KHC is supported by the passion and expertise of its Directors, the Board Advisors and the Management and Admin Team.

The Board of Directors makes up the Cooperative’s governing body.

The Board of Directors is a highly qualified, highly skilled and professional team which brings the diversity of corporate and life experiences necessary to ensure the good governance of the Cooperative as a

not-for-profit organisation and registered charity. The Board has a dual role to support the Secretary manager in operational matters and to determine the Cooperative's strategic directions and goals.

Its members are passionate about the Cooperative’s work and receive no remuneration or compensation for the considerable contribution of both their time and expertise.

Members of the Board of Directors are:

The Board of Directors makes up the Cooperative’s governing body.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors makes up the Cooperative’s governing body.

Its members are passionate about the Cooperative’s work and receive no remuneration or compensation for the considerable contribution of both their time and expertise.

Members of the Board of Directors are:

Chair

Viv Cox

B Soc Sci

Viv joined the Board of Directors in July 2021 and accepted the role of Chair in November 2021.

Viv is experienced in managing a range of NGO and state government-funded programs that support people with a disability, children, young people, families, multicultural services, and people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Her chairing of cross-agency and community forums introduced her to the Karabar Housing Cooperative, the attributes of its board and staff, the organisation’s achievements, and the essential role it plays in the Queanbeyan region.

Viv supports the belief that the right to adequate housing is a human right. Sharing life in the Queanbeyan community, Viv looks forward to working with board members as the organisation progresses partnerships and collaboration which are essential in addressing the chronic shortages of affordable accommodation in the Queanbeyan region.

Director

Fr Michael Cockayne, OAM

Thl

Michael has been a director of the Cooperative since its inception in 1986.

Michael has been in Queanbeyan as an Anglican priest for 40+ years, which he has dedicated to working with marginalised people.

As a priest, member of the Celebration Community and Karabar Episcopal Outreach, he has focused on the provision of housing through a number of initiatives including Karabar Housing Cooperative, Queanbeyan Housing Association (now incorporated within Argyle Housing), Parish Housing Initiatives, HOME in Queanbeyan,

St Benedict’s Community Centre and Men’s Shelter.

Michael’s vision for the use of land in Cooma Street for the purpose of low‑cost housing was realised in partnership with Hope Marland when Karabar Housing Cooperative was founded.

In 2008 Michael was recognised for his services to the community with the Order of Australia Medal.

Director

Rade (Rod) Djokič

B Mgt, LLB, Grad Dip Leg Pra

Rod joined the Board of Directors in 2015.

Rod was born in Queanbeyan and brings qualifications and expertise as a lawyer, builder, youth advocate and mentor.

Rod served in the Australian Army as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping operations in Somalia where he became acutely aware of the cumulative effects of disadvantage.

Rod passionately believes adequate housing not only has a huge positive impact on an individual’s quality of life and well-being, but on family, community and society.

Director

Wendy Smith

B Sci Chem

Wendy joined the Board of Directors in 2019.

Wendy is the fifth generation of her family living in Queanbeyan. She was born and raised in Queanbeyan attending the local primary and high schools before studying Chemistry at the Canberra University. She worked at the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for thirty-two years before retiring in 2011.

Service to the community has always been part of Wendy’s background and inclination. Since retiring from the TGA, Wendy has been treasurer at Queanbeyan and District Anglican Church (QDAC), President of Friendship Force and Treasurer at St Mary in the Valley, South Tuggeranong. Wendy's work with QDAC led to developing and facilitating a stronger relationship between the church and the Cooperative.

Witnessing the increasing demand for affordable housing for people on low to medium incomes, Wendy was pleased to accept a position on the Board in September 2019.

Director

Anne Twyman

B Soc Sci, Grad Dip Soc Admin, M Pub Pol

Anne joined the Board of Directors in 2021.

Anne brings a lengthy history of involvement in social issues, policy development and support for vulnerable and disadvantaged cohorts.

Anne is currently employed as First Assistant Secretary with the Department of Education's Early Learning Programs and Youth Group. She started her career as a youth refuge worker in Newcastle, NSW in 1983. She worked in various NSW Government roles managing homeless persons services, young offenders support officer and social programs in the Hunter region, and as a social and community development officer in Oxfordshire England from 2006-2008.

Anne brings a passion for the support we can offer homeless and marginalised people.

Director

Bill Baker

LLb

Bill joined the Board of Directors in 2023.

Bill brings an extensive legal background, having been a solicitor and partner with Baker Deane & Nutt Solicitors for 52 years. He also brings many decades of service and a deep rooted connection to our local community through his volunteering and/or leadership roles in institutions such as Treehouse, Lions, Red Cross, Legacy and the Queanbeyan Business Council.

Karabar Housing Cooperative is fortunate to be able to call on Bill's insights, steady guidance and compassion to steer the Cooperative towards fulfilling its goals of increasing the supply of affordable housing in the region with care and precision.

The Cooperative looks forward to benefiting from Bill's wisdom and commitment as we create positive change and enhanced housing opportunities for all who need it.

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Director

Janette Dale

BNurs., Dip Leadership & Mgmt., Dip.Governance.

Janette joined the Board in December 2024.

Drawing on over 25 years of experience, Janette has devoted her career to the domestic and family violence, homelessness, and health sectors.

Her leadership journey includes roles as a business owner, board director, coordinator, chief executive officer, and consultant for charitable organisations.

Since 2005, Janette has been deeply involved in supporting Queanbeyan and the surrounding regions. She is passionately committed to finding innovative solutions that ensure safe and affordable housing for the most vulnerable and those in need.

Board Advisors

Advisor to the Board and member of the Executive Committee

David Horton, OAM

LLB

David was a director of the Cooperative from its inception in 1986 until December 2022.

He is the Cooperative's Chairman Emeritus, having led the Cooperative from its incorporation until November 2021. He continues to contribute to the Cooperative as an advisor to the Board and member of the Executive Committee.

David was formerly the Registrar for Cooperatives and Building Societies and Credit Unions; Chief Executive of the National Deposit Insurance Corporation; Trustee of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, and former Chairman of the Anglican Investment Development Fund.

In 2014, David was recognised for his services to the community with the Order of Australia Medal.

Advisor to the Board

on community matters

Deb Bowles

Deb was born in Queanbeyan. She has always maintained an active interest in the local community, particularly through her voluntary work with the Queanbeyan Lions Club and the Kirk Family Foundation.

Her working life was in the field of children’s services, both as a preschool teacher and an early intervention teacher.

Karabar Housing Cooperative was fortunate to have the benefit of Deb's service and commitment as a Director from 2005 to 2024, and we are honoured to have Deb continue to advise the Karabar Housing Cooperative Board on

community matters.

Advisor to the Board

on New Projects and Development

Malcolm Leslie

Malcolm joined KHC in 2024. Starting his career building roads and bridges, he later led the land development division at Young Consulting Engineers.

From 2002, Malcolm served as Senior Project Director at Peet Limited, managing large-scale residential developments in Canberra, Queanbeyan, and Adelaide, until his retirement in 2024.

Malcolm is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, incorporating innovative initiatives into his projects. He also convenes the Banksia Street Wetlands carers’ group, working to restore a wetland area in Canberra’s inner north. At Peet Limited,

Malcolm oversaw project feasibility and management, offering expertise in engineering and cost planning.

We are excited to benefit from Malcolm’s extensive experience, environmental focus on sustainability, and dedication to creating better communities as he advises the Karabar Housing Cooperative Board on future projects and developments.

Advisor to the Board

on New Projects and Development

Tony Carey

Tony has been with KHC since 2024.Tony brings over 25 years of experience in planning and development across Australia. As the former Chief Operating Officer of CIC Australia for 15 years, he transitioned to consulting in 2013, establishing Tony Carey Consulting to provide high-level advice to both the public and private sectors.

Tony's extensive work spans governance, risk management, and strategic development, with notable contributions to greenfield and urban renewal projects, affordable housing, and infrastructure planning. Tony has been instrumental in projects such as the West Belconnen master-planned community and Urban Growth NSW’s

“The Bays” Urban Transformation Program.

In addition to his professional achievements, Tony was Co-Founder and Chairman of HOME in Queanbeyan, an organisation supporting individuals with mental illness through secure housing.

We are proud to welcome Tony as an advisor to the Karabar Housing Cooperative Board, where his expertise and commitment to community development will guide new projects and initiatives.

Management and Admin Team

Secretary

Sylvia De Luca

Sylvia has filled the role of Secretary and manager of the Cooperative since 2014.

Sylvia brings a Hansard, court reporting, legal secretary, and small business background. She also worked in the aged care field within the Queanbeyan community for eight years to 2014.

Admin Assistant

(Tenant and Property Management)

Nathan Endacott

Nathan joined KHC in 2024

Nathan has worked in customer service and administrative support roles in Queanbeyan and as a volunteer at St Benedicts Community Centre. He has exceptional people skills and a strong sense of empathy, making him a great resource for our tenants, management and the Board. He is enthusiastic and ready to contribute to our team’s success.

Nathan's position is funded by a grant under the Community Benefit Payment Scheme, Office of Responsible Gambling

Communications Advisor

Ilaria Catizone

Ilaria joined KHC in 2025.

Ilaria brings over 20 years' experience in communication to KHC and a passion for community-based action. She is excited to be able to contribute to KHC as a free-lance professional.