Board

President

Meredith joined the board in 2018. Meredith is keen to support an organisation providing vital support to Canberra parents.

Meredith has a background in complex ICT Project and Program Management, governance and risk management for a large federal government department.
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When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and one year old son, watching rugby, pottering in her craft room and writing poetry.

Louise Starr
Vice President

Louise joined the board in 2021 and is a passionate Canberran who believes the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre’s work has never been more important. In particular, Louise appreciates that the challenges that our community have faced in the last few years have been magnified for those journeying into parenthood during these uncertain times.

Louise is a public policy professional whose background includes experience working with communities in fragile environments. She brings policy, governance and risk management skills to the Board.

In her spare time, Louise enjoys spending time with her family, exploring Canberra’s outdoor spaces and seeking balance (literally) in the yoga studio.

David Maywald
Treasurer

David joined the Board in 2021. He has previously contributed to seven diverse organisations in a governance capacity during the last 24 years (spanning charities, for-purpose, community services and companies). He has held the roles of Chair, Treasurer, Chair of Audit & Risk, Member of several Committees, Non-Executive Director and Board Member. His board achievements include significant improvements to strategy, recruitment, transparency, investment decisions and communications.

As a Graduate Member of the AICD, David has completed the Company Directors Course. He has a very broad professional network and a successful fundraising track record (including institutional and retail funds, as well as grant wins). With degrees in Economics and Commerce Honours from the ANU, he has been qualified as a Chartered Financial Analyst for 18 years. His two-decade executive career in Investment Management spanned all functions from product development to marketing to research to portfolio management to client service.

David is father to a 3-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy, having jointly raised them with his wife. He was the first male at his previous employer to seek flexible working arrangements, moving to permanent part-time when his daughter was born.

Elizabeth Sarofim

Elizabeth joined the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre board in 2020. She has held senior roles in State and Federal Government agencies before entering private commercial legal practice in 2010. She was appointed a Senior Associate in 2014 and a Partner in 2019 and has worked at Ashurst, Baker McKenzie and Dentons.  She handles both front and back end commercial matters and has acted for clients including Google, AGL, Coca Cola Amatil, Mitsui, Unilever, Afterpay, Bauer Media, Amazon and Government agencies and regulators, including Air Services Australia, ANSTO, NSW Health and the ACCC.

Elizabeth assists private, public government and NFP clients conduct regulatory audits, risk reporting to Boards and with governance. She is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws from UNSW.

Lou Farrer

Lou joined the board in 2021. Lou is a senior research fellow and registered psychologist, with over 15 years of experience developing, evaluating, and implementing digital and other mental health programs in community, clinical, and educational settings. Lou is passionate about increasing the accessibility of mental health support in the community. She is a strong advocate of evaluation and harnessing research and data to understand the needs of population groups and the effectiveness and impact of mental health programs and services.

Lou’s goal is to contribute her clinical and research expertise to support the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre to fulfil its mission and vision.

Lou loves spending time with her family (including 2 young boys), listening to podcasts, and sharing a laugh and a good meal with friends.

Amanda Cook