Can anyone become a board member?

Board members are elected from the membership at an Annual General Meeting. We have a recruitment policy so that we can ensure the continuity on the board.

What qualifications do I need to be a board member?

There are no strict criteria to become a board member. However, the board requires both ex transport employees and is looking to recruit expertise from outside the transport industry. As we are a non for profit, we don’t require formal education and we train directors in particular areas where they will serve the board.

Is the board open to recruiting from diverse backgrounds?

Fair Wealth Australia is committed to being inclusive and has had board members from a range of diverse backgrounds, ethnicity, religion, gender and sexuality.

An experienced Board focused on our mission

Meet the Board

The Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the organisation, with a focus on governance matters and key business functions, including regulatory, financial, legal, audit, and risk.

Our Board ensures the effective and efficient delivery of our programs while maintaining Fair Wealth Australia’s commitment to being a responsible steward of all donated funds and membership fees.

Secretary

Frank Fontana

As a CEO who started in the area of psychotherapy and counselling, helping others continues to be at the core of what we do. We help our members when they need it most, and that now extends to both their financial and mental well-being.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts
Adv DIploma of Applied Counselling
Adv Diploma of Financial Advice
Diploma of Finance & Mortgage
Member of Finance Brokers Association Australia

Chairman

Jason Whyte

Jason is the current Chairman and has been involved with Fair Wealth Australia for over 30 years. A former employee of State Rail for over 33 years, with a history of working with charities such as St John’s Ambulance, the Railway Institute band, and the salaried officers’ picnic, Jason in his many roles on the Board, has insured the longevity and innovation of the fund.

Qualifications:

Certificate IV Finance & Mortgage
Diploma of Finance & Mortgage
Institute of Community Directors Australia
Member of Finance Brokers Association Australia

Director

John Barsoom

John is a dedicated welfare advocate with a strong focus on supporting people through practical, compassionate, and outcome driven initiatives. As a Welfare Fund Director, he brings a balanced approach of leadership, integrity, and real world problem solving, ensuring members feel heard, supported, and represented. John is committed to improving wellbeing, strengthening community engagement, and delivering meaningful welfare outcomes.

Quaifications:

Certificate IIII in Government & Operations
Certificate III in Pharmacy Guild
First Aid Certificate
Certified in Mental Health First Aid

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Director

Barry Barnett

Barry served for many years as a Train Driver. He currently drives a bus as part of his community service. Barry has previously served on the board and brings experience as a community and industrial advocate.

Qualifications:

Justice of the Peace
Australia Community Institute

Director

Michael Bold

Michael, or Mick as he is known, was previously a respected Trainer Guard before retiring and serving on the board of the M Mortality Fund Pty Ltd for 20 years. He brings stability to the board and was instrumental in negotiating a service agreement with Rail entities when the Fund became independent.

Director

Peter Nicholson

Peter is employed with Sydney Trains and he is an experienced director and golf enthusiast. He currently acts as the Finance Director with Fair Wealth Australia to ensure accountability and transparency.

Qualification:

Australian Institute of Community Directors NSW Division

Director

Jasvir (Steve) Khangura

Jasvir is a Licensed Conveyancer at JSK Property Legal, specialising in the buying and selling of real property and businesses, commercial leases and fixed-priced transactions.

Director

Bill Pantelakos

Bill is currently a driver with Transport NSW. He was the inspiration for setting up the Helper Mate program, and his enthusiasm and willingness to spread the word of the work that Fairwealth Australia and the fund does is evident in his abundant voluntary work.