Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group, with extensive experience in community services, local government, marketing, tertiary education, finance, and small business ownership. She serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal and Chair of the Board at Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. Nicky holds degrees in Dementia Care, Community and Environment, Marketing, and Project Management, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an Honorary Fellow of the University of Wollongong.

Katelin is a policy project officer with the Aged Care team. Her background is in journalism, communications, campaigns and advocacy. She graduated the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), worked with the Illawarra Mercury, served as the Director of journalists’ section of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and is a passionate community advocate.

Donna is the Policy and Project Officer at Community Industry Group, supporting TEI providers. With extensive experience in NGOs and NFPs across the Illawarra/Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands, she has worked in education, child protection, housing, and homelessness, managing various programs and services.

Ed Birt is committed to driving quality service delivery and change management for positive outcomes across communities. He has held operational, project, training, and management roles at regional, state, and national levels, delivering innovative support services for people with disability and young people in care. Ed actively supports his community as President of the Illawarra Bicycle Users Group and advocates for liveable communities. A skilled communicator, he regularly contributes opinion pieces to the Illawarra Mercury on active transport. Passionate about systemic reform, Ed champions initiatives that strengthen communities and improve support outcomes.

Tina has extensive Financial, Administration and community work experience in the community services sector, within the Illawarra area. She has Advanced Certificates in Accounting, Community Services, Counselling and Financial Counselling. Tina’s diverse exposure to the sector has made her highly adaptable and knowledgeable, enabling her to approach financial management with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and needs within the community services sector. 

Tanya is a Project and Policy Officer for the Community Industry Group, coordinating the STARS Volunteer Program, which supports older people in accessing aged care services. She has extensive experience in workforce development, with a background in retail, telecommunications, local government, mental health, aged care, and the tertiary sector. Tanya holds a degree in Adult Education and Human Resources Management from UTS and a master’s in Strategic Organisational Development from UNE. She is also an active community member, serving as secretary of her local community garden and supporting the local men’s shed.

Mark Sewell is a seasoned leader in the aged care and community services sector, currently consulting for the Community Industry Group. He is a Director at ACCPA, Wesley Mission, and Grand Pacific Health, bringing extensive governance and strategic expertise to these roles. Mark previously served as CEO of Warrigal and has held leadership positions as Regional Councillor at Business Illawarra and Chair of the Lighthouse and Cedars boards. His wealth of experience supports his commitment to driving positive outcomes in aged care and community services.

Melissa brings a background in financial services, retail, small business, and office management, offering a well-rounded skill set to our organization. Melissa manages our Mental Health Brokerage Program, Membership Program, and Eventbrite bookings, handling multiple responsibilities with professionalism and efficiency.manage multiple responsibilities with professionalism and efficiency makes her an indispensable part of our team, contributing significantly to our mission and overall success. As the events planner for our Community Service Awards, Melissa also ensures each event is a success.

Jade is a Project and Policy Officer at Community Industry Group with a strong focus on enhancing the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly in aged care. With a proven track record in quality improvement, compliance, and innovative care practices, Jade excels at fostering collaborative environments and building strong community relationships. Expertise spans complex case management, risk management, and regulatory compliance, ensuring exceptional care delivery. Holding a Bachelor of Healthy Ageing and pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Leadership, Jade combines academic knowledge with hands-on experience, including roles as a Quality Manager/Acting Facility Manager and Therapeutic Specialist.

Therese brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to creativity and excellence to her role at CI Group. With a 20-year career in advertising, including global engagements with prestigious agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi, she has honed her skills in producing beautiful work that resonates with audiences across cultures and contexts. Therese is a creative powerhouse and brings creative flair to all aspects of her job. Her primary focus for 2025 will be producing a new website for Community Industry Group alongside her work as Marketing and Communications Co-Ordinator.

Renee is a Project and Policy Officer at Community Industry Group providing whole of sector support. With extensive experience in local government, Renee is a dedicated community development professional specialising in community safety, program delivery. Working across the whole of community, Renee has experience in case management and working with vulnerable communities and excels at capacity building and developing strong networks and partnerships. Nearing completion of a Diploma of Community Services, Renee brings a versatile skill set and a strong commitment to enhancing community wellbeing.