Board

Jonathan Underwood

Director, Fines and Enforcement Services, Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victorian Government

Joined the 000Foundation Board in July 2023

With extensive leadership, information technology, strategic, financial management, operational and program delivery experience, the value I bring to the 000Foundation Board is independent thinking, governance and accountability.

I’m a strategic technology leader with a background in service delivery, having worked across a range of industry sectors including wagering, utilities and State Government – delivering transformational outcomes and innovation by engaging with stakeholders and building high performing teams.

I was pleased to be appointed Chair of the 000Foundation Board and look forward to advancing the Foundation’s important work in supporting Victoria’s emergency services personnel.

Outside of work I enjoy running, gaming, cooking and 80’s indie music.

Trent Egan

Station Officer, Fire Rescue Victoria, formerly Country Fire Authority (CFA) 8 years since 2012

MFSC Event Director and CFA Liaison, since 2017

Committee member of LMK (Let Me Know), since 2018

Traditional/Career Peer with CFA since 2017

Prior to my firefighting career I came from construction background.

From being involved with firefighting and response to emergency situations I have been proactive around support for emergency services personnel after potential traumatic events and their mental health in general. In 2017, I did a certificate III in Community Services and became a Peer with CFA to support firefighters and their families. I’m very passionate about mental health and I’m extremely proactive around breaking down the stigma that is associated with the mental health of emergency services personnel.

I live down on the Mornington Peninsula and like to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that it brings.

Jonathan Underwood

Jonathan joined the 000Foundation Board in 2024 and brings extensive knowledge around governance and organisation operations.

Mathew McKernan

Computer Scientist working on Healthcare Communications Systems for Hospitals across Australia and New Zealand.

CFA Volunteer Firefighter at Yea and Greenvale, 13 years since 2006

I joined the MFSC Team in 2019, assisting with the operation of the website and fundraising systems for the event and have participated in the MFSC since its inception in 2014.

In my spare time, I am an Adult Member of Scouts Victoria currently holding the role of Assistant Chief Commissioner – Personnel, responsible all aspects of volunteer management, onboarding, conduct and training for over 9,200 volunteers across the state.

I am passionate about mental health in our community especially amongst our emergency services.

Robert Foote

Leading Firefighter.

Fire Rescue Victoria, formerly Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) 14 years since 2009.

I’m currently on secondment to the CFA as the District 15 Wildfire Instructor.

Prior to my role at District 15, I worked as an on-shift firefighter at Traralgon Fire Station. I have also worked as an operational training instructor at VEMTC Craigieburn, working on the recruit firefighter, structural firefighter, and specialist appliance training programs.

From 2016 until the most recent Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb (MFSC) event in 2022, I have been on the MFSC Organising Committee as Climb Crew Coordinator. I have participated in every MFSC since the first event in 2014, as well as travelled all over the world participating in climbs in the USA, New Zealand, Australia, The Netherlands, and China. 

Prior to joining the fire services, I worked as a gaming technician repairing poker machines for Tabcorp.

My interests include flying – I currently hold a Commercial Pilots License and I’m working towards my Instrument and Instructor Ratings. I like to keep fit and enjoy mountain biking, rowing, and skiing.

I’m genuinely excited to see the 000 Foundation and the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb have such a positive impact on emergency service personnel from all over Victoria. Physical and mental health are both major issues within the emergency service sector. To be raising funds and awareness about these causes is something I’m genuinely proud of and I’m really looking forward to advancing the foundation and the event into the future.

Fiona Corfield

Manager Financial Accounting, Risk and Governance at Victoria Legal Aid – 2018 to present This role speaks to my passion for community service, rendering assistance and making a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Accounting/ Finance industry – 16 years, working with a diverse range of clientele – individual to small/medium enterprises through to Government departments/ agencies. I have worked in global and local organisations, public and private sector performing roles in Financial Accounting, Audit risk and Governance, which require flexibility, rapid response, and strategic approach whilst working within diverse and multi skilled teams.

CFA Volunteer Firefighter at Wallan – 7 years

Through which I have found my true purpose in life. Being a firefighter exposes my most humanistic qualities, which I would say are my greatest strengths.

CFA District 12 Planning Committee elected Chair 2018 to present, responsible for the strategic decisions regarding the fulfilment of current and future resource, planning and equipment needs of the district to optimise service delivery.  

Financial Accountant CFA Corporate, 2016-2018 from which I bring practical and intricate knowledge of the inner workings of the emergency service sector.  

I have a mantra to make every day count, to contribute to the betterment of the world. To remain inspired and to inspire others to leave an irreversible positive difference that will benefit current and future generations.

My favourite way to achieve this is through raising awareness and funds for mental health focussed charities. I have participated in the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb for each of the 6 years that it has run.

In 2019, I was honoured to volunteer as a member of the MFSC Event Management Team and contribute to the ongoing sustainability of the event, so that others may experience freedom from debilitating mental health injuries and conditions.  

Chris May

Qualified Firefighter – Fire Rescue Victoria 

Corporal – Australian Defence Force – Army 

Australian of the Year Finalist (Victoria) 2017 

Ethical Soldier of the Year – Army 2017 

Chris served in the Regular Army between 2007 and 2017 before transitioning to the Active reserves where he continues to serve as an instructor in Melbournes University Regiment. 

Chris served 2 tours to Afghanistan and was wounded on his second tour in 2011, resulting in a Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post Traumatic Stress Injury. He was a key patient in the trial of the Phoenix program assisting veterans and emergency services personnel return to work. 

Since his transitioning to the Army reserve, Chris joined the CFA as a Volunteer to get a taste for firefighting, which he immediately found interest in. In November 2017, Chris gained employment as a Forest Firefighter for FFMVic in the Yarra Ranges district. 

Chris applied for and joined the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Now Fire Rescue Victoria, in July 2019 and continues to work in the Eastern District.

He is extremely passionate about veterans and emergency services personnel mental health and has raised over $150,000 over the last 8 years for different mental health charities! 

Chris has a wife, Laura, and 2 dogs, Hugo and Rupert and lives in the Dandenong Ranges.