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Karl Waddell is the Co-founder and General Manager of River’s Gift, Australia’s leading charity dedicated to funding research into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promoting evidence-based infant safe sleep education.
After the devastating loss of his infant son, River, Karl co-founded River’s Gift with a vision of preventing other families from experiencing the same tragedy. What began as a deeply personal mission has grown into an internationally recognised organisation funding world-leading research and delivering innovative education initiatives that are helping save babies’ lives.
Prior to founding River’s Gift, Karl built a successful career in healthcare recruitment across Australia and the United Kingdom. Today, he combines that professional experience with an unwavering determination for driving meaningful change in the world of SIDS, through research funding, delivery of education and community engagement.
Karl is a passionate and engaging speaker who presents at health conferences, corporate events and community forums, sharing the story behind River’s Gift, the importance of business and community collaboration, and the organisation’s vision of a future where no family loses a baby to a sleep-related death. Supported by an experienced Board of Directors and a dedicated Operational team, he continues to lead River’s Gift in the mission of Stamping Out SIDS.
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With an extensive background in events and project management, Alex combines this experience and knowledge with a sincere passion for raising funds for SIDS research.
Originally from the UK and with 19 years of experience in the events industry, Alex has managed and developed a variety of events from product launches, exhibitions and festivals to gala balls, conferences and educational programs. Having worked in theatre and television as an actress, Alex’ events often have theatrical elements that have become a trade mark of the yearly River’s Gift Gala Ball.
As a keynote speaker, Alex has travelled nationally and internationally, speaking to audiences and industry leaders, passionately sharing her story of courage, resilience and hope.
Alex is a founding member of River’s Gift and most importantly is River’s Mum.
Alex has built a loyal bond with families in similar situations and embraces the ‘Unite’ program; River’s Gift’s unique and personalised program that embraces and brings SIDS families together. Alex says “When people lose a baby they often miss out on being acknowledged as that child’s parent; the title often gets lost in the years that follow. I feel such gratitude that I am often introduced as River’s Mum and I have the opportunity to do all I can, not only in his honour but for all of his little friends who have lost their lives to this devastating syndrome.”
Alex is also Mum to two beautiful “rainbows born after the storm”, daughter Shiloh and son Bodhi.
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Carolyn joined the River’s Gift Office team in 2024 and brings with her experience in business management, administration, hospitality and tourism. Now, as an office manager, she brings those skills to a cause close to her heart—raising awareness and support for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Her experience in reception and front-facing roles has strengthened her ability to manage teams, coordinate events, and ensure seamless office operations. She is passionate about creating an organized, efficient workplace that supports River’s Gifts’ mission to educate, fund research, and provide support to families affected by SIDS.
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Marsha has served on the Board as a Non-Executive Director since May 2022, before becoming the Chair in July 2023.
Marsha has a distinguished 25-year career as a strategic partner across global, multinational, private, not for profit and government business enterprise with experience across APAC and Europe in FMCG, Agriculture, Fashion, QSR, Business Consulting, Health & Automotive.
To River’s Gift, Marsha brings strong skills in strategy, marketing, leadership, and communication. She has deep experience in helping brands and businesses grow and flourish through people, places, and best practice processes.
Marsha is also a mother of 3 children and is very passionate about working to Stamp Out SIDS
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Anthony joined the River’s Gift in July 2023 bringing his background and experience in strategy, marketing, and technology to the Board as a Non-executive Director. Anthony has worked in the professional services (consulting) industry for nearly 20 years.
Anthony is graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Deakin University along executive education in strategy, innovation, and technology at MIT Sloan of Management in Boston.
Anthony is a long-term supporter of River’s Gift previously participating in numerous running campaigns and looks forward to leveraging his professional skills to support River’s Gift in Stamping Out SIDS.
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Peggy joined the board in July 2023 as a Non-Executive Director. She has over 20 years as a Human Resources, Leadership and Strategy specialist, and has worked across diverse industries spanning FMCG, Retail and Healthcare, ASX and Private sector, developing HR strategies; designing, leading and facilitating cultural and transformational change.
As a fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute, she also sits on the Victorian AHRI Council and actively supports and mentors future HR leaders.
Peggy is the Chief People & Culture Officer at Monash IVF Group. Peggy is known for being able to help focus and guide leaders and stakeholders on the execution of clear and transparent objectives through people and brings this background and passion to Rivers Gift, supporting us to achieve our strategy in Stamping Out SIDS
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To River’s Gift , Emma brings deep expertise in financial strategy, governance, and commercial acumen. Passionate about integrating finance with operations, she helps organisations unlock their full potential by providing critical financial insights that support informed decision-making.
As a strong advocate for the Social Enterprise and Profit for Purpose sector, Emma is committed to ensuring organisations have the financial clarity and strategic direction needed to achieve lasting impact and aid River’s Gift in Stamping Out SIDS.
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Monique provides company secretarial support to the board of River’s Gift.
As a practicing commercial litigation lawyer with experience across a diverse range of matters, she has an ability to navigate complex situations with both empathy and understanding, making her well-equipped to contribute to the board and our mission (and manage some of the more boring stuff!).
Her focus at River’s Gift is centred on advocating for the cause, raising awareness, and supporting the charity’s initiatives to stamp out SIDS through research, education, and advocacy.
