About
MADCOW® is an initiative of Bendigo Baptist Community Care Inc.
We are a local charity based in Bendigo, to serve the people of Bendigo.
With over 70 staff and 150 volunteers, we strive to make Bendigo a better place to live for everyone.
We want to follow the example of Jesus Christ and offer relief to all people, and empower them through love, education and care to reach their full potential.
Our team
Matthew Parkinson
CEO
Matt has been part of the team since it began in 2010 and has a background in small business and community service.
Matt has taken a concept to reality and now oversees a self-funded social enterprise charity, led by a passionate team of people striving to make a difference.
Matt loves to see people reach their full potential. “Love God, love others! It’s such a privilege to serve alongside this amazing and diverse team of people that bring a positive change to our community.”
Maree Shay
Community Enterprise Operations Manager
Maree has been part of the team since 2012. Maree began as an administration assistant, and now oversees 60+ staff and all aspects of our Community Enterprises based at the Junortoun site.
Maree started her working life as a secondary teacher. Maree loves working with people from different cultures. “Having the blessing of seeing them grow and find their purpose in their new country is so humbling and rewarding not just for them, but for me too”.
Rod Meadows
Operations Manager
Rod has been part of the team since 2014 and looks after the day-to day running of our Op Shop located at 315 Eaglehawk Rd, Cal Gully.
Rod works with a busy team of volunteers who pick up, sort, clean and price numerous items each week. All profits from the shop go towards our homeless services.
Rod loves the opportunity to work alongside a diverse group of people. “It’s great to be part of something that makes such a difference in our community.”
Julie Lovell
Producer/Director - NexusBYT
Julie has been part of the team since we began in 2010 and works from our Junortoun site.
Julie founded Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre with the vision of connecting students Years 7-12 to participate, educate, train and perform in the Theatre Arts.
Julie has extensive experience as a secondary teacher and director and has produced/directed over 40+ productions. “I love connecting with teenagers through the theatre arts.”
Sharon Gleeson
CFO
Sharon has been part of the team in a voluntary capacity since it began in 2010.
Her experience spans over more than 30 years in public practice and partner in an accounting firm for 14 years, assisting clients with business strategy and growth.
Sharon works from our Hargreaves St site and loves the opportunity to be part of a team supporting the growth of a successful NFP business. “It’s wonderful being part of a team that plays a significant role in assisting the underprivileged.”
Fiona Mummery
Community Engagement Coordinator
Fiona has been part of the team since 2018 and works from our site located at 214 Hargreaves St Bendigo.
Fiona has a wealth of experience working in the Community Services Sector for the past 30 years including Aged Care, Child Care, Indigenous Community Work, Employment Consultancy, and Neighbourhood Houses. Fiona oversees our homeless service programs.
Fiona and the team provide a dependable service where trusted relationships can be formed.
Fiona loves to see a positive shift in the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable community members. “It is an absolute delight and brings enormous pleasure to me and my team”.
Naomi Boyd
Administrator
Naomi has been part of the team since we began in 2010 as a volunteer and has been on staff as our Administrator since 2018, and currently works from our Hargreaves St site.
Naomi worked as a Teacher’s Aide, Indonesian and Business Studies Secondary Teacher and Administrator at St Andrews Uniting Church.
Naomi loves working as part of an amazing team as we strive to help those in our community through all our various programs. “It gives us the opportunity to help people in so many different spaces and ways, which is fantastic.”
Jewell Jones
Playgroups Coordinator
Jewell has been part of our team since 2015. After circumstances changed in 2015 Jewell decided to volunteer at mainly music in the later part of that year. She loved it so much and enjoyed even more when her 6month old grandson began attending in 2016.
Learning from previous leaders and presenters and wanting to continue in this ministry, Jewell took over as co-ordinator in 2017. “I have a love of music, mums and pre-schoolers which has kept me serving in this role until now.
We see so many excited children each week and we get to share with them and impact them in great ways.”
Lynley Jordan
One Hope Coordinator
Lynley has been part of the team since 2018 and heads up our mentoring program, working out of Camp Hill & Strathfieldsaye Primary Schools.
Lynley has many years’ experience working as a primary school teacher and currently works as a school Chaplain. Lynley loves working with vulnerable young people and making a difference in their lives.
“I love working with an awesome and diverse team who serve others by showing God’s love in practical ways and shining light into dark situations.
