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.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Staff_Scott_Dutschke_Square

SCOTT DUTSCHKE

Scott has been part of the CCSA team since 2017 and is a friendly and experienced leader with a solid background in operational management and leadership. He is particularly skilled at managing change and adapting to different operational environments. With a community-focused mindset and a knack for building strong relationships, Scott has consistently achieved success in diverse organisations. He is driven by results and always finds creative solutions, leveraging his expertise in managing stakeholder relationships and evaluating operational efficiency.

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

placeholder.png

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

SARAH LESSES

Sarah is a Social Worker by training with recent experience in coordinating Adult Education and Community Development Programs. She has worked in Adelaide and Beijing, China developing community capacity building and wellbeing programs. Sarah holds qualifications in Social Work and a Masters in Applied Anthropology and Participatory development from the Australian National University. She has held several qualifications in Training and Assessment and an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management. Sarah has a passion for helping learners to find their own pathway towards success.

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.

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

Maple

IMG_8924 (002)

Fudge

Fudge 2 (2)

“If you do not step forward you will always be in the same place.”