Our Board

Robyn has extensive experience working in Commonwealth and State public services. A former Registered Nurse and real estate agent, Robyn has held several positions with NSW Health, NSW Department of Education and ACT Department of Education, as well as having chaired both commercial and residential body corporates.

She then went on to spend 21 years with the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) in Lismore (1994-2015) as the Veterans Affairs Network (VAN) Manager and Community Health Advisor, and established the DVA/VAN office. Following this Robyn served as the Area Supervisor for the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) during the 2016 and 2021 censuses.

Neil is a dedicated public servant with over 25 years of experience in employment and economic development areas, particularly for Aboriginal people. He provides the board with deep insight into government operations and community support structures. Neil holds a Diploma in Management and Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management

After a career in the Australian Airforce, Deniel transitioned into financial management within the private sector. She brings a strong commitment to civil society and has spent many years volunteering in community organisations.

Chris is a Research Fellow at the New South Wales Centre for Social Impact. An expert in housing and homelessness policy, he has a decade of experience in the sector including roles as a Senior Policy Officer with Homelessness NSW and a solicitor with the Homeless Persons’ Legal Service. Chris successfully led the establishment of Street Card, NSW’s first advisory group consisting entirely of people with a lived experience of homelessness.

Debra has a strong commitment to community justice and equity and has worked in the community care sector for over 30 years. Debra has qualifications in nursing and teaching, experience in aged care, and disability service provision. She has completed several university qualifications, culminating in a master’s degree in Adult Education and Training.

Debra is now retired and has time to explore her creativity. She has enjoyed modest success in short story competitions and has recently published her first novel.