Our People

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation is a Public Ancillary Fund (PAF) registered as a charity with the ACNC and the Australian Taxation Office and it has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.

Our professional Board of Directors donate their expertise and experience to the governance of a well-run, ethical and trustworthy organisation which we hope will give donors confidence that their donated funds will be carefully managed and divested.

The NRCF volunteer team comprises ten Directors as Board members, and several professional advisors who support the working Sub Committees. NRCF is also grateful to be able to employ four part time staff. The CEO is supported by the Administration & Finance Officer, a Marketing & Engagement Officer and our newly funded position Community Impact Officer.

I feel very strongly that we all should give back to our community in some way.

– John Callanan, Patron

John Callanan

Relevant experience: John is Founder and Managing Director at Tareeda Properties,  a family owned property investment and development company established in the 1970's. He first arrived in Byron Bay in 1972 and worked at the Belongil abattoirs, now with almost 5 decades experience in business and property he has brought a practical hands-on approach that has enabled the NRCF to expand its impact throughout the Northern Rivers. He joined the newly formed board of the NRCF in 2005 and served as Chair from 2013 to 2021. He also chaired the Byron Uncle project for many years, and offers rites of passage programs to teenage boys and their fathers since 2002.

Why I joined: I love the Northern Rivers and feel privileged to live in such a beautiful place. I feel very strongly that we all should give back to our community in some way. I want to work to create a more balanced region and I love the idea of community and the connectedness we all share.

What I do: Patron of NRCF; Member of the Investment Committee