Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today confirmed their inaugural Wanderers Foundation Development Committee.
The Development Committee of the Western Sydney Wanderers FC’s charitable arm, the Wanderers Foundation, is set to assist the growth and awareness of the club’s work in the Western Sydney community.
To view the Foundation Development Committee click here.
The Wanderers Foundation was established in 2020 and is a vehicle for the club to make a difference around initiatives that will make a positive impact in the community including Youth Development, Healthy Active Lifestyles, Female Football, Multicultural Engagement, Supporting Indigenous Communities, and Advocating for All Abilities.
The Development Committee comes from a range of backgrounds including Finance, Insurance and Business and are required to uphold the governance standards of the Foundation and Australian Sports Foundation, help shape our program strategy and build on our existing amazing group of donors.
Committee members include Executive Director of Business NSW David Harding, Managing Director of Transaction Banking at ANZ Banking Group Lisa Vasic, Executive Director of Business Western Sydney David Borger, Co-Founder of Larapinta Connect Andy Cornish and LGT Crestone Senior Partner Leigh Birtles.
Western Sydney Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer praised the appointments of the Wanderers first Foundation Development Committee.
“It is incredible to have the support of such industry leaders on the Wanderers Foundation’s very first Development Committee,” said Lederer.
“Each Committee member is of high calibre and brings a range of experience with them to help guide the future of the club’s charitable arm.
“We thank them for their eagerness and openness in being part of our ongoing work in the Western Sydney community.”
Executive Director of Business NSW, David Harding, leads an influential team of public and business policy specialists. David leads advocacy into all levels of Government on behalf of NSW businesses, and for almost 100,000 Australian member businesses. He also sits on the national group’s Executive Leadership Team.
He is an NSW Advisory Councillor to SmartNSW, and the 24 Hour Economy, represents customer’s interests at the Australian Energy Regulator and sits on a wide range of other trade and industry groups as well as government taskforces.
David is a Director of the national First Nation charity – Engineering Aid Australia, and also serves on the board of Apprenticeship Support Australia. He is Honorary Secretary of the Britain Australia Society.
David is proud to maintain valuable associations with many Western Sydney initiatives, including serving as advisory to the Western Sydney Collaborative Leadership Programme, sponsoring the Western Sydney Community Forum and the Casula Powerhouse Mil-Pra awards and, of course, being a long-term supporter of the wonderful Wanderers Foundation.
A submarine veteran, David also has many years’ experience leading deals, projects, programmes, and businesses in both the public and private sectors.
Managing Director of Transaction Banking at ANZ Banking Group, Lisa Vasic, is successful finance industry executive with more than 15 years of experience leading key areas of banking including Corporate and Institutional Banking, Transactional Banking, and Products.
As the Managing Director of Transaction Banking at ANZ Banking Group, Lisa leads the development of working capital and digital solutions for clients across ANZ’s international network and home markets in Australia and New Zealand. She has a proven track record of successful transformational leadership, establishing new businesses, and implementing digital strategies and distribution teams to help clients thrive.
Lisa’s inclusive leadership style prioritises developing the right skill sets in her team members and promoting successful, diverse teams to help customers, stakeholders and communities thrive. In 2023, Lisa was accepted into the Chief Executive Women’s network.
Originally from Auckland and growing up in Sydney’s West, Lisa’s values are shaped by the diversity and aspirations of her community, she has a strong belief in its potential as a place for people to grow, learn, and connect. As a foundation member and passionate supporter of the Wanderers, Lisa and her family are committed to the club’s success and supporting its role in the community.
Executive Director of Business Western Sydney, David Borger, is a passionate advocate for the growth of Western Sydney, David has been at the forefront of many high-profile advocacy efforts dedicated to bringing jobs to the region, keeping Western Sydney a competitive market for business, and championing the cultural, amenity and infrastructure investments required to provide our residents with a world-class place to work, live and entertain.
During his tenure at Business Western Sydney, David has been a key advocate for transformational projects including the approval of Western Sydney International Nancy Bird-Walton Airport, Powerhouse Parramatta, the Westmead and Liverpool Innovation Districts, the rejuvenation of Sydney Olympic Park, Parramatta Light Rail and West Metro.
Prior to this, David served as the Minister for Western Sydney, Minister for Housing, Minister for Roads, and Minister assisting the Minister for Transport and Roads in NSW Labor Governments. At 30 years of age, he was also the youngest person to hold the office of Lord Mayor of Parramatta where he served 3 separate terms.
David is currently a Director of Think Planners, Independent Chair of the Liverpool Innovation Precinct, a non-executive director on the boards of the NRMA and Evolve Housing, a Trustee of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, and a member of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority board.
Co-Founder of Larapinta Connect PTY, Andy Cornish, has been a lifelong football fan and was instrumental in helping set up the Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club in 2012.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Andy was the Chief Executive Officer of Green Flag when they became the first sponsor of the English National Football Team.
Andy has spent majority of his career in insurance having held titles of CEO of Direct Insurance and Chief Executive of Personal Insurance at IAG but has more recently pivoted to roles in vehicle safety and helping disadvantaged communities.
Currently, Andy holds roles as Chairperson for ANCAP Safety, Company Director for MLC Life Insurance, Non Executive Director at IAG and also is the founder of Javsoe which serves as a strategic constantly business to the insurance industry.
In the community space, Andy co-founded Larapinta, which is an exclusive experience for inspired leaders and executives who are committed to challenging themselves to step into a stronger expression of their purpose and legacy through a journey through the heart of Australia on the Larapinta Trail.
Senior Partner of LGT Crestone, Leigh Birtles, is a founding partner and member of the executive committee of the Wealth Management group. Prior to Crestone, he worked at UBS Wealth Management for over 14 years as an investment adviser and Executive Director and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management from 1998 – 2002.
As the senior member of LGT Crestone’s largest advisory team, Leigh provides investment advice to ultra-high net worth families, family offices and organisations.
Leigh has supported various charitable organisations including Board of Trustees, St Vincent’s Clinic Foundation, the Development Committee of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, SOHN Hearts & Minds Investment Leaders Conference, and the LBW Trust.
To find out more about the Wanderers Foundation click here.
