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  1. About us
  2. Our people
  3. Board

Board

Vice Chairperson - 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.

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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.

Published: 18th March, 2019

Updated: 29th March, 2022

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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.

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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.

Published: 18th March, 2019

Updated: 7th September, 2021

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Public Officer - Sue-Ellen

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Qualifications

  • Diploma in Teaching
  • Bachelor of Education
  • Masters of Adult Education (Language Literacy Numeracy and TESOL)
  • Graduate Certificate in TESOL
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
  • Certificate III Individual Support

 

 Why I joined the Firstchance Board

Having witnessed the fantastic work of the Firstchance team as part of the team, I wanted to continue to support the work that they do. I felt I had a mix of skills that might bring value to the board and felt it was time to give back to an organisation that meant so much to me and the families they work with. I also value the importance of early intervention and working as a part of a wider community. Firstchance staff play a critical role in the lives of the families they work with and do so with integrity and professionalism- who wouldn’t want to support that!

 

The skills I bring to the Firstchance Board

I bring to the board a range of skills. I have worked in the Community services industries in a workforce adviser role for a number of years. This has given me some insights into the needs of the sector, the strengths and weaknesses and some ways to address issues or challenges. I have also made a lot of connections and enjoy connecting people to ensure that talented people meet and work together.

I have worked for the organisation and understand how it ticks. I have witnessed the value of great management and commitment and how that works for an organisation. Another skill is that of a small business owner for many years and understanding the importance of good financial governance and other aspects of running a business. Finally having grown up with a brother with an intellectual disability I know how important it is to maintain connectedness in the community and with service/health providers and to work as part of a strengths based team.

Published: 28th March, 2019

Updated: 1st May, 2019

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Board member - Renata

Having the opportunity to contribute to a not-for-profit organisation was a priority for me within this aspiration.

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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. 

Published: 28th March, 2019

Updated: 15th December, 2020

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Treasurer - Dean

Meet our new Treasurer

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Why I joined the Firstchance Board

I was inspired years ago by a previous work colleague that worked with a lot of not-for-profit organisations, and thought that one day I would like to make a similar contribution.

Firstchance was recommended to me by a business associate, as a well-run organisation that is doing really good things for children with special needs, and I thought I could make a positive contribution to the organisation with my business and finance expertise.

 

The skills I bring to the Board

Over 20 years’ experience in business, finance and management roles. I have worked in Chartered Accounting firms in the early years of my career, then branching out into commercial roles in large industrial firms.

Currently working in a senior management position in an ASX100 company, looking after a team that is responsible for negotiating with suppliers for multi-million dollar contracts.

Other than my financial and business acumen, I have my own family and life experiences from raising my own children.

Published: 29th July, 2019

Updated: 17th December, 2019

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Secretary - Lachlan

I’m passionate about learning, and about giving every child the opportunity to realise their full potential through learning.

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Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts Informatics

Why I joined the Firstchance Board

I’m passionate about learning, and about giving every child the opportunity to realise their full potential through learning. My mother-in-law worked for Firstchance for many years, my sister-in-law worked for Samaritans and my wife works for Cerebral Palsy Alliance, so I’ve witnessed the passion and impact for helping others second hand for a few years now. We recently moved to Newcastle from Sydney and I was introduced to Firstchance by a friend, who thought I could make a positive impact on the board. After reading more about Firstchance’s mission and reflecting on my own kids’ learning journeys and how much I’ve enjoyed watching them thrive, I decided I needed to get involved!

The skills I bring to the board

I have over 15 years of experience in online, creating digital websites and products. I’m currently the Managing Director and co-founder of Yarno, an online learning platform. I’m responsible for setting and evolving the strategic vision of the business, for hiring and retaining the best people we can find, and for ensuring that we remain financially healthy. Yarno is currently a fully remote business, with no physical office, which has encouraged us, as a team of 13, to level up how we communicate with each other.

Prior to founding Yarno I was the Executive Producer at webqem for 5 years, a full-service digital agency based in Sydney. I was responsible for managing the webqem Project Management team and the webqem Production House process, designer and developer utilisation and output. Prior to this, I was a Senior Digital Project Manager at webqem for 5 years.

I was also on the board of the Accelerator Program for the Entrepreneurs Organisation. They help entrepreneurs and business owners learn from like-minded people and grow their knowledge and skills.

I describe myself as a lifelong learner- always asking lots of questions, reading plenty of books and trying new skills. I try to lead with empathy and curiosity and familiarise myself with different perspectives and cultures.

Published: 15th December, 2020

Updated: 23rd December, 2020

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Board member - 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

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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 bring to Firstchance 20 years' experience in senior management and consultancy in the private sector. I assist clients to secure new business by winning government contracts. I also work with these clients to post-tender transition and operate their business in accordance with the new contract requirements. This included one of Australia's largest infrastructure contracts, the NSW Waratah Train Project. I assisted the client to win the tender, and then became part of the senior management team which managed the contract, involving extensive stakeholder and government relations and management. I have had my own communications consultancy since 2003 and have worked across the transport, infrastructure, finance, and not-for-profit sectors. Prior to this, I was a journalist and worked for several years at the Newcastle Herald.

Published: 9th March, 2022

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Charity number: CFN14799
ACN: 648 639 374  ABN: 52 869 620 304