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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
Sandy Connor
BNurs, Grad Cert High Ed, PhD Candidate

Sandy Connor Biography

Sandy holds the position of Head of Campus at La Trobe University, Mildura, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing higher education and research in the region.  Her work involves collaborating closely with local governments, industries, schools, and community organisations to establish partnerships that drive growth and improve community aspiration and attainment.  Sandy leads the Mildura campus in implementing the university’s strategic plan as well as the Regional Growth & Innovation Strategy 2030.

With over two decades of experience as a Registered Nurse in both acute and community care settings, Sandy brings valuable practical expertise to her role in the region.  Her contributions extend beyond health education, encompassing initiatives that strengthen Mildura’s economy and enhance social connections.  Additionally, her PhD research focuses on rural young men’s perspectives on contemporary masculinities, highlighting her commitment to the community and its ongoing development.

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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
Jacqueline Rudge
CertIV CareerDev, CertIV LLN, CertIV ACE, CertIV AWT

Jacqueline Rudge Biography

Jacqui has lived experience, and values sharing her knowledge from a consumer, carer and community perspective.  She has been a consumer representative for Western NSW Health including rural and remote areas for many years.

Jacqui has a strong focus on community and equality for people with various skills and abilities.  Additionally, she has experience working with the NSW Department of Education as a School Job Coach and Work Placement Coordinator.

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Director
Darren Rogers
BBus (Acc), Dip. Wine Making, CPA

Darren Rogers Biography

Darren Rogers is a seasoned accounting professional (CPA) and site manager based in Mildura. With over 15 years of combined experience in finance, project supervision, and team leadership, he has built a reputation for delivering accurate financial insights, maintaining operational excellence, and fostering strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and community members.

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Leadership Team

Organisational Chart
Executive Officer
Nadiene Lynch
BHumServ, MSC, AdvDip (Policing), Cert IVIP, Cert IV

Nadiene Lynch Biography

A strong and resilient Mallee woman, Nadiene is a dedicated leader, skilled communicator, and fierce advocate for social justice with over 30 years of experience in the Human Services sector.  Fondly known as "Nads" by colleagues and peers, she is excited to bring her deep expertise and unwavering commitment to community, as the Executive Officer of the Christie Centre Inc.

With a professional foundation in both Police work and Social Work, Nadiene has led critical investigations and complex operations.  Her leadership is defined by empathy, resilience, and a collaborative spirit, guiding multidisciplinary teams through high-stakes environments and periods of intense organizational change.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nadiene is a proud mother of two remarkable young men who reflect her core values of respect, integrity, and justice.  Her long-term vision is clear:  to help build communities where equity is not an ideal, but a lived reality for all.

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

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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