Swansea Chamber Board Members
Fred Roberts – President
Fred’s career has covered many industries including agriculture, transport, retailing, manufacturing and mortgage broking. Fred moved to Swansea in 2004 from the Southern Highlands of NSW with his wife Robyn, together they established Channel Direct Home Loans, a mortgage broking business servicing Swansea and the Lake Macquarie local area .
Since moving to Swansea, Fred has taken a keen interest in the Swansea Business Chamber, firstly as a business owner and recently taking on the role of President. Fred believes Swansea has much to offer and can see the chambers role as playing an intergral part in the future development and growth of this area.
It is my aim to assist businesses and the community promote this gateway to Lake Macquarie as a place to visit, holiday and do business in. Swansea is unique with is’t access to ocean, beaches and Lake Macquarie.
Michael Waller – Vice President
Bio on it’s way! …….
Heather Gallagher – Secretary
Heather has been with the Westpac Bank for approx. 5 years and in June 2010 was appointed to the role of Bank Manager at the Belmont branch after having held a lending role prior to the appointment. Heather’s career background has primarily been with HR and recruitment industries however, has been involved with project work for companies in a variety of industries including health care and software design.
Heather is originally from Seattle in the US and has called Australia home for 13 years and during this time has lived in various locations with her partner and family members but Heather is very proud to call Swansea home and thinks Swansea offers the best of everything, beautiful beaches, gorgeous Lake Macquarie and the convenience of not really being far from anything.
Therese McDonell - Treasurer
Therese has worked in the financial industry for 28 years, firstly with the National Bank in the Newcastle area then within the Community First Credit Union Credit Union for ten years, the last seven Therese has been at Swansea in the role of Manager of Community First Credit Union’s Swansea Store.
Therese became involved with the Swansea Chamber of Commerce six years ago and held the position of Treasurer for four years until June 2001 and in August 2010 took on the position of Vice President.
Therese enjoys the chance to work with people who have a positive vision for the Swansea and 2281 area’s future and a commitment to assist where ever she can to ensure Swansea and the 2281 area fulfills its potential.
Therese has lived in Lake Macquarie for most of her life with a seven year period in Mussellbrook but as her family grew she wanted them to have the opportunity to grow up Lake Macquarie’s 2281 area with its magnificent lake, beaches and great lifestyle the 2281 area has to offer, so Therese and her family moved back to Blacksmiths where they have been for the past 25years.
Bill Saddington – Public Officer
Growing up in the Nord’s Wharf area Bill left school at 16 and his career path was to enter the family business, being the eldest son. Bill worked in every aspect of the business from store man, truck driver, mechanic, sales representative to IT implementation, logistics coordinator until he was appointed Managing Director in 1978. At this time Saddingtons Building Supplies had one depot and 35 employees. Today the business has 200 plus employees and five depots, a fleet of 65 delivery and sales vehicles. The business operates eight distinct corporate divisions covering specialised areas of building supplies through to development of residential and commercial land and buildings.
Bill is passionate to see Swansea and the 2281 area develop into a thriving and vibrant Town Centre with a diversity of retail shopping and an enhanced visual appearance.
Through Bill’s association with nonprofit and charity organizations together with holding the position of Chairman of the Lake Macquarie Combined Chamber of Commerce for a number of years, in 2007 he was named the Hunter Business Chamber Business Person of the Year.
