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Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland Ltd
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  1. About us
  2. Our team
  3. Staff

Our Staff

Our team members support the vital work we undertake within our communities.

Our Business Division supports staff working in retail, warehousing and recycling (Containers for Change). With 15 retail stores across our region and two Containers for Change Depots (in Toowoomba and Dalby), the Business Division provides employment, volunteering and training opportunities, as well as contributing essential income to support our community work. 

Our Corporate Services teams, including reception and administration, finance, workplace health and safety, human resources and information technology, provide organisational support essential to the provision of excellent service. 

Our Human Services Division includes social workers, psychologists, case managers, financial counsellors and provide a range of services and supports to individuals and families across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland. 

     

Our Executive Management Team

Derek Tuffield OAM

Chief Executive Officer

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Derek is the Chief Executive Officer and oversees all operational aspects of the organisation with the support of his highly experienced Executive Management Team members.

He has extensive experience in community services and community recovery which stretches more than 30 years. Prior to entering the field of community services, he worked in the banking industry for more than 17 years.

Networking, mentoring and successful stakeholder engagement is extremely important to him and for the future of the organisation. He is currently appointed and sits on various Federal, State and Local Government boards and working parties.

He is very passionate about his community and the organisations ability to successfully advocate and respond in times of community crisis and need.

Published: 13th January, 2020

Author: Amelia HB

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Rachelle Patterson

COO - Human & Community Services

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Rachelle is the Chief Operating Officer of Human and Community Services overseeing all counselling and other support programs across our footprint.

Rachelle has extensive experience working in the NGO and Government sectors including areas of mental health, out-of-home care, suicide prevention, homelessness, youth, Indigenous affairs, research and criminology. These professional appointments have been in a number of locations across Australia including remote communities, regional and inner-city locations.

Rachelle is strongly committed to working with people who experience disadvantage and supporting them to build their capacity and resilience and realise their potential as contributing members of society.

Published: 13th January, 2020

Author: Amelia HB

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Rodney Watton

COO - Partnerships & Business Development

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Rodney is the Chief Operations Officer – Partnerships and Business Development. Rodney’s role oversees the resource acquisition activities of the organisation including Fundraising, Submission Writing and Social Enterprise.

Rodney is also currently managing the implementation of our NDIS services under his responsibilities for new business development. Rodney has worked in the community services sector for over 20 years in direct service delivery, coordination, management and executive roles.

Rodney believes sustainable, efficient and above all effective non-profit organisations are the key to solving a number of issues in our community and as such is passionate about developing Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland Limited into one of the leaders in social impact in our region.

Published: 13th January, 2020

Author: Amelia HB

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Colin Aynsley

Chief Financial Officer

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Colin is the Chief Financial Officer overseeing all aspects of the finance and administrative function.

Colin has 30 years of solid experience throughout a successful career in the fields of Finance, Business Management and Administration, in senior Finance and Administrative Roles. With extensive experience in Finance he manages a small team ensuring that Lifeline Darling Downs continues to be the charity of choice. Having worked across a number of industries Colin brings with him valuable insights and expertise in all areas of Finance and Administration.

Both Colin and his family have a passion for the not for profit sector and has dedicated his time in this area in a voluntary and paid capacity.

Colin believes that if we all work together we can make a difference.

Published: 13th January, 2020

Updated: 12th March, 2020

Author: Amelia HB

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Robin Waldie

PA to CEO

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Robin joined Lifeline in 2014 as Personal Assistant to Derek Tuffield, providing administrative support to him and the Board of Directors.

During her career, Robin has lived and worked both in Australia and overseas and has over 30 years of experience in professional admin roles in the corporate and community sector. 

With a wide variety of experience including roles in Marketing, IT, Corporate Quality, Project Management and Recruitment, Robin brings this knowledge and understanding to her position at Lifeline. 

Communicating and interacting with people is what Robin enjoys most about her role and she loves having the opportunity to do this on a daily basis.

Published: 13th January, 2020

Author: Amelia HB

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Showing 10 of 5

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  • What we do

    What we do

    We exist to build strong communities which empower people to live to their full potential.

Lifeline Accidental Counsellor - Community Connectors Project

Lifeline Accidental Counsellor - Community Connectors Project

Local communities across Australia have been significantly impacted by natural disasters and COVID-19. Many people are experiencing personal challenges as a result of these difficult times. This training aims to help communities build resilience and strength Read more

Published: 16th February, 2021

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House and Home Appeal 2021

House and Home Appeal 2021

More than 500 people are homeless every night across the Toowoomba Region, together with record low vacancy rates and a lack of affordable housing in our region, many more people are at risk of and experiencing homelessness. You can help turn a house into a home. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 16th February, 2021

Author: Matt Gregg

Location: 33 Russell Street, Toowoomba, 4350

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33 Russell Street
Toowoomba
QLD 4350

Tel: 1300 991 443
Fax: 07 4699 1610

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Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Qld Ltd ABN 97075403959