Our Board

CEO | Anglicare WA

Mark has over twenty-five years’ experience across a range of human services which includes service delivery to families and children, community development, public policy and services to offenders. He has held senior executive positions for the Government of Western Australia and also worked in Local Government and community organisations.

Mark joined Anglicare WA in October 2013 and until his appointment as Chief Executive Officer held responsibility for service delivery across Western Australia. Mark holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of New South Wales, a Graduate Diploma in Media Studies from Edith Cowan University and is a GAICD. Mark was the Chairperson of Shelter WA from 2015-2019 and is the Co-convenor of the Home Stretch WA Campaign and a member of the Ending Homelessness WA Alliance.

Mark was elected to the position of WACOSS President unopposed at the 2021 Annual General Meeting.

CEO | Palmerston Association

Emma Jarvis is the Chief Executive Officer of Palmerston Association, a Board Director of the Western Australian Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (WANADA) (formerly Vice Chair and interim Chair), a Committee Member of the Supporting Communities Forum and Vice Chair of WA Council of Social Service (WACOSS).

Emma is a proven strategic leader with a strong results focus and commitment to social impact. Emma’s leadership is characterised by a warm yet candid style, underpinned by evidence-based, culturally safe and innovative practices. Passionate about improving health and wellbeing outcomes, she is committed to championing integrated services that address systemic barriers and fostering vibrant, thriving communities.

Emma is experienced with governance, strategy, risk, and clinical and organisational development and has over 25 years’ experience with both Non-Government, and Government sectors. Emma is a Graduate of Harvard Business School Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management (2024), Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has a Masters in Applied Social Studies, a Post-Graduate Diploma and a Post Qualifying Award in Social Work, a Bachelors with Hons in Theology, and a Certificate IV in Coaching. A systems thinker who is interested in working with leaders across sectors to create social impact, Emma is also a Graduate of the UWA Centre for Social Impact inaugural ELIAS Program. Emma is registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers and has been previously registered as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. Emma is a member of the Anglican Communion.

State Director | 54 Reasons

In a community sector career spanning over two decades, Amanda has created positive change on individual, organisational and sector levels in service of Western Australians facing hardship, vulnerability and disadvantage.

With a Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) and a Masters Degree of Business Leadership, Amanda is committed to building stronger connections across government, corporate and the community sectors, building opportunities for shared learning, creative and constructive alliances and advocating for change making at a system and community level.

Amanda is committed to respectful relationships with First Nations people and has fostered equal partnerships with Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal Controlled organisations to enable successful Reconciliation in action, most recently in the Pilbara and East Kimberley regions, in her role as State Director of 54 Reasons, the Australian operating arm of Save the Children in WA.

Chief Financial Officer | Ruah Community Services

Graham is a charted accountant with more than 20 years’ experience in both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors in Ireland and Australia.

He has worked across a wide and diverse range of industries from sales and marketing, rail networks, construction, tourism, and disability services.

Graham holds a BA in Accounting, Fellowship membership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand (CA ANZ).

CEO | Reconciliation WA

Jody is a Senior Executive and Non-Executive Director with a passion for social justice and reconciliation outcomes focused on impact and innovation. Jody has extensive experience working in the community and creative industries which brings an innovative approach to her strategic thinking.

From stage to screen, state government, membership bodies and now leading the state’s peak body for Reconciliation, she is committed to unity and equality for our First National Australians through supporting self-determination and voice.

Jody is a values-driven leader with highly developed interpersonal skills focused on driving a positive culture, aligned to purpose and vision. She is committed to challenging the status quo and working with leaders who think differently to resolve complex issues in society.

In 2023, in partnership with Noongar Leader Robyn Smith Walley, Jody completed a Churchill Fellowship researching international models of truth telling, healing and sustainability, with a commitment to build a blueprint for the State of Western Australia.

Jody is committed to advocacy through strong engagement and presentation skills with the ability to influence at all levels, engaging boards, committees, teams and external stakeholders. She is highly credentialed in marketing and corporate communications.

Jody has experience in reporting to and advising Boards, Councils and Committees as a leader and Non-Executive Director.

CEO | Rise

Justine has been the Chief Executive Officer for Rise for the last ten years. Since becoming CEO, she has sought to improve the range and quality of services provided to the community.

Previously, Justine held a range of senior government positions in the Departments of Housing and Corrective Services .

Justine is delighted to be part of the inclusive and successful collaboration within the community services sector, amongst key peak bodies and with people with lived experience.

CEO | Hedland Well Women’s Centre

Kianna is the Chief Executive Officer of Hedland Well Women’s Centre, a well renowned not for profit women’s community health service in Port Hedland. She leads a team of dedicated professionals working across four core pillars including clinical services, health promotion, home away from home programs which support community connection and mental health and wellbeing services.

She is passionate about enhancing regional and remote healthcare, and seeing regional communities thrive. Previously she worked within Government across the Pilbara in preventative health for the past 12 years.

Kianna is a graduate in Health Leadership, Health Promotion and Business Administration.

CEO | Parkerville Children and Youth Care

Kim Brooklyn is the Chief Executive Officer of Parkerville Children and Youth Care and the Independent Chair of the Children’s Policy Advisory Council for WACOSS.

Kim holds a BA, Post Grad Dip Psych., and a Masters in Psychology degree, and has spent over 30 years in the Community Service sector either delivering clinical services to children, young people, adults and communities presenting with complex issues, or, as has been the case for the last 15 years, designing, delivering and overseeing a variety of services to the community in senior executive roles.

Kim is a passionate advocate for innovative, outcomes-driven, and child/family focused services that are viable, connected, radically person-centred, agile and responsive, sustainable and make a real difference to the individual and the system within which they live.

General Manager | Centrecare

Leanne is the General Manager Community Services of Centrecare Inc, which delivers a diverse range of social services to the West Australian community. Her involvement in the sector, has been within government and non-government positions spanning over 30 years.

Leanne’s has extensive knowledge and understanding of issues and service delivery response sin metropolitan, rural, and remote areas of Western Australia. Leanne has over 25 years of governance experience working within numerous community services governance frameworks at state and national levels.

Leanne has a Bachelor of Social Worker, Postgraduate in Housing Management and Policy and Postgraduate in Human Services (Disabilities). Leanne is also a current Director of Family and Relationship Services Australia and the Western Australian Association for Mental Health.

Leanne was elected to the WACOSS board in October 2023 as an Ordinary Member.

State Director WA, NT, SA | Mission Australia

Sue has been the Mission Australia State Director (WA, NT, SA) since 2022, leading a diverse portfolio including housing, homelessness, disability services, AoD support, FDV, youth services, emergency relief, and mental health.

Sue brings extensive experience in senior executive roles within State and Commonwealth governments, along with a background in management consulting.

With over 25 years dedicated to improving community outcomes Sue has also served on several Boards, which have benefitted from her expertise in governance, risk, strategic planning, and capacity-building.

A dynamic leader passionate about social justice, equity, and addressing systemic inequality, she is known for her curiosity, advocacy and collaborative leadership, Sue believes that strong partnerships and community-led solutions are vital for achieving lasting change. With a passion for creating a more equitable society, Sue is eager to join the WACOSS Board and leverage her skills to help advance WACOSS’s mission for a fairer, more inclusive future!

In her spare time, you’ll find Sue spending time with family and friends, watching her nieces and nephews play sports, exploring new dining experiences, planning her next holiday, and cheering for the West Coast Eagles.

Capacity Builder | Youth Involvement Council

Vicki-Tree is a Capacity Builder at the Youth Involvement Council (YIC) in South Hedland, Pilbara. She is part of a dedicated team of over 30 professionals who collectively support more than 500 young people aged 5-25 each year. The YIC’s five core programs encompass youth centres, homelessness support, night patrols, family assistance, case management, and a driver licensing initiative. In addition, YIC organises community events such as Hedland’s Got Talent and the Hedland Youth Awards. The organisation is renowned for its trauma-informed approach, making a significant impact on young people facing substantial challenges.

With five years of hands-on experience across YIC’s programs, Vicki transitioned from grassroots work to serving as CEO for nearly 14 years. Recently, she has stepped into a supporting role, handing over the CEO responsibilities to Tania Murray. Originally from New Zealand, Vicki’s Australian journey began with relief teaching in Mulan and youth work in Balgo—both remote communities in the Kimberley.

Vicki-Tree brings a rich background in education and social services from New Zealand, where she engaged in adult education, managed a youth centre, and led a mentoring program for Maori secondary school students. Her academic qualifications are diverse, spanning education, philosophy, Maori studies, management, governance, leadership, and social impact.

Passionate about trauma-informed practices and mental health, Vicki thrives on nurturing the potential in others. In her spare time, she enjoys family activities and travel. Vicki-Tree joined the WACOSS Board as an ex-officio Board Member in November 2019 and was elected as an Ordinary Board Member in October 2020, with a subsequent term in 2022. She is motivated by the opportunity to offer a regional perspective and embrace the learning experiences associated with the role.

Dr Millie Penny AM is a proud Noongar woman and her country connections include Whadjuk, Binjarup, Ballardong and acknowledges Yamaji Denem. Millie worked in the community sector for over 37 years and had contributed more than 50 years towards the Aboriginal community in some capacity – paid, voluntary, in-kind and in just a yarn and cuppa. The majority of Millie’s work focused on women, children and family violence issues, and included working in a women’s refuge, family violence outreach services and at Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation for 12 years.

Aunty Millie has stated that her late mother has guided and taught her everything she needed to become the person that she is today. Her mum’s stories and teachings have made her daughters strong women, which enabled all her children to achieve their full potential, always keeping and maintaining their dignity, customs, beliefs and spirituality.

Aunty Millie continues to contribute to both the sector and community and is an integral part of WACOSS, guiding and supporting us in our purpose and cultural knowledge. Aunty Millie is an established artist and works by commission, community invitations or on a voluntary basis.

In October 2025, Aunty Millie received an Honorary Doctorate for her cultural leadership.

Photos supplied by Telethon Kids Institute, with thanks.

Charmaine Pell is a Noongar woman and her country includes, Whadjuk, Boojarah, Wagyl Kaip, Ballardong and Gnaala.

Charmaine is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Before her retirement Charmaine worked for 20 years in Child and Adolescence community services.

Charmaine supports WACOSS to improve and enhance practice, ensuring cultural security on Noongar land.

Photos supplied by Telethon Kids Institute, with thanks.