Print the pageFounder & Trustees
Neil Balnaves AO
Neil, aged 67, has worked in the media industry for over 45 years previously holding the position of Executive Chairman of the Southern Star Group which he founded. Neil is the Chairman of Ardent Leisure Group, one of Australia's most successful owners and operators of premium leisure assets. He is a Trustee Member of Bond University and in 2009 received an Honorary Doctorate of the University. Neil is a member of the Advisory Council and Dean’s Circle of the University of New South Wales Faculty of Medicine and in 2010 received an Honorary Doctorate of the University. Neil is a Director of Technicolor Australia Limited and a board member of the Surf Life Saving Foundation. He is a Trustee of the Mosman Public Art Trust, serves on numerous advisory and community organisations and is a Foundation Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
In 2006 Neil established The Balnaves Foundation, a philanthropic fund that disperses more than $2 million annually in supporting eligible organisations that aim to create a better Australia through education, medicine, and the arts with a focus on young people, the disadvantaged and Indigenous communities.
In 2010 Neil was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his services to business and philanthropy.
To find out more about the Founder Neil Balnaves AO, please read his extended Biography.
Diane Balnaves
Diane, aged 67, completed her secondary education at Seymour College in Adelaide followed by a period as a social worker. Diane then became a book seller in 1970 and since 1971 has been married to Neil Balnaves, the Founder of The Balnaves Foundation. Diane continues to do volunteer work in the Mosman community.
Alexandra Balnaves BA Dip Ed - Australian History
Alexandra, aged 37, is the eldest daughter of Neil and Diane Balnaves. Alex is a Learning Support and History Teacher. She lives on the NSW Mid-North Coast with her young family. She has worked with people with a disability as an educator and advocate; and has produced one oral history short film and a number of radio documentaries. She currently works as a Learning Support Teacher with secondary students. Her interests include youth, mental health, Indigenous Australia and the environment.
Hamish Balnaves BEcSocSc DipEd
Hamish, aged 35, graduated from Sydney University with a degree in Economics (Social Science). He then worked as a teacher for ten years in Sydney and overseas. He completed a Diploma in Education at UNSW in 2006. In early 2009 he decided to resign from his teaching position and began work as General Manager of The Balnaves Foundation.
Victoria Balnaves BA Hist & Perf, Dip FB
Victoria, aged 32, is the youngest daughter of Neil and Diane Balnaves. Victoria has worked in the PR & Events industry for over 8 years across various fields and now has her own freelance consultancy which specialises in luxury brands, fashion, health and charity PR & Events. Victoria has a Bachelor of Arts (Sydney University), a Diploma in Fashion Business (FBI Fashion College), and a Certificate in Image Consulting (Istituto Marangoni - Milan).
Dr. Brad McIntosh BSc (ExSci), MPT (Physio), DPT (Physio), CSCS
Brad, aged 34, completed his Bachelor of Science at Brigham Young University and Master of Physical Therapy at the University of Utah, whilst playing and coaching tennis. Brad recently completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy (University of Saint Augustine, USA) and is a Member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Sports Medicine Australia. Since returning to Australia in 2002, Brad has developed his practice and now runs one of the largest private physiotherapy clinics in Sydney, Sydney Sports & Orthopaedic Physiotherapy on Macquarie Street. He has recently opened an exciting new pilates studio in the same building, named Pilates on Macquarie.
Dr. Philip Newell Arber MB BS (Syd)
Philip, aged 62, has been a General Practitioner in Mosman for over 35 years. He is the Chairman of the Mosman and Lower North Shore General Practice Group, President of the Mosman Rowers Club and a Member of the Medical Advisory Committee of the James Milson Retirement Village & Nursing Home.
Heidi Jasprizza - Administration Manager
Heidi, aged 32, has worked professionally with the Balnaves’ family for 10 years. Heidi started her career working with Neil Balnaves while he was Executive Chairman of Southern Star Group. In 2006, Heidi joined The Balnaves Foundation and manages the administrative and financial operations of the Foundation and provides Executive Assistance to Neil Balnaves.
