Our board
Our Hands is governed by an independent board, which is supported by a team of experienced staff.
Matt Joyce (Chair)
Matt Joyce is the Managing Director of WCL Management Service, a leading consultancy specialising in transport and technology solutions for major events and project management.
With a commitment to philanthropy, Matt assumed the role of Chair at Into Our Hands Community Foundation in September 2023.
Matt is also:
- On the board of Northeast Health Wangaratta
- A member of Merriwa Industries’ board.
Fiona Nicholls (Vice Chair)
Fiona joined the board in 2019. She has:
- More than 30 years working in the global resources industry, working across a range of business functions.
- Professional qualifications and experience in sustainable development, environmental management and community development.
- Experience on multiple public and private boards.
- Chair of the Alpine Community Recovery Committee since 2020.
John Bailey (Secretary)
John joined the Into Our Hands Board in 2018 after attending the Annual General Meeting.
With a strong local business and real estate background, John has had:
- A career in body corporate management and real estate.
- Strong background in governance, finance and community networks though his 12 years as a Director of a Industry Superannuation Fund.
Bart Crawley (Treasurer)
Bart joined the board in early 2020. He brings:
- Experience in all aspects of commercial and social purpose organisations.
- A passion for people-centric leadership.
Bart studied business, leading on to a lengthy career in senior leadership in the taxation, business consulting and manufacturing sectors.
He is currently CEO of Merriwa Industries Ltd.
Emma Brown
Emma joined the board in 2024:
Grew up in Milawa, working in her family business, Brown Family Wine Group, from a young age.
Completed a Bachelor of Communications (Business) at Bond University.
Returned to North East Victoria in 2018 with her husband, Tim. and joined the family business as Marketing Manager.
She is now Head of Innovation.
Anthony Griffiths
Anthony joined the board in 2024 and has:
- Extensive experience serving on multiple community not-for-profit boards and committees at local, regional and state levels.
- A strong background in the public sector with a focus on governance and assurance through roles that have included local government (Councillor and Mayor), Victorian Government (statutory authorities board member) and Federal public sector.
- A strong personal connection to North East Victoria.
Our staff
Sylvie Huigen – Executive Officer
Sylvie Huigen joined Into Our Hands Community Foundation as Executive Officer in 2025. She brings extensive experience in income generation and project management across the nonprofit and government sectors. Her fundraising expertise includes grants (both giving and receiving), bequests, events, corporate partnerships, and major gifts.
Prior to joining Into Our Hands, Sylvie was Philanthropy Manager at Melbourne Recital Centre, where she led successful fundraising campaigns and individual giving, and chaired the Reconciliation Working Group.
She has also held fundraising and project management roles in South Australia’s arts sector and began her career in Alice Springs working in legal administration at the Northern Territory Police and Department of Public Prosecutions.
Sylvie holds a Bachelor of Arts with International Studies, a Graduate Certificate in Project Management, and is currently completing her Master of Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies).
As Executive Officer, Sylvie focuses on expanding Into Our Hands’ reach across North East Victoria, strengthening partnerships, and supporting sub-funds to deliver meaningful impact.
In her role, Sylvie is supported by a finance officer and communications, events and marketing officer.
Contact details:
Phone: 0466 252 866
Email: eo@intoourhands.com.au
