Former Surf Life Saving NSW boss stole nearly $2 million to fund lavish lifestyle
The former general manager of Surf Life Saving New South Wales has been told to expect the worst when he’s sentenced for stealing almost two million dollars from the charity.
Matthew Hanks lived a lavish lifestyle, buying homes and boats at the expense of 76,000 members.
A court told his greed has had a tsunami effect on an organisation that has been saving lives for more than a century.
Hanks admitted to invoicing his own secret company for printing work before subcontracting the job for cheaper and pocketing the difference.
The executive also cooked the books when buying and selling company cars.
At the height of the fraud, he was earning an extra $8000 a month on top of his $200,000 salary.
In a victim impact statement, CEO Steven Pearce said Hanks “brought the entire organisation into disrepute” leading to “diminished funding to support our volunteers and surf lifesaving operations”.
Hanks said himself “remorse is not enough” for his crimes.
The father has been told he is at risk of receiving a full-time jail sentence. The maximum penalty is 10 years prison.
