James Alexander Barnes
President, Board of Management
James is a proud Wiradjuri man through his father’s family. He first worked in the disability sector in 1995 with the Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Sydney (RRCS). Following the Richmond Report, RRCS moved from an extended care institutional model to support group homes. James worked in the initial trial program and later in the “phase 2” program, assisting clients to learn skills of daily living to transition from institutional living to supported community living.
Since then, James has worked as both a Registered Nurse and Solicitor. He’s currently undertaking studies in medicine. He’s been a Board member since 2012.
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Laws
- Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice Current – Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Health
Knowledge & Expertise
- Rights and Social justice
- Corporate & Legal Governance
- Executive organisational management
Gwion Cain
Treasurer, Board of Management
For the last 10 years I have specialised in managing programs in the Cairns region and Indigenous communities within Queensland (Cape York and Torres Strait) and the Northern Territory.
My senior management experience covers a wide section of the NGO and corporate sectors. I am presently the General Manager of Selectability; a not-for-profit organisation committed to improving the mental wellbeing of people in regional Queensland and contributing to the prevention of suicide.
During this time, I have worked as a manager and trainer developing the skills and capacity of people within Indigenous communities, creating, developing and monitoring culturally responsive programs and services.
The broad spectrum of experience I have accumulated has given me the adaptable skills necessary to work effectively in remote and constantly changing environments, along with the ability to identify changing needs, opportunities and developments necessary to deliver the outcomes required in these challenging environments.
Toni Bresnahan
General Member, Board of Management
Toni Bresnahan is the founder and CEO of the Bresnahan Footprint Foundation, a National Charity in Australia. Toni has had a diverse career, specialising in early childhood intervention, disabilities, and homelessness and working in a range of communities across Far North Queensland. Passionate in leading change in the NFP sector, Toni’s work with charities explores innovative ways to create sustainable futures and scale organisation impacts.
John Hartigan
General Member, Board of Management
John Hartigan, B.A. ( Honours) Dip Ed, JP ( Qual ) has over 30 years practical experience in Management, Human Resources, Employment Law and Career Coaching. He has additional qualifications in Work place Mediation, Executive Coaching and the application of DISC and Myers- Briggs Type Indicator. He has represented both organisations and individuals in the Fair Work Commission.
In his corporate career, John has held key roles including Head of Employee Relations, NAB,( 22,000 employee workforce ), Group Manager – BTR Automotive ( Sydney – 5,000 employee workforce ) and other senior Executive roles locally and overseas with organisations such as Rio, Exxon – Mobil and Orica.
He has also had Executive Board management experience in both the Corporate and Non- For -Profit sectors in Sydney and regional Queensland. His speciality is Board Governance.
He remains active as a self-employed Business Consultant.
Stronger Together
Our Professional Team
CAIRNS
Address: 2/192 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt, QLD
Mail: PO Box 1041N, Cairns North, QLD 4870
Telephone: 07 4031 7377
Facsimile: 07 4031 7383
Email: [email protected]
TOWNSVILLE
Address: 1, 1-3 Barlow Street, South Townsville, QLD
Mail: PO Box 3065, Hermit Park QLD 4812
Telephone: 07 4725 2505
Email: [email protected]
OUR OPENING TIMES
Monday to Friday 9am –4:30pm