Meet Lynda Dean, Deputy Chair of the NRCF Board and Chair of our Grants Committee. Lynda has been involved with the NRCF since inception and continues to volunteer her time and professional skills to support NRCF’s long-term vision and the culture that will support it.

What was the motivation behind your early involvement with the NRCF?

I have always believed that we need to create the community we want to live in, that no joy or success has meaning if it isn’t shared with those around us. I have lived in the Northern Rivers for 40 years, it’s my privilege to give back to the community that has nurtured me.

Many groups in the community have always been working to deal with social problems in our region with lots of energy – but they always need funding to enable that work. When I was Chair of the Byron Community Centre back in 2003, I called a meeting to present an opportunity for good hearted people, to come together and give back. Together, we formed the NRCF.

As a volunteer, what is the focus of your role?

As Deputy Chair of NRCF, I assist the Chair and our Board in shaping the strategic direction of the Foundation. I am also Chair of the Grants Committee, which calls on my background of 15 years in social work to lead the Grants team and ensure funding is directed where it is most needed. My background helps me make informed decisions when assessing the applications each year. In 2020, we reviewed proposals from 60 community groups. This is a very rewarding role, as studying the applications brings me very close to the front line where people are meeting community needs.

What do you believe is the most important role of the NRCF in our community?

It’s important that we educate ourselves about changing needs in the community to inform our grant making and to connect our donors with their beneficiaries. That relationship is critical in the creation of a cohesive community.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at NRCF?

Being associated with dynamic people among the donor group and even more among the organisations out there delivering the services that we fund.

Tell us something that people might not know about you.

I went to two Beatles concerts at Sydney Stadium in 1964 and have never recovered!