Debra Parker’s commitment to community began more than 30 years ago, working with women’s refuges to support women escaping violence. Photo: Parker Coles Curtis.
They’ve argued in courtrooms, led successful law firms and shaped families’ futures. But Richard Faulks of Snedden Hall & Gallop and Debra Parker of Parker Coles Curtis are equally respected for something outside legal circles.
Long before boardrooms and legal briefs, a deep commitment to community was forged in quiet conversations in coffee shops with women in crisis and countless market runs to collect vegetables for families doing it tough. Both firms are now leading the way in ACT business circles as Hands Across Canberra Heroes, supporting the community foundation.
Richard has spent more than 40 years at Snedden Hall & Gallop. His early memories of volunteering with his father for Vinnies laid the foundation for a life-long commitment to social justice.
“My dad has been involved with Vinnies for as long as I can remember,” he says. “As a teen, I’d collect veggies from the markets and distribute them to families in need. I’ve always had a soft spot for that organisation.”
That connection evolved into participating in the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout – this year marked his 14th.
“It’s disheartening Canberra still has major issues with homelessness despite the money raised,” he says. “But I suspect without that work, the problem would be even worse.”
Richard’s values shaped his belief that success only matters if used to help others. At Snedden Hall & Gallop, that’s meant becoming a good corporate citizen – one that acts ethically, considers its broader impact and supports causes beyond profit.
The firm backs a range of charities including Raw Potential, Menslink and the Foundation for Social Health. It also champions Project Independence, which empowers people with disability to live independently, a cause close to Richard’s heart.
“I had a brother with a severe disability and I’ve spent much of my career helping clients with life-altering injuries. That gives me insight into their struggles,” he says.
“Our firm has run sports days for children with disability. One child told us it was the highlight of their year. The joy on their faces – that’s priceless.
“As a firm we take the view it’s not sufficient to simply be businesspeople and it can’t all be about the billables. As part of our involvement with the judicial system and community, we need to support other activities in our society and give back where we can.
“I am sure there are more financially successful businesses out there, but are they always great to work for? Empowering staff to engage with causes they care about boosts their job satisfaction.”
Richard, an advocate for equal opportunities for women, speaks at a women in sports event. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
It’s a view long shared by Debra. The founding partner of Parker Coles Curtis was recently awarded the 2025 ACT Law Society’s Service Award, an award she believes was rooted in the values of her company.
She says good corporate citizenship is mutually beneficial.
“Being a good corporate citizen gets you more involved in the community and grows your network,” she says. “The more involved you are, the more you realise what a privilege it is and that privilege comes from the community in the first place.”
Her commitment to community began more than 30 years ago, working at Beryl Women’s Refuge and and Doris Women’s Refuge to support women escaping violence.
“Back then, it was much harder for women to access justice and a remedy from the courts for domestic and family violence,” she says. “I’d meet clients in coffee shops with their support workers because their addresses were kept secret.”
Debra has volunteered at the Women’s Legal Centre since it opened in 1995 and has supported Roundabout Canberra, YWCA, Karinya House, DVCS and Menslink. Her firm prioritises legal access and support for people navigating the family law system, particularly during crisis.
“Care and compassion are choices,” she says. “It’s not enough to talk about those values – you’ve got to walk the talk.”
That sense of purpose is what drew both firms to support Hands Across Canberra, a local charity funder focused on “giving where you live”.
For Debra, the model is especially timely.
“I think because so many of us enjoy a high standard of life in Canberra, the perception of need is skewed. The rates of homelessness are frighteningly high in Canberra, despite having the highest disposable income per capita in Australia,” she says.
“I’m impressed by Hands Across Canberra’s investment model. It’s fabulous to support a charity where the money is doing the work for you – it gives them more agility to help others.”
For Richard, it’s about coordination.
“One of Canberra’s biggest challenges is that we have so many genuinely good causes. But it’s a major struggle for a limited pool of resources and I think we would benefit from better coordination,” he says.
“The power of the collective is important. Hands Across Canberra is harnessing that to distribute resources across an array of charities and not-for-profits.”
For more information visit Hands Across Canberra.
