Grant Simpson Chief Executive Officer Expand Grant Simpson is the Chief Executive Officer with over 30 years leadership experience in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Grant is responsible for LDDSWQL's strategic plan and overall performance ensuring the organisation's vision and mission are being delivered. Grant is involved in building strategic partnerships with all external stakeholders including government departments on Commonwealth, state and local levels, sector partners, the business community, donors and supporters. Grant works closely with the LDDSWQL Board to monitor the performance of the strategic plan against the vision set by the Board. He also works with Lifeline Australia to share best practice and support LDDSWQL as part of the Lifeline federated body. Grant is a Non-Executive Director of Westhaven, a leading NDIS services provider in regional NSW. He is also a Committee Member of an innovative Specialised Disability Accommodation Real Estate Investment Trust called the Excelsior Fund. Grant holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Griffith University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Grant enjoys spending time with his family including his two teenage daughters. He has served as a volunteer for charitable and sporting associations such as Surf Lifesaving and is an avid swimmer and hiker.
Rachelle Patterson COO - Human & Community Services Expand 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.
Colin Aynsley Chief Financial Officer Expand 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.
John Pearson COO - Corporate and Human Resources Expand John is the Chief Operating Officer Corporate and Human Resources and oversees the Human Resources, Workplace Health and Safety, Quality Management and Corporate Support activities. John has had extensive experience at the Executive Director level in the Private, Public and Tertiary Education sectors. He has led the full range of human resource management activities with a particular focus on workforce planning, employee relations, change management, strategic advice and solutions, process improvement, quality assurance, compliance and risk management, and workplace health and safety. John is a strong advocate for creating a great workplace culture where all employees feel supported and valued with an opportunity to grow professionally and personally.
Daena Berkhout COO - Tranquillity Care Services Expand Daena is our Chief Operating Officer for Tranquillity Care Services, our NDIS division. Daena has over 10 years’ experience leading and supporting teams in the human services sector both nationally and internationally. With insights and experiences informed by her migrant heritage, her education, and diverse personal experiences, Daena is dedicated to working with vulnerable and at-risk people of all ages to enable them to live their best lives and contribute to thriving communities. Her commitment is focused on community and social challenges, collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders as a mechanism to solving individual, community and social issues. Daena strives to ensure inclusive practices that deliver a strong sense of belonging.
Robin Waldie PA to CEO Expand 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.