About Us
We are a group of individuals from the broad community; teachers, parents, students and professionals, who have donated our time and skills towards the vision and mission of VOW.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is comprised of the following positions and people.
CEO; Damien Thornber
Damien is the founder of VOW International Inc. He is a sales consultant and Licensed Auctioneer with ABPS International and a full-time Real Estate Agent. Damien worked as a Public Auctioneer and has worked closely with many charitable organisations. He is also the singer and songwriter with DT&O.
Chairman; Noah Greenstone
Noah is the father of two young children and works in Marketingm designing web sites, logos and branding for large companies. His contributions to VOW are energetic and highly professional. He holds a BA in arts and is multi talented
Vice Chair: Dr. Bernadette Poynter
Dr. Bernadette Poynter is a practicing Chiropractor with degrees in both Biochemical Science and Chiropractic Science. She holds a black belt in Karate and instructs classes.
Secretary: Ravinda Ray has a BA in Secondary Education. Her major is in maths and she has 14 years experience in high school teaching. Ravinda has worked in the government sector, private sector and catholic sector of education. She is currently teaching at Lumen Christi College. Her interests are in outdoor activities and include scuba diving and abseiling.
Treasurer: Tanya Poynter
Tanya Poynter has a BA in Finance and has studied Philosophy as a post-graduate. She has also completed several Australian Institute of Securities courses. Tanya has worked for 9 years in the banking and finance industry, reaching management level before leaving and having children. She currently works part-time as a contracted Bookkeeper/ Assistant Treasurer at Bendigo Bank (Gosnells Financial Services Limited), and has held the Treasurers position at Buckingham Heights Playgroup for the past 2 years.
Executive Member: Jessica Kenny
Jessica Kenny has a BA in Writing & Editing and a Supporting Major in Performance Writing & Criticism. Jessica is a recorded musician and vocal coach who plays guitar, sings and writes songs.
Executive Member: Patrick Cullen
Patrick is currently studying Communications and Cultural Studies at Curtin University. He is majoring in Journalism. Patrick is the bass player for DT&O and volunteers at Groove FM as an announcer and general assistant.
Executive Member: Emily Minchin
Emily is studying Classical Music at Western Academy of Performing Arts. Emily is a Violist in a variety of university musical ensembles including the Faith Court Orchestra (raises money for music programs), and has been a member of DT&O’s since November 2006. She is a member of the WA Youth Orchestra who are touring to Singapore and Japan at the end of this year.
History
The concept of VOW began when founder, Damien Thornber, visited the Philippines in December of 2005. Mr Thornber was moved by the destitution and poverty he witnessed there, and believed that it was his responsibility as a human being in a wealthy society to help those that needed it. Mr Thornber also travelled to Indonesia where he met orphaned and poor children in a small village called Karangasem, who could not afford to attend school, would not receive any education, and would continue in the cycle of poverty within their village.
Upon returning to Australia Mr Thornber put plans in place to set up a charity (VOW International Inc), and secured sponsors for the children of Karangasem so that they may attend school. Mr Thornber, a full time real-estate agent with a love for music, song-writing and performing, formulated the idea of producing a CD whereby 100% of the money paid for each CD would be donated to charity.
He has since set up a band, written over 35 songs, built a recording studio, established the VOW Executive Committee, secured Council for the Sub Committees, established international contacts, and filmed over 40 hours of footage for a documentary about the 14 sponsored children and the conception of VOW.
BANK DETAIL
Bank; West Pac
Acc Name; VOW International Services Inc'
BSB; 036 087
Acc # 390 340