Our People
The founders, Linda Wong and Chris Ardrey, have over 50 years of combined corporate experience. They decided it was time to combine their life skills, corporate experience and their passion for the mental health and well-being of people, in order to address complex social issues in regional areas.
Hands of Change is supported by a dedicated and voluntary Board of Directors.
Board of Voluntary Directors
Linda Wong
Director since March 2016.
Linda is the chair of Hands of Change Limited.
Three factors have shaped Linda into who she is today – her parents, community and learning opportunities. Born in Canada of Chinese immigrants, her parents influenced her strong work ethic and grit to get things done, but also ignited her entrepreneurial thinking. Her sense of community is linked to her mother. She grew up listening to her stories that has filled her with a healthy respect for her heritage, other cultures, and the diversity of people. As a result, she demonstrates empathy in interactions with communities.
Having submitted her PhD thesis in August 2025 on the topic of "Improving individuals heath and well-being through horses and virtual reality", Linda is excited to incorporate her findings into the Hands of Change programs.
Mary Lusito
Director since May 2016.
A former Deloitte Digital Partner, Mary is an accomplished executive and technology leader with extensive management consulting experience across large and mid-sized organisations. She excels at helping businesses leverage digital technology to drive growth and improve efficiency, with a strong focus on delivery of business outcomes, stakeholder alignment, and customer value.
Renowned for an authentic and inclusive leadership style, she has earned an exceptional reputation for coaching, mentoring, and developing leaders and talent.
Wes Self
Director since August 2017.
Wes is the Chief Operating Officer – Private Health Insurance at GMHBA Limited, a member-based not-for-profit health insurer.
With more than 14 years’ experience in the industry, he leads key functions including Claims, Audit, Care Coordination Services, Provider Contracting, Product Management, Operations, and the Project Management Office.
Prior to this role, Wes served as Chief Financial Officer at GMHBA. He began his career as a Chartered Accountant at KPMG, where he spent a decade advising clients across diverse sectors.
Chris Ardrey
Director since July 2020.
Chris is a Director of his private consultancy business that he established in 2001. He brings a diverse background of working in various industries and roles. An advocate of hands-on learning, he understands the art of facilitation to enable a learner-centered approach.
As an active member of the community, Chris volunteers in CERT and the Lions Club. In his spare time, you can find him enjoying one of the many chores on the property.
Liz Bishop
Director since August 2020.
Liz has a strong background in Leadership and Management in the NFP sector. Over the past three decades she has worked as a CEO, Deputy CEO-Strategy, COO and manager in Community Organisations and earlier in State Government.
Liz has qualifications in Disability, Business and Leadership. She undertook the Williamson Community Leadership Program with Leadership Victoria in 2002 and received a scholarship from the Harvard Club of Victoria in 2008 to undertake the short course at Harvard in Strategic Perspectives in Not for Profit Management. In 2012, Liz completed the Advanced Diploma of Group Facilitation with the Groupwork Centre.
Our Charitable Purposes
As a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission, Hands of Change Limited has been approved under the following charitable purposes.