Our team
Serge Sardo
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO of Better Place Australia, Serge is passionate about transforming the lives of vulnerable Victorians and their families. With over 15 years’ experience as a CEO and non-executive director for not-for-
profit and government organisations, Serge brings to Better Place Australia a record of results built on inclusive leadership and strategic planning.
In his previous role as CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Serge was instrumental in establishing the Foundation as a world leader in the delivery of counselling, support and prevention programs to over 100 different locations.
Serge is a registered psychologist and has an MBA qualification complemented with strong commercial experience. With expertise in preventative programs, social policy and advocacy, he has delivered and managed a wide variety of community-based therapeutic and prevention services.
Serge’s commitment to developing stronger communities is exemplified through his involvement across sectors. He is a member of the Board for the Family and Relationships Services Association (FRSA) and chairs the Finance, Risk and Governance Committee, he is also a non-Executive Director of Scope Disability Services and Chairs the Governance and Remuneration Committee.
Serge is also a non-Executive Director of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation and is Vice President of Sandringham Secondary College.
Graeme Westaway
Executive Manager Advocacy - Brand, Digital & Communications
Graeme believes all people should be able to live their lives fully, in socially connected ways without fear of coercion or discrimination.
With a science, communication and services development background, Graeme leads Better Place Australia’s advocacy through digital presence, corporate communications, stakeholder management, and growth generation.
Graeme has held executive and senior leadership roles across the not-for-profit, mutual and corporate sectors. He brings to Better Place Australia a strong background in developing strategies to drive growth, digital engagement and service innovation. He has a passion for raising ageism awareness, elder abuse prevention and respecting the right of all people to self determine.
Graeme joined Better Place Australia in 2013
Fotini Strongylos
Executive Manager - Mental Health Services
Fotini is a purpose-led Health and Community Services Executive with a strong commitment to improving health outcomes for consumers.
She has experience in leading significant transformational reform across the health and not-for-profit sectors and is recognised for her exceptional leadership and governance skills.
Fotini has considerable experience within the sector, her most recent role was as Executive General Manager for Mental Health & Wellbeing at South-East Melbourne Primary Health Network. Fotini has also held Director roles for Monash Health in the areas of performance, improvement, strategy, access and quality.
Fotini joined Better Place Australia in 2023.
Craig Dennis
Executive Manager Operations and Business Systems
Craig maintains strong ties to his local community and has a long history of volunteer work in his local community, including helming senior roles in the Country Fire Authority. As a believer in values-driven leadership, he has also consulted for a number of not-for-profits.
Craig has over 30 years’ of experience in IT systems, information management and information technology strategy.
Craig has held a number of senior and executive roles, and has extensive experience in technology change consulting, and
advisory and business leadership roles.
Craig’s expertise in business automation systems for small to medium businesses has enabled Better Place Australia to develop new key IT strategies and systems.
Craig joined Better Place Australia in 2017
Olivia Darcy
Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary
Olivia is passionate about making a difference. Olivia started her career in chartered accounting before moving overseas to work in investment banking. Upon returning to Australia, Olivia worked for ANZ in a variety of roles across projects, corporate communications and finance. Following a lifestyle change, she moved to a farm in regional Victoria and worked as CFO of a community-based, not-for-profit aged care facility igniting a passion for using skills gained from a corporate background in the “for purpose” sector.
Olivia has a Bachelor of Business, is a CPA and is currently studying with the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Olivia has three young boys and is treasurer of their school council.
Olivia joined Better Place Australia in 2022
