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.

Jane Gray spent her childhood in Africa where she lived in the Emmaus Hospital KZN during South Africa’s period of apartheid. She then spent her honeymoon with her husband (A prof Matthew Gray OAM) working in Durban in Mcords hospital during a period of Civil War in 1993. Jane and Matthew enjoyed working for AAF since 2012, whilst raising their 4 sons. They now travel as frequently as their busy medical work lives allow to work in various projects in South Africa and Kenya. When not dealing with an AAF issue Jane is a busy GP at SFP and loves nothing more than serving and loving her growing family; hosting enormous happy crowds for meals, whilst serving with Matthew in the family’s local church and relaxing by improving her park run time.

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 and her husband Peter, together with their three children, travelled to South Africa in 2018 to spend time with AAF's partner organisation and the communities they serve. Lyndal has a background in legal publishing, and has spent many years working as a Government lawyer in child protection law. Lyndal currently manages the legal team at the Office of the Children's Guardian.

David is a retired Anglican pastor. He was the CEO of Anglican Aid, the overseas aid arm of the Sydney Diocese for 10 years from 2009 to 2019. David is married to Helen; they live near Wollongong. He loves to swim, cycle, write, blog and eat cheese with friends and Family.

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.

Kelly Harris has been a member of the board since 2016 after visiting our services in South Africa. Kelly has been a Girl Guide leader in Camden for 25 years and is currently the Cumberland Plains Region manager. She has a passion for working with youth and young people and giving them the opportunity to realise their full potential to be leaders of their world. With a love of outdoors and a heart for community events and fundraising she brings a variety of skills and experience to the team.

Milton joined the board in 2025. Milton has been a supporter of AAF for over 15 years. His youngest daughter and son in law in full time mission inspired Milton’s enthusiasm for AA’F and the need to support those affected by HIV/AIDS. Milton retired from the classroom in 2014 after teaching Agriculture and Science for 36 years. Milton was awarded the Camden show Society “Excellence in Agriculture” award in 2019. Milton and his wife have lived in the Camden area for over 35 years and are members of The Oaks Anglican Church.