Sandra Maqueda Executive Director
Citizen of the Year 2008
Awarded by the Hume City Council and the Kiwanis Club of Sunbury

In 1983 I acquired a Post Graduate Degree in Social Work after discontinuing law at Monash University. I recognized this to be my pathway which would allow me to work at a 'grass roots level' with disadvantaged people and their environment.

In a period spanning over 20 years, I have worked in a range of different areas that have included: child abuse, penitentiary, personal and marital counseling, crisis intervention, community development, health education and promotion, and 'volunteer training and development'.

My wealth of professional experience led me to establishing my own organization in 1993 after my four year old child's remarkable recovery from cancer using natural therapies.

My challenge with the medical establishment, provided a basis for which to create access to information and resources on natural therapies, and foster 'self-empowerment' and a 'right to choose'.

Today I run the Cancer and Natural Therapy Foundation, as well as providing counseling services to our members and general public.

As a holistic counselor, I like to work on a mind, body, spirit level with individuals and assist them towards 'self-empowerment'. I enjoy running relaxation classes for both children and adults, and also, 'Positive Thinking' Stress Management and Assertive Training courses.

I love gardening, reading, cooking and giving reiki.
Cr Jack Ogilvie Chairperson
Cr Jack Ogilvie has been a long term serving member of the Council since 1990 having served as a councillor with former Shire of Bulla and Hume City Council, and in the past year, Mayor of the Hume City Council.

He is married with two independant daughters. and has lived in the municipality for more than 30 years, during which time he has served on a number of community groups and committees, as a past President of Sunbury Apex Club, former District Governor with Apex Australia and a Board member of the Cancer and Natural Therapies Foundation.

His remarkable recovery from cancer 27 years ago has led him to a heartfelt and longstanding special interest in the Cancer and Natural Therapy Foundation of which is now Chairman.

Jack brings into the Foundation his expertise in community work and business, and his own personal experience with natural therapies as a cancer survivor.
Daniel McMahon Treasurer
My name is Daniel McMahon, I am a partner in an accounting practice based in Sunbury.

When I became aware of the work the Cancer & Natural Therapy Foundation was doing in the community I was keen to help.

My experience in financial management is helpful in assisting the board understand the financial position of the foundation which is important for its financial survival.

I have watched Sandra Maqueda work very hard over the years and with the help of the members and the board establish the foundation as it stands today.

I look forward to a bright future for the foundation and with the help of members of the community I look forward to it fulfilling its vision of continuing to provide natural therapy information to all and also comfort to those who are being touched by cancer.
Lee Palumbo Board Member
Lee, her husband and children have lived in Sunbury for 3 years where she and her husband Norman own and run a store, 'Just Planet', which offers 'fair trade and environmentally friendly' products supporting third world countries.

As part of their Sunbury fair trade store, they run an organic cafe offering organic coffee and scrumptious organic cakes and slices to enjoy with your cup of coffee.

Lee is a qualified massage therapist and very supportive of alternative healing modalities. She has a degree in Theological Studies and pursues an interest in spirituality and healing connections.
John Lukac Board Member
My name is John Lukac. I am a qualified draftsman and first became involved with the foundation when my late wife became ill with breast cancer 3 years ago.

Originally I came along to provide support for her. I found that she derived a tremendous amount of comfort and support from the group.

After she sadly passed away, I continued attending the support group on a Tuesday night and found it to help me through the bereavement. In addition, I found it fulfilling, interesting, informative and refreshing.

I also felt that I wanted to contribute in keeping the group going and be able to provide emotional support and positive spiritual energy to both healthy and ill members.

The foundation is a place where you can give and receive love; also respect one anothers choices without casting judgment. It is rewarding to be part of this Foundation.
Connie Di Tullio Board Member
I have been a member of the foundation since 1998 when my mum was diagnosed with cancer.

I have always believed in and utilised natural, holistic healing modalities, so joining the foundation was an obvious step for me to take when mum was ill.

My background is a very diverse one. I am a qualified kinesiology (PKP) practitioner, as well as a crystal healing practitioner with advanced training in this area. I have also studied mantra healing. I have university qualifications in architectural design and business studies - advertising and public relations. I have had my own business since 1990 whereby I utilise the skills I have developed over the years working for different companies and through my studies. This includes knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting.

My passion and main area of interest is researching information on natural, holistic healing and the underlying causes of dis-ease, then imparting this knowledge onto others.

I trust that my diverse experience and knowledge, along with my business acumen will prove to be a valuable asset for the foundation, and make me a worthy member of the board.
Maria Chambers Board Member
Hi my name is Maria. I first joined the Cancer and Natural Therapy Foundation in May 2005 after a close friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer.

As a way of helping her, I would drive her down to the Health Awareness Support Group every Thursday night.

My friend Kerren looked forward to coming along to the group, and she very much enjoyed having a Reiki; moreso and participating in the discussion.

After, Kerren passed away, I decided to continue coming along to the group.

I found that I was learning more and more about natural therapies, and having then learnt Reiki myself, this meant that I could help others.

I now feel that I would like to contribute at a different level, and so therefore, I have joined as a Board member to offer my professional experience in sales and public relations.
Jean Graetz Board Member
My name is Jean. I first joined as a volunteer in 2000 after noticing an advert in the local paper seeking volunteers for a charity organization.

At the time I had just moved from Kyneton to Sunbury and was looking for something to do as I had time on my hands.

I was drawn to the Foundation as I had lost a sister to cancer and I wanted to contribute my skills to help with administrative tasks and help with the day to day running of the Centre.

After nine years of working at the Foundation, I have now joined as a Board member to contribute my experience as a volunteer.

I find coming to the Foundation uplifting and have learnt a lot about health and nutrition. The people are friendly and warm.
Sandra Smart Board Member
I joined the Foundation in 2006 after attending a Positive Thinking course given by Sandra Maqueda, the Executive Director and Co-ordinator of the Foundation.

As a positive thinker myself I found it totally inspiring and felt that anything that Sandra was involved in she would be absolutely dedicated.

I didn't know anything about the Foundation at the time and when Sandra mentioned the need for volunteers, I happily joined. On my first visit on the Tuesday evening, I received my first Reiki which a wonderful inner peace and was so relaxing.

The discussions after the Reiki Healing are very relaxed and I have learnt so much about diet, natural therapies and good health as well as making many friends who give so much of themselves.

I attended a Reiki workshop and was then able to give Reiki as well as receive.

Although I work, I try as much as I can to help with fundraising and making people aware of the Foundation.

As a non-profit making organisation not only do we need volunteers, we also need donations to fund the many programs and services available.

I am very grateful to be a part of the registered charity and hope that when you read this it will make you consider becoming a volunteer or giving a donation.