Meet Bec, General Manager, Philanthropy at Anglicare WA and 2025 Fundraiser of the Year. A leader in our sector we admire for her energy, generosity and passion, Bec shares what the award means to her and the journey behind it. As proud sponsors of the Fundraiser of the Year award, Michelle had the pleasure of presenting this to Bec in recognition of her achievements, leadership, commitment to the fundraising sector, and for being an all-round legend.
What did you do to celebrate being Fundraiser of the Year, and what does this award mean to you, your career and the sector?
To be honest, I called my parents… from the ballroom! And I FaceTimed my beautiful nieces in NZ – at ages 8 and 11, they were super proud of Bec Bec! If I didn’t have the trophy in my hot little hands, I would still be in disbelief – it is a huge honour and privilege. I truly didn’t think I would win. I remember saying to someone that people I look up to win this award and they replied, “Well, maybe people look up to you.” It’s a humbling thing that’s for sure.
What’s the best thing about your current role?
As a colleague of mine says, I get to work with the smartest bunch of do-gooders in Perth. I think what I truly love is the people – my team and my colleagues across the wider organisation. I get the opportunity to delve elbow-deep into some really interesting projects – bring my funding expertise to helping to create services that are going to shift the dial for the community. Anglicare WA is an organisation that truly values its people and their strengths and I love the variety that this role brings. I also have the opportunity to learn from some clever people – things like advocacy, service strategy, innovation, contracts… all skills that I know will be super useful in the future.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Twenty years ago, when I started my first fundraising role, I wasn’t cocky, but I was certainly not shy about sharing my opinions. Early on, my CEO gave me some advice that has stayed with me ever since: “Don’t tell me no. Tell me why not.”
That simple reframe shifted how I think about problems. Instead of shutting ideas down, it encourages curiosity, deeper thinking and a search for alternatives. I still use it today with my team because it opens the door to better conversations and often to solutions we might otherwise miss. It’s shaped my mindset as a leader and reinforced the value of thoughtful challenge over quick dismissal.
What first inspired you to get into fundraising or the nonprofit sector?
Believe it or not, I auditioned for the acting program at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts straight out of school. I was told I needed more life experience and to try again the following year.
Instead, I found myself volunteering with DADAA, a disabled arts organisation, where I worked alongside a group of extraordinary people of varying abilities on an arts installation for the Fremantle Festival. I still have a photo somewhere of Stephen - a young man with cerebral palsy and the biggest, brightest smile you can imagine.
That experience changed everything for me. I realised it wasn’t about being front and centre on the stage; it was about working behind the scenes to help create moments like that and about creating conditions for others to thrive.
I did end up working in the arts, but the transition into fundraising was a natural one.
Fundraising can be challenging. What keeps you focused, motivated, and committed to giving back, even when it’s tough?
I learned pretty quickly that work–life balance really matters. When I was working with sick kids, the work could be incredibly taxing, and I had to learn - sometimes the hard way - how and when to leave work at work. I like to think I’m pretty good at that now and it’s honestly one of the reasons I can keep turning up day after day and show up properly for the people who need me.
What keeps me focused and motivated is the joy this work can bring - actually seeing real impact, not just talking about it. And just as importantly, it’s the people. A clever colleague from our advocacy team literally just walked past as I was thinking about this - he’s working flat out at the moment in the lead‑up to the State Budget - and we had a quick corridor chat about how much easier the hard stuff feels when you’re working with good, fun humans. Even when things are busy and tough - especially then - being surrounded by people who care, laugh and are all in makes such a difference.
What’s a skill or quality that you think every great fundraiser should have?
In the words of Ted Lasso, “Be curious, not judgemental.” I think these days too many people listen to reply – far too often people are itching to give their thoughts and opinions on things rather than just listening. People need to listen more, ask good questions and let the person they’re talking to, be the star of the show. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
How do you unwind or recharge after a long day?
Well it has to be a dog walk with my main man Eddie – a spectacular little camp dog from the wild streets of Kununurra. He has just enough mischief to keep him interesting! I usually follow that with yoga/gym/glass of wine/terrible TV series…. Or perhaps all of the above!
If you could invite any three guests, living or from history, to dinner, who would they be, and what would you serve?
My Nan for sure; Leigh Sales – for her curiosity and ability to ask thoughtful, human questions and probably Robin Williams – purely for the joy factor! I don’t think I am cooking… let’s get in the caterer for this special bunch!