Paul Madden (Chair)
Paul has an extensive history of making a major contribution to both Australian and overseas communities. His past appointments include: ED, Habitat for Humanity SA; EO, Child & Family Welfare Association SA; GM, Mission Australia – SA Region and ED, Baptist Community Services SA. He recently retired as Chief Executive of the Wyatt Trust (www.wyatt.org.au), a major Australian philanthropic institution. Past Board appointments include SA Housing Trust; Foodbank SA and Association of Major Community Organisations. Paul has also served as a Ministerial Advisor and on the Social Security Appeals Tribunal. He has undertaken major projects for Government in the areas of child protection and Indigenous substance abuse.
In 2005 Paul and his wife Barbara founded Bright Futures Child Aid and Development Fund, a Christian aid and development agency through which they are involved in community development projects in India, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda. In retirement Paul continues to make a major contribution as the Bright Futures CEO (voluntary position).
In 2001 Paul was awarded the Centenary Medal for service to the community. More recently he was awarded a Member (AM) of the General Division of the Order of Australia in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours for significant service to the community of South Australia, particularly to social welfare and humanitarian organisations, and to philanthropy. His academic qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Emma Brittain (Deputy Chair)
Emma is an international development and humanitarian practitioner and published researcher, passionate about helping communities flourish through thoughtful, people-centred design and genuine locally-led partnership. She brings warmth, humility, and a collaborative approach. Informed by more than 14 years of experience and post-graduate qualifications in international development, Emma has worked across government, NGOs, and local organisations.
Emma’s leadership has consistently prioritised empowering local communities and ensuring that aid is responsive, respectful, and impactful. A key focus is on building trust, strengthening local leadership, and supporting lasting, hope-filled change for those in need.
Drawing on her previous experience as a nonprofit director, Emma deepened her understanding of governance, accountability, and the importance of servant leadership and stewardship – values she sees as central to Christian life in public service.
Emma’s work is shaped by her Christian faith and a deep commitment to compassion, integrity, and service. She is an active member of St John’s Lutheran Church south of Adelaide, where she and her family are involved in the life of the congregation.
Philip Good (Treasurer & Secretary)
Philip operates his own Accounting practice on the Mornington Peninsula, south-east of Melbourne. His business has a mission to help small business owners ‘value’ and achieve their business and personal goals.
In the past, Philip has worked for the Weather Bureau in various observational, training and pilot briefing capacities in Sydney, Canberra, Richmond RAAF base and Melbourne (1978 – 1989). Along with his wife, he subsequently owned and operated a business in Tasmania (1989 – 1994). For seven years Philip worked as an Accountant for Kimberly Smith Partners, working with many not-for-profit organisations, and from 2004 – 2010 for Robbins & Co – both public practice accounting firms.
Since 2005 Philip has held the position of Treasurer for New Peninsular Baptist Church – a church of 1,000+ on the Mornington Peninsular. He is one of the founders of World Relief Australia and has now served as Treasurer of WRA for several years.
Philip is married with three children, only one of whom still lives at home. He has a passion for storm-chasing, a good John Grisham novel, the ‘country’, bushwalking and watching AFL…the only real football.
Aaron Bell (Deputy Treasurer)
Aaron brings strong business and financial acumen, supported by a diverse background spanning financial services, law enforcement, and military leadership. He is committed to ethical practice and to supporting individuals and families with integrity and care.
As Director and founder of Home Loan Village, Aaron has built a reputation for delivering tailored lending solutions with integrity, transparency, and a client-first approach. His career extends across military and police service, financial planning, and mortgage broking – reflecting a deep commitment to service and community empowerment.
Aaron’s background spans a successful Smartline Mortgage franchise, service as an Infantry Platoon Commander in the Australian Army Reserve, and work as a Police Officer in the Queensland Police Service, all of which honed his strategic thinking, discipline, and ability to lead through complex challenges.
Aaron is passionate about ethical financial practices and ensuring individuals and families receive sound advice delivered with compassion. His involvement with Wyong Baptist Church further reflects his dedication to community engagement and values-driven leadership.
He holds qualifications in financial services and maintains active industry accreditation. Aaron is committed to supporting WRA’s mission of empowering communities through sustainable development and accountable partnerships.
Fred Chilton
Fred Chilton is a lawyer. After 29 years as a partner at the large regional law firm, Allens Arthur Robinson, Fred worked at Sydney firm Emil Ford & Co where he had a broad corporate and commercial practice for a decade before recently joining the team at Toomey Pegg Lawyers as their Special Counsel.
Fred has assisted in the establishment of a number of not-for-profit organisations including Worldwide Orphans Australia, Christian Surfers International, Centre for Public Christianity, HART Australasia and Cape York Digital Network (CYDN).
Aside from his role as Chairman of the Bush Church Aid Society, Fred is a Director of CYDN and serves on the Northern Region Council and other church and parish bodies.
Jarrad Willcocks
Jarrad brings high-level executive leadership experience, with a strong background in sales, strategy, and organisational improvement. As a mechanical engineer with Mitsubishi Electric Australia, Jarrad is known for his executive leadership capability and experience in leading teams, shaping strategic initiatives, and driving continuous improvement across technical and commercial environments. He has been recognised with various achievements, including industry awards in both engineering and leadership, as well as nominations as a community and company ambassador for multiple organisations.
Jarrad is honoured to serve at WRA, where his Christian values align with our mission of sustainable development and empowering others through local action for global change. He has a genuine passion for helping others and contributing meaningfully to communities in need. Living in the Adelaide Hills, he is actively involved in the Balhannah Uniting Church and values supporting local initiatives and community wellbeing. As a dedicated Adelaide Crows supporter and enthusiastic fisherman, Jarrad brings authenticity, curiosity, and a relationship-focused mindset to everything he does.
Carl Ginger
Carl Ginger’s academic background is in Civil Engineering and Business Administration. He is currently the Business Development Manager for the NSW Land and Property Management Authority and has a diverse range of experience as a senior executive in Government, and in the commercial and Academic sectors.
Some major overseas projects completed have been in the areas of capacity building and legal and community infrastructure development in Indonesia, Laos, The Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Mauritius, Timor Leste and Trinidad. Funding for these projects has been secured through the World Bank, UNDP and AusAID.