Secretariat

Executive Director, Jeff Cheverton

Jeff has worked in human services in Queensland for fifteen years, in both the government and community sectors, mainly on issues of housing and homelessness, health and disability. Jeff has a Bachelor of Arts in Law and French, a Masters in Social Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Business at QUT's Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies.

Executive Officer, Nicole Obermeit

Program Director, Louise Villanova

Louise has been part of the community sector for 18 years, working in the areas of youth services, housing and education. She has been actively involved in sector and policy development at a local, state and national level. Louise is committed to the strengths and capacity of the community sector.

Charlene Turner, Finance Director

Charlene commenced work at Queensland Alliance in January 2008 with 12 years experience in similar roles in the not-for-profit sector. Previously she worked in an administrative law role for the Commonwealth Government. Charlene has a Master of Professional Accounting from Griffith University and is a member of CPA Australia.

Toni Brearley, Marketing & Communications Manager

Toni joined the Mental Health Community Sector with experience in sales and marketing across various sectors in the corporate world. After spending almost 4 years as Marketing & Communications Manager with a Queensland Alliance member, Toni was excited to join the Alliance in December 2007 and to continues to persue her passion of reducing stigma and promoting inclusion for individuals with a lived experience of mental illness.

Melody Edwardson, Sector Development Manager

Melody has qualifications in community services and training and brings 20 years experience in direct support, management, project and governance roles in the community sector to Sector Development Manager position. Melody has been employed by Queensland Alliance Member organisations since 1997.

Georgina Lawson, Program Officer

Georgina has a Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) and has previously worked for Jabiru Community, Youth & Children�s Services and Youth Advocacy Centre. She has a keen interest in the rights of young people, systems advocacy and policy. In her previous life (her 20s) Georgina worked in film and travelled the world

Cassandra Roland, Project Officer

Cassandra is passionate about advocating for the rights of all people and animals. Prior to working for the Alliance Cassandra consulted for GL Community Consultancies in policy development and training. Cassandra was employed with Open Minds within the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program and the Personal Support Program. Cassandra has a Certificate IV in Mental Health (Non Clinical), Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs and Diploma of Community Services Management and is currently completing a Diploma of Professional Counselling.

Acting Manager - Consumer Participation Unit

Jen has worked in the community, government and private sectors as a trainer and group facilitator, human resource manager, community developer, oral historian and Playback theatre performer. Much of Jen's work focuses on encouraging the sharing and honouring of personal and collective story as a way of building relationships and developing participation in community life.