Anthony brings extensive experience in farming, agriculture, project management and community development to Upendo Foundation Australia.

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After a successful farming career, he joined the Victorian Department of Agriculture in 1996, working in agricultural extension and project management. He later volunteered as a small business educator with Australian Business Volunteers in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Kenya, where he developed a deeper understanding of the disparity in opportunities between Australia and developing communities.

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Anthony and his wife, Annabel, first visited Upendo Home in Tanzania in 2012. Inspired by the care and opportunities being provided to the children, they became involved with the Australian Upendo team.

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Anthony became Chairman in 2015. He contributes strong business experience, ethical leadership and a commitment to sound governance, accountability and sustainable support for Upendo.

Rhonda is the Director of Illuma Consulting, with decades of experience working with organisations across Australia and internationally. She specialises in group facilitation, coaching, and team and leadership development, helping people work through change, strengthen relationships and make decisions together.

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Her work spans corporate, government, education, health and not-for-profit organisations. She has facilitated hundreds of meetings and events, including board retreats, planning workshops and community stakeholder discussions.

She brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach, helping groups explore different perspectives and turn shared ideas into practical action.

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Rhonda is a Certified Master Professional Facilitator with the International Association of Facilitators, a qualified coach and a member of the International Coaching Federation.

Carson is a Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Accounting, majoring in Financial Management.

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His professional background spans business advisory, taxation and strategic financial oversight. He supports organisations to make informed decisions, strengthen their operations and build sustainable futures.

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Carson joined the Upendo Foundation Australia Board as Treasurer in 2026. He is passionate about helping the Foundation remain financially sustainable and well positioned to support vulnerable children in Tanzania for years to come. He is committed to ensuring every donation is managed responsibly and contributes to the greatest possible impact.

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Outside of work, Carson mentors young Australians, helping them develop leadership skills, personal resilience and a spirit of community service. He believes in the power of community, education and opportunity to create lasting positive change.

Tammi brings extensive experience in motivational and professional speaking, team leadership and community engagement to Upendo Foundation Australia.

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She has supported Upendo since 2013, contributing both personally and through fundraising initiatives. Tammi has coordinated silent auctions and helped raise funds for essential projects and resources, including an indoor kitchen, water tank and school supplies for the children at Upendo.

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She later joined the Upendo Foundation Australia Advisory Board, allowing her to contribute her professional experience, ideas and enthusiasm more directly to the organisation’s work.

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Tammi is passionate about bringing people together, creating meaningful change and helping Upendo provide the children with a safe, supportive environment and greater opportunities for the future.

Born in Nairobi in 1946, John grew up on farms in Kenya before completing his schooling and a science degree in England.

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He returned to Kenya in 1968 and spent eight years teaching mathematics and science at boarding schools. After moving to Australia, John eventually returned to education and taught at Geelong Grammar School for 20 years, including 15 years at Timbertop alongside his wife, Gaye.

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Since leaving Geelong Grammar, John has continued supporting young people through teaching, mentoring and his involvement with the Pathways Foundation, which delivered contemporary rites-of-passage camps for teenage boys and their fathers or male mentors.

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Now living near Ballarat, John also volunteers with Sailability and enjoys competing in rallies and autocross events in his much-loved 52-year-old Peugeot 504.

Alana brings extensive experience in team leadership, sales, business development, events, hospitality and tourism to Upendo Foundation Australia. With a strategic mindset and creative, collaborative approach, she has led national campaigns and programs connecting industry, community and government.

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Raised in central Victoria, Alana developed a strong sense of community through her family’s involvement in local clubs. Her volunteering experiences have included living with a nomadic family in Mongolia and supporting children with disabilities overseas, shaping her interest in culture, identity and the influence of our environments.

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Drawn to Upendo’s vision of a sustainable family home connected with its local community, Alana contributes expertise in stakeholder engagement, storytelling and relationship-building. She is passionate about creating meaningful, lasting opportunities for young people and communities.