Our Board
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Our Governance Board is an entity created to keep LIVEfree Project's financials accountable, as well as helping to ensure that our services and programs remain in line with our vision and mission as an organisation.
Chairman of the Board
Mat Jones
Meet Mat, Chairman of the Board and an experienced professional with a diverse background in chaplaincy, counselling, and conflict resolution.
With specialisations in abuse, relationship counselling, and stress management, Mat brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. His extensive training in areas such as domestic violence, trauma, child protection, and pastoral care make him a valuable asset to the board.
Mat also has a keen interest in community liaison and engagement, as well as education and training. His passion for helping others and his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those he serves are evident in all that he does.
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Finance and HR
Greg Elliott
Greg an experienced CFO with over 30 years of expertise in finance and accounting.
He has demonstrated his commitment to making a positive impact on society by spending 5 years as Group Financial Controller for a large national not-for-profit organisation that supports young people living in out of home care, Australians living with disabilities, and assisting elderly people with daily living and life tasks.
Additionally, Greg has also dedicated 20 years as a volunteer treasurer for a community organisation, showcasing his passion for giving back.
Greg's involvement in volunteering goes beyond his work and community experiences. He is also a regular volunteer for LIVEFree Project initiatives and various sporting clubs.
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Social Science
Isabel Thambar
Isabel is a highly skilled and experienced Family Violence Specialist Case Manager, with a Bachelor of Social Science, Diploma of Leadership and Diploma of Chaplaincy.
Her expertise lies in family violence, community support, and advocacy, as well as self-harm and suicidal ideation support.
Isabel has extensive experience in social media and marketing management, communications, community engagement coordination, program management, and grant writing. Her diverse skillset and expertise make her a valuable asset to our team, enabling us to make a meaningful impact in the community.
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Isabel is dedicated to advocating for those in need, and her passion for supporting others extends beyond her work experience.
Education and First Nations
Gavin Martens
Gavin, an accomplished educator, brings his years of experience to his role as a board member of LIVEfree Project. Currently serving as Assistant Head of Middle School at St Philip’s Christian College Newcastle, Gavin
is responsible for overseeing operations and logistics, teacher professional development, and staff and student wellbeing.
Gavin’s passion for education and social justice led him to become involved in LIVEfree Project, where he is committed to working with other members to ensure that the organisation’s goals are met.
With 27 years’ experience as an educator, including training in working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds, inclusive practices, understanding Autism and giftedness, strengths-based learning, child protection, and collaboration, Gavin is highly regarded by his colleagues and students, and wider community.
His experience in these areas has been invaluable in his work with LIVEfree Projects, as the organisation seeks to develop programs that outworks its mission to “value, support, educate, empower, and increase the capacity of individuals, families, and communities
Social Work, Therapeutics, Child Protection and Education
Amanda Homard
With over 20 years of experience in Social Work, Mandy specialises in the areas of Therapeutics, Child Protection, and Education, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organisation.
Her areas of expertise include working with children and young people in mental health services, education, homelessness, and family work. Passionate about early intervention and empowering individuals to overcome difficult situations, Mandy currently focuses on supporting students in schools with their wellbeing, learning, and social and emotional skills.
LIVEfree Project is grateful for the invaluable experience and skills that Mandy brings to the team and community. With Mandy on board, the organisation is well-positioned to make significant strides in its mission to support and empower children and young people facing adversity.