Ma Afrika Tikkun Australia (MATA) is a not for profit PTY LTD company based in Sydney, Australia. MATA operates as the Australian awareness and fundraising arm of Ma Afrika Tikkun South Africa. Through its established link with Global Development Group (GDG) all donations to MATA are tax deductible. All donations are made to GDG and receipts are issued by MATA through GDG www.globaldevelopment.org.au

The Australian team is made up as follows:

Executive team:

RICHARD LUBNER, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN

Richard was born in South Africa and has lived in Australia since 1994. Not long after arriving in Australia, Richard established MaAfrika Tikkun in Australia as a means of raising much needed funds and support for the projects in South Africa. Richard has been directly involved in managing the group and is active as Executive Chairman. He is qualified with an MBA degree and has had experience in numerous commercial activities including managing a Private Equity invesment fund, leading a medium size advertising and marketing agency and today is a the director of Touch Galleries, a contemporary art gallery in Woollahra, Sydney.

His support of MaAfrika Tikkun is close to his heart and he is passionate about the work the group is involved in. This is, in his words, "a forever commitment to my birthplace, its incredible and inspiring people, Chief Patron Nelson Mandela, and to the amazing ongoing efforts of my wonderful family's direct involvement in MaAfrika Tikkun's projects".

This fantastic group represents a way for us to help others whilst helping ourselves become the type of people we were destined to be. MaAfrika Tikkun is a channel to self discovery and a journey we invite you to join us on. We guarantee upliftment and fufilment to all that get involved.

Welcome to our family!

GAEL SEYMORE, CEO

Gael joined Ma Afrika Tikkun Australia in 2007 in the capacity of CEO. Although she has been in Australia for many years, Gael lived in South Africa for ten years during the apartheid era and is excited about now being able to give something back to a country dear to her heart. Gael also lived in West Africa for a couple of years.

Gael has a background in health related industries. After studying nutrition, she became a partner in an holistic health centre and subsequently formed her own business, networking the services of various professionals to provide and support life style change. Gael has also supported a Drug & Alcohol facility in Sydney as Intake Manager, helping to increase occupancy considerably.

Gael has had an association with MaTA Executive Chairman Rich Lubner for some years now and both Gael and Rich welcomed the opportunity to work together - raising awareness in Australia of the needs of less fortunate South African individuals and communities.

Gael has recently returned (inspired!) from a trip to South Africa, visiting the Ma Afrika Tikkun projects in both Gauteng and Western Cape. She would welcome the opportunity to share her experiences with you – please don’t hesitate to call +61 (0)404 060086

GREGORY FOURNIER, MARKETING DIRECTOR

Born in France, Gregory came to Australia in 1997, after graduating from the  Ecole Superieure de Commerce in Bordeaux, France and Portsmouth University, UK, in International Economics and Marketing.  For the last ten years Greg has worked for various advertising agencies, in France, Mauritius and Australia, as an Account Director, developing strategies and client relationships especially for Banking, Tourism and Non Profit organisations. Greg has specialized in Online communication and Experiential Marketing.

Since 2003 Gregory has instigated and project managed and auctioned various collective artworks for The Smith Family, Youth off the Street and the Fred Hollows Foundation.

After a journey on horseback through Mongolia in September 08, Greg decided to exhibit his own photographs and fund raise for a little secondary school in the Steppe. That’s when he met Richard Lubner who offered to host the exhibition in his gallery in Woollarah.  The exhibition was a success and the friendship was born.

During his first voyage to South Africa, Greg connected profoundly with the country and felt the legacy of Apartheid, the pain, the scars, the incredible challenges and most of all the Hope and Joy that grow and spread with the work and services provided by MaAfrika Tikkun in the townships. Greg, hence, decided to use his trade and connections to raise awareness and financial support for the Foundation and for his new friends in South Africa.


Advisors and Steering Committee:

• Simon Buckingham
• Annie Crawford