Help Build the Village We Wish Already Existed.Founding Board Directors | Shimmer & Whimsy VillagePro Bono Governance Appointments | Australia

What if we could change what happens to people after crisis?

What if, instead of expecting people to rebuild their lives while still struggling to survive, we created communities where housing, food, connection, practical support and opportunity were simply part of everyday life?

Where children could grow up surrounded by safety and belonging. Where people could rediscover their independence at their own pace. Where elders, families and individuals could contribute, learn, connect and thrive.

That's what we're building. And we're looking for people who want to help make it happen.

This is more than an idea.Shimmer & Whimsy Village began as a passion project driven by a determination to address a gap in our existing support systems.

It has since grown into an ambitious, carefully considered organisational model, with more than 2,000 hours of founder-led development already invested in bringing the vision to life.

Significant foundational work has already been undertaken, including:

- An integrated community and social enterprise model.
- Operational and organisational frameworks.
- Workforce structures and extensive training programs.
- Governance preparation and safeguarding frameworks.
- Financial modelling and funding strategies.
- Physical Village concepts and infrastructure planning.
- A staged development and national replication strategy.

The vision is ambitious, but we aren't starting with a blank page. We're now entering a critical stage of development: establishing the governance and leadership foundations that will allow this work to become a sustainable, accountable and ultimately operational organisation.

And that's where you come in.We're seeking passionate, capable individuals to join our Founding Board of Directors.

People who can see the potential in doing things differently.





People who understand that meaningful social change requires more than good intentions. It requires strong governance, sound financial oversight, considered decisions, accountability and the courage to challenge conventional thinking.

As a Founding Director, you'll have the opportunity to help shape the foundations of an organisation designed to grow well beyond its first community.

You'll contribute to the strategic decisions, governance standards and organisational safeguards that will determine how this vision moves forward.

This isn't about joining an established charity and maintaining the status quo.

It's an opportunity to help establish something from the ground up, with substantial groundwork already completed and an ambitious future ahead.

Who are we looking for?You don't necessarily need previous Board experience.

We're interested in people who bring relevant capabilities, thoughtful perspectives, sound judgement and a genuine connection to what we're trying to achieve.

Experience across governance, finance, law, human services, housing, safeguarding, disability, community development, business, property, construction, philanthropy, strategy or other relevant areas would be valuable.

We also recognise the importance of lived experience and the perspectives it brings to valuable decision-making.

Most importantly, we're looking for people who:

- Believe meaningful social change is possible.
- Can balance ambition with practical and responsible decision-making.
- Are willing to contribute their knowledge and experience.
- Can ask difficult questions and respectfully challenge ideas,



including those of the Founder.
- Understand the distinction between governance and management.
- Want to help build an organisation that genuinely lives by its values.

We don't need a room full of people who think alike. We need people who share a commitment to the purpose and bring different strengths to achieving it.

The commitmentThese are pro bono Board appointments, with Directors voluntarily contributing their time and expertise. Reasonable, pre-approved expenses may be reimbursed in accordance with organisational policy.

Founding Directors will be expected to participate actively in governance, prepare for meetings, exercise independent judgement and contribute to the organisation's responsible development.

We're looking for people who understand the responsibility of the position, but who are also excited by the opportunity it represents.

Imagine being able to say you helped build it.Not simply that you supported a charity.

But that you were part of the Founding Board that helped establish a different approach to community, housing, support and social connection.

An organisation designed not just to help people through their hardest moments, but to help create the conditions for a better life afterwards.

Our long-term ambition is to see Shimmer & Whimsy Villages established across Australia, creating lasting, generational change.

There is considerable work ahead of us.

But there is also considerable work already behind us.

We're ready to bring the right people around the table to help take the next steps.

Interested in becoming a Founding Director?We'd love to hear from you.

Please get in touch to request our Founding Board Expression of Interest Pack, which outlines the organisation, governance expectations and application process.

Help us build something worth being part of.

Shimmer & Whimsy Village

- Bringing the village back to the people that need it most.

📌 Founding Board Member (City of Ballarat)
🏢 Shimmer and Whimsy Village
📍 City of Ballarat