Meet our Staff
Lorna Riddle
Executive Director
lorna.riddle@marypotter.org.au
Lorna joined The Mary Potter Foundation in March 2012 - initially as Fundraising Manager and then as Operations and Donor Care Manager. She was appointed to the role of Executive Director in June 2019. Lorna's expertise and long history in not-for-profit organisations reflects her strong belief in the importance of inspiring community involvement. She is passionate about Mary Potter Hospice, but equally passionate about the extraordinary donors who support our Hospice patients and families so generously.
'I can't think of anything more rewarding than to help people facing the end of their life. It's an honour to serve our donors and help patients and families get access to the exceptional care that Mary Potter Hospice provides. I am so blessed to be a part of this.'
Jess George
Deputy Director
jess.george@marypotter.org.au
Jess joined The Mary Potter Foundation for the first time in July 2015, initially as Development Manager. Her family life saw Jess move away to Perth for a couple of years and more recently take some time away to work in her family’s travel business. But Jess’ heart has always led her back to Mary Potter. She was appointed the role of Deputy Director in February 2024. Jess has a marketing management and non-for-profit background.
She is passionate about caring for donors and inspiring the community to share in our belief that caring for people at the end-of-life is an honour and a privilege.
“At the end of life, if you can ensure dignity, make someone feel loved, and feel seen for who they truly are as a person (not their disease) - this is the final gift, that together with donors, I am inspired to bring to those at the end-of-life.”
Mel Cushen
Patient & Family Support Coordinator
mel.cushen@marypotter.org.au
Mel joined The Mary Potter Foundation in November 2021, initially as Fundraising and Admin Coordinator and now as Donor Care Coordinator. Coming from a hospitality and not-for-profit management background. Mel loves working with innovative teams to create meaningful experiences for people.
"A big part of my day is speaking with our donors, many of whom have had firsthand experience of losing someone special to them. Hearing families share stories of their Mary Potter experience and how comforted there were in knowing their loved one was cared for in a compassionate and specialised way is a privilege and honour. I will continue to be amazed when donors so selflessly want to help another family through one of the most difficult times of their lives".
Mel Hondrovasilopoulos
Fundraising & Event Coordinator
mel.hond@marypotter.org.au
Mel joined The Mary Potter Foundation in January 2023 as the Fundraising & Event Coordinator. With years of experience organising charity fundraisers as passion projects alongside her full-time corporate role, Mel decided to follow her heart into the not-for-profit sector.
"I’ve been introduced to a whole new world during my time with the Foundation. Amidst the heartbreak, there’s an overwhelming kindness, and the generosity of our donors continually leaves me in awe. It’s an honour to organise events that demonstrate to families just how supported they are - something I will always cherish."
Robyn Nash
Admin & Fundraising Coordinator
robyn.nash@marypotter.org.au
Robbie joined the Foundation team in March 2022. With a strong background in finance, contact & event management, advertising, and the not-for-profit sector. Robbie brings all round experience and a can-do attitude.
"Having had first-hand experience with end of life care in a Hospice setting for a family member, I believe that everyone is entitled to the best quality care and dignity at the end of their life. Everyone has a story to tell and that we should listen more. It is an honour to be able to meet patients and their loved ones. It is the little things that count during these times, a smile or a wave, or simply offering a cake from the Hospice kitchen."