Fran Avon

Fran joined Rural Doctors Foundation in February 2021 after more than fifteen years working in senior leadership roles in non-profit community service organisations. She is an incredibly experienced CEO, fundraiser, and marketer.

For Fran, it was an easy decision to join a much needed and respected organisation. She is inspired by the commitment, compassion and resilience of those who live and work in our rural communities.  Fran’s vision is to help those living remotely enjoy a a long and healthy life.

Fran spent 12 years at Wesley Mission in Sydney, as General Manager for Community Engagement and Property and Executive Manager, Marketing, Fundraising and Volunteering.  Fran’s passion for remote communities was ignited having spent two years in the Northern Territory. She was the CEO for St Vincent de Paul Society based in Darwin.

Fran has also worked as a Marketing Manager in  the Publishing, Telecommunications and Technology sectors. She spent many years working in a consultancy capacity for business agencies specialising in strategic planning, change management and marketing.

Family

Fran is married to Ben, and they have two children who share their adventurous spirit. Their son, Jake is living his dream life working in website design and social media based in  Jindabyne (where he can pursue his passion for snowboarding). Their daughter, Grace is an officer in the RAAF, currently based in Victoria.

“Having travelled extensively across remote Australia including two years in the Northern Territory, I have witnessed the resilience, strength and optimism of people who live in rural and remote communities.”