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Governance Board
Jane Michie, Chairperson
I’m passionate about supporting an organisation that understands and responds to the needs of its clients through local knowledge and employment of local people.
- Jane Michie, Chairperson: Appointed 19 December 2018 (Director from 16 June 2015)
Current Position: Research Support Officer – University of New England
Qualifications: Master of Business Administration (Professional Accounting – University of New England; Bachelor of Arts – Newcastle University; Diploma of Government (Management) – Australian Institute of Management
Experience: Over 20 years’ experience in management and finance in the medical, financial services, community services and local government sectors.
Special Responsibilities: Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee
Libby Cumming, Deputy Chairperson
Giving back to the community is very important, and working with Homes North allows me to use my skills and experience to give not only to my community but also across our region.
- Libby Cumming, Director: Appointed 30 November 2015
Current Position: Principal – New England North West Planning Services, Town Planning Consultancy
Qualifications: Bachelor Urban and Regional Planning – University of New England Graduate Certificate of Local Transport Planning – University of New England; Graduate Certificate of Urban Land Development – University of New England; Graduate Certificate of Environmental Design – University of New England; Graduate Certificate of Planning Law and Administration – University of New England; Financial Management Certificate – Charles Sturt University; Advanced Social Planning – Local Government Centre; Workplace Training (Category 1) – Central West Community College; Building in Bushfire Prone Areas Certificate – University of Technology Sydney; Aboriginal Sites Awareness Certificate – NSW Aboriginal Heritage Office
Experience:Thirty years of numerous diverse management roles within the Local Government sector across all regulatory services including development and building certification, health and environmental services, heritage, flood plain and bushfire management, management of internal processing and community service projects and strategic policy making.
Special Responsibilities: Member Transition Committee; Member Audit and Risk Committee
Alison Sheridan, Director
I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the important work Homes North is doing in our communities across the New England North West in providing affordable housing and helping to address economic inequality.
- Alison Sheridan, Director: Appointed 14 March 2018
Current Position: Professor in Management, UNE Business School
Qualifications: Bachelor of Agricultural Economics (Hons 1) – University of Sydney, PhD, – University of New England, GAICD, FANZAM, PFHEA
Experience: Thirty years of teaching research and management roles at the University of New England. Experienced Director, including of Regional Australia Bank, New England North West Regional Development Board (2003-2007) and not for profit training organisations.
Special Responsibilities: Member of the Audit and Risk Committee
Dr John Kleeman, Director
I joined the Board at a time when the social outcomes for our tenants was increasing in priority, alongside excellent housing provision, and Homes North was setting a new strategic plan. We have a real opportunity to make a difference, and it is a really good time to be involved.
- Dr John Kleeman, Director: Appointed 30 November 2015
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Adelaide) – Doctor of Philosophy (ANU)
Experience: Director/Head of institutional Planning and Strategy; and Academic Teaching, Research and Administration, University of New England. Senior office holder in a community organisations (voluntary).
Special Responsibilities: Member Board Tender Committee; Member Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group; Homes North representative Member of Board of Alliance Social Enterprises: Member Transition Committee; Member Nomination Committee
Ken Bone, Director
I have had a long term commitment to services that empower people to have the ability and resources to choose and manage their own life journey and I want those service to continually challenge themselves as to how they provide opportunities to clients.
- Ken Bone, Director: Appointed 19 August 2017
Current Position: Consultant in governance, housing and project consultant. Board Chair Woodville Alliance.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Economics – University of Sydney
Experience: Commonwealth public servant primarily Parliamentary and Health Departments. Group Manager Operations Parramatta City Council. General Manager for NSW Housing for country and city operations. Board Chair for Western Suburbs Community Housing.
Special Responsibilities: Chairperson of the Transition Committee, appointed on 12 December 2018; Member Nomination Committee
Janelle Speed, Director
I am enthusiastic to be supporting an organisation that is involved in social housing and look forward to giving back to our regional communities using my skills, experiences and Aboriginal cultural perspective.
- Janelle Speed, Director: Appointed 18 September 2019
Current Position: Board member, Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD); Chair, Aboriginal Health Committee HNELHD; Committee Member, Good Health Committee & Community & Partnership Committee (HNELHD); Community Advisory Committee, New England Central Coast Primary Health Network; Community representative for Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine; Committee Member, Myall Creek National Committee; Aboriginal Consultant, Convenor for Youth Justice Conference, Juvenile Justice.
Qualifications: Diploma in Management.
Experience: 20 years working in rural and metropolitan communities in various areas that include Child care, Aboriginal Community Capacity Worker, Aboriginal Medical Services, Lecture (UNE/ Schools Medicine/ Health), HNE Board Member (10 years – previously on Community Advisory Group HNE), Nationally Accredited Cultural Competency, rural and regional organisation.
Special Responsibilities: Member Nomination Committee
Sue Ainsworth, Director
I joined the Homes North Board because I wanted to contribute to my Community. Everyone deserves to have safe, affordable, comfortable housing and Homes North are truly making a difference.
- Sue Ainsworth, Director: Appointed 18 September 2019
Current Position: Corporate Accountant, James Knox Investments Pty Ltd; Director, Australian Catholic Super and Retirement Fund (‘ACSRF’) – commenced July 2011; Member of ACSRF Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee
Qualifications: Financial Administration (Accounting); Fellow CPA Australia; Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors; Justice of the Peace
Experience: 24 years’ experience in the Financial Services Industry, including both the Commercial and Not for Profit sectors
Special Responsibilities: Member of the Audit and Risk Committee
Cathy Duncan, Director
I have always been passionate about access, equality and being an advocate for social inclusion. I believe it is my civic duty to give back to our community and region. I joined Homes North to help empower Aboriginal people to charge their own destiny and ensure that we are working together to provide a better future for our clients, staff and community.
- Cathy Duncan, Director: Appointed 18 September 2019
Current Position: North West NSW Business Development Manager, including Upper Hunter Opportunity HUB, Aboriginal Employment Strategy Ltd; Director Byamee; Moree Area Homelessness Co-Chairperson Moree Reconciliation Committee; Chairperson Pius X Aboriginal Corporation and Medical Service.
Qualifications: Over 28 years’ experience in Aboriginal Employment, Education, Training and Cultural safety practices.
Experience: Former Commonwealth Public Servant 12 years’ experience held positions as Regional Manager North West/New England and Moree Branch Manager Department of Employment, Education and Training specialising in Indigenous Education and Employment.
Not for Profit experience Chairperson/ former founding CEO of Aboriginal Employment Strategy Ltd; 6 years working in Private Sector for ANZ bank National Manager Indigenous Cultural Capability and Direct Recruitment.