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About the Christie Centre

Supporting people to have meaningful lives in our community

Christie Centre is a Mildura-based NDIS organisation that celebrates the greatness and possibilities within every individual.

History

In 1954, a public meeting called on the Mildura community to improve the lives of local children with disabilities by developing a place-based service option. The willing community responded, and with a significant donation from the mayor of the time, W.J Christie, the Christie Centre was born. 

Classes started in December 1954 with 7 participants and 1 instructor. Over the decades the Christie Centre continued to grow and innovate, maintaining best practice and keeping the individual at the core of its purpose. Today we operate across seven sites, employing over 100 diverse team members and supporting over 150 participants. 

Mission

To provide quality individualised supports and opportunities for people with a disability, by creating relationships and advocating to communities, other service providers, and employers to embrace the contributions & capabilities of the people we support.

Our People

Board of Management

Chair
Ross Humphreys
GCETT, Ad Dip LM

Ross Humphreys Biography

Born and raised in Mildura, Ross, has more than 30 years of senior management experience.

Working within the retail sector for many years, he then qualified as a teacher in 2012 and is now employed at Sunraysia Institute of TAFE holding the position of Manager, Commercial Community Industry Engagement.

Passionate about his local community he led the establishment of a community focused division within the Vocational Education sector.

His knowledge across the business sector, his teaching experience and local networks provide him with a strong base to lead our organisation in both service provision, and sales and marketing of our social enterprises.

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Deputy Chair
Patricia D'Aranjo
GradDipMgt

Patricia D'Aranjo Biography

Pat was born and raised in India, immigrating to Australia with her family in 1971.

Much of Pat’s career has been spent living and working in the Indigenous space, spending many years in the Northern Territory and remote areas of South Australia.

In senior management roles and government consultancy across the arts, native title programs, community and workforce development, human resources and the establishment and operation of social enterprises.

Pat openly admits she fell in love with Mildura, its community and lifestyle following a holiday to the region, ultimately moving here in 2016.

Coming from a migrant family and having extensive experience in the Indigenous space, Pat is well aware of the challenges facing minority cohorts. This drives her passion for equal rights, equal opportunities and recognition of all abilities and the worth of all individuals.

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Treasurer
Simon Rule
BInfMgt, MPAcc

Simon Rule Biography

Simon has been a resident of the Mildura region for more than 25 years and currently holds the position of Finance and Policy Director at Wentworth Shire Council.

Having spent 6 years prior to this as Finance Manager with Robinvale District Health Services, he brings to the Christie Centre Board extensive experience in business administration and operations within the local government and health sectors.

With an active interest in sport, Simon has served on several sporting club committees.

With a close personal connection to disability, Simon saw joining the Board as an opportunity to support an organisation and industry that provides services to his wider family and the community.

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Secretary
Jenny Bennett
JP

Jenny Bennett​ Biography

Born and raised in Mildura, Jenny is a true local to the area, relishing in its special community and understanding its needs and challenges.

Embedded in the local community, Jenny has over the years served as President and Secretary of many organisations including the Merbein Historical Society, the Australian Institute of Office Professionals Mildura, and Business & Professional Women.

Appointed as a JP in 1999 she joined the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices and acted as Secretary of the Sunraysia Branch for ten years from 2004-2013.

In 2001 Jenny’s service to the community was recognised with the awarding of the Centenary Medal and the following year she received a Public Service Medal for her contribution to education and the community.

Jenny’s broad experience and extensive local knowledge make her a valuable member of the Christie Centre Board.

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Director
Bob Jankowski
MEd (Special Ed)

Bob Jankowski Biography

A resident of Mildura since 2011, Bob has been teaching for more than forty years, with a focus on the arts.

Understanding the benefits of creativity to inspire ambition and build confidence, Bob facilitates weekly Children’s Art Workshops throughout the year. He is also a strong supporter of the Red Cliffs Players, Friends of Mildura Arts Centre and the Art Vault, where he maintains studio space.

Currently employed by the Mildura Specialist School, his knowledge and experience as a teacher of special needs students as well as his personal skills as a recognised local artist brings a valuable and insightful opinion to our Board.

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Director
Inga Dalla Santa
LL.B/LP (Hons), BBSc

Inga Dalla Santa Biography

A Mildura local, Inga has been engaged in the legal industry for more than 20 years and now works with respected Mildura legal practice Martin Middleton Oates Lawyers.

Her interest in disability has been longstanding, having taken an elective law topic “Disability, Aging and Mental Health” during her university studies.

With legal knowledge, skills and qualifications, and a strong understanding of effective decision-making, she joined the Board of the Christie Centre in 2010.

Extending her support of the local community, Inga is also a committed external member of both the Mallee Catchment Management Authority and the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE audit committees.

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Leadership Team

Organisational Chart
Executive Officer
Florence Davidson
BSocSc

Florence Davidson​​ Biography

Florence is an experienced Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit field, specifically for championing the rights and equity needs of people with different abilities. She is a change initiator and incubator of ideas and highly skilled in non-profit organizations, coaching, community development, government, facilitation, and proposal writing.

With a strong belief in supporting the disability sector as well as her local community, Florence is a sustainable donor of the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, the Local Lead Loddon Mallee region for SENVIC (Social Enterprise Network Victoria), the Mallee Regional Partnership, and has  played an integral part in the development of a number of NDIS Workforce Development Projects including Psychosocial supports, Multi Employer Agreement and Workforce development projects.

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Corporate Services Manager
Jill Morgan
DipBusAcctg

Jill Morgan Biography

Jill gained her qualifications as a mature age student and has worked in the finance field for the majority of her career.

Initially self-employed, she provided bookkeeping services to small business whilst raising her family.

She joined the Christie Centre as a staff member in 2011 and now holds the position of Corporate Services Manager as well as Acting Executive Officer when required.

With her understanding of the disability sector through personal experience, and her years working in the finance arena and offices within that sector, Jill is highly committed to the organisation and supporting the people that need our services.

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Business Development Manager
Dr Giuseppe (Joe) Simonetta
BSc (Hons), PhD, MBA

Dr Joe Simonetta Biography

Having held senior positions both within Australia and overseas, Joe brings a wealth of talent and experience to the Christie Centre.

Previous engagement in government positions, the corporate sector and tertiary education provide him with a broad range of skills which support and enhance the overall Christie Centre team. Areas of expertise include business development and operations management, strategic planning and partnerships, contract negotiations, revenue growth, and sales and marketing.

Originally from Mildura and with a strong belief in community and equality, Joe returned to the region to be closer to family, contribute to the community and share his knowledge and skills to support aspirations and growth of participants and the Christie Centre as an organisation.

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Service Provision & Connection Coordinator
Amy Whitford
BPsychSc, Cert IV Govt Investigations

Amy Whitford Biography

Working with people with complex needs and behaviours of concern is Amy’s passion.

Her knowledge and expertise gained through lived experience with family members and professional engagement in the disability sector over more than 10 years in Victoria and South Australia guides her leadership of the Support Services team, and care and support of Christie Centre participants.

Her ultimate goal and focus is to provide a level of service that she would expect for her own family, ensuring people with disability are treated as equals and to provide space where they feel safe, accepted and proud of who they are.

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Stakeholder & Quality Coordinator
Sue Morisset

Sue Morisset Biography

Living just out of Adelaide, Sue is one of our staff living and working remotely.

Fundraising, community and stakeholder engagement, governance and strategy, and quality and service auditing has been the focus of Sue’s professional life for more than 30 years across Victoria and South Australia.

Sue serves on the Board of newly formed Biodiversity Victor Harbor as well as the Central Region of ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children).

Utilising and sharing her experience and broad knowledge her focus is to support and help strengthen and constantly improve operations and services provided to our participants.

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Sustainability Coordinator
Sharon Brettig

Sharon Brettig Biography

With more than 25 years’ experience across NGOs and Government in the disability sector, Sharon is a valued member of the Christie Centre team.

Originally inspired by a family member, and with a focus on inclusion, equality and the provision of opportunities for all people, she joined the Christie Centre in 2013, assuming the Team Leader role in 2017.

Joining the Senior Leadership Team as AroundAgain Coordinator in early 2022 Sharon, has Advanced Diploma in Disability, Diploma in Business Frontline Management as well as Certificate IV Mental Health (Non-Clinical).

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  • 115 Twelfth Street, Mildura VIC 3500
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