about the mcsc

Meet our team

Liz Kerslake

FINANCIAL WELLBEING AND CAPABILITY COORDINATOR

Ask a busy person to get something done and you’ll be asking Liz! Compassionate, eager to help and never phased by the challenge.

our values

compassion

We lead with empathy and understanding. Compassion is the heartbeat of our work – it guides how we listen, respond and care

Dignity

We believe every person deserves to be valued, respected, and treated with honour. Our actions uphold the inherent worth of every individual, no matter their circumstanceshumility

Humility

We are committed to putting others first, doing good and being kind. We listen, learn, and recognise that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

RESPECT

We treat all people with fairness, kindness, and understanding. We value each person’s story, culture, and perspective, and create a space where everyone feels seen, heard and included

Support

We walk alongside individuals and communities, offering practical help, encouragement, and connection. Together, we build strength, resilience, and hope.

 Our Board

The Service is guided by a volunteer Board consisting of:

• Brad Fenby

  Brad is very familiar with the local Mornington community having lived in Mornington & Mt Martha for the last 40 yrs. Having owned one of Australia's largest training companies, he semi-retired 12 yrs ago. For many years Brad has been involved with numerous not for profit and charity organisations, both as a volunteer and as a donor.

• Hayley Cull

  Hayley is an optimist and advocate for child rights and gender equality. An executive leader in the non-profit sector, she has held senior roles with global humanitarian organisations including Plan International and UNICEF, where she has worked with governments, philanthropists and communities to drive change for children worldwide. A Mornington local, she is passionate about the work of MCSC to also support people in her community. 

• John Costello, Treasurer

  After 30 years of working in the public sector in various roles, he purchased an accounting practice in Frankston which he ran for nearly 10 years before retiring (for the first time).   In 2012, he walked into the Centre looking for volunteering opportunities and was immediately offered the vacant Treasurer position and has been our Treasurer ever since bringing his expertise to this key position on the Board.   John also does consulting work for other accountants regarding self-managed superannuation funds.    John lives with his wife, Marion, and their kelpie, Jules, on a small farm in Tuerong.    

• Laura Wheeler

• Lyn Johnson, President

  Lyn has been President since February 2024. She has had extensive experience as a senior executive in specialist medical education, including leadership roles with the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

  She is a long time Peninsula resident and very passionate about the Centre’s work. With her strong background in leadership, governance and community engagement, Lyn is committed to supporting and strengthening the services the Centre provides to the local community.

• Martin Hughes

  Martin has had the best jobs in the world, including as a travel writer/photographer for Lonely Planet and editor of The Big Issue magazine. He also founded his own book publishing company called, Affirm Press, which he recently sold. He is currently working mainly as an Uber driver for his twin 17yo daughters, and is inspired by the work of the Centre, a magnificent example of people on the Peninsula pulling together.

• Pam Hall

  Pam has a background in education and finance.  She first moved to Mornington in 1970, despite living elsewhere at different times, and has always been drawn back to the Peninsula.  Pam joined the board in 2021 and has been secretary since 2022.  She is also a member of Mornington Rotary Club and is passionate about helping her local community.

• Sam Danckert

  Sam Danckert is the principal of Danckert Real Estate in Mount Martha and a long-time Mornington Peninsula resident. Through his role on the Board, Sam is passionate about supporting initiatives that strengthen the local community and expand access to services for those in need.

• Sam Stidston

  Sam Stidston has been a solicitor in the firm Stidston Warren Lawyers in Mornington for over 45 years providing legal services to clients, their children, and their grandchildren. Sam and his family have been living and working on the Mornington Peninsula for over 5 decades,  all being involved in and assisting local organisations.

our involvement with cisvic

Community Information & Support Victoria (CISVic) is the peak body representing local community information and support services (formerly Citizens Advice Bureaus). Local services assist people experiencing personal and financial difficulties by providing information, referral and support services including emergency relief.

CISVic represent the services at a state and federal government level through advocacy and funding related conversations, and provide training services to local communities.

how we operate and are funded

We’re made of community.

Run by a volunteer management committee, MCSC is an independent incorporated association, with deductible gift recipient status.

Our funding comes from a range of areas, including the federal Department of Social Services, state Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, and a large grant from the local Mornington Peninsula Shire.

Over 75% of our support that enables our work comes from non-government sources, and funds raised stay in the local community.

Our financial supporters include the Ansett Trust, Danks Trust, local philanthropic partners and donors, and our wider community through generous donations.

Our local Community Bank in Mount Martha is like a family, supporting us the whole way.

Funds are also generated by our Op Shop (Beach End Op Shop). 

So essentially, without you, none of this happens.

For a full list of our supporters of all types please see page 20 of our most recent Annual Report.

thank you to our supporters