Gladstone Region engaging in action Together acknowledges the Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live, work and learn.​ We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and would like to extend this respect to all other First Nations peoples.​ We recognise First Nations peoples’ knowledge and continuing connection to land, place, and waters.​Our community’s vision is to achieve opportunity, equity, and quality of life for everyone.​Together, with every voice, we can create a better future.
Your
Team
GRT is a collective group of voices from community, government, service providers and businesses, working together to serve community in our collaborative efforts to create a thriving future for our region.
As a community-led project, GRT includes everyone in the Gladstone Region.
Individuals that have nominated for regular ongoing involvement make up a number of volunteer teams and one paid support team, called a Backbone Team.
Supporting community in the GRT work is:
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a volunteer Leadership Group
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volunteer Working Groups
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a paid Community Support Team, hosted by CQUniversity
The work and decisions of these groups are directed by community input. The teams listen to the voices of our community to ensure all voices are heard and that the everyday experiences of our community inform priority areas in the design of improvements.
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You can be involved too – there is no eligibility criteria or restrictions, however we do have a community developed set of values and behaviours that we practice when engaging with each other to ensure everyone is heard and respected. If you are interested in supporting community wellbeing to be part of the solution, please get in touch.
Leadership Group
Purpose: Promote the values and principles, provide strategic guidance, and support a co-designed community-led strategy. Members enable community voice, support partnerships and collaborations, and address social barriers to improve the effectiveness of interventions and service systems. The Leadership Group also influences policy and funding decisions and supports a collective, strengths-based, community development approach while measuring progress and managing expectations for community-led change.
Christopher Ford
Chris has been an Officer of The Salvation Army for seven years and has played a key role in the development of The Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct Partnership, a co-location of social services. He thinks outside the square to find solutions to complex problems and has a heart for community. Chris believes that the only way forward for Gladstone to achieve successful outcomes is a collaborative approach.
Brianna Janson
Bri is the Manager of Community Partnerships with Gladstone Regional Council and plays a key leadership role at the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct.
As a long-term resident of Gladstone, Bri has seen many changes and impacts on liveability, as well as resilience, camaraderie and pride of the local community.
Bri takes a collaborative and grassroots approach to making a positive difference in the community.
Aunty Cecelia Eggmolesse
Cecelia is a Byellee Elder, a descendant of our local First Nation Traditional Owner Custodians within the Port Curtis Coral Coast. Cecelia has meaningful links to the local indigenous community built through work in Indigenous Health, both Mainstream and Community Controlled Health Services, and volunteers and holds Director positions in various local indigenous and community groups. Cecelia values her family and indigenous heritage and is passionate about working together towards a common goal that will benefit the whole of the Gladstone Region.
Emma Sanders
Emma's expertise lies in stakeholder engagement and fostering customer relations within the agriculture sector across regional Australia. She holds qualifications in Animal Science, International Studies, and soon to be Law. Emma has strong ties to the community where she lives with her three children. Originally from a small family in South Australia, Emma joined the Leadership Team with a determination to support community proactively, having witnessed the challenges of past economic cycles. When not working, she cherishes spending time at her farm, energised to drive positive change and opportunities for community.
Levon Kardashian
Levon is a Minister at Gladstone/Tannum Sands Uniting Church. He serves communities with people from a variety of backgrounds, including the delivery of workshops on domestic abuse awareness as part of the Joint Churches Domestic Violence Prevention Project (JCDVPP), a commission of Queensland Churches Together (QCT). These initiatives exemplify Levon’s commitment to promoting understanding and harmony among diverse communities.
Levon has been a member of the Queensland Community Alliance, and before joining GRT’s Leadership Group, was on the Leadership Table at Logan Together, another Stronger Places, Stronger People initiative.
Jennifer McGuire
Jennifer, a lifelong Boyne Island resident, has been married to Joe for 30 years, raising four children and now her two grandchildren are fortunate to grow up in Boyne Tannum too. With three decades of management experience, she has played a key role in developing NFP House, a peak community organisation. Over the past three years, Jennifer has worked to enhance the capacity of Gladstone Region’s not-for-profit sector through her volunteering efforts. Currently, she serves as the AusIndustry Regional Manager for Central Queensland. Actively involved in her community, Jennifer’s participation in the GRT Leadership Group reflects her commitment to family, community, and business growth.
Malcolm Leinster
Malcolm and his wife Karen have lived in Gladstone for nearly fifty years.
He is a retired Mechanical Engineer, and has contributed to the Engineering profession through development and delivery of Masters level courses at CQUniversity and through active participation in professional and industry associations.
Malcolm believes that communities and organisations can be judged by the quality of people they produce and attract, and to that end has worked over many years to foster excellence in education in mathematics and science.
He advocates for positive parenting guidance and practice as necessary components in developing life skills, and sees involvement in GRT is an opportunity to participate in this vital facet of community development.
GRT Community Support Team
Purpose: The GRT Community Support Team are paid local employees, each with specific roles designed to support and enable the collective impact activities and efforts of the Gladstone Region community, through facilitation, planning support, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Sarah Jacob
Executive Director
Sarah grew up in Gladstone before gaining her teaching qualifications and moving overseas. She returned to Gladstone in 2005, knowing she wanted to raise her children in her home town. Since then, Sarah has been a leader in local schools and is raising her two sons in the region she holds close to her heart. She has spent significant time volunteering and is completing post-grad studies in literacy education. Having received so much from our community, Sarah is eager to contribute to Gladstone’s continued growth and success. Her commitment is grounded in a genuine love for the region and a strong desire to help shape a positive future for Gladstone’s young people.
Courtney Morrison
Operations Manager
Courtney brings experience working with people, individually and collectively, to cultivate purposeful and measurable positive change. In community-led,
place-based work Courtney draws from experiences and studies in Human Resource Management, Project Management and Appreciative Inquiry, to uncover deeper system-level conditions and enablers, and facilitate opportunities for improved capacity, connection and culture. Moving to and raising her own family in the Gladstone Region, Courtney is immensely grateful to work closely with the local Social Services Sector and community to build upon strengths and shape the future together for families and children to thrive.
Melanie Ohl
Projects and Partnerships Lead Measurement and Evaluation
Melanie brings a health perspective to the team, with a degree in Health Promotion and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Health Research. Her previous roles have been in Suicide Prevention and service planning for the Gladstone Health Plan. Melanie was a CQUniversity Scholarship representative in 2017 attending the United Nations Conference in New York where she advocated for gender and family equity. Melanie has called the Discovery Coast home for the past 5 years and is passionate about equal opportunities for families in smaller regional towns of the LGA. Melanie is extremely honoured to be part of this work in supporting community partnerships and improving wellbeing outcomes for our region.
Lauren Fawcett
Projects and Sector
Partnerships Lead
As a community development practitioner Lauren has extensive experience in building relationships and developing partnerships to collectively work on changing systems.
Having recently relocated from Sydney for a quieter life, Lauren brings with her a wealth of experience working across community and stakeholder engagement, project management and communications.
Lauren is passionate about harnessing the right tools to facilitate a group to connect. Having completed her Master’s in Social Change and Development, Lauren is skilled at bringing diverse groups of people together to collectively think, reflect, envision, and work for a more equitable and thriving future. Lauren follows the principle, ‘nothing about us, without us’ and uses the frameworks of Asset Based Community Development to drive community-led change.
Annette Coleborn
Project Lead
Annette is a lifelong resident of Gladstone with a robust background in healthcare, having worked in General Practice for 17 years. She has played a pivotal role in advocating for rural health services, and training future leaders in healthcare management. Her extensive experience includes participation in local working groups and national committees, where she developed strategies for health improvement. Annette is a proud mother of two adult children and is excited to work in a community support team to foster a sustainable future for Gladstone. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children and loved ones whilst balancing life with self-care activities.
Sylvia Morley
RSTO
Implementation Manager
In 2009, Sylvia relocated to Gladstone with her family. She served as a secondary school teacher, specialising in Senior Chemistry, Mathematics, and Learning Enhancement. Prior to her tenure in Gladstone, Sylvia accumulated diverse professional experience in Victoria and Western Australia, holding roles in numeracy, Indigenous education initiatives, and support for students with disabilities.
She completed a Bachelor of Science, Post-Graduate qualifications in Education, and Learning Support. Sylvia also contributed to charitable efforts in Victoria, collaborating with organisations to enhance outcomes for the disadvantaged, including refugees.
In her current role, Sylvia is dedicated to supporting the community through information-driven improvements for all.
Kylie Williams
Communications and Engagement Coordinator
​Kylie is a mother of two and a long-term, proud Gladstone local. With qualifications in Marketing and a strong background in Community Engagement, Social Performance and Communications,
Kylie brings experience working collaboratively with the Gladstone community, industry and social sector. Kylie understands the importance of communication and engagement in bringing community together through listening to all voices and sharing stories and ideas. Kylie is grateful to be part of a team with a whole-of-community approach for improved wellbeing. She is honoured to contribute towards a thriving future for the Gladstone Region where children and their families live happier and healthier lives.
Kylie King
Senior Project
Support Officer
Kylie has a background in supporting teams in busy environments. She holds a Diploma in Management and has worked in the leisure, construction, sales and human resources sectors. Kylie has lived most of her adult life in Gladstone and has raised her children here over the last 11 years. During this time she has participated in community life through several volunteer positions and maintains her strong community connections through family and sporting clubs. Kylie actively pursues a healthy lifestyle through fitness and yoga in between work and family life. Kylie is excited to be a part of such a passionate team and looks forward in continuing to strengthen positive possibilities for the
Gladstone region.
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Brent Meinberg
Project Support
Data and Evaluation
Brent, a seasoned leader with 12 years in senior roles, has extensive experience in operations, planning, scheduling, and procurement in Gladstone. A resident for 29 years, he cherishes the region's family-focused environment. A dedicated husband and father, Brent's family is his inspiration. His commitment extends to supporting non-profit organisations, reflecting his belief in community service and mental wellbeing. Brent's professional expertise, coupled with his passion for family and community, drives his dedication to making a positive impact in Gladstone. His love for the region fuels his commitment to its growth and development.
Anita Huxley
Project Support Officer
Anita is a dedicated member of the GRT team, bringing a deep-rooted passion for community service to her role. Having completed her schooling and spent her entire career in Gladstone, Anita cherishes the opportunity to give back to the place she calls home. Her strong family connections are central to her life, as she is a proud mother and grandmother. Anita's love for the outdoors and nature is evident in her appreciation for the region’s charming small-town atmosphere. Her commitment to improving community wellbeing inspires her in her role as Project Support Officer.
Leanne Brooker
Administration and
Finance Officer
Since 2011, Leanne and her husband Chris have raised their two children, built careers, and created a fulfilling lifestyle in the Gladstone Region. Leanne brings a diverse range of skills to the GRT team, having worked as a high school teacher, a music teacher, a career consultant in vocational education, a marketing and business development professional, and an administration officer. She has also been an enthusiastic volunteer in the Gladstone arts, sports, and kindy communities. Leanne has postgraduate qualifications in business, marketing, and education, and is passionate about implementing efficient and effective systems that will support your GRT team towards achieving positive outcomes for our community.
Working Groups
First Nations Working Group
Purpose: Support the work of GRT by providing guidance on culturally appropriate engagement and considerations and focus on the unique needs and experiences of the First Nations community in the Gladstone Region.
Tracy Connolly
Toolooa State High School
Born in Sydney and raised in Wollongong, Tracy belongs to the Wallaballooa mob. Since moving to Gladstone in 1997, she and her husband have raised their niece and son, embracing everything that Gladstone offers. Tracy's career spans roles in the Federal Government, local industry, and currently, she serves as a Community Education Counsellor (CEC) at Toolooa State High School. Passionate about young people, Tracy is dedicated to making sure they know and understand their culture but also help them to navigate future career pathways.
Gay Sirriss
Gladstone Regional Council
Gay Sirriss is a proud Toolooa woman from the Gurang peoples. Her Country stretches between the Calliope and Boyne Rivers, reaching inland to the Many Peaks Ranges and out to the surrounding islands.
Gay brings a strong cultural lens and deep connection to community as the First Nations Liaison Officer for Gladstone Regional Council.
Gay volunteers in many community groups in Gladstone including the First Nations Working Group, where she plays a key role in promoting reconciliation, cultural awareness, and respectful partnerships within the Gladstone region.
Sharalee Elijah
Community Member
Sharalee is a proud Aboriginal and South Sea Islander woman with deep ancestral ties to the Gladstone and Mackay regions. Her heritage reflects a legacy of resilience, inspiring her commitment to community empowerment. Sharalee leads grassroots initiatives supporting First Nations youth and families, including foster care programs, cultural playgroups, and education-focused youth leadership. A devoted mother and active church member, Sharalee’s work fosters cultural pride, opportunity, and connection across generations.
Moana Hakavalu
Community Member
Lisa Mould
Community Member
Majalla Joinbee
Community Member
Markeeta Sullivan
Community Member
Data and Evaluation Working Group
Purpose: The Gladstone Region Wellbeing Data and Evaluation Working Group come together to collectively review, interpret and analyse data identified as indicators within the Gladstone Region Wellbeing UMEL Framework and lead the formal ‘sense-making’ evaluation process to weave insights together to address the key evaluation questions, to help track progress towards improved wellbeing for families and children.
Lilly Nash
Play Matters
Lilly, a dedicated Community Development Officer for Play Matters, recently relocated to Rockhampton from Weipa with her partner and daughter. Passionate about addressing community challenges, she supports playgroups across Central Queensland, aiming to build resilient future generations equipped to confidently face life's hurdles.
Nadia Hoare
Play Matters
Nadia is the Regional Manager for Play Matters Australia. She is committed to positive social change to enhance the quality of life for children and families within the Central Queensland region. Nadia has strong ties to the community where she lives with her fur baby Izzy. Her commitment to the children, family and community in which she lives and works is what drives her.
James Harris
Data Analytica
James leads an organisation that empowers clients by leveraging data to gain unprecedented insights into their operations. His expertise spans stakeholder engagement, data analytics, and machine learning, enabling real-time decision-making. Passionate about data's potential, he explores its use in assessing government performance and enhancing investigative reporting.
Wendy Morris
Communities for Children (CfC) GAPDL
Born in Mt Isa, Wendy's life journey has been shaped by resilience and community dedication. With a Bachelor in Professional Communication, she has led roles in marketing, community engagement, and health services. Passionate about data and support accessibility, Wendy is committed to creating inclusive environments where individuals can thrive, recognising that equitable access to support is essential for fostering community wellbeing and personal growth.
Doug Hoffmann
NFP House
Doug is the ‘IT and Media Guru’ at NFP House. He specialises in graphic design, videography, IT development, community engagement, marketing, as well as being the project lead for the McCosker Community Car initiative. He is also a member of the GRC Youth Council. Doug has been driven by creativity for all his life. He finds every opportunity to get involved in the community and benefit our region.
Natalia Stokes
CatholicCare
Central Queensland
A Family Dispute Resolution Advisor based in Gladstone, Natalia holds a degree in psychology and is currently undertaking postgraduate studies in the field. Having called Gladstone home for the past decade, Natalia is proud to raise a family in the region, with a son born locally. Passionate about strengthening mental health support and building resilience, Natalia is dedicated to making a positive impact within regional communities.
Robert Meintjes
Community Member
Robert is from South Africa and has worked in community most of his adult life. He is passionate about helping people find meaning and purpose. Robert is a counsellor, both private and in community. It is his hope that together we will help to improve service delivery and capacity for mental health and wellbeing for all people of Gladstone.
Justine Braddock
Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
With 25 years of experience in government, Justine now works in the Gladstone State Development Office, focusing on economic development. She is passionate about supporting local businesses and promoting the Gladstone region. Justine moved to Gladstone in 2009. Justine’s family enjoy being part of this vibrant community.  She is committed to ensuring children and families have access to essential support services, particularly for those facing learning challenges. In her free time, Justine loves exploring the region with her family.
Gladstone Region Systems Leaders Working Group
Purpose: Local Changemakers who have attended the Systems Leadership Development Program, Power and Equity Training and/or ChangeFest gather to collectively share leadership concepts and shape local opportunities for improved outcomes for children and families in the Gladstone Region.
Linda Arnall
Department of Education
Linda is a Gladstone local, of Bundjalung (Northern New South Wales) and Woppaburra (Keppel Islands) descent. Mother of two children, avid reader, writer and moderately successful houseplant enthusiast. Linda’s background is in Health Promotion, and she currently works in the Department of Education with the Early Childhood Pathways and Programs team. Linda is passionate about working with the community and across sectors to improve outcomes for Gladstone children and their families.
Kerry Myers
headspace Gladstone
As Manager of headspace Gladstone for Roseberry QLD, Kerry is a high energy community leader. Residing in Gladstone, she is dedicated to improving culturally safe and inclusive support for First Nations and rural communities. As a foster carer, Kerry advocates for early intervention and holistic community support. Through GRT, Kerry hopes to collaborate with community leaders to strengthen local support networks, enhance service accessibility, and foster a more connected and resilient community.
Lois Lodding
NFP House
As CEO of NFP House, Lois supports volunteer driven not-for-profits to empower themselves with the tools to grow and thrive. With 17 years in Gladstone and experience in mental health, community services, industry and workforce development, she fosters collaboration and sustainability - building strong networks that support grassroots initiatives for future generations, including her two-year-old daughter.
Mim Armstrong
The Salvation Army
Mim is a dedicated member of the Gladstone community, married with five children and has worked as a receptionist at The Salvation Army for two years. Mim has a background in Social Work and is currently pursuing Justice Studies. Since 2021, she has also been a foster carer. Mim is an active participant in the Gladstone Performing Arts Company and also volunteers with the State Emergency Services (SES), The Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), and Girls Brigad. Mim is passionate about fostering connections and growth, aiming to benefit children, families, and the community.
Chris Ford
The Salvation Army
Chris has been an Officer of The Salvation Army for seven years and has played a key role in the development of The Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct Partnership, a co-location of social services. He thinks outside the square to find solutions to complex problems and has a heart for community. Chris believes that the only way forward for Gladstone to achieve successful outcomes is a collaborative approach.
Gladstone Region Housing Round Table
Purpose: A collaborative of local stakeholders with different accountabilities and remits related to housing and regional development. Membership includes agencies and organisations with accountabilities in planning, building approvals, zoning, investment attraction, social housing, government policy, and housing supports.​​
The Gladstone Region Housing Round Table considers:
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development of informed and data-evidenced positions on the best mix, volume and location of housing
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local influence and levers that can proactively influence housing outcomes
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local knowledge to inform current status
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historical experience of housing impacts to inform future risk management
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the components that need to be considered to provide a dynamic model of housing stock and needs for the region over time that factors in changing impacts.
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Parliament of Australia
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Queensland Parliament
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Gladstone Regional Council
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Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
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Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water
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Department of Housing and Public Works
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Regional Housing Limited
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Communities, Housing and Digital Economy
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Queensland Police Service
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Gladstone Central Committee on the Ageing
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Roseberry Qld
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Gladstone Engineering Alliance
Industry Working Group
Purpose: Alignment and collaboration to optimise Industry contributions, alongside other stakeholder and community contributions, for improved social wellbeing outcomes aligned to community strategy.
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Gladstone Region Skills Attraction
Purpose: To increase the profile of the Gladstone Region as an attractive location to relocate for work, to support skills attraction and increase local capacity.
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