Our Board

Eleonore Johansson – Chair

Eleonore has worked in the Community Services Industry for over 30 years. She is currently employed as the General Manager of Southern Youth and Family Services. Eleonore has a MA in Psychology, a Degree in Public Administration, and a Diploma of Frontline Management. She brings a wealth of experience in contract management, financial accounts and policy development.

Marlene Calleja – Vice Chair

Marlene has worked in the community sector in the Shellharbour area for more than 30 years. Marlene brings considerable experience in, and passion for, small community organisations. Marlene’s skills and interest include Management, Commerce, Volunteer Management, Local government issues, Community Welfare and Social Justice. Marlene has been awarded life membership of the Community Industry Group in recognition of her service.

Danna Nelse – Treasurer

With many years local experience in the community sector, Danna currently works as Manager Community Development at The Rail Neighbourhood Association Incorporated. Danna is our longest-serving Board member, having been a foundation committee member and has been awarded life membership of the Community Industry Group in recognition of her service.

Daphne Olsen

Daphne is the former General Manager at CareWays Community. Daphne has a Masters Degree in Management from University of Technology Sydney. Daphne is now enjoying her retirement and was recognised for her service to our organisation with Life Membership in June 2021

Grant Vukasinovic

Grant is the Chief Operations Officer at Greenacres Disability Services. He has 34 years’ experience in service coordination and senior management in the disability sector working in accommodation support, day programs, respite and recreation services. Grant holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Psychology.

Craig Smith

Craig is the Executive Leader; Service Integrated Communities at Warrigal. He has worked in the Aged Care Sector in Senior Management positions since 2005. Craig has maintained a strong commitment to the not for profit sector, working with Credit Union Australia as the Regional Manager prior to working in aged care. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University of Wollongong.

June Lowe

June is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Yuin Nation who has over 25 years’ experience working in both Commonwealth and State government and for the last six years in a few small non- government organisations mainly in portfolios pertaining to Aboriginal affairs. June is currently employed as the Parents Pathway Support Worker with Mission Australia.

Verica Sajdovska

Verica has over 20 years of experience in the community services sector, having worked in community development, settlement services, children, youth and family services, transport, aged and dementia care, carer support, management and other support services. She possesses a vast knowledge of operations, service coordination and governance on all levels and has been involved in variety of community advisory groups, regional panels and committees. Verica currently works as a manager of the Macedonian Welfare Association of NSW Inc and is passionate about promoting equal access to services and issues that are of concern to CALD communities.

Cate McMath

Cate is Chief Executive Officer at Muddy Puddles, a not-for-profit organisation in Batemans Bay providing capacity building supports to children and young people with disability. Cate has guided the evolution of Muddy Puddles since its inception, using her expertise in building and developing teams, strategic planning, and business systems.  Prior to her foray into the not-for-profit sector, Cate held senior HR and project management roles in the corporate setting. As a mother of a child with disability, Cate has a passion for creating more inclusive communities where all young people can thrive and become independent.

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