Our Team

Board Members

Gary Newcombe

Chairperson

Gary retired in December 2022 from the State Public Service after 41 years in the Commonwealth and State Public Services and the WA Parliament.

Mandy Dehnel

Vice Chairperson

Mandy has over 24 years of experience in community services, including roles as a Financial Counsellor, Caseworker, housing worker, and Mental Health Support worker, she is a passionate advocate for financial confidence and stability.

Lanie Byk

Treasurer

Lanie is a Leadership Coach (ACC) and Leadership Development Facilitator with experience in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors.

Duncan Edgar

Secretary

Duncan is the Community Services Manager and financial counsellor at Southcare where he has worked since 2016.

Robyn Stavrou

Financial Counsellor

Robyn Stavrou is a Financial Counsellor with five years of experience, committed to empowering individuals through financial education and advocacy.

Veronica Johnson

Board Member

Veronica Johnson is a Financial Counsellor with 10 years of experience, having dedicated her life to building capacity in many different areas for the benefit of First Nations people, across Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Suzanne Long

Board Member

Suzanne is the Manager of Financial Counselling at St Vincent de Paul Society WA.

Tevita Naroba

Board Member

Tevy is an Accredited Financial Counsellor who has 35 years of service-related experience across the sectors of banking, finance, insurance, small business, telecommunications, financial counselling, community services and mining.

Annette Watkins

Independent Board Member

Annette has over 20 years’ experience across the community and social impact sectors, working with government, corporate, not-for-profit and social enterprises.

Our Staff

Melanie Hopkinson

Chief Executive Officer

Leanne Berard

Sector Development and Projects Manager

Susanna Wills-Johnson

Communications and Engagement Specialist

Sarah Holman

Policy and Advocacy Lead 

Robert Evans

Sector Development Officer

Michelle Barnes

Administration and Membership Officer

Melanie McInerney

Project Officer

Carmen Williams

Operations and Events Manager