The Big Fundraiser Shoutout

Christine Robinson - WWF-Australia

"Christine is the heart of our fundraising effort, embodying everything it means to put supporters first. She goes far beyond being helpful - she is thoughtful, proactive and always finding ways to strengthen relationships and improve the supporter experience.

Christine anticipates challenges and solves them before they reach our donors, ensuring every interaction reflects care and integrity. She builds deep, lasting connections and is universally loved by both colleagues and supporters. Grounded in strong values, she champions what’s right - especially when it comes to protecting a donor’s legacy, even when it would be easier not to.  Christine lifts our entire approach to fundraising and collaboration, and we are all better fundraisers because of her."

Deb Mills - WWF-Australia

"Deb is a true philanthropy powerhouse, whose leadership continues to elevate our fundraising to new heights. Stepping up to lead the Philanthropy team, she has driven exceptional results - consistently exceeding targets, strengthening stewardship and unlocking transformational gifts.

Deb brings a strategic lens to everything she does, ensuring major donor support amplifies our broader fundraising efforts, from matched giving opportunities to advancing advocacy alongside conservation goals. She is a brilliant collaborator, deeply connected across teams and always focused on impact.

Deb’s energy, expertise and commitment make her an extraordinary fundraising leader - and a hugely deserving recipient of this recognition. How lucky we are, as both WWF and the wider NFP industry, to have Deb as a fundraiser."

Elizabeth Herd - Butterfly Foundation

"Over 13 years at Butterfly Libby has built something more important than fundraising $, she has built genuine relationships. 

She has led Butterfly's flagship AFL fundraising lunch for two consecutive years, raising over $250,000 each time while managing every detail end-to-end alongside her full role. She has nurtured corporate partnerships spanning many years, including with Princess Polly, and brings identical care to every person fundraising for Butterfly, regardless of the amount they raise.  Her commitment to changing the experience of people with eating disorders and to the people who share it is extraordinary."

Leah Szymanski - MND Victoria

"Leah is the ultimate peer and teammate. The kind of person who quietly holds everything together while constantly lifting everyone around her to a higher standard. She cares deeply, works ridiculously hard, leads without ego and somehow makes people better fundraisers, better leaders and better humans just by being around her.

She steps up every single time without needing recognition, which is exactly why she deserves it. Professional, driven, trusted and impossible not to respect. Every team hopes for someone like Leah. Very few are lucky enough to actually have one."

Liane Giuliano - Raise

"Liane is a truly outstanding fundraiser, who knows and values every donor, going the extra mile for them every day whether providing restaurant recommendations for a trip or remembering to ask after a poorly relative. And always with a smile on her face and time to give them her full focus even when she’s up against it with organising events and campaigns.

She personifies expert stewardship which shows in how much her donors value her and the support in all kinds of ways which she elicits."

Monika Milne - Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia)

"Monika embodies everything a Fundraising Peer of the Year should be... plus a little extra sparkle! She doesn't just go - she lives in the "above and beyond". She mixes creativity, genuine passion and a sprinkling of joy into everything she does. She doesn’t just meet targets for our flagship peer-to-peer events Run for Autism and Walk for Autism, she smashes them. Her care for our supporters builds loyal, engaged communities, helping our events thrive.

Part strategist, part cheerleader, Monika keeps everything moving (and somehow makes it look easy). She is a true MVP who makes a real difference every day, and absolutely deserves top recognition."

Peta Gillis - Youth Off The Streets

"My nomination for Beaumont Peer of the Year goes to the amazing Peta Gillis! Peta has recently taken on the Major Donor Manager, role, but to the team, she is our ultimate vibe-lifter and rock.

Fundraising can be a high-pressure space, but Peta makes it lighter for everyone around her. She has a legendary "can-do" attitude and is the first person to step up and support anyone and everyone who needs it. Whether it's troubleshooting a problem or just providing a safe, supportive ear after a tough day, Peta is always there. Love her work and positive vibes."

Rianna Rumming - ActionAid Australia

"Rianna is an exceptional and highly valued member of our fundraising team. Ever since she interned for us, she's become the backbone of our operation. She tackles every challenge with remarkable calm and positivity, from the unglamorous data cleaning work that underpins our success to stepping up during staffing gaps and emergency appeals.

She dives deep into our data, ensuring accuracy that directly drives our fundraising performance. Her meticulous attention to detail combined with her willingness to do whatever's needed has been instrumental in our consistent target overperformance. This year, she's expertly managed our digital tax communications whilst juggling competing priorities. Riana doesn't just do her job - she elevates our entire team with her calmness and humour."

Shelley Ure - HeartKids

"For more than 21 years, Shelley has been an unwavering champion of HeartKids, transforming a personal commitment into one of the organisation's most significant and enduring fundraising contributions. Inspired after attending an Australian Football League Grand Final luncheon with her family, Shelley chose HeartKids as her family's charity of choice and has dedicated herself to supporting children and families impacted by childhood heart disease ever since. 

Since joining HeartKids as a staff member in 2015, Shelley has combined exceptional fundraising expertise with authentic passion, leading major gala events, cultivating long-term donor relationships, and inspiring community support. Her efforts have contributed to raising more than $3 million for HeartKids, delivering vital services and support to families across Australia. Respected for her leadership, resilience and generosity, Shelley exemplifies the very best of fundraising-creating meaningful impact through genuine connection, unwavering commitment and a heartfelt dedication to the HeartKids mission."

HeartKids Gala Ball 2025

Rob Needham - Legacy Brisbane

"Rob is the teammate every fundraiser wishes they had. As a manager, he brings unwavering calm, generosity and good humour to even the toughest days, and is the first to step in when someone needs support. Whether he’s guiding a complex donor conversation, helping a colleague shape a proposal, or lifting the energy of the whole team, Rob leads with kindness and professionalism.

He makes people feel valued, capable and supported, and his presence strengthens culture every single day.

Rob doesn’t just do great fundraising - he makes everyone around him better. "

Ayleenne Grzelak - RFDS SE

"I’d like to nominate Ayleenne for Peer of the Year. She’s the person everyone goes to when you need a clear, honest view. No fluff, just thoughtful, impartial advice you can trust.

What makes her really stand out is that rare mix of data guru and fundraiser. She doesn’t just know the numbers, she understands what they mean and how to act on them.  On top of that, she’s generous with her time and consistently supports others to succeed. She lifts the whole team through how she shows up every day. A true MVP ."

Alix Katala - Lions Assistance Dogs

"Alix is an exceptional Director of Development whose hard work, discipline and steady judgement make a genuine difference to those around her. She brings meticulous attention to detail, strong follow-through and a calm, fair approach to complex work.

What stands out most is her balance of professionalism and empathy – she understands both the strategic importance of fundraising and the human relationships behind it. Alix is generous with colleagues, thoughtful in her decision-making and consistently focused on doing things well. She is dependable, principled and deeply committed, making her a highly deserving recipient of this peer award."