About Us

Swipe2give is an Australian owned and operated company established in 2006 to foster the vision of founding directors David Easthope, John Lavender and Craig Josic.

Their innovative concept materialised during a barbeque on the back deck. John’s children had to sell chocolates for a school fundraiser, as did every other kid in the suburb, so the conversation went in search of an easier way to fundraise, and Swipe2give was born.

Using their diverse backgrounds in teaching, banking and media respectively they began making the idea a reality.

As the company grew Deirdre Wakefield and Fiona Ward became directors adding their skills and business experience to complete the team.

Head office is currently in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. The growing team of consultants and support staff are actively establishing the program across the nation.

Directors

David Easthope
Founding Director
Managing Director
Head of Business Development

David has a double degree in Education and Fine and Applied Arts, and taught at schools in Australia and New Zealand before he established his own training and personal development business.

He consulted to large corporations in areas of communications, team building, coaching, sales and marketing, personal development and mentoring programs throughout Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia. David’s genuine interest in helping people who want to help Themselves assisted him to become a highly regarded motivational speaker on the international speaking circuit.

Fourteen years ago David and his wife Debra moved to Buderim with their two daughters, and he continued to work in his business until the conception of Swipe2give. As co-founding director and Head of Business Development, David is dedicated to promoting the sustainable benefits Swipe2give affords to community organisations and businesses.

John Lavender
Founding Director
Head of Operations

John has an impressive corporate background across a range of industry sectors including banking, real estate, communications, recreational industry, corporate fitness and small business.

For more than 10 years he worked in the real estate industry. He has been a co-owner of a real estate company where he was responsible for monthly sales targets and day to day operations. John has facilitated numerous success strategies and personal development techniques with companies such as Bunnings, Telstra, Massport, Youth Services and many others.

As a talented public speaker John is familiar in roles as an MC or presenter at various business seminars, and he is familiar with organising and running large conferences. His diverse experience and strength in managing daily operations makes him ideal for Head of Operations at Swipe2give.

Over the years John’s involvement in various local community groups and sporting organisations on a voluntary basis has given him insight into the challenges of fundraising for both small and large associations.

Craig Josic
Founding Director
Head of Corporate Relations

Craig Josic has over 18 years of experience working with marketing and consumer driven companies. A director of eFundraising Group since 2006, now known as Transact2, Craig is focused on the Swipe2give brand and the development of strategic alliances with companies such as Indue and Australia Zoo. Prior to his involvement with Transact2Craig spent over ten years in marketing and management positions. He was the director of the World Executive Club at the Hilton Hotel and former President of Fitness Queensland. Craig was instrumental in establishing the Active Australia Initiative, and the first Fitness Industry Code of Conduct for the Australian Government. In his capacity as marketing & account manager with Urban Living publications, Craig developed the Urban Living brand before it was acquired by APN News & Media.

As a consultant Craig has been instrumental in the launching of several ventures within both start-ups and growing companies. With his zest for business development, marketing, advertising and social media, Craig has successfully developed many strategic alliances. He thrives on working within a team to achieve their vision, passion and business success.

Craig gives his time to numerous not-for-profit groups, charities and sporting organisations, assisting them to establish sustainable fundraising and management solutions.

Craig enjoys living an active life outdoors and spending time with his wife and three children.

Deirdre Wakefield
Director
National Sales Manager

Deirdre has a wealth of experience in SME with strong connections to the international business world. Having owned and operated numerous businesses in varied industries, Deirdre has a proven ability to adapt quickly to any environment she is presented with, and currently owns and operates a successful retail business.

Over the years Deirdre has been involved with various charities and organisations so she is excited at the opportunity to unite her business and personal passions, to deliver significant advantages for all involved. Deirdre’s far-reaching contacts and sales expertise make her the perfect National Sales Manager for Swipe2give.

Fiona Ward
Director
Head of Media and Marketing

Fiona has a business association with the founding directors extending over more than a decade.

She was lured from a very successful career in real estate in pursuit of the Sunshine Coast lifestyle and a new beginning after losing her husband Graham. They had dedicated much of their 29 years together to kids at risk, families, women’s safety issues and sport in their careers as Police Officers and their roles as lay leaders in the church.

Fiona was a detective Senior Constable in the Juvenile Aid Bureau and CIB, working as a Community Liaison Officer she spoke extensively at public forums and as a media spokesperson representing the Queensland Police Service.

It seemed a natural progression for Fiona to continue her work with worthy organisations, and she is enthusiastic at the prospect to using her life-skills to promote financial viability for organisations and local business. Fiona is our Media and Marketing Co-ordinator