Management Committee
Megan (President)
Megan, with a rich educational background including a BA in History, Graduate Diplomas in Librarianship and Industrial Relations, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, has dedicated over a decade to various leadership roles in community service and advocacy. As the Executive Officer of South Port Day Links Inc for six years, she contributed significantly by attending management committee meetings, preparing reports, and drafting policies. Her commitment extended to roles such as Committee Member and Public Officer for the Victorian Community Transport Association, Director and Secretary for the New International Bookshop, and leadership positions within the Victorian Colleges Staff Association. Since moving to Cairns in 2014, Megan has been an active committee member and Secretary for Lifestyle Connections, leveraging her extensive experience in governance, strategic planning, and NDIS readiness to support services for older people and contribute to community welfare.
Linda (Treasurer)
Linda, a London native who relocated to Cairns, boasts a diverse career that spans from bookkeeping for family businesses to becoming the financial controller for Great Adventures and Green Island Resort. With a Bachelor of Commerce from James Cook University and CPA certification, Linda’s academic and professional journey reflects her deep expertise in accounting, financial management, and strategic planning. Her commitment to community service is evident in her roles as a Justice of the Peace, a member of the Golden Key National Honours Society, and her involvement with the Institute of Internal Auditors – Australia. After retiring in 2017 to care for her husband, Linda continued to contribute to her community through volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, Lifestyle Connections, where she serves on the Management Committee and as Treasurer since 2018, and other local organizations. Her life story is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and dedication to both her profession and her community.
Bill (Member)
Bill’s career began in the Public Trust Office, serving in Brisbane, Toowoomba, and Cairns until 1992. His life took a new direction when he joined the management committee of Leisure Connections in 1993, motivated by a desire to support his son Lindsay and others with disabilities. Bill’s commitment to disability rights deepened as he balanced farm work with advocacy, serving as Treasurer of Lifestyle Connections from 1996 to 2018 and participating in QPPD (Queensland Parents for People with a Disability Inc) for five years. Raised on a dairy farm and educated in a one-teacher school, Bill values family, with five children and fifteen grandchildren, enjoys swimming, farming, and investing in the share market. His extensive governance training and committee experience, including strategic planning and NDIS readiness, underscore his dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities.
Andrew (Member)
Andrew brings a wealth of experience in management, project management, and youth services, underpinned by his comprehensive educational background. His commitment to enhancing regional disability services is evident in his desire to join the Lifestyle Connections board, where he aims to offer strategic advice drawn from his extensive work across various industries and disability service providers. As Operations Manager and Acting CEO at Down Syndrome Qld, Andrew spearheaded initiatives that significantly increased membership and revenue, demonstrating his capability in leading cultural change and developing NDIS funded programs. His involvement with Lifestyle Connections since November 2022 as a remote committee member from Brisbane, alongside his leadership roles in various community and professional boards, showcases his dedication to supporting disability services and community sports. Andrew’s expertise spans human resources, recruitment, communications, and event and project development, making him a valuable asset to any management committee.
Craig (Member)
Craig is a retired accountant with a Bachelor of Business from James Cook University. Originally from Victoria, he and his wife relocated to Cairns over 35 years ago, where they have since established strong connections within the local community.
Throughout his career, Craig developed extensive expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and governance, with a particular focus on roles within local government, the health sector, and public accounting. He also owned and operated a small business for several years, providing him with firsthand understanding of the challenges and needs faced by local enterprises.
In retirement, Craig remains actively engaged in community service through various volunteer and leadership roles. He currently serves as a board member of Lifestyle Connections and as treasurer for FNQ Volunteers.
Craig’s diverse professional experience, combined with his enduring commitment to community engagement, makes him a highly valued member of the board.
Jenny (Member)
Jenny is a highly experienced Accounts Payable and Purchasing professional with over two decades of expertise managing complex finance and procurement functions within local government and community organisations. Jenny’s career has been defined by exceptional attention to detail, organisational excellence, and the ability to manage high-value, high-volume accounts payable operations in strict compliance with legislative and organisational requirements.
Throughout Jennys career, she has demonstrated advanced skills in negotiation, supplier management, financial systems, and procurement processes, consistently ensuring cost-effective outcomes and operational efficiency. I have successfully developed and led procurement systems from the ground up, managed sensitive cash transfers in remote regions, and delivered accurate, timely payment processing for a wide range of suppliers and service providers.
In retirement, Jenny remains actively engaged in community service through volunteering. He currently serves as a board member of Lifestyle Connections.
Jenny’s diverse professional experience, combined with her enduring commitment to community engagement, makes her a highly valued member of the board.