Casey Foundation Learning Centre Building Entrance

Our leadership team and governance

Our leadership team is made up of experienced, passionate individuals who share a vision of a community where all are included, encouraged and empowered through learning and connection.

Leadership Team

Our dedicated team work together to ensure Foundation Learning Centre thrives.

Sarah Lynch, CEO at Foundation Learning Centre

Chief Executive Officer

With a career spanning more than two decades, Sarah is a visionary and values-driven leader with a deep commitment to advocacy and the delivery of equitable, accessible, and inclusive education for all, regardless of circumstance or barrier. Passionate about the transformative power of lifelong learning, she has dedicated her career to creating meaningful opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and promote social equity.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts qualification, an Advanced Diploma in Business, qualifications in Youth Work, and is an experienced Trainer and Assessor. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive expertise in strategic leadership, risk management, organisational growth, and collaborative stakeholder engagement.

Driven by a strong humanitarian and social justice focus, Sarah has successfully led organisations through significant milestones, including program growth, revenue development, and the expansion of impactful educational initiatives. She is recognised for fostering strong partnerships, building high-performing teams, and leading with authenticity, purpose, and compassion to create sustainable and positive community outcomes.

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Tina Bampton, General Manager at Foundation Learning Centre

General Manager

Tina is a highly dedicated and values-driven leader with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people, and disadvantaged individuals through education, training, and community support. With extensive experience across community-based training organisations and seven years working within the TAFE sector, Tina has developed a deep understanding of vocational education, workforce development, student engagement, and inclusive learning practices.
Throughout her career, Tina has demonstrated passionate and authentic leadership, fostering positive organisational culture, continuous improvement, and equitable opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds. She is recognised for her ability to lead with integrity, build strong industry and community partnerships, and advocate for individuals who face barriers to education and employment.
Tina is committed to lifelong learning and ongoing professional development, continually enhancing her knowledge and skills to ensure the highest level of support and service delivery. Her professional achievements include being awarded the 2018 VET International Practitioner Fellowship, which provided the opportunity to explore international best practice and innovative approaches within the vocational education and training sector.
In addition to her leadership role at Foundation Learning Centre, Tina contributes broadly to the sector through her involvement on the Board of SELLEN and as a member of the Workforce Australia Taskforce, where she works collaboratively to support workforce participation, education pathways, and industry engagement across the community.
Her strong commitment to fairness, equity, and social justice, combined with her willingness to embrace new challenges and innovation, continues to make a meaningful impact within the Foundation Learning Centre and the wider community

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Donna Dowler Head of Department: Community Education

Community Education & Engagement Manager

Donna joined Foundation Learning Centre (then NCLC) in 2014, initially managing the customer service administration area, following many years of connection with the organisation as Director of Adlib Young Performers. Through this work, Donna developed strong community relationships and a deep understanding of the importance of accessible and inclusive learning opportunities.
Donna is a strong advocate for community-based education and believes that, in an increasingly complex and evolving environment, access to safe, welcoming and inclusive learning spaces is critical. She is committed to ensuring that learners are supported in environments where they can build confidence, develop skills and engage in meaningful pathways, whether through wellbeing programs, further education or employment.
In her leadership of the Community Education area, Donna has driven significant program innovation, strengthened learner-centred approaches and expanded delivery to meet the needs of diverse cohorts. This includes programs supporting CALD communities, young adults with disabilities and individuals re-engaging with education. Through strategic partnerships with local organisations and industry, Donna has enhanced pathway opportunities and ensured programs remain responsive, practical and outcomes focused.
Donna’s leadership has been formally recognised. In 2025, she was awarded the Learn Local Leadership Award. In 2024, FLC was recognised as a Community Partner at the Chisholm Education Awards and was a finalist in the Victorian Learn Local Partnership Award, reflecting her commitment to collaboration, innovation and excellence in community education.
Donna is proud to lead a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality programs that support learners to take confident steps toward further education, employment and community participation, and to fostering a culture of inclusion, opportunity and lifelong learning.

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Compliance & Quality Manager

Scott joined Foundation Learning Centre in 2022 as a trainer, however his passion for compliance and systems quickly led to an invitation to join our Compliance Team. Scott worked within this team to establish the Learning Management System, which has paved the way for his current role as Compliance Manager.

With over 15 years of experience managing teams in both private and government sectors, Scott holds qualifications in Leadership and Management, Training & Assessment and Business. Throughout his career, Scott has demonstrated capabilities in management, coaching, training, cost management, budget management, information systems management and profit centre management. He has successfully led and developed teams, consistently delivering on challenging business and customer service goals.

Scott is passionate about fostering an environment where students can build confidence and competence. He is dedicated to supporting the community through education, helping individuals take their first steps towards new career opportunities or enhancing their existing skills. He is deeply committed to ensuring students are prepared for the workforce, equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge for success in their careers and personal lives.

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Governance

Foundation Learning Centre has always been managed as an incorporated body under the Associations Incorporation Act of 1981.

In the year 2000, the committee changed to a Board of Management with a governance charter.

The members of the board are elected by FLC members at the Annual General Meeting and appointed for a term of three years. These members work alongside the Chief Executive Officer.

AGM Reports

Board Members

Our Board members are responsible for the governance of the organisation.

Chairperson

Glenn is a Fellow of the Certified Practicing Accountants, Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a member of the Institute of Community Directors, Australia. Glenn holds an MBA, and a Ba(Business).

Glenn has thirty years of business experience in finance roles,  partnering with operations management in manufacturing, sales and marketing, logistics, legal, information technology, and human relations.  This included the last eight years as a CFO and Company Director of a Corporate Company.

Having grown up in rural Australia, education provided a springboard for Glenn to create his career and life journey.  A major part of many of his roles has included mentoring and educating those around him to achieve their individual goals and potential.  He strongly sees FLC as an enabler of other people’s educational journey towards their own goals.

Glenn’s two daughters have successfully completed their tertiary degrees and launched their own careers.  Glenn lives in Melbourne with his wife who has completed own tertiary qualifications.

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Vice Chairperson

Bron O’Callaghan brings over two decades of experience in teaching, compliance, and senior leadership across a diverse range of training providers. She has specialist expertise in the Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) sector and a strong record of educational leadership.

As Board of Management Executive Co-Chair at Foundation Learning Centre, Bron plays a pivotal role in guiding strategic governance and driving initiatives that enhance educational outcomes.

In her capacity as Chair of the ITECA Victoria Committee, Bron is a passionate advocate for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, working collaboratively with education partners to promote best practice.

Currently working as a national consultant to the VET sector, Bron is deeply committed to delivering high-quality outcomes and championing equitable access to meaningful and inclusive education pathways for all learners.

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Treasurer

Anne also Chairs the Board Finance Committee.

Ken is a Chartered Accountant, holds a Master of Finance from Melbourne University is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD) and a member of the AFLPA Agent Accreditation Board.

For more than two decades, Ken held a critical compliance and integrity role at the AFL, and was responsible for the compliance of AFL Clubs and Players with the AFL Player Rules and Collective Bargaining Agreement. This role encompassed compliance with the Total Player Payments Limit including investigations, approval of all Player agreements, management of the Football Department Soft Cap and management of the movement of Players through the Trade Period, Free Agency and the National Draft.

Prior to the AFL Ken was with international Chartered Accounting firm, Ernst & Young where he held various positions including Manager Corporate Audit, Director Corporate Finance as well as a range of other high level management positions including National General Manager Corporate Finance and General Manager of the Melbourne Office.

In his spare time Ken is a keen follower of the AFL, Cricket, enjoys snow skiing and spending time with family and friends.

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Board Member

Tushar specialises in growing and managing business for large commercial enterprises. He has worked with Australian and global organisations across multiple industries in Asia Pacific, China, Japan and USA.

Tushar has deep experience in business development and growth by helping boards and senior management of large enterprises with ways to unlock business value from emerging technology. He thrives in helping organisations balance the industry headwinds; with the needs of responsible innovative growth, governance, compliance and risk management.

Tushar holds other positions as non-executive Board member in the not-for-profit sector. He enjoys being an active participant in social enterprises such as multi-cultural community organisations in Australia and grass root level programs such as “Save our Daughters, Educate our Daughters” in India.

Tushar has a Masters’ degree in Electrical Engineering; and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

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Board Member

Mahesh also Chairs the Board Risk Committee.

Mahesh, a seasoned Engineering Executive and Board Advisor, is renowned for his strategic and metric-driven leadership approach. His extensive experience in cybersecurity, engineering, and technological innovation, coupled with his proven track record in driving global IT strategies, enhances business value and optimises organisational performance. He guides and secures companies through the complexities of digital transformation, focusing on adopting advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency and meet key business objectives.

Mahesh’s leadership approach is about more than just strategy. It’s about building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with stakeholders at all levels, including cross-functional and globally dispersed teams. Combining emotional intelligence with strategic insight, he guides and inspires technology teams to exceed expectations and deliver outstanding results. This commitment fosters high-performing teams and enhances client experiences across all touchpoints.

Mahesh is a versatile expert contributor to the Board and Advisory Boards of healthcare, hospitality, NDIS, and not-for-profit organisations. His dedication reassures companies that they have a knowledgeable and committed advisor who can help them navigate today’s digital landscape and achieve their strategic goals.

Mahesh holds a Master’s in Information Technology, 20+ years of industry experience, and other security and risk certifications.

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Board Member

After completing 2 terms as a Casey Councillor, Ben received a number of requests from local organisations to share his wealth of experience and join their Board. The choice to join the board of Narre Community Learning Centre (as FLC was then known as) was an easy one, as it was his favourite local organisation and one he felt passionate about. Ben is so enthusiastic about how FLC helps so many people in so many ways – especially by helping people achieve their best through learning.

As our longest serving Board Member, joining us in 2006, Ben has held a number of positions including President for more than a decade, as well as Vice President.
Ben brings a wealth of experience in the local community, politics, marketing and strategic management to the Board, as well as providing insights into the growth and history of the Organisation.

When he’s not working or volunteering, Ben enjoys spending time with his children, coaching junior netball and football, and has been involved in a many other community organisations.

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Board Member

Gen is a public sector leader with management experience across education and skills portfolios with broad capabilities including stakeholder engagement, communications and policy. Gen holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Arts, with a Graduate Diploma (Publishing and Editing) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Gen is passionate about the transformative power of education and skills for social and economic inclusion and was excited to join the FLC board and contribute to their vision to improve lives through education and community support.

When not working, Gen enjoys time with her three teenaged children, family and friends and spending time in nature.

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Board Member

Anne also Chairs the Board Growth Committee.

Anne is a seasoned CEO and Non-Executive Director with over 30 years’ experience leading growth, transformation, and innovation across the retail, e-commerce, franchising, and direct selling sectors.

Anne brings strong commercial acumen, strategic foresight, and a collaborative leadership style to the boardroom. Known for her integrity, curiosity, and people-first approach, she excels at asking the right questions, navigating complexity, and aligning teams around a clear purpose.

Her career is marked by a track record of delivering sustainable results—balancing strategic vision with operational discipline and a strong instinct for market opportunity. She is deeply committed to ethical governance, stakeholder value, and fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures.

Anne is passionate about supporting fellow leaders, particularly women in business, and brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented mindset to every board she serves on. She is a Fellow of the CEO Institute, an AICD graduate, and a Williamson Leadership Program alumna.

Outside of her professional life, Anne enjoys family time, travel, keeping active, and connecting with others over good food and conversation.

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FLC Membership

Members are essential to the operation of Foundation Learning Centre. FLC financial members help us decide on important organisation changes by sharing their thoughts and casting their vote at General Meetings.

Please familiarise yourself with the below prior to applying for membership:

Our history

We began decades ago as a humble drop-in centre, before expanding to become a community house and evolving to deliver across mutliple sites all serving the same vision of accessible education.

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Work with us

See what opportunities are available to join our amazing team.

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News & Events

Keep up to date with the latest news and events happening at Foundation Learning Centre.

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