Our Board

Simon joined Uniting Communities as Chief Executive in mid-2010 with a commitment to build on the organisation’s history and reputation as a progressive agency for social change, reconciliation and fostering compassionate and resilient communities.

In 2017, Simon was awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community, particularly to children and families through social welfare organisations, programs and initiatives.

Sue joined the Board as she has a great respect for the work being done by Uniting Communities and a strong interest in contributing to innovations in service delivery in the current social policy context.

She brings to the Board expertise in marketing and media management, as well as networks across government, universities and the business community. Cathie is passionate about bringing lasting, positive change to the lives of those most disadvantaged in our community.

Having worked in non-profit organisations for 12 years, she has a keen interest in the sector and, in particular, community services and health. Astrid has completed an MBA with the University of South Australia and holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Adelaide. She is the former director of the Uniting Church SA Resources Board, and currently serves on various other non-profit boards and committees.

With the split of the Spastic Centres of SA into two independent organisations, Greg was appointed as CEO of CARA in 1993 and held that position for 16 years. Since retiring from full time employment in 2010, he has worked with the SA Guardianship Board (now SACAT) as a sessional tribunal member (in the Community Stream), as well as undertaken consultancy work both in SA and the ACT in the area of disability. Greg looks forward to making a contribution to the work of Uniting Communities.

John has over 20 years’ experience in starting and running businesses, and currently runs a small farming operation with a focus on sustainability. With a commercial lens and a keen interest in finance and property, John is also a member of Uniting Communities’ Redevelopment Steering Committee.

With qualifications in engineering and management, Mike brings with him 25 years of commercial, planning and operations experience in the oil and gas sector both in Australia and overseas. Growing up in a small town in south-east SA, Mike has a balanced appreciation of country and city living, and enjoys getting alongside people from all walks of life. Mike is passionate about helping people reach their full potential, and feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to assist and learn from the dedicated people within Uniting Communities.

Born in Germany, he trained as a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, and worked as a forensic psychiatrist before migrating to Australia in 1996. Since then he has worked within the public sector in SA Metro and Country Services, for about 8 years in the capacity as Clinical Director. He has an academic appointment at Flinders University with a research interest in e-Health and m-Health.  This interest has led him to venture into entrepreneurship as a founding member of an IT start-up. He has served and is serving on the boards of mental health related NGOs. Personally and professionally, he has a strong commitment to social justice and is championing recovery oriented work.

Deborah enjoys being part of a dynamic Board environment that encourages a diverse view and “outside the square” thinking. Her Board portfolio covers diverse enterprises spanning property, equities, technology, professional services, finance, retail and not-for-profit organisations.

Deborah has an MBA from Adelaide University and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. As well as her interests in children’s welfare, women’s rights and animal welfare, Deborah is an active volunteer at Lifeline.