Jack Gray - About

Jack Gray is a Grants and Tender Specialist and the founder of ECHO, an Australian social enterprise dedicated to supporting ideas through structured funding pathways. Based in regional New South Wales, his work spans grant writing, tendering, and funding strategy across community, government, and commercial environments.

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He is a member of the NSW Department of Education Advisory Board and works as Tendering Coordinator with Define Potential, contributing to structured procurement processes and large-scale funding environments. These roles provide direct exposure to formal compliance frameworks, assessment processes, and government-facing decision-making contexts.

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In 2026, Jack was selected as an ABC Heywire Trailblazer, a nationally recognised program that identifies and supports young regional leaders driving meaningful change across Australia. The program brings together a cohort of emerging leaders to engage with national platforms, contribute to policy and community discussions, and strengthen leadership capability. This recognition places Jack within a network of individuals contributing to social, economic, and community outcomes at a national level.

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Jack’s background is grounded in community development and youth advocacy within the Bega Valley. He previously served as Youth Convenor for the Social Justice Advocates charity, where he played a role in coordinating youth-led initiatives and supporting community engagement around social, environmental, and equity-based issues. His involvement across youth programs and community organisations has contributed to his understanding of regional challenges and the barriers faced by individuals and groups seeking to progress ideas into funded outcomes.

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Across his work, Jack has operated within a range of environments including advisory, community, and commercial contexts. This cross-sector experience allows him to engage with funding systems from multiple perspectives, contributing to both project development and broader discussions around access to opportunity.