisines and keeps active by running and hitting the gym.
Adam Neal
Board Member
Adam is a finance professional, manager and data expert. Adam has achieved success with a variety of national and multi-national organisations including Conrad Hilton, Casinos Austria, Crown Limited, Water Corporation (WA) and Perth Airport.
With over 30 years of industry experience in a diverse number of fields, Adam became involved with Eddie Rice Camps through his love of cooking. Since becoming involved as a cook Adam has embraced the ERCKWA core values and is passionate about the camps and programs.
When he is not at work or elbow deep in 60 portions of scrambled eggs, bacon and baked beans, you might be able to find him at home with his family and a constantly varying number of cats and ferrets. Or if the weather is fine, somewhere up in the hills on his motorcycle….
Kris Behets
Board Member
Kris is passionate about supporting not for profit organisations that assist Aussie kids to be kids, and support young people to become the best version of themselves they can be. She has cooked on a number of camps, played a Christmas elf at the kids Christmas party, enjoyed the celebrations of the annual ERC ball and hopes to continue this for many years.
The Behets Family Foundation supports a number of NFP organisations through financial and in-kind donations.
ERCKWA AMBASSADOR
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Kymba Cahill
Ambassador
Kymba Cahill is a Perth breakfast radio announcer (mix 94.5) with a background in acting, comedy, media and teaching. Kymba has been the ambassador for Edmund Rice Camps WA since 2016.
“Having spent years teaching children aged 5-18, I saw first-hand how children’s growth and development is affected by their environment. 4 years ago I was asked by a friend to host the Eddie Rice annual ball, which I was enthusiastic to do. That night, when I saw the real impact of the organisation, I put my hand up to help any way I can. I believe strongly in fostering healthy and supportive environments for kids, and this group did exactly that! Following that event, I was honoured to be asked to fulfill the role of ambassador and am proud to offer my time and experience to such a worthwhile group of people.
There is so much more to this group of volunteers, leaders and kids. I am excited to see the positive changes Eddie Rice WA continue to bring to the lives of children, their families and the wider community.”
ERCKWA STAFF
Kevin Knapp
Chief Executive OfficerKevin is the CEO of Edmund Rice Camps WA and has been in the role since November 2012. Prior to this role he was CEO of Hockey WA and had a long career in sport and recreation as coach, manager and player.
Kevin played hockey for Scotland and Great Britain and was a coach in the state and national hockey programs in Western Australia, having an assisting role at the 2000 Olympics.
Kevin has gradually moved from elite sport into community recreation and now into the specialised area of marginalised community services and the not-for-profit sector.
He's passionate about making a difference and has found in Eddie Rice a perfect opportunity to do just that.
Meg began working with ERC as a young volunteer leader and did her first camp in January of 2003.
After a brief interlude studying at WAAPA and working in the government sector, Meg took on the role of Manager Community Engagement in 2013.
Meg is passionate about the work that she does with Edmund Rice Camps and thoroughly enjoys attending camp programs and meeting the kids, volunteers and stakeholders.
When Meg isn't in the Eddie office she's playing Paw Patrol and painting masterpieces with her three year old daughter Estelle.
Meg will be on maternity leave from December 8 2019
Britany Hawker
Manager Community Engagement
Brittany started out as a kid on camps and moved into volunteering as a youth leader in 2013. Since then she has participated in many ERC programs, including camps, fundraising and committees. She has experienced first-hand the positive difference it can make in children’s’ and volunteers’ lives and is glad to be part of the Eddie Rice family.
Brittany worked in disability services as a support worker before moving to the UK and working in the mental health and homelessness sector for a couple of years. Since moving back, she has made the transition into youth services, and finds a lot of value in engaging with stakeholders and supporting kids to access programs.
In her spare time, Brittany loves hiking with her dog, restoring furniture, and local theatre. She is passionate about supporting community connection and opportunity. She volunteers with the SES and the local Repair Café.
Nicole Mancini
Manager Profile, Fundraising & Events
Nicole has 18 years of professional experience which has seen her heavily involved with project management, events, fundraising, stakeholder liaising, communications, volunteer coordinating and extensive community engagement. Nicole's varied work experience has given her the ability to effectively communicate and connect with children, young adults and adults on a professional and personal level. These skills have helped her gain invaluable knowledge of how to work and deal with a wide range of people in various communities and cultures. This knowledge has taught her how to treat others with compassion, equality and respect.
Nicole has an undying love for all things related to animals and animal welfare, she is her most happiest surrounded by her beautiful fur baby, family and friends.
Xavier Mitchell
Coordinator Volunteer Leader Services Xavier began his Edmund Rice journey as a volunteer leader in 2015. Since then he has led and coordinated on many programs including mega camps, mini camps, fun fests and Eddie on the Road (East Pilbara). He is passionate about the great work that the leaders do on the programs to allow the kids to be kids and facilitate an environment of fun, positivity and optimism.
When he isn’t in the office Xavier's interests include playing guitar, going camping and watching sports. He played for Western Australia in the Sunshine Coast in under 18’s Touch Football and was in the band Tulip Lane, which released an EP to Spotify and Apple Music. He is extremely passionate about making a positive difference, and was Service Prefect at Aquinas College several years ago.
Xavier has previously volunteered in Cambodia, The Philippines and Ecuador. With tasks such as building sanitary toilet blocks, teaching English and refurbishing schools affected by cyclones. He is also a regular blood donor at the Red Cross Blood Service.
Wesley Brooke
Volunteer Leader Committee Member
I started doing camps in January of 2017, and I absolutely
loved the experience. I immediately wanted to be more involved, and up until
now I've volunteered, coordinated, and helped out at multiple camps/events. For
2019 I was the Volunteer of the Year, an absolute honour to be recognised by my
friends and the organisation. Since that very first camp (and every other camp
after that), it's had a seriously positive impact on my life, and a lot of my
skills, morals, and values are attributable to what I've learned through
camps and the organisation. I've grown to love ERCKWA and everyone who is a part
of it !
Ben Bianchini
Volunteer Leader Committee Member
Having a passion for working with those in need, I became an Eddie Rice Camps Leader in 2017 and have since then been involved in multiple mega camps and other smaller activities run by the organisation. This year I'm striving to get more involved with the Eddie Rice community, while also pursuing my Bachelor of Nursing at Curtin University.
Dean Law
Volunteer Leader Committee Member
Hi everybody, I am Dean. I am currently a first-year university student and in my spare time I enjoy playing soccer, rugby and video games. I have been a camp leader since July 2017 and I have loved every second.
Edmund Rice Camps has been a life changing experience. It has changed my perspective on the life experiences of those within adverse situations. Furthermore, I love how Edmund Rice Camps is capable of bringing unique and different people together to work towards common goals and to leave a lasting impression on people.
James Loughnan
Volunteer Leader Committee Member
I started volunteering with Edmund Rice Camps in January 2015 before my final year at school. My original purpose when signing up was to complete my service hours. Since then, Edmund Rice Camps have been a huge influence on who I am today. Outside of volunteering I am a student studying Social Work at Curtin, a career pathway I’ve chosen from the influence of ERC. In my spare time I also play the bagpipes in a band and work as a pool lifeguard. I have had the opportunity to attend various types of camps the organisation has to offer. Each and every one of them has given me so much self-growth. Knowing you are making a difference and to be a positive role model is something so incredible. Joining the Volunteer Leader Committee was something I wanted to be a part of as I am constantly looking for ways to help the organisation, challenge myself and step up.
Maddi Horton
Volunteer Leader Committee Member
Hi! My name is Maddi, I was previous kid on camps and now a current leader.
The main reason why I volunteer; is because I want to give back to a community that has helped me grow so much. Also to help encourage the next lot of kids coming through camps to consider becoming a volunteer one day too.
I would love to be a part of the VLC as I believe I’d be able to provide further perspective on behalf of the kids, as I have come from similar circumstances as some of them.
I’m super excited to see what’s ahead for ERC in 2019!
Miranda Mitchell
Volunteer Leader Committee Member
Hi everyone! My name is Miranda and I have been with Edmund Rice Camps since January 2017. I absolutely love what Eddie Rice is about, but the thing that keeps me coming back are the people. The kids never fail to put a smile on my face, and the relationships you build with the leaders on camps is something truly unique and a big reason why I chose to become a coach at the end of last year. I love seeing the way leaders grow from the Eddie experience, and transform from the first to the last day of camp. I chose to become a part of the VLC to further my involvement with the organisation now that work commitments have decreased the amount of camps I can go on. I knew I wasn’t ready to let go of the Eddie family, and am excited to be a part of sculpting the organisation for the future.
Zoe Davidson
Volunteer Leader Committee Member
Biography coming soon!
Rowan Courts
Volunteer Leader Committee Member
For those who haven’t met me yet, my name is Rowan (Ro) and I have been a part of the ERC community since 2016. I currently work full time as a PR and Marketing Coordinator, however I love spending my spare time with ERC and enjoy jumping on as many camps as I can. I love the energy and happiness that the ERC bubble provides and the fact that we have that opportunity to assist with it is incredible.
I love the community environment that Eddie Rice provides, not only for the kids and families, but also our volunteer community. I’m excited to be a part of the VLC and start working with ERC in a new capacity, helping it as much as we can. I am excited and looking forward to see what goals and differences we can make as a new committee.
Maddy Haines
Volunteer Leader Committee Member
Hello! My name is Maddy and I’ve been involved in
Eddie rice camps since 2018. I got involved due to a love of both working with
children but also feeling like I’m giving back to others, especially when I’m
so privileged with my life.
The main thing that keeps drawing me
back is the pure happiness created on each and every single event Eddie Rice
does for everyone involved, especially the children. I can truly feel the Eddie
rice spirit carrying on not only in camps but also to influence my daily life,
career aspirations and other volunteering work. I’m super excited to be apart
of the VLC and be able to collaborate with all of these amazing people, and I’m
sure we will make a difference as a new committee.