About Bendigo Health Foundation

Our purpose
To raise funds to support and advance the provision of high-quality healthcare for patients from Bendigo and the Loddon Mallee region.

Bendigo Health Foundation funds projects that are above and beyond what government funding provides and does not contribute to hospital operating costs. Principal activities include fundraising for:

- medical and healthcare research and innovation

- new capital equipment

- upgrading and building healthcare infrastructure and facilities

- scholarships and the appointment of key personnel

- developing and delivering innovative healthcare programs.

Legal and charity status

- Company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth); the members of the company are its directors

- Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) as a Health Promotion Charity

- Endorsed by the ATO as an income tax exempt charity and an item 1 Deductible Gift Recipient

- Bendigo Health Foundation is an entirely independent organisation. It is a separate legal entity from Bendigo Health, with its own constitution, Board, staff and finances. It works collaboratively with Bendigo Health to understand where philanthropy can make the greatest difference.

Role of the Board

The Board governs the Foundation so it can pursue its purpose successfully and comply with its Constitution and the law. It sets direction and provides oversight whilst the Executive Officer and staff manage day-to-day operations.

Under the Board Charter, the Board's key responsibilities are to:

1. set strategies, plans and policies that advance the Foundation's purpose and protect its charity and tax status

2. approve operating budgets and sources of funding

3. implement, monitor and review systems of risk management and ethical and legal compliance

4. ensure the Foundation keeps proper written and operational records

5. monitor and review its own performance

6. ensure the Foundation is accountable to its stakeholders, including donors and the community

7. monitor and evaluate performance and impact against the Foundation's purpose and plans

8. oversee the integrity of financial and other reporting.

The Board also sets the role and performance expectations for the Executive Officer and monitors performance.

Key relationships: Board Chair, fellow directors, Company Secretary, Foundation Executive Officer and team, Bendigo Health, donors and corporate partners, and the Loddon Mallee community.

Director responsibilities

Each director contributes independent judgement to Board decisions while keeping a governance, rather than operational, focus.

What we ask of directors

- Prepare for and attend Board meetings,



reading papers and seeking more information where needed

- Attend at least 75% of meetings; the Constitution provides that office is vacated after three consecutive absences, or four in a year, without leave

- Complete actions delegated at meetings

- Act as a sounding board for the Executive Officer and Foundation team on strategy and program development

- Draw on your networks and provide any appropriate introductions for the Foundation, subject to declaring any conflict of interest

- Act as an ambassador, and as a spokesperson when asked, in media and communications activity

- Attend key Foundation events where possible

- Keep all Board papers and discussions confidential

Legal duties

Directors are officers under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and Responsible Persons under the ACNC Governance Standards. Each director must:

1. act with reasonable care and diligence

2. act honestly, in good faith, in the best interests of the Foundation and for its charitable purpose

3. not misuse their position or information gained as a director

4. disclose and manage any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest

5. ensure the Foundation's financial affairs are managed responsibly

6. not allow the Foundation to operate while insolvent.

Current directors sign an acknowledgement of the Board Charter, including its Conflict of Interest and Related Party Transaction policies.

Skills and experience sought

In this recruitment, the Bendigo Health Foundation is seeking senior experience in one or more of five areas. Applicants do not need to have experience in all five areas, and the Board is assessed as a whole.

Legal

Commercial, charity, property or estates law; regulatory compliance; contract and risk advice

Financial

Accounting, audit or financial management; reading and testing financial statements; investment and endowment oversight

Governance

Non-executive director or senior executive experience; Board processes, risk frameworks and policy; ACNC and Corporations Act obligations

Marketing

Brand, communications, media or digital marketing; community engagement; donor and corporate partner relationships

Strategy

Strategic planning and execution; business development; growing revenue and building long-term financial sustainability

Desirable but not essential

- Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)



or equivalent governance training

- Networks across the Bendigo and Loddon Mallee business, philanthropic and community sectors

- Knowledge of health services, philanthropy or fundraising

Personal attributes

- Integrity: acts ethically and independently, and puts the Foundation's interests before personal interests

- Curiosity and courage: asks the hard questions and contributes to robust, respectful debate

- Collaboration: works well as part of a team, listens well and communicates clearly

- Commitment: a genuine interest in better healthcare for our region and the time to contribute actively

Time commitment and term

Approximately around 2–3 hours a month, including meeting preparation.

- Board meetings: six a year, held every two months, each around 1.5 hours

- Format: hybrid. In-person attendance in Bendigo is encouraged wherever possible, and online attendance is available

- Committees: directors are not required to sit on committees at this stage, but this may change as committees are established, if the need arises.

- Events: attendance at Foundation events is welcome and encouraged but optional

- Term: three years. Directors review their contribution with the Chair at the end of each term and may be reappointed, up to a maximum of nine years

Eligibility

Under the Constitution and Board Composition Policy, directors must:

- not be disqualified from managing a corporation under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)

- not be disqualified from being a Responsible Person by the ACNC Commissioner

- hold a Director Identification Number, or be willing to obtain one before appointment

- sign a consent to act as a director.

Applicants should disclose any interests that could create an actual, potential or perceived conflict with the Foundaton.

What we offer

- The chance to shape philanthropy that brings better healthcare closer to home for the Loddon Mallee region

- Indemnity under the Constitution, and directors' and officers' insurance where the Board considers it appropriate

- Reimbursement of approved out-of-pocket expenses

- Governance experience on the board of a growing regional charity, working alongside respected local leaders

How to apply

Send your application to Shaun Spence, Executive Officer, Bendigo Health Foundation, by 5:00pm (AEDT) on Monday 16 November 2026. Please include:

1. a cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining your interest in the Foundation and which of the five skill areas you would bring

2. your current resume or CV.

Email: ••••@bendigohealth.org.au

For a confidential conversation about the role, contact Bendigo Health Foundation Chair, Trevor Elliott on 04•• ••• 240.

📌 Volunteer Board Director (Bendigo)
🏢 Bendigo Health Foundation
📍 Bendigo