Our team
We have a great team of highly passionate community development workers, nurturing capacity builders, ever engaging story tellers and engagement specialists, skilled trainers and forever calm behind the scenes project ninjas. Our work is enhanced by the contributions of university students on placements, and project volunteers who bring their own insights and strengths.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
KERRIE AKKERMANS
Kerrie commenced as CEO of Community Centres SA in May 2023 and is an experienced executive leader who is deeply values-led and passionate about Community Centres and the community as a seasoned leader within the Non-For-Profit Sector. Kerrie brings extensive and broad experience to the role –across the not-for-profit sector, in the media, on community Boards and in the commercial sector as a business owner and senior executive. Kerrie is strategic, has a strong financial background, and is experienced in working with a diverse range of stakeholders. Kerrie is committed to bringing the sector together and making sure CCSA is the leading go-to voice on social issues and community development in SA. She knows the importance of financial sustainability for CCSA and our members and understands the power of a peak body to act as a broker, facilitator, and ‘one voice’ for our diverse sector and communities. In her work and day-to-day life, Kerrie champions inclusivity, connection, and authenticity – and as a leader, she empowers those around her and lifts the voices of lived experiences.
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
MORGANA RETALLICK
Morgana is passionate about supporting vulnerable and marginalised members of our communities. She has used her passion and energetic spirit to develop her skills, achieving qualifications in Urban Planning and Social Business Innovation. Her learnings have led her to experiences in administration and event planning. She has explored Argentina and Vietnam in volunteer and research roles, driving her interest in community development with a focus on how to better the lived experience and placemaking of communities.
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
TANIA BROWN
With an extensive background in non-profit organisations and a Diploma in Community Services, Tania expertly delivers various programs to community. Her experience in volunteering, co-design, and leadership enables her to foster strong relationships within the Community Connections Program. She is specialised in identifying and addressing the needs of those who might be vulnerable or socially isolated. Tania excels in place-making and story harvesting, taking time to understand community member narratives and the strengths inherent in their stories. She effectively collaborates to bridge gaps and initiate community-led programs, services, or safe spaces for connection.
CAPACITY BUILDER PROJECT OFFICER
SANDRA MASSEY
Sandra, a dedicated Senior Social Worker, brings over two decades of experience in child and family welfare, wellbeing, and mental health fields. She has a rich professional history, having coordinated three Community Hubs across South Australia, where she focused on empowering vulnerable and isolated communities. Her roles in management, consultation, and clinical work span across government, education, and private sectors. Sandra is fervently passionate about mentoring and supervising Social Work students, guiding them on their journey to become proficient, qualified Social Workers in the field.
MARKETING & ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
SAM NICHOLLS
Sam is a current Marketing and Communications student with experience delivering effective digital marketing activities for businesses. He enjoys working effectively with others in both the workplace and the community. Sam is passionate about finding innovative functions for business promotion and provides necessary assistance to the CCSA team in marketing operations, stakeholder communication and administrative support.
Pets of Community Centres SA
Our team at Community Centres SA embraces ‘Bring your Pet to Work’ day by making it a monthly occasion.
Why do we bring pets into the workplace? There’s a whole bunch of benefits for the workplace, our people but also the pets themselves!
- they help reduce stress
- boosts office morale
- promotes productivity
- helps improve communication
- encourages a healthier lifestyle in the office
- improves employee retention
- makes a workplace more attractive to prospective employees
- dogs get to socialise, rather than being left home alone
Fudge
