Our Board
Simon Wilkins (Meltek Talinvanu) - Executive chair
governance, strategic direction and development
I was born on Tanna in Vanuatu and lived in the country until i was 19. It’s true to say, the Islands are ‘in my blood’ with my lifelong connection to the nation and its people. My father, Darvall, and mother, Ida, were both exceptional people in their own unique ways and both were dedicated to supporting the Vanuatu nation into independence. As a family we were all invested in its future in some way, be that through enduring childhood friendships or formal government collaborations. Following the death of both my Mother (1998) and my Father (2018), I knew, as a family so deeply connected with the Vanuatu people, that we simply couldn’t walk away from the work our parents started back in 1957 – assisting in the growth of future leaders. In answer, the Wilkins Family Foundation came into existence soon after my dad’s state funeral in Port Vila and Lakatoro in July 2018. I currently live and work in Canberra. I also hold an honouree Ni-Vanuatu Chiefly title of Meltek Talinvanu (meaning he who brings peace and prosperity) which was passed on from my father following his death. I am very proud of our Foundation and I endeavour to bring visionary purpose to the organisation I love leading
Jerry Marston - Managing director,secretary
program direction, development and evaluation
I had the great privilege of working with Darvall Wilkins on Malekula in the 1970’s as his Assistant. He was both a mentor and a teacher to me, just 22 years old, fresh out of University, and in my first job. In 1980 I returned to the newly independent Vanuatu to oversee the establishment of their new local government system. Over the following 40 years I have developed and sustained a special bond with the Wilkins family, and Darvall especially remained an important and influential friend to me throughout his lifetime. My connection to Vanuatu is a strong and personal one. My eldest son was born there, and the Islands and the fortunes of the Vanuatu people have always been a constant in my thoughts. The relevant skills and experience I bring to the Foundation are in the governance, management and development of not for profit organisations. I enjoyed the exceptional opportunity of being Managing Director of Comic Relief, the iconic UK development charity, and have headed up corporate responsibility portfolios for several major international companies. More recently, I have focused on supporting both corporates and not for profits to measure, report and increase the impact of what they do, an area which will be important for the Foundation going forward.
Sallie Latella - Board member
program implementation and management
I was born in the renowned Paton Memorial Hospital on Iririki island in 1962 and lived in Vanuatu for the first 16 years of my life. I had the privilege of being raised on Malekula with my 3 siblings where I had an idyllic childhood, playing, learning, hunting and gathering with my many ni-Vanuatu friends. I have maintained lifelong friendships with a number of those I grew up with and after 37 years away, I fulfilled my longing to return to a life in Vanuatu. In 2017 my husband John and I started an exciting new chapter in our lives when we settled at Paradise Cove Port Vila and after my father’s passing in Vanuatu in 2018, began the team journey of developing and managing the Foundation’s program. My degree in Community Social Services, together with the experience of working with children and raising my three daughters have equipped me for impacting the lives of the young girls we support, their families and ultimately their communities. My understanding of Vanuatu culture, fluency in Bislama and strong connection also means I have firm friendships and networks across numerous areas relevant to progressing the work of the Foundation, in community, education and government. I am privileged to be able to continue the legacy of my parents Darvall and Ida Wilkins in this wonderful country.
Ros Wilkins - board member
Systems and policy
I first visited Vanuatu in 1984, not long after Simon and I were married, and I couldn’t help but instantly fall in love with the nation and its people. Over the years and many, many visits I have formed strong bonds with ni-Vanuatan friends, and particularly with the children. My desire is to see them succeed and have access to opportunities that their parents may not have been lucky enough to have had. The Foundation is a perfect way for me to be able to act on this desire. I have had a career in Zoology and currently work for the Federal Government in Canberra. The expertise I bring to the Foundation is in information management and policy development. I’ve also taken on responsibility for managing the finances.
Ian marston - Board member
IT program Manager
Having been born in Vila Central Hospital in 1977 and spending the first few years of my life in Vanuatu I have always felt a connection. This connection was solidified and deepened through to adult life by revisiting Vanuatu multiple times as an adult. The feeling I have when I return is difficult to describe. There is a warmth and friendliness that exists nowhere else on earth. To add to this, the entire Wilkins family both past and present have been an integral part of my life to this day. Needless to say when the potential opportunity to get involved with the foundation came up, I jumped on it. Professionally I am a seasoned IT & business leader currently living and working in South Carolina, USA. I specialize in stakeholder management and vendor negotiation at all levels. I look forward to offering my skillset and expertise in any way I can for the foundation. I am also keen to get involved in the communities that helped shape my life, giving back whatever I am able to through this process.
cherie Wilkins - treasurer
manager corporate services
When first visiting Vanuatu in 2014 with husband to be Peter Wilkins, the respect and special admiration of the Ni-Vanuatu people and others for Peter’s father, Darvel Wilkins and the family, became immediately apparent, given their legacy to the people and country, particularly in Lakatoro, Malekula. During my many visits to Vanuatu, I fell in love with the people and the country, so much so, Pete and I returned in May 2018 to marry in breathtaking Paradise Cove, Pango Port Vila. Many of our Australian family and friends joined us and to fell in love with beautiful Vanuatu. I am privileged and dedicated to contributing to the Wilkins Family Foundation’s impactful work, giving girls the opportunity to continue through high school and tertiary education, to enable them to become women leaders, obtain senior roles and become economically empowered.