Our Board
We are governed by a Board who volunteer their time to determine the strategic and policy direction of our organisation.
Our Board consists of a mix of representatives from Community Centres/Neighbourhood Houses, Community Connectors, Friends and Honorary members and Independent representatives.
Board members are elected by the members of our association.
CHAIRPERSON
CRISTINA BLUMBERG
Cristina works in competition and consumer law regulation and has a background in commercial litigation and volunteering in community legal centres. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Science, and a Diploma of Sustainable Living with majors in social justice and ecology. Cristina is passionate about the work of community centres and their ability to empower individuals and contribute to wellbeing through meaningful social connections and the development of new skills. Cristina is committed to growing the reach and relevance of centres and to ensuring that centres are at the heart of responses to the big issues facing our communities. In particular, Cristina brings her experience in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy to the Board.
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON
CATHY O'LOUGHLIN
TREASURER
THARANI MAHADEVA
GAICD and CPA with over fifteen years’ experience in consolidation reporting within both financial and management accounting functions. Expertise encompasses monthly financial, budget and forecasting analysis and the implementation of process improvements. Strengths include strong technical knowledge and interpersonal skills and this combined with an ability to identify trends, risks and opportunities and develop and deliver viable strategies and solutions ensures the achievement of successful business outcomes.
SECRETARY
PAUL WRIGHT
Paul is passionate about community development and the communities he works with. Paul has over 16 years community development experience within the UK and SA which includes leading various youth and community centres. Paul provides leadership to a range of centres and Community Development Officers in his current role as Manager Community Capacity at City of Onkaparinga which includes positive ageing, youth, art and community centres. Paul was awarded the Local Government Professionals Emerging Leader of the Year award for South Australia in 2019 before being awarded the national Emerging Leader Award later that year. Paul is excited to be a part of Community Centres SA future growth and development.
BELINDA TASSONE
With over 20 years experience working across local and state government in South Australia and Victoria, Belinda has a comprehensive knowledge of and experience in health planning, policy development, health promotion and environmental health. Belinda has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Health) from Flinders University and a Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion from Deakin University. Currently employed as a Senior Policy Officer at the Local Government Association of South Australia, Belinda has led its public health agenda since 2018. Her work in the local government sector has enabled her to witness the transformative power local community centres and neighbourhood houses play in reducing social isolation, building community cohesion and providing a safe and equitable place for all to learn and grow. Belinda is particularly passionate about the role of community centres in supporting opportunities for volunteering and lifelong learning for people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds and is keen to contribute to their development.
JOANNE MENADUE
Jo has worked in a variety of leadership roles in Local Government over the past 30 years, including in the areas of Recreation Management, Neighbourhood Development, Social Planning and Social Policy, Ageing Well, Inclusion, Community Wellbeing, Community Development and Community Centres. In her current role as Coordinator Community Development at the City of Charles Sturt she provides leadership to a team working across 7 community centres and in community development. Jo is passionate about the role Community Centres play within community life as safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments where the community can connect and engage in activities that enhance wellbeing and strengthen community capacity. Jo is excited to contribute to the future directions and sustainability of the Community Centres SA.