Board member - Karina Vice Chairperson. Having a younger sister with special needs I have seen first-hand the importance of early intervention and the integrative role it plays in a young person with additional needs life. Expand Qualifications Bachelor of Business (Management and Human Resource Management) Graduate Certificate Workplace Health & Safety Why I joined the Firstchance Board I was approached by a friend who received an email about a position on a Board from Newcastle University, who thought I’d be perfect for this position. Having a younger sister with special needs I have seen first-hand the importance of early intervention and the integrative role it plays in a young person with additional needs life. Joining the Firstchance Board will give me the opportunity to use my skills and knowledge gained from being a young carer to assist in delivering strategic and operational goals. The skills I bring to the board With my experience as a HR professional I bring a broad range of people skills. I provide advice and coaching to Leaders for any people matters including HR policy, interpretation of enterprise agreements & relevant legislation, HR strategies, conduct and performance management, health management, succession planning, diversity, remuneration and change management.
Bachelor of Business (Management and Human Resource Management) Graduate Certificate Workplace Health & Safety Why I joined the Firstchance Board I was approached by a friend who received an email about a position on a Board from Newcastle University, who thought I’d be perfect for this position. Having a younger sister with special needs I have seen first-hand the importance of early intervention and the integrative role it plays in a young person with additional needs life. Joining the Firstchance Board will give me the opportunity to use my skills and knowledge gained from being a young carer to assist in delivering strategic and operational goals. The skills I bring to the board With my experience as a HR professional I bring a broad range of people skills. I provide advice and coaching to Leaders for any people matters including HR policy, interpretation of enterprise agreements & relevant legislation, HR strategies, conduct and performance management, health management, succession planning, diversity, remuneration and change management.
I was approached by a friend who received an email about a position on a Board from Newcastle University, who thought I’d be perfect for this position. Having a younger sister with special needs I have seen first-hand the importance of early intervention and the integrative role it plays in a young person with additional needs life. Joining the Firstchance Board will give me the opportunity to use my skills and knowledge gained from being a young carer to assist in delivering strategic and operational goals. The skills I bring to the board With my experience as a HR professional I bring a broad range of people skills. I provide advice and coaching to Leaders for any people matters including HR policy, interpretation of enterprise agreements & relevant legislation, HR strategies, conduct and performance management, health management, succession planning, diversity, remuneration and change management.
With my experience as a HR professional I bring a broad range of people skills. I provide advice and coaching to Leaders for any people matters including HR policy, interpretation of enterprise agreements & relevant legislation, HR strategies, conduct and performance management, health management, succession planning, diversity, remuneration and change management.
Chairperson - Jennifer Secretary Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Expand Qualifications Bachelor of Aboriginal Studies (Honours) and currently a PhD Candidate of Aboriginal Studies Bachelor Theology Diploma in Agriculture Certificate IV – Training and Assessment Certificate Child Care Why I joined Firstchance Board To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Bachelor of Aboriginal Studies (Honours) and currently a PhD Candidate of Aboriginal Studies Bachelor Theology Diploma in Agriculture Certificate IV – Training and Assessment Certificate Child Care Why I joined Firstchance Board To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Why I joined Firstchance Board To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
To empower others. I have been blessed in my life to have had some amazing and gifted mentors who took time to share their wisdom and experience with me. My Grandfather was removed from family, community and country as a 2 year old, his resilience has been inspirational and my acceptance as a member of the Kamilaroi nation has been life changing. Late 2016 I received an email via the Wollotuka Institute at Newcastle Uni, seeking Indigenous representation on the Firstchance board, I felt that given my background and skills this would fit well. Firstchance is a wonderful inclusive organisation, dedicated to supporting both children with special needs and their families. Such an organisation would have been an asset when our daughter was younger. The skills I bring to the Board Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Over 30 years’ experience in early childhood services, including roles as Service Director and special needs work. The experience of parenting a child with disabilities, at times stumbling through the maze of programs, treatment, surgery and radiotherapy, providing many challenges and practical wisdom, significantly a great sense of pride as a mum. Extensive experience in both parish and not for profit community organisations and groups. Successful Farm business management, including transitioning from Dairy to Beef cattle. The recent advocacy role of Aboriginal Youth Worker, in which supported, empowered and assisted our young ones in obtaining the necessary skills to achieve their drivers licence. I am an exceptional listener and value the stories and narratives we carry within.
Vice Chairperson - Renata Having the opportunity to contribute to a not-for-profit organisation was a priority for me within this aspiration. Expand Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Teaching Secondary Graduate Diploma of Industrial and Employee Relations Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors Studied (but not completed) Masters of Employment Law Why I joined Firstchance Board I have always aspired to be on Boards, it was to me the obvious career path to follow the advancement to an executive role in my industry. Having the opportunity to contribute to a not-for-profit organisation was a priority for me within this aspiration. Having studied Psychology and Teaching, I always thought the best fit to my interests and passion would be an opportunity in Mental Health, Disability or Education – a cause that would support the community and those in need of a little more help. A colleague who I value opinions of and who was aware of my aspirations, recommended Firstchance to be an organisation that was governed & led by passionate & inspirational people, filled with team members with the same characteristics, and clients who were in need of support and additional needs to make their lives easier. After speaking to Darleen Taylor (General Manager), I knew that this was an organisation I would be proud to be able to meaningfully contribute to serving its mission. The skills I bring to the Board With over 18 years’ experience in the resources industry in a diverse portfolio of functions and projects throughout Australia and Internationally, I have had strategic and governance experience in the areas of Safety & Health, Risk & Audit, Human Resources & Capability, Information Technology and Community Relations. Having delivered future focus strategies in rapidly growing and changing environments and heavily regulated industries, I bring confidence in governance systems and risk management practices. I am adept to fostering strong cultures and leading programs to embed the desired business values, and I am passionate and an energetic advocate for strong community relations and be of service business models.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Teaching Secondary Graduate Diploma of Industrial and Employee Relations Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors Studied (but not completed) Masters of Employment Law Why I joined Firstchance Board I have always aspired to be on Boards, it was to me the obvious career path to follow the advancement to an executive role in my industry. Having the opportunity to contribute to a not-for-profit organisation was a priority for me within this aspiration. Having studied Psychology and Teaching, I always thought the best fit to my interests and passion would be an opportunity in Mental Health, Disability or Education – a cause that would support the community and those in need of a little more help. A colleague who I value opinions of and who was aware of my aspirations, recommended Firstchance to be an organisation that was governed & led by passionate & inspirational people, filled with team members with the same characteristics, and clients who were in need of support and additional needs to make their lives easier. After speaking to Darleen Taylor (General Manager), I knew that this was an organisation I would be proud to be able to meaningfully contribute to serving its mission. The skills I bring to the Board With over 18 years’ experience in the resources industry in a diverse portfolio of functions and projects throughout Australia and Internationally, I have had strategic and governance experience in the areas of Safety & Health, Risk & Audit, Human Resources & Capability, Information Technology and Community Relations. Having delivered future focus strategies in rapidly growing and changing environments and heavily regulated industries, I bring confidence in governance systems and risk management practices. I am adept to fostering strong cultures and leading programs to embed the desired business values, and I am passionate and an energetic advocate for strong community relations and be of service business models.
Secretary & Public Officer - Emma I have a deep value for the role of not-for-profit organisations in building deep and respected relationships with communities and having a lasting impact Expand Qualifications Bachelor of International Studies Master of International Development (currently studying) Disaster Ready: Core Humanitarian Certificate RMIT Creds: Enabling Technology Human Rights Led Practice Resilience and Adaptability Planning a Project Agile Ways of Working Why I joined the Firstchance Board Our journey with our son has been challenging from birth, including complex medical issues which have led to a global developmental delay for him. We’ve been told at various times that he may not walk, eat or speak independently, and with support from Firstchance he's now doing all of these things and more. I’m passionate about the role that parents of children with additional needs play and I am keen to keep them supported to be the best advocates and champions they can be. From the journey with my son, I have a keen awareness of the challenges and opportunities for children who experience delay but have no formal diagnosis of disability. This also creates unique challenges and opportunities for parents of these children to advocate for their child’s needs so that they can seek the support their children may need to overcome short-term challenges and manage long-term needs. When I was asked to join the board, I was excited to see if our experience could add value and help others in some way. The skills I bring to the board I have worked for over a decade in aid and international development, so I have a deep value for the role of not-for-profit organisations in building deep and respected relationships with communities and having lasting impact. I recognised Firstchance’s strengths-based approach and values as important for our family, and significant in how our son’s supports would be delivered. I have overseen the embedding of inclusion programming in several multi-million dollar government-funded programs, with a keen focus on disability inclusion. I am absolutely passionate about the concept of ‘nothing about us without us’ and that goes for children and their carers as well. I have also worked on large, multi-national and multi-year program designs, public-private sector partnerships, contract and tendering processes and financial and contract management. I have also worked on developing project terms, theories of change/program logics, conducted monitoring and reporting for several projects and overseen mid-term and end-of-term program evaluations.
Board member - Rebecca Expand Qualifications Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours TAFE NSW Guiding in Excellence Aboriginal Cultural Inclusion Training Introductory Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) Introductory Auslan and Signed English Course, Certificate II Why I joined the Firstchance Board Like many Firstchance families, our journey with our daughter has been different to the path we had planned as parents. Being part of the Firstchance community means we have felt supported to face challenges along our journey and have been able to upskill and support our daughter and family along the way. We have made enduring friendships that have enriched our way of thinking and engaging with our wider community to make it more inclusive for children with special needs. As our daughter grows and I find my skills in advocacy, I have found myself wanting to contribute to our wider community and use my skills and lived experienced as a communicator and parent. When I was approached to join the Board, I saw an opportunity to use my skills and experience to represent the families of Firstchance. I want to be a voice that ensures our current and future families always feel heard and supported in their journeys with the organisation. The skills I bring to the board With 18 years’ experience of collaboration and community engagement in government and not-for-profit organisations, I bring a range of skills that will bring value to the Board. I believe in a collaborative and strength-based approach to projects, capitalising on the diversity of skills and experience of a team. During my career I have developed and refined skills in project management, team leadership, grant writing and supervision of volunteer community engagement programs. I have been involved in the development and delivery of numerous environmental education programs which connect students and community with their local environment to improve connection with community, conservation, heritage, and culture. Our journey with our daughter has allowed me to the opportunity to broaden my understanding and respect for the importance of diversity and communication. I place great value on the power of collective voices to advocate for inclusion, support, and a sense of belonging within a community. I look forward to applying my skills and lived experience to drive discussion and reach positive outcomes for Firstchance and the families it supports.
Board member - Trish Expand Qualifications Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Law Why I joined the Firstchance Board In my current role at Aon, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a large number of not-for-profit organisations and work directly with boards and executive teams. In doing this work I developed a strong desire to give back to my community by joining a not-for-profit board and lending my skills and experience to a positive cause. When a chance meeting led to a conversation about becoming a board member of Firstchance, I jumped at the opportunity to learn more. I have always been passionate about giving back, and believe my skills and experience over 10 years would enable me to add value to Firstchance and the community it serves. Firstchance specifically appealed to me as I have personally experienced developmental challenges with my eldest child in his early years and therefore have a strong appreciation for the kind of support Firstchance provides. The skills I bring to the board I have over 10 years’ experience in the financial services sector, including banking & finance, as well as risk management and advice. Over my career I have worked with many businesses across a broad range of industries, helping solve their financial and risk needs. I bring the ability to critically assess the risk management policies and procedures and ensure that Firstchance is adequately informed and protected against key risks, as well as ensure the board and executive are across any emerging risks. My ability to critically analyse problems and identify and evaluate solutions are skills that I believe are transferable to any industry or situation.
Treasurer - Shane Expand Qualifications Bachelor of Commerce Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Fellow of Financial Services Institute of Australia (FINSIA) Why I joined the Firstchance Board The opportunity to provide my skills and expertise to a not for profit organisation is a major factor in my decision to accept the role of Treasurer with Firstchance. The services that Firstchance provide to children in their formative years resonates with me. I have a niece who has special needs and have seen the difference that early intervention made to her life. One of the services that she accessed in those early years was provided by Firstchance and it had a positive impact on her social skills. The position on the board will allow me to contribute my skills and knowledge to ensure that Firstchance continue to provide children with the support and services that they need. The skills I bring to the board I have over 30 years of finance experience in a variety of organisations. These include roles in Chartered Accounting, Energy, Financial Institutions and Mining organisations. The skills I have developed during my career include financial reporting, tax compliance, financial risk management and strategic management reporting. I am an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and providing mentoring and coaching to other staff, particularly young people at the start of their career. I hope to provide financial analysis to my fellow Board members and be able to explain the financial impact of strategic opportunities to assist the Board in making informed decisions.