STAR News Group managing director Paul Thomas is the new chairman of the Casey Cardinia Foundation.
He takes the reins from Brian Paynter, chairman for the past decade, who is the Liberal candidate for Bass in this month’s State Election.
Mr Thomas grew up in Pakenham and has managed the family media business since the retirement of his father Ian in 2000.
He said he was excited to be following in Mr Paynter’s footsteps.
“Over the time Brian was chairman, the Foundation has provided grants to numerous local groups, distributing more than $380,000,” he said.
Most recently Mr Paynter led an expansion of the philanthropic group to take in the City of Casey, hence its renaming to the Casey Cardinia Foundation.
“Brian’s chairmanship provided the leadership to ensure the Foundation has a strong financial base and positive reputation in the community,” Mr Thomas said.
“I would like to thank Brian on behalf of the board and the community for his tireless work for the Foundation over those years and appreciate his on-support in remaining on the board into the future.”
Mr Thomas said the Foundation had a great future and an opportunity to make a big difference to the Casey-Cardinia region.
“With the support of Therese Howell, recently appointed executive officer, vice-chairman Adam Khan and the board of directors, I am confident the Foundation will see more opportunities where we can further improve this region.”
At the last meeting, the board prepared a draft of the Foundation’s latest strategic plan, which provides it with a blueprint for the future.
The latest round of grants will be handed out over morning tea on Friday 5 December.
