Board of Directors

Dr John Schwarz is the Founder and Chairman of AAF. John has a General Practice in Camden, in south-west Sydney. From 1975 – 1984 John worked as the Medical Superintendent of Emmaus Lutheran Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. John is passionate about Africa and helping to address the challenges it faces due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Whilst aware of the enormity of the problems associated with HIV/AIDS, both individually and socially, John holds a philosophy that help and hope can be offered to individuals; changing lives one person at a time.

Rosalie Schwarz, wife of John, is a founding Director of AAF. Rosalie trained as a nurse and had a large involvement in community development programs in South Africa. Rosalie managed their General Practice business for many years.

John and Rosalie Schwarz were both awarded Medals (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division in 2013. These awards were given in recognition of their “service to international relations, particularly through the African AIDS Foundation”. These well deserved honours reflect the passion and dedication John and Rosalie Schwarz have to improving the lives of the sick and underprivileged people of Africa.

Geoff Hoskin joined the Board in 2007. Geoff was the founder of Camden Signs, a successful local sign writing business that he has since sold. In addition to his business interests, Geoff has been an active member of the Camden Community for many years and this contribution was acknowledged in 1988 when he was recipient of the Camden Citizen of the Year Award. Geoff is an active member of St John’s Anglican Church and his community involvement continues to this day. Geoff offers AAF much needed practical assistance and support in the fundraising efforts.

Tina Geist joined the AAF Board in 2013. Tina has had a passion for Africa and its people since her first visit in 1989 to Zimbabwe, and in later years to South Africa and Ethiopia. Tina is trained in IT systems and currently works full time. Tina contributes to the Board by assisting in the administration of the IT systems and in the fundraising efforts of AAF.

Jane spent much of her school years in South Africa and is passionate about the work of African AIDS Foundation. Jane with her husband Matthew and their four sons travel to Africa as often as they can. They participate in the Value Based Life Skills Camps and closely stay in touch with the leaders and interns, encouraging and inspiring them. Jane is a General Practitioner at the Schwarz Family Practice in Camden NSW

Lyndal joined the Board in 2018. Lyndal is a passionate advocate for vulnerable women and children. In 1998, Lyndal visited South Africa, Zimbabwe and several neighboring countries, where she developed a deep desire to improve life outcomes for people living in disadvantaged circumstances. Lyndal has a background in legal publishing, and has spent many years working as a Government lawyer in child protection law.

Allen joined the board in 2018. He and his wife Noni have a long standing association with the Schwarz family since they settled their medical practice in Elderslie. Allen has live in the Macarthur area for 40 years and has worked locally as a high school Science and Agriculture teacher, and as the Education officer at the Australian Botanic Gardens, Mt Annan until his retirement. He is passionate about the environment, a sustainable way of life for future generations and supporting struggling communities both here and abroad. He is keen to support the valuable AAF programs in Africa by fundraising, especially in coordinating the Return and Earn Program.

Noni Powell is a new board member, being voted in December 2018. She has known the Schwarz family since they arrived in Elderslie. She worked as a teacher with the Department of Education for over 30 years, working mainly with students with disabilities. She has been assisting with the AAF Newsletter since 2016 and is committed to assist with fundraising ventures to further the life-changing work of AAF.

Donna joined the Board in 2018 following a trip to Africa spent learning about, and documenting each AAF project and the work being done on the ground. As a digital business consultant passionate about global citizenship, Donna is committed to telling stories of lives transformed by AAF’s work though the creation and maintenance of the website