The Board of charitable organisation, the Coopers Foundation, has appointed former South Australian Premier, Steven Marshall, and sixth-generation family member, Bec Cooper, as its newest members. They will take over from founding member, Haydn Duffield, retiring after 18 years, and former Governor of South Australia, Rear Admiral Hon Kevin Scarce, retiring after a decade of service.
The Coopers Foundation was established in 2006 by Coopers Brewery and the Cooper family to support charitable organisations and initiatives in the Australian community. It has since donated more than $7.8 million of funds, with 260 charities having received financial support since its inception.
The new appointments to the Board of Governors will support the Foundation in continuing to grow. Bec Cooper is the daughter of Coopers Foundation chair, Mel Cooper, and has worked at the Cooper’s brewery in various casual roles and supported the Foundation over the past 10 years.
“Steven and Bec both have a strong commitment to community service in line with the Foundation’s aim to improve the quality of lives of Australians in need,” Mel Cooper said.
“Throughout his whole career, and most notably during his time as Premier and a member of Parliament, Steven has given tireless service to the community. Steven also comes from a family business background and shares the high value our family places on philanthropy.
“Bec is the first of the sixth generation of the Cooper family to join the Foundation Board. Bec has been actively involved with the Foundation’s fundraising work for over a decade and I’m delighted to see the next generation continuing the family’s charitable work.”
The chair also thanked the retiring Governors for their service. A founding Board member, Duffield also served on the Foundation’s Investment Committee. Scare joined the Foundation Board in 2014, after serving as Governor of South Australia.
“Haydn played a pivotal role in shaping the Foundation’s mission from the outset and his leadership has been highly valued throughout his 18 years of service,” Mel Cooper said.
“Kevin joined us with vast knowledge of the charity sector and his wise counsel and dedication has been instrumental in strengthening the Foundation's community impact.
“Both men have left a legacy that will continue to shape the Foundation's work for years to come and for which we are forever grateful.”
