Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has welcomed the appointment of two familiar community-minded Novocastrians to the Foundation’s Board.

Current Chair, who was appointed in 2020 after serving on the board for four years, Jennifer Leslie made the announcement – expressing excitement over the latest Board additions.

“We are thrilled to announce that NBN News Presenter and Journalist, Natasha Beyersdorf and former Newcastle Knights Rugby League Player, Ashley Gordon will lend their experience and support to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s Board from today,” Jennifer announced last week.

“Both Ashley and Natasha are well-known across Newcastle & the Hunter and in Regional NSW for their community advocacy, charity work and support for endeavours to assist disadvantaged people, particularly within disability and community sectors.”

The pair join the Charitable Foundation in a milestone year, with the Foundation expecting to reach a total of 500 community projects funded since its inception in 2003.

“In the last 17 years we’ve been able to distribute over $22-million in community funding to more than 270 organisations which are working to improve the lives of people across Newcastle Permanent’s footprint,” Jennifer said.

A media professional with nearly 30 years’ experience, Natasha brings significant media and charity sector experience to the Foundation Board.

Ashely holds diverse experience in the charities sector and a deep understanding of the value provided by various charitable services to disadvantaged and marginalised communities.

Commenting on their appointment, Natasha and Ashley said their desire to join the Foundation Board stems from their awareness of the great work the Charitable Foundation has done since its inception to help charities and community groups to reach their goals, particularly those that may not otherwise gain attention or funding.

“I’m passionate about making a real difference in our community and the Charitable Foundation has a great track record of doing that – supporting those most in need, when they need it most,” Natasha said of her appointment.

“I will bring all my energy to the board role and hope my experience across the charitable sector over several decades will make for a valuable contribution.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with a range of organisations and individuals within our community and see this as a chance to extend that goal, to make a meaningful difference,” she added.

“I feel a strong alignment with the Charitable Foundation and its work to support disadvantaged communities,” Ashley said of his appointment.

“Newcastle Permanent has built a reputable credibility through its Foundation and community focus and I’m excited to be joining an organisation that gives back and supports those in need right across NSW.

“My passion stems from working with others to make a real difference, to improve the lives of those less fortunate. I hope that I’ll be able to bring a new perspective to the Charitable

Foundation, one that draws on what I’ve seen first-hand through working with disadvantaged people in over 200 communities across Australia.”

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors, comprising Newcastle Permanent and Community Directors including Jennifer Leslie (Chair), Kurt Fearnley, Chad Watson, Jane Gray, Bernadette Inglis and Margie Haseltine.

IMAGE | TV Presenter, Natasha Beyersdorf, Charitable Foundation Chair, Jennifer Leslie and Former Knights Player, Ashley Gordon (left-right).