Board of Directors

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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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.

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. 

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

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.   

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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.  

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.