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
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.
TREASURER
RHETT FRASER
Rhett is a Chartered Accountant with over a decade of experience in taxation, business services, and financial strategy. He is a Manager at Holman Hodge, a mid-sized accounting firm, where he works closely with businesses and individuals, providing expert advice on tax compliance, financial management, and strategic planning. With a strong background in accounting firms and previous board experience, Rhett brings valuable financial oversight and governance expertise to Community Centres South Australia. He is committed to ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the sector, helping community organisations strengthen their financial management practices and adapt to evolving economic challenges. Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Rhett believes in the power of community-led initiatives to drive positive change. His role as Treasurer allows him to combine his professional expertise with his dedication to supporting organisations that provide vital services to the community
SECRETARY
CATHY O'LOUGHLIN
SOPHIE DOYLE
Community-mindedness and positive impact are the hallmarks of Sophie Doyle’s career. Even while working for one of the country’s biggest law firms, Sophie’s left a lasting legacy by establishing the company’s SA/NT Foundation, workplace giving and staff volunteering programs. She is also a co-founder of MumKind, a SA-based charity that supports families experiencing family violence. During her time at Philanthropy Australia, Sophie managed the peak body’s membership programs in SA and WA, developing strong networks within the non-profit and philanthropic sectors. In her role as CEO at Foundation SA, South Australia’s state-wide community foundation, Sophie is working to grow giving in South Australia and promote the grass-roots organisations doing great work in our community. Sophie has completed the Governor’s Leadership Foundation course and AICD’s Company Directors Course. She has board and committee experience from her time on the Windmill Theatre Company and Helpmann Academy Boards, and is currently on the Board of the St Ignatius College Foundation.
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.
RUTH OTTEWILL
Ruth Ottewill is highly regarded in the area of remuneration and benefits, including industrial relations and employment legislation. She has a strong governance and compliance focus when delivering in fast paced businesses, responding to changing demands. She is recognised for building a high level of collaborative, collegiate relationships with the Board and other executives. Ruth has sat on a number of boards and committees in addition to Community Centres SA. Ruth is an inspirational and driven change leader, with the ability to understand strategic objectives and see opportunities outside her known specialism. She has significant experience in mergers, acquisitions and divestments and considerable customer and employee experience expertise. She is both adaptable and dependable with a demonstrated ability to deliver on targets and projects whilst managing conflicting priorities.
CATHIE VINCENT
Cathie is employed by the City of Onkaparinga as a Community Development Officer. She is currently based at Aberfoyle Community Centre, following 6 years at Reynella Neighbourhood Centre and 10 years at Hackham West Community Centre. With extensive practical and theoretical knowledge in Asset Based Community Development practices, Cathie excels in delivering community-led programs. Her 20-year involvement with Community Centres has fueled her passion for volunteer management, governance, and community engagement.* Cathie's formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science in Family and Community Studies, an Associate Diploma in Community Work, an Advanced Diploma in Community Services Management, and an Advanced Diploma in Volunteer Management.
JANE LAWS
Jane Laws developed a passion for community development following her move from the UK to Adelaide. After attending a school holiday program, with her then young children, at a local Community Centre she began volunteering before studying Community Development. Over the last 16 years Jane has worked across local government in the sector and now leads a team overseeing 8 community centres and hubs across the City of Salisbury.