In conversation with: Kathryn De Bont

Kathryn De Bont has served as Company Secretary and a member of The Queen’s Fund Management Committee for five years, and will be stepping down at the 2022 Annual General Meeting.

She joined when the trustee of The Queen’s Fund incorporated and the charity was looking for additional corporate governance expertise on the Management Committee. She was asked by fellow Committee member Katie Bayley to help out.

Reflecting on her time working with The Queen’s Fund, Kathryn has seen her experience as “a great opportunity to use my skill set to contribute back to the community”. Since joining in mid-2017, she served as Chair of the Governance Subcommittee and the Company Secretary of The Queen’s Fund. Kathryn notes that her time as Company Secretary included efforts “towards bringing one of Victoria’s oldest charities into the modern age”.

“In addition to [The Queen’s Fund moving] to a corporate trustee, more recently COVID has forced us to find flexible ways of working which makes bring involved in The Queen’s Fund more accessible to both current and future volunteers.”

On her time with The Queen’s Fund, Kathryn notes that in addition to contributing to the broader community, “the best thing about working for The Queen’s Fund is the people”.

“The Management Committee comprises a fabulous group of women with a diverse range of skill sets, ages and backgrounds. I have learnt so much from the others in the Committee.”

In the five years with The Queen’s Fund, Kathryn has seen many requests for assistance arise either directly or indirectly from a woman seeking to remove herself from a family violence situation. She is hopeful for a better future but believes this is a trend that will continue for some time.

“I like to imagine a time in the future when this is no longer an issue, but sadly, I think family violence will continue to be one of our most pressing societal issues.”

The Queen’s Fund is 100% run by volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering your skills and time with The Queen’s Fund, contact us at enquiries@queensfund.org.au