WHO WE ARE

Ingrained Foundation is a not-for-profit taking an interconnected and collaborative approach to improving social and environment wellbeing, on Bundjalung Country - Northern NSW but supporting grassroots charities.

Much of our impact to date is possible through the ongoing donations and support of Stone & Wood (Lion Pty Ltd). They set up the Foundation as a Public Ancillary Fund so that anyone could donate and contribute to making meaningful change.

We exist to contribute to creating a regenerative region with thriving communities for future generations.

Byron Bay in the Northern Rivers region, with views of the ocean and hinterland and Mt Wollumbin, Bundjalung Country.

Our Story

Born out of the belief in reciprocity – caring for and giving back to the community you’re a part of – Ingrained Foundation was established in 2018. 

Over the past 6 years, we have donated over $2.8 million through our annual grants rounds, multi-year partnerships, fundraising, emergency relief funding and direct giving, across Australia.

Stone & Wood contributes $1/Hectolitre and $1/ tasting paddle sold over the bar at their Tasting Room in Byron to our Foundation.

In 2023, we took a step back to reflect on where we’ve come from and how we can be of the most value, influencing the best outcomes for our community. Through developing our Theory of Change, it has informed our decision to focus our efforts on going deeper, rather than broader. ‘Less is more’ is a philosophy we have always subscribed to and our strategy reflects this, anchoring our impact and work in the Northern Rivers, our home.

Our Board

  • Jasmin is the foundation’s Executive Director (currently on parental leave)

    She has over 10 years of experience building purpose-driven organisations' brands, fostering community connection and engagement, working in impact, leading with empathy and working to inspire change for a hopeful future.

    She has worked across both purpose-led and not-for-profit organisations. She also helped establish the foundation in 2018 when she worked for Stone & Wood Brewing.

    Jaz is happiest in nature, connecting with good people and immersed in the joyful world of her little family.

  • Merissa is the foundation’s Company Secretary.

    She brings extensive experience in legal, governance and executive support and has been part of Lion for more than 14 years. In her current role as a Paralegal in Lion’s Legal team, Merissa supports the business across liquor licensing and company secretarial matters. Over her time at Lion, she has worked closely with senior leaders, Boards and teams across the organisation, building strong and trusted relationships and bringing a practical, collaborative approach to her work.

    Outside of work, Merissa is happiest spending time with her family and three girls. She loves camping and the beach, cooking for family and friends, good music and good company — and, when things are a little quieter, getting lost in a good book.

  • Michelle is a sustainability leader and seasoned operator in distilling, drinks production, and hospitality. As the first employee at Four Pillars, she played a pivotal role in shaping the brand, eventually serving as Operations Director, overseeing distilling, logistics, hospitality, and innovation.

    Michelle is Four Pillars’ Sustainability Champion, and her work has earned global recognition, including  IWSC Green Spirit Trophy 2022 and Sustainability Officer of the Year at the World Gin Awards 2024.

    Michelle holds a Bachelor of Business and has completed post-graduate studies in sustainability and general management at Melbourne Business School. She’s driven by action—from circular economy initiatives and refillable gin taps to redesigning packaging for a lighter footprint.

    Based in the Yarra Valley, Michelle shares life on a small farm with her family and a menagerie of animals. Off duty, she’s usually found at the footy (AFL), on the tennis court, or working on her golf swing.

  • Jodie is the foundation’s Executive Officer (parental leave cover for Jasmin).

    Jodie has 20 years’ experience in Human Resources across multiple industries.  She combines her passion for leadership, inclusion, and community building across corporate and not for profits to bring about organisational and societal change.

    In her spare time, you’ll find Jodie fine tuning her pickle ball game, learning to grow food or out walking with her family and their dog Honey.

  • Paul (fondly known as Tans) brings over 25 years of experience in business and brand marketing, Paul is proud to be part of the foundation and keen to contribute to the region he grew up in (Primary School in Byron, High School in Mullum). After global roles and living in various cities, he returned to the Northern Rivers to raise his family.

    For nearly a decade, Paul has been deeply involved with the Stone & Wood brand—formerly as Head of Sales & Marketing, and now as Head of Strategy & Creative for Lion Craft & Premium brands.  Paul is passionate about the area and in his spare time can often be found surfing somewhere in it…