STAFF
Shaun
Shaun has been privileged to work with a number of different community organisations over 20 years, working to support people across a variety of areas including mental health and wellbeing, health promotion, research, inclusion and clinical education and training. Shaun has held an Honorary Associate Lecturer attachment with the University of Queensland, has been involved with a variety of Steering Committees, Reference Groups and Boards of Governance, and has a Masters in Criminology and Bachelor of Science (Psychology). Shaun is passionate about creating space for everyone feel empowered and be able to live their authentic lives, and ensuring programs and services have community voices at the centre of the work.
Fadia
Fadia joined BABI in 2015 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, majoring in Accounting from Cairo, Egypt. After moving to Australia in 1990 she attended QUT for further studies to update her skills to Australian standards and is proud to call Australia home. Since 1982 Fadia has worked in both the corporate and the non-corporate sectors. Since 1994 Fadia has worked exclusively for the not for profit sector in Queensland and has developed an extensive experience within the sector. Fadia loves her work and enjoys developing and implementing strategies that overcome the financial challenges faced by the not for profit sector. Fadia loves being part of a dynamic, experienced, diversified and caring team.
Ally
Sahn
With over six years of dedicated experience supporting families at risk, Sahn is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community. He believes that every person carries a unique purpose, and with the right encouragement, they can achieve incredible things. Grounded in his faith in Jesus Christ, Sahn draws inspiration and strength to foster hope and positivity in the lives he touches. He works with the IHRF program, a role he is truly grateful for, as it allows him to assist families in need and make a tangible difference. He is also deeply committed to outreach and community support, striving to uplift and empower those around him.
Maddie
Maddie is the Youth Case Worker on our Youth Support program at BABI Youth and Family Service. Maddie provides individualised, holistic, practical case management and outreach support to young people aged 12-21 living in local Wynnum/Manly and surrounding community. With over four years experience of working with young people and families, and holding a Bachelor of Social Work, Maddie brings a trauma-informed and youth centred approach to her work. Maddie is passionate about creating a safe space for young people to feel seen, valued, accepted and empowered.
Rachel
Rachel has almost a decade of counselling experience working with families on the Brisbane bayside areas. She works with parents using dynamic techniques to support change, overcome difficulty and increase resilience. She works gently with trauma, focusing on your current situation in a non-judgemental space. Rachel will be delivering free counselling to Bayside parents and presenting the Parenting and Enjoying your Teen (PET) workshops at BABI which run over 6 weeks.
Tara
Tara initially started at BABI in 2021 as a student on placement and then graduated from her Bachelor of Social Work. Tara moved into the Youth Case Worker role in the Get Set for Work program in 2023 to support young people disengaged from school and employment. In 2026 Tara become BABI’s Youth Case Worker. Tara is passionate about working alongside young people to overcome barriers and support them to shape and build the life they want to lead. Tara enjoys connecting with young people, learning off them and seeing them reach their goals.
Monte
As our LINX Youth Worker Monte looks after our drop in space, facilitates our school holiday program and supports our Youth Voice Committee.
Julie
Julie has been excitedly working at BABI since the beginning of 2022 and is impressed at the compassionate and fervent team that she works in. Julie loves her role as a as it allows her to support our youth and families and ensure they thrive. Julie is dedicated in meeting the support needs of her clients and enjoys working with diverse communities to empower their aspirations.
Cindy
Gwen
Gwen has worked in the childcare sector for over 20 years and is a passionate advocate for youths and young children. For Gwen, being part of the BABI team and working to support vulnerable young people is exciting and rewarding.
JAKE
Jake uses skills as a youth worker to listen to what the young people need and then does his best to make it happen. He is always grateful to be in a position where he can learn, laugh and grow with the young people at BABI. Today’s youth are often misunderstood and Jake wants the community to see that they are kids still learning to navigate the world around them. He finds a lot of joy in being able to assist youth who often feel like they don’t have much support. Outside of work, Jake enjoys live music and is passionate about fishing and kayaking.
Vanita
OUR BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
Sarah Mawhinney
Sarah is a public policy and communications specialist with a career spanning over 20 years within government, community and union organisations. Sarah has proven abilities to successfully work collaboratively with multiple levels of government, utilising well developed interpersonal and negotiation skills to achieve positive results. Sarah is committed to working with local community organisations to improve outcomes for those who need support.
Chris Webster
Chris worked as a Technical Officer with Telstra until 1998 (30 years), a Retail Sales Assistant for 5 years (1998-2003) and Admin/Bookkeeping part time (2003-2021). He retired from paid employment in July 2021. He currently volunteers with the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme since 2010, the Redland Community Centre since 2017. He is Company Secretary of RWM Community Financial Services Limited (the company that holds the franchise to operate the Bendigo Community Bank branches in Victoria Point and Wynnum Manly), and Chairperson of the United Community Services Inc. Board. He is a Life Member of the Capalaba State College Amateur Swimming Club and a Life Member of Tennis Officials Australia.
Edward Harwood
Edward joined the Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) in 2006 and is currently employed as PBPL Community Relations Advisor. His responsibilities include oversight of community sponsorship programs and management of community amenities inclusive of visitors centre, cafe, conference rooms and port tours. Previously, Edward worked in a variety of management positions in hospitality in Melbourne, Adelaide, the UK and Sweden. Edward has been a board member of BABI since 2014 and is well known across many non for profit entities in the local area. Edward has an interest in community issues and assisting community organisations to achieve their social aims.
Sharon Wilson
Sharon joined the BABI Board in 2022 after a 30 year career in the provision of housing and housing-related services in local, state and commonwealth government agencies. Sharon held senior leadership roles responsible for housing acquisition and construction, maintenance, portfolio management and the delivery of property and tenancy management services to social housing and Defence clients. Sharon brings to BABI many years’ experience in leadership roles with responsibility for strategic management and governance. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Business majoring in Public Management. Sharon has a strong belief that access to safe, secure and affordable housing and a place to call home are fundamental to health, education, employment and life opportunities. The services that BABI provides play an important role in addressing this need in the Wynnum community.
Peter Cumming
Peter has qualifications in Economics and Law but has not practiced in law for almost 30 years. Peter has been heavily involved in the Wynnum Manly community in his previous role as Councillor for Wynnum Manly for 29 years until his retirement in 2023. He continues to take a keen interest in community events in Wynnum Manly.
Hugh Bettinson
Currently in his penultimate year of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Business (Management), Hugh is a community-minded leader and governance professional dedicated to strengthening local services. He is a board member of several local community organisations and the Head of Media Relations for Joan Pease MP, Shadow Minister for Small Business, Customer Service & Open Data. Recognised by the Courier Mail as one of the Bayside’s Top Young People under 25, Hugh combines legal, business, and communications experience with a passion for social justice and community impact.
Alex Cossu
Youth representative
BABI is grateful to have the voice of a young person on the Board.