Friends of BFT Australia Limited

Friends of BFT Australia Limited (FoBFTA) had its first Board meeting on 29 April, 2014. During the period to December 2015, activities concentrated on registering as a charity with the ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission) and thereby obtaining DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status with the ATO, which was granted on 8 December, 2015. This is an important achievement as it means donations to FoBFTA are tax deductible.

FoBFTA Board Members

Tony James (Chairman) has previously been very actively involved with the development of BFT Cambodian operations where he spent some years as Chairman. He has been highly active in developing fundraising, especially within the Rotary network.

Gill Gray is a TESOL Teacher, who has visited BFT on a number of occasions, to teach English and educate the volunteer teachers. She ran a highly successful fundraising dinner in 2016, is a constant ambassador for the organization and manages the FoBFTA Facebook page.

Gillian Cappelletto, is an accountant & business advisor. She applies her skills to FoBFTA and assists with fundraising activities.

John Nurse is a management consultant and former company director with a strong background in communications and project management. He has recently redesigned the BFT website and has a key role in communications for FoBFTA.

Terry O'Neill is a consultant and former company director with extensive experience in South East Asia and involvement with Cambodian charities and NGOs over more than 10 years.

Key Support Personnel:

Stephanie Shaw (Hon Minutes Secretary)

Gavin Ovens (Company Secretary) is Executive General Manager of Operations with the Sydney Desalination Plant and explores opportunities within that industry.

Objectives of FoBFTA

As detailed in the Constitution, dated 23rd December, 2015 of Friends of BFT Australia Limited (The Company):

The Company's purpose is to directly aid and develop communities in Cambodia, which is a certified developing country as approved by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The Company has the following objects:

to carry out fundraising solely to support the charitable works carried out by BFT Cambodia;
to advance education;
to relieve poverty;
to relieve sickness;
to preserve and protect the health;
to advance food security; and
to relieve domestic violence,
of the people of Cambodia who are in need.

In order for the Company to carry out its objects set out (above), the Company will:

seek to raise money to further the aims of the Company and secure sufficient funds for the purposes of the Company;
receive any funds and distribute these funds in a manner that best attains the objects of the Company;
co-operate with Build Your Future Today Center (BFT) in Cambodia, which may include Friends of Build Your Future Today global entities, to support the programs delivered in Cambodia by BFT.
ensure effective utilisation of the funds; and
do all such things as are incidental, convenient or conducive to the attainment of all or any of the above.

Come and Help Us Help BFT

Would you like to work with Friends of BFT Australia to help organise events, brainstorm fundraising opportunities or just help out when we need extra arms and legs? Or perhaps you have some special skills in social media, fundraising or other relevant areas. Get in touch with us and find out how you can make a difference as part of our team.

Friends of BFT Australia

Supporting Build Your Future Today Center, Cambodia