Working together to address loneliness and mental health
OUR BOARD AND TRUSTEES
The members of the Groundswell Foundation board come from all walks of life and are united in their dedication to making a difference to people's lives. Read on to learn more about their unique skill sets.
MARTIN BLAKE
Chairman,
Groundswell Foundation Limited
Martin is an experienced frontline leader with over 30 years' professional services advisory experience in complex local, and global operating environments.
Martin was Chairman of KPMG NSW from 2012–2019. While at KPMG, he brought his leadership skills to KPMG’s Financial Services Advisory and Insurance practices, as well as its relationship with the NSW Government.
Martin holds a BSc Economics (Hons), a Graduate Diploma in Banking & Finance, is a Fellow of FINSIA and completed the Advanced Management Program at Oxford University.
Martin has coupled his extensive business experience to his strong commitment to supporting better community outcomes. He serves on a number of NFP Boards, including the Committee for Sydney, and Chairs the Advisory Board for the University of Sydney Business School. He previously served on the Advance board for eight years and the President’s Council for the NSW Art Gallery for seven years.
His raison d'etre is connecting beautiful minds to shape the future of Australia. He is a father to 17-year-old boy and girl twins, considers himself an avid sailor and is passionate about innovation, gender diversity and mental health.
PAULINE BLAKE
Director and Company Secretary, Groundswell Foundation Limited
Pauline's career has seen her take on a rich tapestry of roles. Her career began in the UK in conveyancing. Working for a Finnish textiles and clothing company, Pauline accrued substantial experience in marketing and distribution, sales, design and events.
Pauline relocated to Sydney in 1986 where she was involved with a construction industry start-up prior to establishing her own business services company that she sold two years later.
She continued her successful career in database design for legal technology in law firms, customer service and graphic design in advertising and finally into the lead learning and development role for a bespoke software provider. Pauline then took a career break when she become a mother to her twins.
Pauline brings together her experience and a desire to improve mental health outcomes for all Australians to the Groundswell Foundation board.
CATHERINE DEAN
Director,
Groundswell Foundation Limited
Catherine is a Partner in the Tax division with BDO in Sydney and has 20 years' experience advising on corporate tax matters with global consulting firms.
In her role, Catherine focuses on corporate and international tax working with both corporates and the NFP sector. Catherine regularly presents at industry seminars, including the Tax Institute of Australia, on corporate tax issues. She always seeks ways to use her skills for social good and is involved in ESG issues as they relate to tax, including designing the proposed National Food Waste Tax Incentive, a tax reform proposal for the environment, the economy and people in need. Catherine has been a mentor and Committee member of AUSIMM Women in Mining NSW for the past five years, an industry body that provides mentoring programs to women across NSW.
Catherine has a Master of Laws (Taxation), Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and is a solicitor of the Supreme Court in New South Wales, registered tax agent and a Chartered Tax Adviser with the Tax Institute of Australia.
Catherine is an inclusive leader who is focused on mental health both inside and outside the workplace and brings this passion to the Groundswell Foundation board.