Our People
The Family Place Organisational Structure
Malindey
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Malindey has the privilege of leading our dynamic team, she has been working in the role since 2016. With 10 years senior and executive management experience, Malindey’s expertise are in the design, development and delivery of strategic change and cultural transformation in the health and community, regional and rural not-for-profit sector. Malindey has a BA in Education and a BA in Arts (Australian Indigenous Studies and Alcohol and other Drugs Studies) obtained through Curtin University and Charles Darwin University and qualifications in management. Along with a broad array of life experiences, these qualifications have paved the way for Malindey to work in a range of sectors including education, Aboriginal health and health service planning, gathering valuable experience and insight to undertake her future leadership roles. Malindey is particularly skilled in the application of collaborative leadership and embedding cross cultural perspectives, she is committed to ensuring regional and rural communities and families are provided with access to responsive, holistic and evidence based services and program.
Audrey
Operations Manager
Audrey is the Operations Manager at The Family Place and brings with her 20 years of corporate experience coupled with 17 years working in the Not-For-Profit sector. Audrey has qualifications in accounting and a Masters in Child and Adolescent Welfare. Her broad skills base and knowledge of the community sector combine to contribute to the unique expertise that Audrey inputs to the business. Audrey’s ability to integrate her financial knowledge and skills, balanced with an understanding of the practical needs of vulnerable families, strongly contributes to great outcomes for our clients.
Katie
Early Intervention Coordinator
Katie is our Early Intervention Coordinator. Katie has been part of the Family Place team for the last seven years and thoroughly enjoys the working environment. Originally from the UK, Katie has worked with vulnerable families within the criminal justice and social service systems. Katie enjoys working within a strength based and solution focussed model and putting her BA Honours degree in Applied Social Studies to use.
Lachlan
Impact Program Coordinator
Lachlan is the Program Coordinator for IMPACT Homelessness Service. Lachlan’s career started in disability support and youth work then, for 17 years, Lachlan facilitated providing accommodation for homeless young people at Canberra Youth Residential Service. Lachlan’s most recent role, before joining The Family Place team, was with the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) where he worked for 11 years. Lachlan was employed by the Federal Government in Indigenous Affairs and worked closely with regional and remote staff from areas all over Australia developing strategies to assist them with overcome issues and improve outcomes. Lachlan was also part of a team that supported our first Indigenous Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, a Yamtji, Wongi and Noongar man. He also organised and set up lectures and talks by some of Australia’s most influential Indigenous leaders, artists and allies. Working at NIAA gave Lachlan access to a program called Footprint – a leading example of what workplaces can achieve with hands on cultural learning and awareness of the vast history and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Lachlan holds a Diploma in Community Services.
Tamara
Community & Family Support Officer
In her role as a Community and Family Support Officer (which includes work with the Koori Booris Playgroup), our new team member Tamara, is a respected and valued member of the Targeted Earlier Intervention Team. Tamara has had many years of experience working within the local community through various roles. These roles include work with Employment Services, Pharmacy and with the Department of Human Services. As a proud Indigenous Wiradjuri woman Tamara enjoys connecting with families and prides herself on great service delivery.
Meaghan
Community Recovery Youth Theatre Project Officer
Meaghan is our Community Recovery Youth Theatre Project Officer and is currently managing the Regrowth project a site specific performing arts program for young people 10 – 17 years old. Meaghan has had many years of experience working within arts industries as well as doing volunteer work across various regional communities. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Sciences as well as qualifications in Technical Theatre and Design and she is currently working towards the completion of a Masters of International and Community Development. Meaghan’s unique combination of academic qualifications, practical skills and creativity combine to ensure the effective implementation of community workshops, facilitating resilience and healing through arts-based programs.
Sam
Community Art Recovery Project Officer
Sam is the Community Recovery Art Project Officer and undertakes and coordinates a range of creative projects which include: events planning, promotion, coordination and facilitation of group art programs and community development initiatives. Sam originally completed her Art Therapy placement with The Family Place and brings to the team her creative talents as well as qualifications in counselling and Art Therapy.
Amanda
Project Officer & Administrator
Amanda is the Administration and Projects Officer at The Family Place. Amanda started in her role in early 2018 after obtaining her Higher School Certificate and brings a fresh and unique perspective to the workplace as one of the youngest members of the team. In this position, Amanda co-ordinates a wide range of administration and logistical aspects of the business. She works closely with the CEO and the Operations Manager as well as providing administrative, logistical and technical support to all team members. As the primary contact for external communications Amanda’s approach is professional and friendly. Amanda’s exceptional business co-ordination skills shine through in her planning and execution around team activities, meetings, conferences and workshops.
Michelle
Family Care Coordinator
Michelle enjoys helping families to reach their goals in her role as a Family Care Coordinator. Michelle’s interest in research around the causes of conflict in people lives, resulted in her previous career focus of advocating for people needing assistance with NDIS packages and social housing applications. Through her other work experiences in roles as diverse as conflict resolution and drafting house plans, Michelle brings a valuable critical thinking approach. As part of her studies for a Bachelor Arts specialising in Culture and Sociology, Michelle commenced an internship with the Family Place which led to her being appointed as a Family Care Co-ordinator. In her role at The Family Place, Michelle applies her understanding of how raised anxiety can result in family breakdowns to her role and shares with her clients the major importance of achieving balance by applying self-care as part of their daily lives.
Helen
Family Care Coordinator
Helen works in the Intensive Family Preservation program and brings to her role a wealth of valuable knowledge. This knowledge is supported by ongoing educational accomplishments including a Bachelor Degree in Social Science and a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma. Helen’s tertiary academic achievements and many hours she has dedicated to broadening her knowledge through training and workshops have given Helen an extensive knowledge and deep understanding of challenges experienced by traumatised families. Helen is one of our longest standing team members and her deep roots in the local area make her an invaluable member of The Family Place team.
Brooke
Client Support Officer
Brooke is our Client Support Officer and works with the Family Preservation team providing administrative and client support. Brooke has previously worked in management and supervisory positions in the Day Care and After School Care industries and brings with her over 25 years of experience. Brooke found that assisting to facilitate change and providing young children and their families guidance through challenging situations very fulfilling. Brooke brings with her extensive experience dealing with a wide range of clients and holds a current Diploma in Community Services (Children’s Services).
Susan
Financial Counsellor
Susan joined TFP team at the start of 2020 as an experienced and skilled financial counsellor. Susan has a diverse background in mediation, school chaplaincy, mental health and has also worked in management for the local government sector in the areas of planning, environmental health, natural resource management, heritage and building control. Susan has brought to her position with The Family Place a wealth of experience in financial counselling as well as qualifications in counselling, dispute resolution, planning, theology and training. Empowering clients in financial and other life domains is Susan’s passion.
Gabby
Financial Counsellor
Gabby has lived on the south coast for 20 years and is our financial counsellor for the Bega Valley Region. Prior to commencing at The Family Place in 2020, she held the role of Financial Counsellor with Mission Australia for nearly a decade. Gabby holds a degree in Social Science (Social Welfare) and gained her initial financial counselling experience then her accreditation while working for the Wagga Family Support Service. Gabby has also worked as a Drug & Alcohol counsellor and in the disability sector. Currently, her work with the Family Place provides Gabby the opportunity to provide vital outreach financial counselling services to rural and remote communities like Bombala, Delegate and Jindabyne.
Lynn
Governance Officer
Lynn comes to The Family Place team with over 40 years of experience working in a variety of sectors. Most recently, Lynn has spent the last 16 years working in the tertiary education sector as part of the team in a successful not-for-profit organization providing education programs to the community. Lynn holds qualifications in Training and Assessment, Frontline Management and Business Administration as well as a BA in Community & Environment. Lynn is extremely happy to be now working with The Family Place and looks forward to being part of a great team that is genuinely dedicated to making a positive difference to families within the community.
Jayne
Community Engagement Officer
Jayne works as a Community Engagement Officer within the Specialist Homelessness Service providing assistance to people and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Jayne brings to the team a wealth of experience and for the past 18 years has been providing case management support in our community to individuals and families across many services. Jayne has supported young people at risk of homelessness and disengagement from school; provided the coordination of home care services to aged and frail people and people with disability as well as transitioning people from hospital to home safely. Jayne has provided case management support to people who have had a workplace injury through rehabilitation services to return to work, or, to seek other vocational training and employment options. As the Director & Support Co-ordinator with Pathways to Opportunity, Jayne played a key role in empowering people with disability across the state to self-manage their NDIS funding and navigate the rollout of NDIS. Her qualifications include Advanced Diploma in Business, Cert IV in Assessment and Training and accreditations in various areas including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Child Protection.
Joe
Community Engagement Officer
Joe is a Community Engagement Officer with The Family Place Specialist Homelessness Service. Joe has worked previously as an Aboriginal outreach worker for the Health for Life team, facilitated men’s groups and supported the delivery of numerous programs including cultural education and awareness. Joe is also a trained facilitator in the Red Dust Healing program which he has delivered in both school and community settings over a number of years. Joe’s career has also involved working with Forestry Corps NSW as an Indigenous Community Liaison Officer. Teaming up with local land council elders and community members up and down the far south coast and west to the Tumbarumba / Tumut area, Joe assisted in the protection and preservation of significant cultural heritage sites within the forests. Joe is a keen sportsman and passionate about supporting the development of our younger generation not only through coaching and mentoring, but, also by example through connection with country as a fisherman and diver and through playing music with family and friends.
Joel
Community Engagement Officer
Joel is a Community Engagement Officer with our Specialist Homelessness Service. Joel’s background in providing cultural education and awareness programs, has provided him with great foundation skills in dealing with a diverse range of stakeholders. Joel’s ongoing focus around facilitating connection to identity and wellbeing, has also led to inhouse positions involving the creation and maintenance of culturally proactive workplaces as well as involvement in cultural dance and Yidaki performances and workshops. Joel has also been involved with Landcare, identifying and protecting Indigenous sites and artefacts and working towards the regeneration and revegetation of country – restoring native species, creating biodiversity and sustainable environments. Just about completed, Joel is also studying, and is close to completing, a Diploma of Community Services. This qualification will assist him in his work with The Family Place Specialist Homelessness Service where a client focused platform provides Joel the opportunity to work with community aiming for the best possible outcomes for his clients.
Lukas
Community Engagement Officer
Lukas is a Community Engagement Officer for The Family Place Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS). Lukas joins the team having worked in the not-for-profit sector for more than 15 years in a wide variety of roles including community development, case management, strategy and planning and corporate partnerships. Lukas brings with him an impressively diverse range of skills and experience. As well as working for TFP, Lukas is also currently engaged by the St Vincent De Paul Society in the area of bushfire recovery community development. Lukas is passionate about men’s health, wellbeing and healing work with Indigenous Australians. He has previously worked as a male outreach domestic violence case worker in the Northern Territory and has a Masters of Social Development from UNSW and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney
Shayley
Impact SHS Trainee
After finishing school in 2017, Shayley went on to study a Bachelor of Social Science. After finding her passion lay with social justice, equality and the promotion of public health, she transferred to a Bachelor of Public Health. Through her studies in this area, Shayley gained valuable knowledge about the way we move through the world influenced by many factors including: our upbringing, environment, family and gender identification. After finishing university, her work experiences revolved around the areas of disability, allied health and pharmacy and in 2021 Shayley moved down from Goulburn to the south coast. Shayley prescribes to the philosophy that if all people are treated equitably and are allowed the opportunity to access services focused on holistic wellbeing they will thrive in their environment. As a team member and trainee Community Engagement Officer with The Family Place, she is now closer to her long-term goal of having a career that has a genuinely positive and meaningful impact on community and looks forward to completing a Certificate IV in Community Services under the mentorship of the experienced and knowledgeable team at The Family Place Specialist Homelessness Service.
