Our Board
Rob Ferguson - Chairman
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (UNSW)
Other Board Memberships: Vice President, Muscular Dystrophy Association of NSW (MDNSW)
Rob has had a career in commercial real estate agency, and in particular established the industrial division of Colliers International in 1985.
Rob has a particular interest in raising funds for charity, and was invited to join the board of MDNSW in 2001, becaming President in 2007. Rob was a founding director of Muscular Dystrophy Foundation and finds being on the forefront of planning to help those affected by Muscular Dystrophy really rewarding.
Margaret ANNE Ashford - Secretary
Qualifications: Home Economics Teaching Certificate (NZ) Tasmanian Teachers’ Certificate BEd
Other Board Memberships: President, Muscular Dystrophy Association of Tasmania (MDATas)
Director and Secretary/Treasurer of The Christian Trust for Mariners, Migrants and Minors
Board Member of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Council of Tasmania (CPCSC)
Secretary/Treasurer of the Neuro Muscular Alliance Tasmania (NMAT)
Career:
Anne has had a varied career - raised four children, taught in NZ and in Tasmania, owned and operated a Caravan Park, managed a Day Respite Centre for the Elderly, and worked in Tertiary Administration to Manager level. Now retired serves in a voluntarily capacity for NHW, CPCSC, MDATas and NMAT.
Interest in supporting Muscular Dystrophy:
Anne’s interest in Muscular Dystrophy began when her youngest grandson (now nearly 17) was diagnosed at age 4 with Duchenne MD. Since then she been a committee member and officer of MDATas and represents MDATas on National MD Boards.
Graeme Newton
Qualifications: Various Communications, Broadcasting and Television related
Other Board Memberships: Director and Vice President of Muscular Dystrophy Association of Queensland (MDQ)
Career:
Graeme is a Senior Technical Specialist with Broadcast Australia. He has over forty years experience in the General Communications, and Broadcast and Television industries as a Technical Specialist. His experience includes project management, technical team management, disaster recovery, and risk management.
Interest in supporting Muscular Dystrophy:
Graeme’s interest in Muscular Dystrophy is due to his youngest son who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Graeme has a past interest in disabilities in Cairns as the President of the FNQ Disabled Children’s Support Group. Graeme finds it very rewarding to see improvements in the quality of life of people with Muscular Dystrophy.
Robert Storey
Qualifications: Grad Dip Banking and Finance, CFP, DFP
Other Board Memberships: President Muscular Dystrophy Association of WA (MDA WA)
Career:
Rob has over 32 years experience in the finance industry having previously worked for 25 years for NAB as a Bank Manager, Project Management before resigning in 2003 as a Senior Financial Planner with NAB to form his own Financial Planning Practice - Finsense Financial Planning.
Interest in Supporting Muscular Dystrophy:
Rob’s interest in Muscular Dystrophy is due to a belief that if you are able we should all give back to a worthwhile cause. Muscular Dystrophy has always been a cause close to his heart as when he was younger he regularly baby sat a family of 4 children, 3 of which were ultimately diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. All 3 have since passed away. When approached to join the Board of MDA WA in 2005 Rob readily accepted and has been a Board member since, taking up the Presidents role in 2010.
Sandra Di Blasio
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts in Accountancy (University of South Australia), CPA
Other Board Memberships: President Muscular Dystrophy Association of SA Inc. (MDASA),
School Board (where children currently attend)
Career:
Sandra has over 20 years experience in internal and external audit, risk management and governance, having worked in the public and private sector both in Adelaide and Sydney. This range of experience has provided her with the tools to be able to look at issues from many perspectives and problem solving to ensure solutions are practical outcomes.
Interest in supporting Muscular Dystrophy:
As a mother of three young children and having always had a social conscience, Sandra felt she needed to contribute to something greater than day to day life.
Sandra was invited to join Muscular Dystrophy Association in SA and has learnt a great deal about the Muscular Dystrophy community and their needs.