The Big Fundraiser Shoutout

Ellie Pavlov - Ingham Institute

“Ellie embodies everything this award represents. As a dedicated fundraiser, she spends every day working to secure philanthropic support that improves the lives of others. Yet what makes Ellie truly extraordinary is that her commitment to medical research is deeply personal. While courageously facing her second diagnosis of breast cancer, Ellie has continued to champion fundraising, not only through her professional role but also through her own personal fundraising efforts to support medical research. Rather than stepping away from the cause, she has chosen to give back to the very field that offers hope to her and countless others. 

 Despite the challenges of treatment, Ellie continues to show remarkable resilience, generosity and optimism. She leads with empathy, brings people together around a shared purpose, and reminds those around her why fundraising matters. Her lived experience gives authenticity to her advocacy, while her unwavering commitment inspires colleagues, supporters and the wider community alike. 

 Ellie is a powerful example of what it means to turn personal adversity into purpose. Her dedication to advancing medical research and improving outcomes for others makes her an exceptionally deserving recipient of Fundraiser of the Year.”

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."

Rachel Murphy - Redkite

"Rachel exemplifies outstanding leadership in fundraising. She creates a team culture that is supportive, encouraging and fun, while holding everyone to a high standard and empowering us to do our best work. Despite operating in an environment where processes are often undefined and support from key internal teams can be challenging, she consistently advocates for change, efficiencies and better outcomes.

Under her leadership, Community Fundraising achieved a historic milestone, raising more than $1 million in a single year for the first time in Redkite’s history while the team was short-staffed. Our appeals have also been breaking organisation records under her watch. Her resilience, determination and leadership have been instrumental to these achievements." 

Nicci Cowdroy - Clown Doctors Australia

"Nicci is one of the most accomplished Grants Manager I've ever worked with. She’s very generous with her knowledge and is able to convey information so well that I was somehow able to learn and absorb more about how to submit a successful grant in a 1 hour meeting with her than I have in my entire career." 

Floyd Larsen - Clown Doctors Australia

"Floyd is not only a highly accomplished person but also a wonderful human being. She’s highly collaborative, strategic and very generous with her knowledge, there is no ego or gatekeeping. Floyd is actively helping me overcome my fear of public speaking and that’s why I’m nominating her today." 

Katrina Harrison - Clown Doctors Australia

"Katrina is such an unsung hero because she's softly spoken but everything that comes out of her mouth is either insightful, helpful or so kind! She's so keen to collaborate and has made me feel extremely welcomed in the team. She works so hard to build relationships with grant makers and it shows! I've learned a lot from Katrina about grants these last couple of months and really enjoy working with her." 

Nikki Greco - Clown Doctors Australia

"Nikki is simply a GORGEOUS human being - her family recently experienced a loss in the family, and even through her grief, still managed to think of us when deciding on a charity to support in loving memory of... she rallied her family and ended up raising over $6400. It was a beautiful, touching and impactful moment and we're so grateful to have her on the team."

Ann Hutchison - Uniting Care Queensland

“Ann leads with integrity. She's the kind of human who lifts everyone around her - encouraging, supportive and living the values the rest of us aspire to. Her impact is enormous: she looks after supporter experience, gifts in wills, community fundraising, impact and individual giving across eight UnitingCare brands, holding it all with care and clarity. But what sets Ann apart isn't just what she delivers - it's how she makes you feel. She's empowering and generous and she makes me want to be a better human, teammate, leader and fundraiser every single day. An absolute wonderwoman.”

Dylan Cluff - Children's Cancer Institute

“In just over a year, Dylan has made an extraordinary mark on our team and the Institute. He has developed a fresh Gift in Will strategy, launched an honour society, and reinvigorated the way we work, bringing energy, purpose and genuine emotional intelligence to everything he does. Currently tracking at 261% over budget, his results speak for themselves. As co-chair of the Institute's social committee, Dylan is quietly bridging two organisations through a period of real change, championing connection and culture when it matters most. He is an equally passionate advocate for our incredible GIW donors, celebrating the life-changing gifts they pledge with real pride. Dylan volunteers at events, stewards donors out of hours, and is always seeking better ways to do things. He is a true cheerleader for everyone around him, and we are lucky to have him.”

Sarah Burns - Children's Cancer Institute

“In just over 2 years Sarah has made an outstanding impact on our team and the Institute. Recently promoted into an expanded role managing high-value donor relationships and capital campaign portfolios, she combines strategic thinking with genuine care to build meaningful connections that drive results. Sarah’s work with families fundraising for the Institute has been recognised as an FIA Award finalist, helping deliver lasting impact for children and families affected by cancer. Beyond her achievements, Sarah is a champion of team culture. She brings energy, generosity, and leadership to everything she does, openly sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and creating opportunities to celebrate others. Sarah makes those around her better every day and is a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.”