Question 1

Board Member - Paul Strang

Accepted Answer

What Drew me to the Firstchance Board

I believe Firstchance is a remarkable cause, dedicated to supporting families and children. I joined to contribute my extensive knowledge and expertise to help Firstchance continue providing outstanding support to the community. With a strong belief in the importance of family, I find Firstchance aligns with my values of prioritising family and doing what is best for families in the community. My experience in strategic planning, resource management, and community engagement allows me to support Firstchance in achieving its mission.

Qualifications

Advanced Diploma in Management
Microsoft Certified Professional
Citrix Certified Professional

Experience I Bring to Firstchance

With over 33 years in IT and 22 years in senior consulting roles, I offer deep expertise in IT strategy, infrastructure, and operations. I specialise in IT expenditure and security, helping organisations manage costs, mitigate risk, and make informed decisions. As a Managing Director in Managed Services for over a decade, I’ve worked across a broad range of industries, providing tailored, innovative solutions that support long-term success.

Question 2

Board Member - Emily Cameron

Accepted Answer

What Drew me to the Firstchance Board

Eleven years ago, my son was born with Down Syndrome, and we were encouraged to begin early intervention through Firstchance. We started when the NDIS was new and changes were coming. Since then we have worked closely with a dedicated team of therapists and witnessed first hand the skill, care, and dedication of the Firstchance staff in supporting children and their families to grow. Firstchance has been such a meaningful part of our lives and I am excited to take on this role and contribute to an organisation that has helped us so much.

Qualifications

PhD in Biology
Bachelor of Science (Adv, Hons)
Short courses in:

Disability and a Good Life: Thinking through Disability

Inclusive Education: Essential Knowledge for Success

What is Genetic Counselling?

Experience I Bring to Firstchance

I work in the field of public health with a particular focus on Health Equity as a research officer and project manager. I have been involved in research to identify the needs of different patient groups and their carers, understanding whether care is being provided in line with guidelines and evaluating various health initiatives. I have seen the value of taking a strength based approach and listening to people with lived experience to reduce barriers and implement solutions.

For the past 14 years I have also been on the board of a national sporting association. I have helped the organisation grow in members and volunteers and ensured that under-represented groups have a voice.

Question 3

Board Member - Reid Farrell

Accepted Answer

Experience I Bring to Firstchance

I have almost 20 years’ experience in legal, corporate, and management roles, both in the USA and in Australia. I started my career in law before transitioning to corporate executive roles before then returning to legal practice. I am currently working at a prestigious corporate and commercial law firm based in Newcastle. I have experience serving on a corporate board and on boards of other organisations. Outside the office, I enjoy hiking, basketball, African drumming, travelling, bonsai, and pub trivia.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Business Administration
Juris Doctor
Diploma of Legal Practice

What Drew Me to the Firstchance Board

I am always looking for opportunities to give back and make a difference to my local community. After moving to Newcastle, I was put in touch with Firstchance by a colleague who suggested that serving on the board of a not-for-profit organisation would be a good way to contribute. Firstchance is as a well-run organisation, with a great staff of special people, that is making a difference in the lives of children with special needs. I am happy to be a part of Firstchance.

Question 4

Public Officer & Board member - Reid

Accepted Answer

Qualifications

Bachelor of Business Administration
Juris Doctor
Diploma of Legal Practice

Why I joined the Firstchance Board

I am always looking for opportunities to give back and make a difference to my local community. After moving to Newcastle, I was put in touch with Firstchance by a colleague who suggested that serving on the board of a not-for-profit organisation would be a good way to contribute. Firstchance is as a well-run organisation, with a great staff of special people, that is making a difference in the lives of children with special needs. I am happy to be a part of Firstchance.

The skills I bring to the board

I have almost 20 years’ experience in legal, corporate, and management roles, both in the USA and in Australia. I started my career in law before transitioning to corporate executive roles before then returning to legal practice. I am currently working at a prestigious corporate and commercial law firm based in Newcastle. I have experience serving on a corporate board and on boards of other organisations. Outside the office, I enjoy hiking, basketball, African drumming, travelling, bonsai, and pub trivia.

Question 5

Treasurer -  Shane

Accepted Answer

Experience I Bring to Firstchance

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.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Commerce
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)
Fellow of Financial Services Institute of Australia (FINSIA)

What Drew me to 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.

Question 6

Secretary - Trish

Accepted Answer

What Drew me to 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.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Law

Experience I Bring to Firstchance

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.

Question 7

Vice Chair - Rebecca

Accepted Answer

What Drew me to 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.

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

Experience I Bring to Firstchance

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.

Question 8

Chairperson - Renata

Accepted Answer

What Drew me to the 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 (CEO), I knew that this was an organisation I would be proud to be able to meaningfully contribute to serving its mission.

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

Experience I Bring to Firstchance

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.