Our Founders.
Our founders bring together extensive global experience in humanitarian work, investment leadership, and community development. Their combined backgrounds in international charity initiatives, strategic organisational management and hands-on service in Ethiopia ensure that Ethiopia Down-Under is guided by compassion, accountability, and a strong commitment to positive, practical impact.
Founder / Director
Michelle Wright

Michelle has over 20 years of international experience in both the corporate and charitable sectors, as well as over 20 years in the Australian entertainment industry and a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
As one of the founders of the Ethiopia Down-Under Foundation, Michelle has a focus on improving the lives of children and families in Ethiopia, particularly through her work with orphanages in Addis Ababa. She has led fundraising efforts, coordinated resource donations, and overseen projects to improve living conditions, education, and healthcare access.
Michelle's extensive experience in organising events, building networks, and providing practical solutions has been central to her success in both business and charity work. Michelle is passionate about creating lasting change and continues to support causes that improve lives both locally and globally.
Founder / Director
Peter Wright

Peter has held many senior positions in MNCs as well as start-ups as a founder over a 37 year period. He was an Executive Director of Macquarie Bank as well as a licensed fund manager.
Peter received the first foreign PE funds management license issued in China as well as a Capital Markets Services Licence in Singapore.
Peter has extensive experience as a principal investor, senior lender and mezzanine lender and has established networks of wholesale investors globally. Peter was also a founding director of CEP Energy, Chair of real estate fund Valore Investment Partners and Chair of NBFI Secured Investments Ltd.
Peter was the chairman and founder of CPG Capital Partners Ltd (Singapore), Global Funds Management Pte Ltd (Singapore) and International Litigation Partners (BVI) and Litigation Capital Partners Pte Ltd (Singapore).
Founder / Director
Max Wright

Motivated by this family bond and a desire to create lasting change, Max established Ethiopia Down Under to raise funds in Australia for impactful projects in Ethiopia - including the construction of schools, orphanages, and community facilities. Though the charity is young,
Max has cultivated strong networks and partnerships in Ethiopia, laying a solid foundation for meaningful expansion and future development projects. Max’s dedication to charitable work extends well beyond this organisation.
He has volunteered internationally, including hands-on house-building projects in both Cambodia and Ethiopia, and has been involved in fundraising and community support initiatives for many years. His academic background - a degree in Business and Arts - and his professional experience working within his family’s NDIS-focused business have equipped him with a strong understanding of social impact, organisational leadership, and community care.