Your Candidates for 2020 - Election of candidates to PeakCare Queensland's Board of Governance
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Your Candidates for 2020
Election of candidates to PeakCare
Queensland’s Board of Governance
November 2019
CONTENTS
Introduction
Number of Board vacancies 1
Candidate Election Statements
(in alphabetical order)
Ms Helena Holdaway 2
Life Without Barriers
Ms Shari Jackson 3
Centacare CQ
Mr Thomas McIntyre 4
Act for Kids
Ms Joanne Roff 5
Integrated Family and Youth Services (IFYS)
Ms Mary Slade 6
(Safe Places for Children)
Ms Janet Wight 7
(Youth Advocacy Centre)
Mr Darren Young 8
(Mission Australia)
Rules for the election of candidates to the Board 9
Confirming or changing the person authorised to serve
as your organisation’s Voting Delegate 10
Guidelines for Voting Delegates to lodge a proxy vote 10
Election of candidates to PeakCare’s Board of Governance
1
Your candidates for 2020
INTRODUCTION
This document has been produced to assist member agencies of PeakCare Queensland Incorporated (PeakCare) to
consider their election of nominated candidates to PeakCare’s Board of Governance and avail themselves of the
opportunity to vote for their preferred candidates.
Information contained within the document includes:
• Candidate Election Statements prepared by persons who have been nominated, and have
accepted their nominations, to stand for election to the Board
• rules for the election of candidates to the Board as stated within PeakCare’s Constitution, and
• guidelines for authorised voting delegates to lodge a proxy vote in the event that they are unable to attend
and cast their vote during the Annual General Meeting
Number of Board vacancies
This year, an election will be held to fill three (3) vacancies on the Board. PeakCare’s Constitution states that Board
members are elected for a term of two (2) years, with a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms to be served prior to
the member having to step down. The Constitution allows for the election of up to seven (7) Board members including
office bearers 1.
The Constitution also allows the Board to ‘co-opt’ up to two (2) additional Board members. Co-opted Board members
do not hold voting rights held by elected members. Board members who are co-opted are eligible to be nominated
and stand for election at an Annual General Meeting subject to them meeting eligibility requirements stated within
the Constitution that apply to all prospective candidates. In the event that a Board member vacates their position, the
Board may elect a person to ‘casually’ fill the vacancy until the next Annual General Meeting is held, at which time a
nominated candidate is elected to fill the position.
The three (3) vacated Board positions that are to be filled by election during the Annual General Meeting to be held
at 6.30pm on 20th November 2019 at Events on Oxlade (formerly Riverside Receptions), New Farm are those currently
held by:
• Mr Darren Young 2
• Ms Janet Wight 2, and
• Ms Mary Slade 3
1
Office bearers (i.e. President of the Board, Vice-President and Treasurer) are elected by the Board
2
Neither Mr Young nor Ms Wight have completed three (3) consecutive terms as an elected Board member and therefore remain eligible, in
accordance with PeakCare’s Constitution, to again stand for election to the Board
3
Ms Slade was co-opted to the Board during 2019 and was subsequent elected by the Board to ‘casually’ fill a vacancy on the Board when an
elected member resigned
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Election of candidates to PeakCare’s Board of Governance
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Your candidates for 2020
Ms Helena Holdaway
Relevant Experience
I have over 20 years’ experience in the Not for Profit sector and have been the State
Director for Life Without Barriers in Queensland for the past three years. I offer a wide
range of experience to the Board in providing services to children and young people
including:
• General Foster Care
• Intensive Foster Care
• Kinship placements
• Children’s residential Services
• Next Steps Aftercare Program (16 – 25 year olds transitioning from care)
• YouthChoices – an MST program and the first Social Benefit Bond of its kind in Queensland
• All services include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and carers.
I demonstrate a high level of understanding of statutory policy requirements and directions. I provide leadership in
delivering services to children, in developing and implementing a culture of service excellence, working to embed the
standards, behaviours and strategies needed to bring about lasting improvements in service provision and outcomes
for children. We work flexibly with families and their carers to develop trusting relationships and to find the right path
to permanency. We keep children and young people at the heart of everything we do and we want each and every
one of those children to feel as safe and respected as they should. I ensure that all services and program activities
operate consistently and ethically within the purpose and values of Life Without Barriers.
Taskforce Appointment
I have recently served as a member of the Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce at the invitation of the Minister
for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence (Di Farmer) as
the representative of Care Providers.
Cultural Competence and Leadership
Life Without Barriers in Queensland has 9.5% of employees that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and we
continue to demonstrate our genuine commitment to reconciliation by working collaboratively with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Island communities to support clients in regional and remote areas.
In 2019, I was co-opted to join PeakCare’s Board as a non-voting member. I believe I have the necessary skills and
experience, (not to mention passion and energy!) to continue my participation on the PeakCare Board of Governance
as an elected member to provide advice and guidance to improve the child protection system in Queensland. I am also
completing the Company Directors Course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors which will further
enhance my knowledge and understanding of the roles of Boards in general.
Proposed by: Ms Janet Wight, Youth Advocacy Centre | Seconded by: Mr Darren Young, Mission Australia
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Election of candidates to PeakCare’s Board of Governance
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Your candidates for 2020
Ms Shari Jackson
I believe I have the relevant demonstrated knowledge, skills and experience to
complement current Board Members. I am currently part of CentacareCQ’ s executive
leadership team as the General Manager Health & Wellbeing Services. Whilst I am
based in Bundaberg, I am responsible and accountable for services across
CentacareCQ’s footprint, from Bundaberg north to Mackay and west to the border.
CentacareCQ currently employs around 300 staff across that region. I have been in
this role now for a period of 3 years. The main functions of my role are to provide
strategic leadership for a range of operational business units – this includes NDIS,
Community Care Services and our Clinical & Social Services Team (which
incorporates a range of family services and supports) along with ensuring each team
is operating in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of CentacareCQ.
Prior to my current position I held the role of Team Leader of our Counselling and
Community Education Services for a period of 5 years and previous to these
leadership roles I had operational roles with CentacareCQ as a Family Relationship / Schools Counsellor and Mediator.
I have been employed with CentacareCQ for a period of 17 years. Prior to my employment with CentacareCQ I was
the Coordinator for the Bundaberg Branch of the Victims of Crime Association.
My experience with CentacareCQ has developed my ability to promote the Organisation’s Vision, Mission and Values
on a day to day basis with staff and internal and external stakeholders. I take pride in the values of our Organisation
and that the work we deliver day to day represents those Values and supports the vulnerable and disadvantaged
within our communities.
I have practical hands-on experience providing strategic leadership and operational implementation and monitoring.
My work with CentacareCQ provides me with the opportunity to be part of project groups – including Workforce
Planning and new program scoping and implementation. This experience has provided me with the ability to
effectively communicate with team members, to ensure appropriate consultation is undertaken and to build
relationships with stakeholders to ensure informed and transparent decision making. I am a Registered AMA Mediator
and these skills support my ability to mediate and negotiate effectively in groups.
Part of my current duties includes applying business and financial governance knowledge and skills. This includes
operational budget monitoring and reporting, business development activities and the development and reviewing of
relevant policies and procedures for programs to be able to execute their duties to meet funding and legislative
guidelines. I hold qualifications in Human Resource Management and have successfully completed Australian of
Institute Company Directors course.
In my various roles during my employment with CentacareCQ I have worked directly with families providing
counselling, information, education, mediation, support and referral. My operational roles provided me with the
opportunity to work directly with clients on a range of issues – these included responding to allegations of child abuse
and neglect and working with children and families in response to allegations or incidents of abuse. My current role
includes supporting staff in the work they are doing with families and managing our funded programs of Family
Support, Family Intervention Services and our Domestic & Family Violence Service. A key part of this support is
ensuring the Organisation has appropriate responses to Child Protection Issues within our Policies and Procedures,
responding to vulnerable children and adults, ensuring that as an Organisation we are meeting the National Catholic
Safeguarding standards, and that staff are appropriately trained and supported to operate within the child protection
system.
CentacareCQ has been a PeakCare member since 2014. If successful I would bring my experience from my direct
client work along with my knowledge as a senior leader supporting the operational work of an organisation with like
minded values and vision concerning Children and Families. It would also be an opportunity to continue to develop
professionally by learning from other Board Members.
Proposed by: Mr Roberts Sims, CentacareCQ | Seconded by: Ms Di Swan, Centacare Brisbane
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Election of candidates to PeakCare’s Board of Governance
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Your candidates for 2020
Mr Thomas (Tom) McIntyre
After 21 years working in front line child protection and strategic development roles
I am excited by the current opportunities for the sector to develop new
contemporary and innovative approaches and services for vulnerable children and
families. I have a genuine interest in establishing effective and logical family focused
systems to achieve outcomes for families in an empowering and sustainable
manner. Systems and partnerships that offer families evidence based, sophisticated,
though practical solutions to the challenges they are experiencing are critical to
achieving the collective goal of safe and happy children. I also have a strong belief
that the education and health systems offer lifelong impact for children at risk and
their families and look forward to developing systems that work in partnerships
across NGOs, child safety, health and education to create impact in the lives of
vulnerable children and families.
I have valued my experience, the opportunities provided to me during my time with the Department of Communities/
Child Safety, and I am enjoying bringing these experiences and skills to the NGO sector whilst also continuing to be
inspired and learning new ways of delivering services from the sector. Working for Act for Kids I have seen the
difference a professional and contemporary provider has in the lives of children and families and how partnership with
government agencies is achieved. Within my role I am fortunate to be responsible for and work with Assessment and
Services Connect, Family and Child Connect, Intensive Family Support and Counselling and Intervention Services and
now training professionals. These programs represent unique and targeted support to families at different points in
the secondary and tertiary intervention spaces.
Within the Department of Communities and Child Safety I was fortunate to have experienced front line roles through
to Team Leader, Senior Practitioner and Manager. I have acted in various senior executive roles throughout South East
Queensland including Regional Director (Brisbane, Logan, Toowoomba and Western QLD) and Director of Placement
and Support Services in Brisbane. I have also worked as an Executive Officer to two Directors-General and
Departmental Liaison Officer to two Ministers for Child Safety during my time with the Department.
As part of the Act for Kids Team, I have valued the importance of advocacy and awareness raising activities undertaken
by Act for Kids and sector partners on behalf of children who have experienced harm and disenfranchised families. I
acknowledge the critical role of PeakCare Queensland in this activity and the critical partnerships between service
providers and Government to achieve better outcomes for children and families experiencing challenges and requiring
significant systemic support.
Proposed by: Mr Kieran Smith, Act for Kids | Seconded by: Ms Helena Holdaway, Life Without Barriers
Page |4Election of candidates to PeakCare’s Board of Governance
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Your candidates for 2020
Ms Joanne Roff
I am a confident, pro-active and motivating leader with 25 years’ experience in
child protection. I have worked across government and non-government services
and I am highly regarded by my peers for my commitment and determination to
get the best outcomes for children, young people and families. A sense of
connection for every child in care motivates my strategic direction and operational
practice.
As an experienced Social Worker, I strive for practice excellence and work
collaboratively with sector partners to develop innovative solutions for children
and families. I am committed to working with my Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander colleagues to ensure self-determination is imbedded in practice. I have a
record of accomplishment in working alongside Aboriginal Controlled agencies to
advocate for a service system that values the significance of connection,
community, family and culture.
I have held leadership roles in the sector for the last 15 years and have excellent communication and influencing skills.
I currently hold the position as the Manager of IFYS’s Foster and Kinship Care program. I have presented at eight
National conferences in the last two years advocating for the unique support needs for Young Kinship Carers. I work
closely with researchers and academics to influence change and am a member of two academic boards, the
Queensland University of Technology and University of the Sunshine Coast. I am currently working with the University
of Melbourne on a project for young kinship carers. I have been instrumental in influencing the development of family
exploration practice in Queensland, and together with a handful of NGO’s are leading a state wide project in a Finding
Kin trial with the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women. I have recently written a journal article for Developing
Practice on the significance of connection for children and young people in care.
I am motivated to join the PeakCare Board to support an organisation that is instrumental in persuading key
stakeholders and influencing the sector to develop strong service delivery. I offer extensive industry knowledge and
experience, a track record in strategic advocacy, strong networks and professional relationships and the willingness to
be an active and engaged Board member with the courage to share my perspectives
Proposed by: Ms Helen Brafield, Integrated family and Youth Services (IFYS) |
Seconded by: Ms Cara Benoit, yourtown
Page |5Election of candidates to PeakCare’s Board of Governance
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Your candidates for 2020
Ms Mary Slade
I wish to acknowledge and thank PeakCare for the opportunity to contribute to the
development of PeakCare's advocacy role for young people in care across
Queensland.
As an elected PeakCare Board member, I believe I would bring a valuable mix of
strategic and operational experience and knowledge, having worked with young
people with complex needs for over 20 years as a frontline educator, community
services manager, residential care case manager and right through to an executive-
level operations role.
Throughout my career, I have spent extensive time on the floor working with some of
Queensland’s most vulnerable young people and have witnessed first-hand the
incredible challenges they face, as well as the increasing expectations and
responsibilities of those who care for them.
Currently, I am Chief Operations Officer with Safe Places for Children, overseeing service delivery of therapeutic residential
care through 14 regional offices across Australia, with seven of those based in South East Queensland and Queensland
regional centres.
I have led start-up operations from scratch and have an excellent understanding of what it takes to deliver high-quality,
professional, empathetic and effective therapeutic care, from the backend quality and systems and IT operations, right
through to the emotional and therapeutic interaction between the youth worker and young person.
I have a strong understanding of the legislative and policy framework for Queensland’s child safety and child protection
sector, including PeakCare’s Hope and Healing Framework, which promotes the same model of trauma-based therapeutic
care as Safe Places' own Integrative Practice Framework. Our staff also contributed to workshops on the Hope and Healing
Framework.
I have a thorough and detailed knowledge of the relevant licensing and legislative frameworks for residential care providers
in Queensland and across Australia, and was part of the team that achieved ISO9001:2015 certification for Safe Places, one
of only a handful of dedicated residential care providers to achieve this quality and systems’ standard.
I hold a Bachelor of Education degree, qualifications in Business Management and Trauma and Attachment, and am
currently completing an MBA with the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) Business School. I believe strongly in
training and education and applauded PeakCare’s push for and promotion of mandatory qualifications in Queensland. I was
delighted that Safe Places could support these efforts and participate in a promotional video produced by PeakCare.
Through these experiences and professional opportunities, I have developed strong working relationships with key
stakeholders including Departmental regional directors, education providers, health services, legal services and community
groups. I have sat in principals' offices, at the neighbour’s kitchen table, at the hospital, at the police station and at the court
house and explained what we do and why we do it.
In 2019, I was co-opted to serve on the PeakCare Board and subsequently elected during the year to casually fill a position
on the Board that had been vacated. I am very keen to continue my participation on the Board as an elected member. My
motivation is my passion and dedication to improving the lives of the young people in our care. Working in this sector is a
lifelong vocation for me and I would be delighted and honoured to work in partnership with the other PeakCare members
to achieve the best possible outcomes for vulnerable young people across Queensland.
Proposed by: Ms Orla Thompson, Safe Places for Children | Seconded by: Ms Sammy Bruderer, NAPCAN
Page |6Election of candidates to PeakCare’s Board of Governance
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Your candidates for 2020
Ms Janet Wight
I have been the CEO of the Youth Advocacy Centre (YAC) since April 2012. YAC is a
community legal and social welfare agency for young people generally aged 10-18
years, particularly those who are involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the young
justice and/or child protection systems or are homeless or at risk of homelessness
across the greater Brisbane region. A lawyer by background, I previously worked at
YAC as a casework solicitor and then its community legal education solicitor from
1985 to 2000. This included development of the youth worker training program with
Lee-Anne Hoyer (YAC’s Youth Support Advocate) which has been taken up by a
number of PeakCare members.
In the years between my employment at YAC I worked in the policy and legislation
areas of the Office of Fair Trading (4 years: consumer law, responsibility for the
Associations Incorporation Act 1981); Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services, Department of Communities (4
years: involvement in a range of Indigenous issues, particularly as they relate to the remote communities); and
Disability Services, Department of Communities (1.5 years: initial responsibility for the NDIS).
I have been on the board of a number of organisations over the years including Lifeline, Caxton Legal Service, and YAC
(as the staff representative). As CEO, I am currently a voting member of the YAC Management Committee and its
Secretary. I have been a member of the PeakCare Board for the last two years.
As CEO of YAC I have day to day management of the organisation. As a small organisation this means that I am
responsible for all the major functions such as HR management, strategic planning, operational planning and similar.
I oversee a legal practice, and homelessness, family support, bail support and court support programs. Many of the
young people we work with are, or have been in the care system. Staff from the legal and social welfare programs are
advocates for children in the care system, in court matters and in young people’s day to day experience of being in
care.
As a result, I believe that I have significant skills and experience which I bring to the Board of PeakCare. I am well
acquainted with governance issues and, as a lawyer, believe I have a particular understanding of the legal aspects of
being on a board. I have a good understanding of the content matter which is relevant to the members of PeakCare.
Due to YAC’s multidisciplinary model and my work in government, I also understand the child protection system and
the challenges young people face in a broader context – young people’s lives are not one-dimensional. As a result of
spending 10 years in government I also have an understanding of how it operates. This all contributes to my ability to
bring a strategic perspective to discussions which is generally the level at which boards need to operate.
YAC’s involvement with young people and the child protection system, and therefore my experience, is probably
different to that of many other PeakCare members. Additionally, YAC is a small not for profit in a sector where there
are many large organisations, with the PeakCare Board generally comprising the larger NFPs. As such, I believe I am
able to bring other perspectives to discussions. I would be pleased to have another term on the Board having now
developed a good understanding of PeakCare as an organisation.
Proposed by: Mr Justin Elstob, Save the Children Australia | Seconded by: Ms Cara Benoit, yourtown
Page |7Election of candidates to PeakCare’s Board of Governance
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Your candidates for 2020
Mr Darren Young
I am Darren Young and currently hold the position of Queensland/Northern
Territory State Director with Mission Australia, based in Brisbane.
I have been a manager of government and not for profit services for more than 25
years. Formerly from South Australia, my management portfolios have covered
children services, specialised youth services, country hospitals, residential and
community aged care and primary health care services.
Early in my career I worked in direct service delivery in Out of Home Care services
provided by government, as well as individual case work with young offenders and
children under the Guardianship of the Minister. Later in South Australia, I also
worked as a business consultant to the SA government and assisted with process
mapping the child protection system and assessing required actions post Layton review.
More recently my role within Mission Australia in Queensland covers Referral for Active Intervention and Intensive
Family Support services in South East Queensland. In North Queensland, I have responsibility of Out of Home Care
Services in Cairns and Mornington Island, largely targeting Indigenous young people and children.
I have a long history of engagement with relevant Peak bodies and have also taken on Board roles with the community
sector. I have strengthened my understanding of board governance through becoming a Graduate of the Australia
Institute of Company Directors. In particular, I have a good understanding and practical experience in human resource
management, strategic planning, negotiations and financial monitoring and controls.
After being elected to join PeakCare’s Board in 2017, I was pleased to serve as President of the Board during 2018-19.
I have again accepted my nomination to serve a further term on the Board as I have a personal and professional
interest in improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families, and I believe my broad human services
experience, combined with a good understanding of board governance will assist PeakCare to remain a strong
independent voice in this public policy and service delivery space.
Proposed by: Ms Helena Holdaway, Life Without Barriers | Seconded by: Ms Janet Wight, Youth Advocacy Centre
Page |8Election of candidates to PeakCare’s Board of Governance
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Your candidates for 2020
RULES FOR THE ELECTION OF CANDIDATES TO THE BOARD
As stated within PeakCare’s Constitution, the election of Board members shall take place in the following manner:
• Any two voting representatives of member organisations are at liberty to propose and
second any other member to serve as a member of the Board (Note: Only Ordinary Members of PeakCare who
have been financial for a continuous period of two (2) years are entitled to propose other members to serve as a
member of the Board)
• The nomination, which shall be in writing and signed by the nominee and their proposer and seconder, must be
lodged with the secretary (i.e. PeakCare’s Executive Director) at least seven (7) days before the annual general
meeting at which the election is to take place
• A list of candidates’ names in alphabetical order, with the proposers’ and seconders’ names, are to be posted
in a conspicuous place in the PeakCare office for at least seven (7) days immediately preceding the annual
general meeting or published on the organisation’s website
• Balloting lists shall be prepared, if necessary, containing the names of the candidates in alphabetical order and
each representative of a voting member present at the annual general meeting shall be entitled to vote for any
number of such candidates not exceeding the number of vacancies
• If, at the commencement of the annual general meeting, there is an insufficient number of candidates
nominated, nominations may be taken from the floor of the meeting provided that the nomination is accepted
by the majority of voting members or their proxies who are present
• Every representative of a voting member present at the annual general meeting is entitled to one vote and in
the case of an equality of votes the chairperson shall have a second or casting vote5
• Voting is by show of hands or a division of members, unless not less than one-fifth of the members'
representatives present demand a secret ballot6
• A representative of a voting member may vote in person or by proxy or by attorney
• The instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing in the form provided by Rule 14.12(e) under the hand of
the member agency’s representative
• A proxy must be a member of PeakCare
If unsure about the identity of the representative delegated to vote on behalf of your organisation or in the event that
your organisation wishes to change this delegated authority to another representative, contact should be made with
Ms June Darvill, PeakCare Queensland (telephone: 07 3368 1050 or email: jdarvill@peakcare.org.au) to receive the
appropriate advice.
5 This is subject to the subscription of the representative’s agency not being more than one month in arrears at the time of the meeting
6 It is noted that a secret ballot will be held at this Annual General Meeting
Page |9Election of candidates to PeakCare’s Board of Governance
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Your candidates for 2020
CONFIRMING OR CHANGING THE PERSON AUTHORISED TO SERVE AS YOUR
ORGANISATION’S VOTING DELEGATE
Only a person who has been properly authorised by a Member organisation to serve as their Voting Delegate is able
to vote for candidates nominated for election to the Board. No other representative of the organisation is able to
vote.
In order to vote, an authorised Voting Delegates MUST also physically attend the Annual General Meeting (unless they
have properly assigned their vote to a ‘proxy’ who will be in attendance).
Please check that you are aware of the person that PeakCare has recorded as your organisation’s Voting Delegate and
that this person will be present at the Annual General Meeting. It is recommended that you email June Darvill
(jdarvill@peakcare.org.au) confirming your organisation’s authorisation of the person nominated to serve as your
Voting Delegate preferably by no later than close of business on 18th November. This email should contain the
person’s name, position title, postal and email addresses and contact phone number/s.
In the event that you wish to change the person authorised to serve as your organisation’s Voting Delegate, you are
similarly requested to email June Darvill (jdarvill@peakcare.org.au) the details of this person including their name,
position title, email and postal addresses, and contact phone number/s, preferably by no later than close of business
on 18th November.
GUIDELINES FOR VOTING DELEGATES TO LODGE A PROXY VOTE
In the event that a Voting Delegate is unable to attend the Annual General Meeting (and an organisation does not wish
to transfer this delegation to another person who will be in attendance), a proxy vote may be lodged. A completed
Proxy Voting Form must be deposited with the Board Secretary (i.e. Executive Director, PeakCare) prior to
commencement of the Annual General Meeting at 6.30pm on Wednesday, 20th November 2019. It would be preferred
if the completed form is deposited with the Secretary (i.e. Executive Director, PeakCare) by close of business on
Monday, 18th November 2019. The completed form can be emailed to the Board Secretary C/- Ms June Darvill
(jdarvill@peakcare.org.au).
A Proxy Voting Form is attached to this document.
Yours sincerely
Lindsay Wegener
Executive Director
PeakCare Queensland
P a g e | 10You can also read
