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About Us
RIPPLE EFFECT FOUNDATION
The Ripple Effect Wave Challenge is operated by Ripple Effect Foundation.
We believe that every Australian should have access to a lifestyle that protects their wellbeing, that is why Ripple Effect Foundation is on a mission to change the culture around wellbeing in Australia, ensuring that prioritising activities that protect our wellbeing is considered the norm, not a luxury.
With your help to fundraise and spread awareness, we will achieve this through a combination of mental health promotion activities that increase mental health literacy, increasing awareness of things we can do as individuals to protect our wellbeing, reducing stigma around mental health and through advocating for systemic change.
OUR STORY
The Ripple Effect Foundation was founded by Casey Macpherson and Adam McMurray.
Through their work in mental health, they saw how difficult it could be for people to access support and how important it is to focus on prevention.
Both are surfers and have experienced firsthand how regular time in the ocean can improve mood, reduce stress, and support overall wellbeing. Seeing the positive impact surfing had on their own lives inspired them to create the Ripple Effect Wave Challenge — a simple way to raise awareness, encourage healthy habits, and support mental health promotion across Australia.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ACTIVITY
We foster a supportive environment that promotes mental health and resilience through active lifestyles and social connections.
OUR VALUES
INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We build a strong inclusive community of surfers and mental health advocates using creative and collaborative approaches to raise awareness and make a meaningful impact.
TRANSPARENCY AND INTEGRITY
We maintain the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical practices to ensure trust and credibility among our participants, partners, and supporters.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADAM MCMURRAY - MANAGING DIRECTOR
Adam has over 15 years of experience in the non-government and primary health sectors. His operational background encompasses service design and state-wide service implementation, and in recent years, driving commissioning activities for Mental Health services across the Gold Coast region. He has extensive operational experience in the management of multiple programs, project management, service design, procurement, monitoring and evaluation, community engagement alongside active collaboration with partner agencies. Adam has worked as a surfing instructor and surf coach and has a Cert 4 in sport and recreation, diplomas in Management and Community Services and is certified in PRINCE 2 project management.
CASEY MACPHERSON - NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Casey brings a decade of experience in the primary health sector with strengths in stakeholder engagement, service design, procurement, project management, and service monitoring. She champions a collaborative approach, fostering partnerships within the sector and community to tackle complex health issues effectively. Beginning her journey with a Bachelor of Public Health, majoring in Health Promotion, Casey’s enduring passion for preventative health and enhancing the well-being of Australians on a population level is evident throughout her career. A lifelong learner, Casey continuously expands her expertise, undertaking additional studies in finance, social impact, co-design, and commissioning for outcomes. She completed a Graduate Certificate of Management from UNSW in 2023, further enhancing her strategic leadership capabilities and ensuring she remains at the forefront of driving positive change in the health sector.
BEN HAFNER - NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ben Hafner brings over twenty years of expertise in the Child Youth and Family sector to his role as a board member. A seasoned professional, Ben excels in systems thinking, focusing on enhancing processes and efficiency. With qualifications in Psychology, Community Development, and an MBA, his proficiency spans organisational development, analytics, business strategy, performance, and innovation. Ben’s passion for nurturing leaders drives his commitment to fostering impactful change within organisations. His strategic insights ensure alignment between business objectives and precise reporting, facilitating successful organisational transformations and streamlined operations. Ben’s unwavering dedication to enriching the lives of his community is evident in his career journey
ANNIE HARRIS - NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Annie is a highly skilled financial professional with a CPA qualification and over 15 years of extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector. She is deeply passionate about making a difference through her work in NFPs, bringing a wealth of experience in managing government-funded programs, grants, philanthropic funds, and sponsorships. Annie’s expertise encompasses effective financial management, robust risk management, and strategic governance, all of which position her to support organisations like Ripple Effect Foundation in achieving their missions. Annie is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in financial practices, ensuring that resources are utilised efficiently to maximise impact. She finds great fulfilment in her work and is dedicated to being part of initiatives that create positive change.
