Uniting Country SA is led by a highly-skilled and dedicated Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team who bring immense subject-matter expertise and unwavering commitment to their roles.
The thoughtful composition of the Board and Executive Team includes industry experts from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, ensuring the best outcomes are delivered for country people and communities in South Australia.
Peter Hollister brings a strategic approach to organisational planning and resource utilisation, honed from 17 years in executive roles within State Government. His passion for community development is evident in his recent 5-year stint as Board Chair of a non-profit. With a B.Sc. (Hons I) in Maths, an MBA, and several leadership qualifications, Peter’s experience enriches the board.
Paul Thomas AM, a Member of the Order of Australia and a long-serving community leader, brings his experience from over three decades in Rotary and 28 years on the Copper Coast district Council. His governance roles, including a decade as Chair of the Northern Yorke Peninsula Health Service and his involvement in regional development, reflect his commitment to community service.
Jo Court, a Certified Practicing Accountant, brings over two decades of experience in finance, specialising in business management and financial planning. As the Business Manager at St Mark’s College and with extensive experience in government and commercial finance, Jo’s insight into financial education and governance is invaluable. Her dedication to the financial prosperity of the Pirie Region and her belief in effective communication and education in finance define her contributions.
Chez Curnow oversees Mental Health and Substance Abuse programs at Country SA PHN, shaping services across a vast geographical area. Involved in national suicide prevention initiatives, a LifeinMind Champion, and a parliamentary representative on a Health Advisory Council, Chez is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to evidence-based services in regional and remote areas.
Lachlan McAuliffe, a seasoned lawyer based in Port Pirie, specialises in social justice issues pertinent to regional communities. His legal acumen combined with his passion for justice and the role of sports in regional areas enriches the board’s diversity and insight.
Kym Thomas, a researcher with the Adelaide Rural Clinical School, has extensive experience in Aboriginal health and education. Currently leading a project on home care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Kym’s work focuses on improving service delivery in rural and remote areas. He also chairs multiple Aboriginal health and suicide prevention organisations.
Libby Craft’s 35-year career in human services spans policy, service delivery, advocacy, and management. With executive roles in South Australian non-profits and qualifications in Social Work and Business Administration, Libby’s expertise in service provision and social justice greatly benefits the board.
Dan Van Holst Pellekaan, born in Canberra to a Dutch immigrant father, brings a wealth of diverse experiences to his role as a board member. He began his illustrious career in the National Basketball League, debuting with the Hobart Devils in 1985. His international upbringing included education at the Maret School in Washington D.C. and the University of Toronto, where he excelled in basketball. After his athletic tenure with the Hobart Devils, Dan pursued a Bachelor of Economics. His post-athletic career journey led him to a successful stint at BP in Melbourne, followed by entrepreneurial ventures in South Australia’s tourism sector. Dan’s political career is notable, having served in the South Australian House of Assembly for the Stuart seat from 2010 to 2022, including a term as Deputy Premier and as the Minister for Energy and Mining.
Marcus has been a Director/Accountant at Perrys Fuel Distributors for over 10 years, overseeing petroleum product wholesaling as well as retailing to over 80 retail sites nationwide. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Accounting and Business/Management, from the University of South Australia (2005-2008). Marcus is also a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), which he completed prior to joining the family Business. Marcus’s extensive experience in the petroleum sector and his robust financial expertise make him a valuable asset to the board.
Harry, a champion of regional community development, leads with a deep commitment to exceptional service delivery that respects cultural and relational contexts. His journey began in Adelaide, leading to a medical career after graduating from Flinders University. His tenure as a rural GP in New South Wales sparked his interest in leadership within regional communities. Further enhancing his skillset, Harry completed a Law degree in 2003 and has since held several executive management roles across Australia, focusing on services for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. His vision emphasises the integration of quality social and educational services to foster strong, inclusive, and diverse communities.
Karen, with over 15 years’ experience in the non-profit sector, oversees strategic and operational management of human resources, volunteering, work health and safety, communications, marketing, quality and risk. Her commitment to best practice and contribution to the strategic direction of Uniting Country SA is evident in her daily work. Karen’s role in the national HumanAbility Industry advisory Group, South Australian Industry Skills Council, and her leadership in making Uniting Country SA one of Australia’s best places to work in 2021, highlight her dedication to fostering a skilled, engaged workforce.
Chris is an accomplished leader with vast experience across education, housing, corrections, and community sectors. His expertise lies in strategic and operational management, ensuring exemplary business outcomes in both government and non-profit organisations. Chris’s dynamic leadership style and proficiency in various sectors make him a key contributor to the organisation’s success.
Anne, dedicated to person-centred and holistic community service delivery, has a diverse background including extensive experience in family businesses and financial counselling. Her expertise in business management, and financial counselling, coupled with her management of various human service programs over 14 years, underscores her focus on supporting staff to deliver optimal services. As Chairperson of Financial Counselling Australia, Anne continues to influence the sector positively.
Yvonne’s rich career history spans roles from youth worker, program manager, and now Executive Manager Services. Her 30-year dedication to working with vulnerable youth and Aboriginal communities underlines her belief in the transformative power of individual effort. At the helm of Supported Residential Care houses, Resilient Families Programs, and Aboriginal and Mental Health Services, Yvonne’s commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients is unwavering.
Scott joins the Executive team with a rich background in leading a residential care program and over a decade in homelessness and community services. His dedication to community, safety, and inclusivity enriches the team’s mission. Renowned for his transformative approach, Scott is also recognised for his personal commitment as a Foster Carer, notably being a finalist for the 2023 Foster Carer of the Year award.
Megan leverages her CPA credentials and a Bachelor of Commerce to enhance our financial stewardship. With a decade in accounting and taxation, she empowers our team to manage finances effectively, ensuring our resources best serve our clients and expand our community impact.
