About Us

OUR FOUNDATION IS MUCH MORE
THAN A CHARITY.

FOR US - IT’S PERSONAL

North Star Foundation was created to address one of Australia’s most urgent and overlooked needs: safe, immediate, and transitional housing for women and children escaping domestic violence.

What began as a shared dream more than 15 years ago – shaped by personal lived experience – has grown into a purpose-driven organisation built on compassion, determination, and the belief that no woman should ever have nowhere to go in her most dangerous moment.

Co-founders Gareth and Lisa Croy privately funded the first stage of the Foundation, driven by their own journey and a deep understanding of the critical gap that exists between leaving and finding safety.

Their vision, together with the support of General Manager Jess Tudman and the wider community, is to deliver secure, fully furnished homes that offer not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and the chance to rebuild.

North Star Foundation combines personal conviction, professional expertise, and strong community collaboration to create real, practical pathways out of violence. We know we’re just one part of the solution — but we are committed to building homes, building hope, and building futures for those who need it most.

NORTH STAR FOUNDATION

MEET OUR TEAM

NORTH STAR FOUNDATION

MEET OUR TEAM

Gareth Croy

CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR

Gareth Croy brings more than two decades of experience in finance, strategy, and business leadership to his role Managing Director of North Star Foundation. Known for his strategic vision and genuine care for people, Gareth has dedicated his career to helping others build strong financial foundations. Now, through the North Star Foundation, he is providing those same strong foundations to survivors of domestic violence who need safety, stability, and a chance to rebuild.

After establishing a successful career in financial services, and founding Your Future Strategy – one of Australia’s leading multi-disciplinary financial services firms, and Sevenfold Property Group – servicing property investors Australia-wide – Gareth has turned his focus to giving back. For him, North Star Foundation represents the most meaningful extension of his life’s work: creating opportunity, security, and empowerment through practical, sustainable support.

Driven by a deep belief that everyone deserves to live a life with dignity and choices, Gareth continues to apply his business expertise to this cause which is so close to his heart: helping ensure that women and children escaping violence have somewhere safe to land, and the resources to start again.

Lisa Croy

CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Lisa Croy is a lawyer, business leader, and advocate for women and children, bringing both professional excellence and personal strength to her role as Director of North Star Foundation.

With a background spanning over 15 successful years across law, finance, and property, Lisa is well known for her intelligence, compassion, and hands-on leadership style. She is the Principal of Croy Legal, where she is recognised for her straightforward yet empathetic approach to helping clients through complex and emotional circumstances.

For Lisa, North Star Foundation is deeply personal. As a survivor of domestic violence herself, she knows firsthand the importance of having somewhere safe to go, and the difference that security, compassion, and community can make in rebuilding a life.

Through the North Star Foundation, Lisa channels her experience and determination into creating real, lasting change for women and children when they need it most.

Jess Tudman

GENERAL MANAGER

Jess Tudman brings more than a decade of leadership and operational experience to her role as General Manager of North Star Foundation. Her calm, people-first approach, combined with her deep understanding of how strong teams and clear systems drive meaningful outcomes, makes her an invaluable part of the Foundation’s mission.

Based in Brisbane and raised on the Gold Coast, Jess’s career has spanned property, business operations, and recruitment, however the common thread has always been people. From helping individuals find their next opportunity to guiding organisations through growth and change, she’s built a career on empathy and connection.

At North Star Foundation, Jess leads with purpose. She ensures every project, partnership, and home built aligns with the Foundation’s core mission: to provide safety, dignity, and a fresh start for women and children escaping domestic violence. Her focus is on creating lasting impact through practical, sustainable action and maintaining the heart and integrity behind every initiative.

Jess believes that strong leadership isn’t about titles or hierarchy, it’s about listening, guiding, and helping others do their best work in service of something bigger.

Andrea Crothers

DIRECTOR - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andrea Crothers is a respected journalist and presenter, currently with Channel Nine’s The Today Show. She’s earned a reputation for sharp communication and the ability to connect with audiences from the halls of politics to everyday Australians.

Beyond her media work, she has served on committees supporting not-for-profit organisations. Andrea is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She grew up in rural Queensland, where she maintains strong community ties.