Stephanie Fairfax

Contributing to the VFFF's philanthropic mission since 2018 as a Grant Program Evaluator, specializing in the areas of youth justice, women in prison, rehabilitation, and addiction. In this capacity, I have played a pivotal role in evaluating and supporting grassroots programs aimed at enhancing employment opportunities and capacity building for young people in regional and remote communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting on-site visits to rehabilitation facilities in targeted areas, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact on individuals as they rebuild their lives, reunite with their families, and embrace a newfound sense of freedom and contentment.
• Crafting comprehensive reports featuring detailed valuations, assessing projects based on scientific quality, the significance of expected outcomes and/or innovation, and the quality and capability of project teams relative to the given opportunities.

Notable Achievements:

• Successfully approved grants for impactful initiatives, including the "Sober in the Country" program whose founder Shanna Whan went on to be honoured as Australian of the Year in 2022 and Marie Claire 2023.

Driven by a passion to be actively involved in facilitating positive change and promoting recovery, I am dedicated to leveraging my experience and skills to contribute meaningfully to the VFFF's impactful initiatives.

As a Legal Counsel with the Department of Public Prosecutions in Regional and Remote Australia, I held a pivotal role within the criminal justice system, actively managing a diverse array of legal responsibilities. My engagement with cases involving addiction-related issues was particularly influential in propelling my transition towards a frontline approach.

• Assessed student comprehension through regular quizzes, tests, and assignments.

As a dedicated High School English and History Teacher, I played a pivotal role in fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment.