The Sargood Foundation
The outstanding health and wellness resort, Sargood on Collaroy is an innovative, purpose-built facility for those who are living with SCI. It was developed and funded by a local community group, now known as The Sargood Foundation.
The Sargood Foundation is DGR registered charity which has a 25% ownership of the facility with the others being a private benefactor and icare. We actively fundraise to help support an extensive program that provides people living with SCI with opportunities to live life to the fullest.
- Support stays at Sargood for those who would otherwise not be able to afford this valuable experience (such as those who are aged over 65, those with insufficient NDIS cover, those in a situation that requires emergency relief or families who need to be together through difficult times). We also work to provide stays for those living in rural and regional Australia
- Fund travel costs to help those in need pay for their transportation to and from Sargood
- Enable community members to access the state of the art adaptive gym at Lifeworks in Sargood on Collaroy
- Facilitate the donation of important adaptive equipment for our guests
- Fund a new and innovative project with the goal of improving outcomes for the families of those living with SCI
- Resource the pilot of a Golden Oldies retreat at Sargood on Collaroy to deliver much needed support and activities to help those aged over 65 live better with an SCI
- Kid’s Camps hosted at Sargood on Collaroy over school holidays that will deliver engaging and innovative activities that strengthen and build targeted support to children living with SCI and their families in a supportive and warm environment
- We are working to create and invest in a sustainable and meaningful program that will lead to improved employment opportunities for people living with SCI
- Support the pilot and evaluation of a program based at Sargood for interns to gain the necessary skills to find meaningful employment post injury
- Fund an emergency grants program for those in need at NSW Spinal Units to help those aged over 65 access much needed equipment and to assist families be with their loved ones – via application from Social work teams
- Working with SCIA to resource an innovative new program that will assist the families of people with newly acquired spinal cord injury
“Being part of this community and sharing a lived experience with non-judgemental and supportive staff helped me to let go of some trauma and begin to work towards the acceptance of the new normal” Tess
Patrons & Ambassadors
Patron
General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd)
As a long term supporter of those who live with disabilities, I am passionately supportive of the vision of the Sargood Foundation which states that all people affected by spinal cord injury are provided with every opportunity to live life to the fullest.
Almost every day in Australia, another person suffers a spinal cord injury. The effects are absolutely devastating, robbing people of their independence and often shattering their self belief.
The Sargood Foundation has been instrumental in the creation and development of Sargood on Collaroy which is the world-first, purpose-built resort for people living with spinal cord injury. This beautiful resort on Sydney’s Northern Beaches provides guests, their families and/or attendant care workers with much needed respite, refreshment and relaxation. At Sargood on Collaroy, the objective is to promote genuine independence and integration in the lives of guests, who all live with spinal cord injury.
The Sargood Foundation, of which I am proud to be Patron, is a DGR registered charity whose key focus is to raise funds to support the work of Sargood on Collaroy and those guests who are unable to fund their own experience of this wonderful place.
I look forward to connecting with the community of those who are living with spinal cord injury and seeing how Sargood builds confidence, optimism and a realization of what is possible for those living with SCI.
General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd)
As a long term supporter of those who live with disabilities, I am passionately supportive of the vision of the Sargood Foundation which states that all people affected by spinal cord injury are provided with every opportunity to live life to the fullest.
Almost every day in Australia, another person suffers a spinal cord injury. The effects are absolutely devastating, robbing people of their independence and often shattering their self belief.
The Sargood Foundation has been instrumental in the creation and development of Sargood on Collaroy which is the world-first, purpose-built resort for people living with spinal cord injury. This beautiful resort on Sydney’s Northern Beaches provides guests, their families and/or attendant care workers with much needed respite, refreshment and relaxation. At Sargood on Collaroy, the objective is to promote genuine independence and integration in the lives of guests, who all live with spinal cord injury.
The Sargood Foundation, of which I am proud to be Patron, is a DGR registered charity whose key focus is to raise funds to support the work of Sargood on Collaroy and those guests who are unable to fund their own experience of this wonderful place.
I look forward to connecting with the community of those who are living with spinal cord injury and seeing how Sargood builds confidence, optimism and a realization of what is possible for those living with SCI.
General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd)
Vice Patron
Rod Macqueen AM
Rod Macqueen AM is a leader in the sports world as well as a motivator, mentor and innovative thinker in life and in business. He is an internationally renowned coach, winning every trophy available during his four year tenure as Head Coach of the Australian Wallabies including; the Rugby Union World Cup, Tri-Nations Series and British and Irish Lions Series. He was previously an A grade surfboat rower and First Grade Rugby player. He is an Associate Member in the Australian Sports Hall of Fame and his autobiography One Step Ahead was a best seller.
He was also a highly successful businessman as Founder and Chairman of Advantage Line, a multi-million dollar point of sale advertising company. Rod Macqueen was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2003.
The Collaroy community has embraced this special site as a place of healing and sharing for nearly 100 years. The Sargood Foundation ensures the continuation of this heritage of caring & interaction with the community.
Rod Macqueen AM is a leader in the sports world as well as a motivator, mentor and innovative thinker in life and in business. He is an internationally renowned coach, winning every trophy available during his four year tenure as Head Coach of the Australian Wallabies including; the Rugby Union World Cup, Tri-Nations Series and British and Irish Lions Series. He was previously an A grade surfboat rower and First Grade Rugby player. He is an Associate Member in the Australian Sports Hall of Fame and his autobiography One Step Ahead was a best seller.
He was also a highly successful businessman as Founder and Chairman of Advantage Line, a multi-million dollar point of sale advertising company. Rod Macqueen was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2003.
The Collaroy community has embraced this special site as a place of healing and sharing for nearly 100 years. The Sargood Foundation ensures the continuation of this heritage of caring & interaction with the community.
Ambassadors
Sam and Jenny Bailey
Sam Bailey is a beef cattle farmer, ultralight pilot, husband, professional public speaker and best-selling author. He has achieved all of those from a wheelchair following a C6/C7 spinal cord injury at the age of 19.
From a childhood growing up in the Australian bush to a car accident in the outback that turned his life upside down and its aftermath, his story epitomises the great Australian spirit of ‘having a go’.
He has used that spirit to beat the odds to fulfill his life-long dream to be a farmer, learning to ride a four-wheel bike; devising a hoist to get into farm machinery and ultimately learning to fly an ultralight.
Sam then found his soul mate in former Tamworth-based ABC radio Rural Reporter, Jenny Black – who he proposed to “live” on regional radio. They went on to appear on ABC TV’s “Australian Story”, become public speakers and co-write their best seller “Head Over Heels”.
Today they live and work together on their beef cattle property in North West NSW, in between traveling the country telling their story and giving inspiration to others. Sam is also working towards becoming the first quadriplegic in the world to fly a helicopter.
They are thrilled to become Ambassadors for the Sargood Foundation and can’t wait to support our work to make a positive and lasting difference to people who suffer traumatic spinal cord injuries and their families.
“I’ll never forget how terrified I was when I first came home from the spinal unit. It’s the mental anguish you’re not prepared for. I was no longer ‘Sam the Gladiator’. It was a massive readjustment, not just for me but for the whole family.
“I wonder how things would have been different for me and my parents if Sargood was around back then….a place that breaks the ice where everyone can relax and reconnect. Thank goodness it is here now.
“I take my hat off to the people who are making Sargood happen and Jenny and I are very proud to be doing what we can to help.”
James Gribble
James personifies what Sargood stands for: he is passionate, positive and extremely good fun. In 2008, Sydney boy James was in Africa waiting to go Tiger fishing on the mighty Zambezi River when he started to feel faint. He was dehydrated from a run he’d been on earlier that day and passed out whilst sitting on a stool, falling backward onto hard sand.
The result of this seemingly innocuous occurrence was catastrophic. The impact of the fall severely bruised his spinal cord and broke his C4 and C5 vertebrae, leaving him with voluntary movement only from his shoulders up. Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the location, it was 30 hours before James reached fully qualified medical care. This delay worsened his condition by causing fluid to collect in his lungs, leading to respiratory complications. Prior to his injury, James was a very handy golfer with a handicap of four.
On the evening of his accident and the subsequent evenings, James would pick his favourite course and play it in his mind, shot by shot, hole by hole. This was a technique that calmed him down, whilst reinforcing just how important the game was to him. A few years on, James founded Empower Golf, which facilitates and promotes golf for less able Australians. James is an advocate for golf to be included in the Paralympic Games and knowing James, we’re pretty sure he’ll make it happen.
Empower Golf recently partnered with The Sargood Foundation to bring a Paragolfer, a German designed cart that provides people with Quadriplegia and Paraplegia the opportunity to play golf again, to Long Reef Golf Club, which is great news for Sargood on Collaroy guests and the less-abled population. James brings a wonderful positive can-do energy to Sargood. He’s a team player with not only endless enthusiasm, but also a quick wit and cheeky sense of humour.
The Sargood Foundation presents a unique opportunity for spinal injured individuals and their families to benefit from collaboration and communication in a relaxed, supported and interactive setting
Heidi Haydon
In December 2009, Heidi was out riding her motorbike when she decided to go the less travelled route to the shops to pick up a few things. Just a few streets from home Heidi was t-boned by a ute that failed to give way at a roundabout.
The crash left Heidi a T4 paraplegic, paralysed from the chest down. Heidi spent seven months in spinal rehabilitation in hospital, the last month was to simply wait for her house to be modified.
Heidi and her mother Jenni worked incredibly hard for 18 months trying to find Heidi’s way back to independence. They both believed that it was a long life for Heidi to live with her mum so they went about learning everything they could so Heidi could move out. It took months for Heidi to be able to go out in public feeling so conscious of people staring at her, wondering what had happened – after a while she regained the courage and self-esteem to understand that it didn’t matter what people think and this injury was about adjusting to a new lifestyle.
It was a long, hard and emotional 18 months of trying to gather all there was to know about living with spinal cord injury. Since then she has travelled with her boyfriend across Europe and to the USA, rediscovered her love of riding a modified trike and been able to discover the joy in doing many of the activities that she took pleasure from before her injury.
Heidi believes that Sargood gives guests the freedom to be the person that they were before acquiring their spinal cord injury despite the challenges that pop up along the way. The staff specifically trained to work with people living with SCI, guests and the community in and around Sargood are so welcoming and accepting.
Heidi has been an active and engaged Ambassador for the Sargood Foundation since 2015, with a specific interest in and support of our emergency funding program.
The Sargood Foundation plays such an important role for people with a spinal injury. They know the community like the back of their hand and have tirelessly fought to make this dream come true.
Kevin Hitchcock
Kevin is a writer and journalist with more than 40 years’ experience spanning newspapers, radio and television.
As reporter for the Ten Network he covered the Azaria Chamberlain case from the first inquest through to the trial. Concerned by the guilty verdict he tracked down and interviewed key witnesses who supported Lindy’s version of events. His subsequent award-winning documentary, ‘Azaria: A Question of Innocence’, prompted the royal commission which eventually proved the couple’s innocence.
Kevin’s rough and tumble rugby days were spent playing alongside his life-long friend and former Wallaby coach, Rod Macqueen, who is now a Director and Vice Patron of the Sargood Foundation.
His fitness and determination would once again be called on when, in 1991, he broke his neck diving into the Hawkesbury River while playing with his children. From that moment onwards his life would change forever.
Kevin tackled a rigorous rehabilitation program of physical and mental exercises. With the help of a long-time friend and osteopath he used a unique method to reconnect his mind to non-functioning nerves and muscles. An inspirational story that was covered by Channel Nine’s flagship program 60 Minutes. He later documented his battle against the odds in his biography, ‘Walk With Me’.
We are extremely grateful for the dedication and contribution Kevin made so early in the development of Sargood on Collaroy.
Nick Taylor
A native of South Africa, Nick grew up in a sports obsessed family of four siblings. Although he enjoyed a wide range of sporting pursuits, his true passion was basketball, in which he represented South Africa from a young age.
In 1998, just after he finished high school, Nick was involved in a serious car accident that left him paralysed from the waist down. At the time, Nick was leading his team in the South African National Basketball Championship and despite his absence from the grand final, his team would go on to win the national title in overtime. They dedicated the win to their fallen captain, who would also be named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
After many months of hospitals and rehab, Nick learnt to cope with the physical challenges of his new life as a paraplegic. With a great deal of encouragement from family and friends, Nick decided to undertake a Bachelor of Business Science in Cape Town, including spending a year on a wheelchair basketball scholarship at the University of Texas.
Going from strength to strength, Nick then secured a role with a leading international management-consulting firm in Johannesburg and got back to representing South Africa, playing wheelchair basketball in both the World Championships and the Paralympics.
In 2006 Nick immigrated to Australia to build a brighter future for himself in Sydney. He became an Australian citizen and sat out of international competition in wheelchair basketball for three years so he could switch his nationality in order to represent Australia. He did so at the highest level by playing in the London Paralympics in 2012, winning a silver medal and two years later in Korea, he and his team would be crowned World Champions!
Nick’s life is incredibly busy juggling a demanding corporate career, training and being a husband and dad to wife Sonia and sons Mitchell and Bailey.
Nick is the perfect fit for Sargood as he is extremely passionate about helping people with spinal cord injuries regain their independence and about changing the attitudes often displayed by people in the wider community towards this group of people.
The Sargood Foundation is honoured that a positive, motivated and successful man such as Nick is working with us to achieve our mutual goals.
Koen Jansens
Gold and silver medal-winning Paralympian, Koen Jansens was born with spina bifida, but has refused to let his condition dictate his lifestyle.
“Like most youngsters, I was obsessed with football and it was difficult not being able to run around with my mates,” he said. “I found an outlet in wheelchair basketball, and playing it at an elite level has taken me to places I never thought I’d go.”
Koen was a member of the Dutch men’s wheelchair basketball national squad, competing at four Paralympic Games from 1992 to 2004, including Barcelona, Spain (1992 – gold); Atlanta, USA (1996); Sydney, Australia (2000 – silver); and Athens, Greece (2004).
He is married to Manly-born Australian Paralympian Donna Ritchie, who was part of the silver medal-winning Australian women’s wheelchair basketball team at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics. They have a son and a daughter. Koen retired from international basketball about 15 years ago to shift focus on a corporate career in Software Sales building and leading sales teams across the Asia Pacific region.
Koen is currently a board member of WBA (Wheelchair Basketball Australia), which is a newly created company responsible for running the National Men’s and Women’s Leagues, as well as the President of the Manly Wheel Eagles Basketball Team and an inspiration to many young and aspiring players.
“You can look at life two ways: you can get upset with the cards you are dealt or you can go out and live life to the fullest.
We chose the latter and couldn’t be happier, we have two wonderful children and busy lives.
I am so excited by the work that the Sargood Foundation is doing to help others with spinal cord injury to get the most out of life, it really resonates with my own personal philosophy and I look forward to working with the Foundation to create new futures and opportunities for those living with SCI.”
Sam Bailey is a beef cattle farmer, ultralight pilot, husband, professional public speaker and best-selling author. He has achieved all of those from a wheelchair following a C6/C7 spinal cord injury at the age of 19.
From a childhood growing up in the Australian bush to a car accident in the outback that turned his life upside down and its aftermath, his story epitomises the great Australian spirit of ‘having a go’.
He has used that spirit to beat the odds to fulfill his life-long dream to be a farmer, learning to ride a four-wheel bike; devising a hoist to get into farm machinery and ultimately learning to fly an ultralight.
Sam then found his soul mate in former Tamworth-based ABC radio Rural Reporter, Jenny Black – who he proposed to “live” on regional radio. They went on to appear on ABC TV’s “Australian Story”, become public speakers and co-write their best seller “Head Over Heels”.
Today they live and work together on their beef cattle property in North West NSW, in between traveling the country telling their story and giving inspiration to others. Sam is also working towards becoming the first quadriplegic in the world to fly a helicopter.
They are thrilled to become Ambassadors for the Sargood Foundation and can’t wait to support our work to make a positive and lasting difference to people who suffer traumatic spinal cord injuries and their families.
“I’ll never forget how terrified I was when I first came home from the spinal unit. It’s the mental anguish you’re not prepared for. I was no longer ‘Sam the Gladiator’. It was a massive readjustment, not just for me but for the whole family.
“I wonder how things would have been different for me and my parents if Sargood was around back then….a place that breaks the ice where everyone can relax and reconnect. Thank goodness it is here now.
“I take my hat off to the people who are making Sargood happen and Jenny and I are very proud to be doing what we can to help.”
James personifies what Sargood stands for: he is passionate, positive and extremely good fun. In 2008, Sydney boy James was in Africa waiting to go Tiger fishing on the mighty Zambezi River when he started to feel faint. He was dehydrated from a run he’d been on earlier that day and passed out whilst sitting on a stool, falling backward onto hard sand.
The result of this seemingly innocuous occurrence was catastrophic. The impact of the fall severely bruised his spinal cord and broke his C4 and C5 vertebrae, leaving him with voluntary movement only from his shoulders up. Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the location, it was 30 hours before James reached fully qualified medical care. This delay worsened his condition by causing fluid to collect in his lungs, leading to respiratory complications. Prior to his injury, James was a very handy golfer with a handicap of four.
On the evening of his accident and the subsequent evenings, James would pick his favourite course and play it in his mind, shot by shot, hole by hole. This was a technique that calmed him down, whilst reinforcing just how important the game was to him. A few years on, James founded Empower Golf, which facilitates and promotes golf for less able Australians. James is an advocate for golf to be included in the Paralympic Games and knowing James, we’re pretty sure he’ll make it happen.
Empower Golf recently partnered with The Sargood Foundation to bring a Paragolfer, a German designed cart that provides people with Quadriplegia and Paraplegia the opportunity to play golf again, to Long Reef Golf Club, which is great news for Sargood on Collaroy guests and the less-abled population. James brings a wonderful positive can-do energy to Sargood. He’s a team player with not only endless enthusiasm, but also a quick wit and cheeky sense of humour.
The Sargood Foundation presents a unique opportunity for spinal injured individuals and their families to benefit from collaboration and communication in a relaxed, supported and interactive setting
In December 2009, Heidi was out riding her motorbike when she decided to go the less travelled route to the shops to pick up a few things. Just a few streets from home Heidi was t-boned by a ute that failed to give way at a roundabout.
The crash left Heidi a T4 paraplegic, paralysed from the chest down. Heidi spent seven months in spinal rehabilitation in hospital, the last month was to simply wait for her house to be modified.
Heidi and her mother Jenni worked incredibly hard for 18 months trying to find Heidi’s way back to independence. They both believed that it was a long life for Heidi to live with her mum so they went about learning everything they could so Heidi could move out. It took months for Heidi to be able to go out in public feeling so conscious of people staring at her, wondering what had happened – after a while she regained the courage and self-esteem to understand that it didn’t matter what people think and this injury was about adjusting to a new lifestyle.
It was a long, hard and emotional 18 months of trying to gather all there was to know about living with spinal cord injury. Since then she has travelled with her boyfriend across Europe and to the USA, rediscovered her love of riding a modified trike and been able to discover the joy in doing many of the activities that she took pleasure from before her injury.
Heidi believes that Sargood gives guests the freedom to be the person that they were before acquiring their spinal cord injury despite the challenges that pop up along the way. The staff specifically trained to work with people living with SCI, guests and the community in and around Sargood are so welcoming and accepting.
Heidi has been an active and engaged Ambassador for the Sargood Foundation since 2015, with a specific interest in and support of our emergency funding program.
The Sargood Foundation plays such an important role for people with a spinal injury. They know the community like the back of their hand and have tirelessly fought to make this dream come true.
Kevin is a writer and journalist with more than 40 years’ experience spanning newspapers, radio and television.
As reporter for the Ten Network he covered the Azaria Chamberlain case from the first inquest through to the trial. Concerned by the guilty verdict he tracked down and interviewed key witnesses who supported Lindy’s version of events. His subsequent award-winning documentary, ‘Azaria: A Question of Innocence’, prompted the royal commission which eventually proved the couple’s innocence.
Kevin’s rough and tumble rugby days were spent playing alongside his life-long friend and former Wallaby coach, Rod Macqueen, who is now a Director and Vice Patron of the Sargood Foundation.
His fitness and determination would once again be called on when, in 1991, he broke his neck diving into the Hawkesbury River while playing with his children. From that moment onwards his life would change forever.
Kevin tackled a rigorous rehabilitation program of physical and mental exercises. With the help of a long-time friend and osteopath he used a unique method to reconnect his mind to non-functioning nerves and muscles. An inspirational story that was covered by Channel Nine’s flagship program 60 Minutes. He later documented his battle against the odds in his biography, ‘Walk With Me’.
We are extremely grateful for the dedication and contribution Kevin made so early in the development of Sargood on Collaroy.
A native of South Africa, Nick grew up in a sports obsessed family of four siblings. Although he enjoyed a wide range of sporting pursuits, his true passion was basketball, in which he represented South Africa from a young age.
In 1998, just after he finished high school, Nick was involved in a serious car accident that left him paralysed from the waist down. At the time, Nick was leading his team in the South African National Basketball Championship and despite his absence from the grand final, his team would go on to win the national title in overtime. They dedicated the win to their fallen captain, who would also be named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
After many months of hospitals and rehab, Nick learnt to cope with the physical challenges of his new life as a paraplegic. With a great deal of encouragement from family and friends, Nick decided to undertake a Bachelor of Business Science in Cape Town, including spending a year on a wheelchair basketball scholarship at the University of Texas.
Going from strength to strength, Nick then secured a role with a leading international management-consulting firm in Johannesburg and got back to representing South Africa, playing wheelchair basketball in both the World Championships and the Paralympics.
In 2006 Nick immigrated to Australia to build a brighter future for himself in Sydney. He became an Australian citizen and sat out of international competition in wheelchair basketball for three years so he could switch his nationality in order to represent Australia. He did so at the highest level by playing in the London Paralympics in 2012, winning a silver medal and two years later in Korea, he and his team would be crowned World Champions!
Nick’s life is incredibly busy juggling a demanding corporate career, training and being a husband and dad to wife Sonia and sons Mitchell and Bailey.
Nick is the perfect fit for Sargood as he is extremely passionate about helping people with spinal cord injuries regain their independence and about changing the attitudes often displayed by people in the wider community towards this group of people.
The Sargood Foundation is honoured that a positive, motivated and successful man such as Nick is working with us to achieve our mutual goals.
Gold and silver medal-winning Paralympian, Koen Jansens was born with spina bifida, but has refused to let his condition dictate his lifestyle.
“Like most youngsters, I was obsessed with football and it was difficult not being able to run around with my mates,” he said. “I found an outlet in wheelchair basketball, and playing it at an elite level has taken me to places I never thought I’d go.”
Koen was a member of the Dutch men’s wheelchair basketball national squad, competing at four Paralympic Games from 1992 to 2004, including Barcelona, Spain (1992 – gold); Atlanta, USA (1996); Sydney, Australia (2000 – silver); and Athens, Greece (2004).
He is married to Manly-born Australian Paralympian Donna Ritchie, who was part of the silver medal-winning Australian women’s wheelchair basketball team at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics. They have a son and a daughter. Koen retired from international basketball about 15 years ago to shift focus on a corporate career in Software Sales building and leading sales teams across the Asia Pacific region.
Koen is currently a board member of WBA (Wheelchair Basketball Australia), which is a newly created company responsible for running the National Men’s and Women’s Leagues, as well as the President of the Manly Wheel Eagles Basketball Team and an inspiration to many young and aspiring players.
“You can look at life two ways: you can get upset with the cards you are dealt or you can go out and live life to the fullest.
We chose the latter and couldn’t be happier, we have two wonderful children and busy lives.
I am so excited by the work that the Sargood Foundation is doing to help others with spinal cord injury to get the most out of life, it really resonates with my own personal philosophy and I look forward to working with the Foundation to create new futures and opportunities for those living with SCI.”
Foundation Board
Graham Anderson
With a long and successful career in finance across a number of blue chip businesses in the financial services and computer services industries, Graham brings a strong financial skill set to the Board. Graham is also a local Collaroy resident with a strong sense of community. Graham is Chair of the Foundation Audit Committee.
Gregor Millson OAM – Joint Chair
Gregor has taken a lead role in the Sargood project since it’s inception. Co-Founder of Mainbrace, Australia’s leading retail construction firm in Australia back in 1989, Gregor has over 30 years experience in building major developments. Drawn to the Sargood project like many other Collaroy Basin locals, Gregor believed the site was intrinsic to the area and wanted to ensure it remained as a centre for healing. Greg has been integral to fundraising, advocacy and the key negotiations of the Sargood project and is both a Joint-Chair of the Sargood Foundation and Chair of the Sargood Centre.
Louise Duff
Louise is the Founder and Managing Director of successful boutique marketing & communications agency Brilliant Logic. Throughout her career, Louise has been privileged to work alongside a wide range of not for profit organisations and charities, including The Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House Charities, St Vincent de Paul Society, The Full Stop Foundation and the Men of League Foundation.
Don Ferguson – Joint Chair
Don has over 25 years of experience across personal injury and disability in government, non-government and private sectors, including as a Director of MS Limited and leading the Lifetime Care and Support Authority of NSW. Currently CEO of EML Management, Don’s priority focus is about helping people to get back to work and life after their injury.
Susan Johnston – Executive Director
Susan is an experienced marketing and communications professional with demonstrated success building and sustaining brands in competitive sectors. Susan brings strong fundraising and relationship management experience from Red Cross and the Full Stop Foundation and is passionate about working with the Sargood Foundation to create life changing opportunities for those with spinal cord injury.
Liz Macqueen
Liz Macqueen has been one of the driving forces behind the Sargood Foundation since it’s early days. Liz’s fundraising efforts for the Foundation have been outstanding and her clear understanding of Sargood’s vision makes her an extremely valuable member of the Board.
Rod Macqueen AM
Until his retirement in 2015 Rod Macqueen AM was a successful businessman as Co-Founder and Chairman of Advantage Line, a multi-million dollar point of sale advertising company. However, he is mostly renowned internationally as Coach of the Australian Wallabies. During his tenure from 1997 – 2001, the team held every trophy including the Rugby World Cup. He is an Associate Member in the Australian Sports Hall of Fame and his autobiography One Step Ahead was a best seller. In 2003 Rod was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia. These days Rod is a mentor to top executives at multi-national companies around the world.
Grant Mizens OAM
In his final year of high school Grant was involved in a car accident, resulting in paraplegia from the waist down. He is an experienced investment professional managing institutional portfolios for one of Australia’s largest wealth firms. Grant represented Australia at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Paralympics Games, winning Paralympic gold in 2008. In 2020 Grant was appointed to the Paralympics Australia’s Board of Directors. Grant is passionate about encouraging people with a spinal cord injury to aim high in life.
With a long and successful career in finance across a number of blue chip businesses in the financial services and computer services industries, Graham brings a strong financial skill set to the Board. Graham is also a local Collaroy resident with a strong sense of community. Graham is Chair of the Foundation Audit Committee.
Gregor has taken a lead role in the Sargood project since it’s inception. Co-Founder of Mainbrace, Australia’s leading retail construction firm in Australia back in 1989, Gregor has over 30 years experience in building major developments. Drawn to the Sargood project like many other Collaroy Basin locals, Gregor believed the site was intrinsic to the area and wanted to ensure it remained as a centre for healing. Greg has been integral to fundraising, advocacy and the key negotiations of the Sargood project and is both a Joint-Chair of the Sargood Foundation and Chair of the Sargood Centre.
Louise is the Founder and Managing Director of successful boutique marketing & communications agency Brilliant Logic. Throughout her career, Louise has been privileged to work alongside a wide range of not for profit organisations and charities, including The Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House Charities, St Vincent de Paul Society, The Full Stop Foundation and the Men of League Foundation.
Don has over 25 years of experience across personal injury and disability in government, non-government and private sectors, including as a Director of MS Limited and leading the Lifetime Care and Support Authority of NSW. Currently CEO of EML Management, Don’s priority focus is about helping people to get back to work and life after their injury.
Susan is an experienced marketing and communications professional with demonstrated success building and sustaining brands in competitive sectors. Susan brings strong fundraising and relationship management experience from Red Cross and the Full Stop Foundation and is passionate about working with the Sargood Foundation to create life changing opportunities for those with spinal cord injury.
Liz Macqueen has been one of the driving forces behind the Sargood Foundation since it’s early days. Liz’s fundraising efforts for the Foundation have been outstanding and her clear understanding of Sargood’s vision makes her an extremely valuable member of the Board.
Until his retirement in 2015 Rod Macqueen AM was a successful businessman as Co-Founder and Chairman of Advantage Line, a multi-million dollar point of sale advertising company. However, he is mostly renowned internationally as Coach of the Australian Wallabies. During his tenure from 1997 – 2001, the team held every trophy including the Rugby World Cup. He is an Associate Member in the Australian Sports Hall of Fame and his autobiography One Step Ahead was a best seller. In 2003 Rod was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia. These days Rod is a mentor to top executives at multi-national companies around the world.
In his final year of high school Grant was involved in a car accident, resulting in paraplegia from the waist down. He is an experienced investment professional managing institutional portfolios for one of Australia’s largest wealth firms. Grant represented Australia at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Paralympics Games, winning Paralympic gold in 2008. In 2020 Grant was appointed to the Paralympics Australia’s Board of Directors. Grant is passionate about encouraging people with a spinal cord injury to aim high in life.
VIPs
The Sargood Foundation would like to honour and recognise the incredible contribution of these special people.
John Mullins OAM
John was a long standing member of Long Reef Golf Club in many roles, including that of President. He was instrumental in involving Long Reef Golf Club with the successful development of Sargood on Collaroy and his legacy continues with the ongoing support of our friends and close neighbours at one of Australia’s best loved golf course who consistently and generously donate to fund much needed stays through the Sargood Foundation.
Colin Apps
Colin was a local Northern Beaches resident who lived with Spinal Cord Injury and had served as Director of SCIA. Col understood the need for Sargood on Collaroy and its significance for the SCI community & was relentless in his determination to assist its evolution and development. Colin understood the importance and therapeutic benefits associated with such a unique site. His wife Robin remains one of our most proud supporters and a passionate advocate for Sargood on Collaroy.
Sheree Hurley
Sheree was a great friend of Sargood on Collaroy. In the early days of development, Sheree was instrumental in giving practical advice and encouragement to the team and mapped out all the equipment needs for Sargood on Collaroy, with a specific view to accessibility and a desire to best cater for the needs of those living with an SCI. Sheree’s wonderful support and her motivated and proactive nature are recognised by the Sargood Foundation with the Sheree Hurley Staff Award for the team member who has shown outstanding work in their sincerity of care, and service to our guests.
John was a long standing member of Long Reef Golf Club in many roles, including that of President. He was instrumental in involving Long Reef Golf Club with the successful development of Sargood on Collaroy and his legacy continues with the ongoing support of our friends and close neighbours at one of Australia’s best loved golf course who consistently and generously donate to fund much needed stays through the Sargood Foundation.
Colin was a local Northern Beaches resident who lived with Spinal Cord Injury and had served as Director of SCIA. Col understood the need for Sargood on Collaroy and its significance for the SCI community & was relentless in his determination to assist its evolution and development. Colin understood the importance and therapeutic benefits associated with such a unique site. His wife Robin remains one of our most proud supporters and a passionate advocate for Sargood on Collaroy.
Sheree was a great friend of Sargood on Collaroy. In the early days of development, Sheree was instrumental in giving practical advice and encouragement to the team and mapped out all the equipment needs for Sargood on Collaroy, with a specific view to accessibility and a desire to best cater for the needs of those living with an SCI. Sheree’s wonderful support and her motivated and proactive nature are recognised by the Sargood Foundation with the Sheree Hurley Staff Award for the team member who has shown outstanding work in their sincerity of care, and service to our guests.
Our Partners
The Sargood Foundation is very grateful for the support of the following organisations, and is proud to partner with them to equip people with spinal injuries with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to lead independent, full and rewarding lives.
Our Community
In 2000, a group of Collaroy locals on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, now known as the Sargood Foundation raised over $25m with support from the local Clubs, businesses, Northern Beaches Council and residents, and a private philanthropist to construct a world first – a fully accessible resort where people who live with SCI, their friends and families can visit and enjoy time together, connect with specialist nurses and physios, enjoy confidence building sports and recreation activities and meet others with shared life experience.
Without the support of our local community, Sargood on Collaroy would never have happened. Support from the local Clubs, businesses, local council and residents was paramount in securing the land and raising significant funds to bring about the creation of this award winning resort. Our local community continues to play an important role in the development of the Sargood Foundation.
The Residents
The Sargood Foundation was originally the Collaroy Community Group, so the very foundation of this charity is thanks to the local residents. You will be hard pressed to find a more supportive and proud local community!
The Local Government
The Sargood Foundation enjoys very strong relationships with representatives at all levels of government. In fact, the former Warringah Council, now the Northern Beaches Council has been consistently and deeply supportive of the project, deeming Collaroy to be an all abilities area by providing accessible pathways, an all abilities playground and surf club, and a free wheeler chair for swimming. To read more, click here to visit council website.
The Local Clubs & Businesses
Businesses from local cafes to the Collaroy Beach Club and Long Reef Golf Club have been outstanding in supporting The Sargood Foundation. Such support includes holding fundraising events for us and in the case of Long Reef Golf Club managing the Paragolfer, a golf cart for less abled people. Dee Why RSL is also a great supporter, awarding us a local grant and supporting our fundraising initiatives. We very much welcome our new partnership with The Collaroy, part of the Merivale group.
The State & Federal Governments
Sargood on Collaroy would not exist without the tremendous financial support from icare, a new organisation created to deliver the State’s insurance and care schemes within the Ministry of Finance, Services and Innovation of the NSW State Government.
The former NSW Premier Mike Baird MP, our local member Brad Hazzard MP (State Member for Wakehurst) , Rob Stokes (Member for Pittwater) and Jason Falinski MP (Member for Mackellar) are very aware and incredibly supportive of The Sargood Foundation and Sargood on Collaroy.
The Sargood Foundation was originally the Collaroy Community Group, so the very foundation of this charity is thanks to the local residents. You will be hard pressed to find a more supportive and proud local community!
The Sargood Foundation enjoys very strong relationships with representatives at all levels of government. In fact, the former Warringah Council, now the Northern Beaches Council has been consistently and deeply supportive of the project, deeming Collaroy to be an all abilities area by providing accessible pathways, an all abilities playground and surf club, and a free wheeler chair for swimming. To read more, click here to visit council website.
Businesses from local cafes to the Collaroy Beach Club and Long Reef Golf Club have been outstanding in supporting The Sargood Foundation. Such support includes holding fundraising events for us and in the case of Long Reef Golf Club managing the Paragolfer, a golf cart for less abled people. Dee Why RSL is also a great supporter, awarding us a local grant and supporting our fundraising initiatives. We very much welcome our new partnership with The Collaroy, part of the Merivale group.
Sargood on Collaroy would not exist without the tremendous financial support from icare, a new organisation created to deliver the State’s insurance and care schemes within the Ministry of Finance, Services and Innovation of the NSW State Government.
The former NSW Premier Mike Baird MP, our local member Brad Hazzard MP (State Member for Wakehurst) , Rob Stokes (Member for Pittwater) and Jason Falinski MP (Member for Mackellar) are very aware and incredibly supportive of The Sargood Foundation and Sargood on Collaroy.
Financial Reports & Constitution Documents
The Sargood Foundation is a DGR registered charity
Annual Reports
“
Brad Hazzard MPSargood Foundation’s Collaroy facilities were born of community enthusiasm to do more for the people with spinal injuries. It will be an incredible place of hope for a better future.
; "Brad Hazzard MP")
Jason Falinski MPSargood represents the best of what we can achieve here on the northern beaches. A world first, a health and wellness resort purpose built for people with a spinal cord injury, built by the community, for the community. The vision of the Sargood Foundation to improve the lives of people living with spinal injuries through innovative solutions delivered in the most remarkable natural setting shows why community lead solutions always deliver the best outcomes.
; "Jason Falinski MP")
Former NSW Premier Mike BairdSargood is truly an inspirational place that turns people’s despair into hope. I am so proud to be part of the community that is supporting the wonderful work of the Sargood Foundation.
; "Former NSW Premier Mike Baird")
Sargood Foundation’s Collaroy facilities were born of community enthusiasm to do more for the people with spinal injuries. It will be an incredible place of hope for a better future.
Sargood represents the best of what we can achieve here on the northern beaches. A world first, a health and wellness resort purpose built for people with a spinal cord injury, built by the community, for the community. The vision of the Sargood Foundation to improve the lives of people living with spinal injuries through innovative solutions delivered in the most remarkable natural setting shows why community lead solutions always deliver the best outcomes.
Sargood is truly an inspirational place that turns people’s despair into hope. I am so proud to be part of the community that is supporting the wonderful work of the Sargood Foundation.