UnitingCare West

She has served the Uniting Church in Australia since union in various leadership capacities as a lay woman - for various local congregations, in four different presbyteries, in two synods and for the Assembly on committees and in paid leadership positions. She has represented the church in international forums in Asia, Canada and in the UK.

In her role as Associate General Secretary for the Assembly she was on the board of UnitingCare Australia for six years. Wendie also gained the jobs network contract from the government for Wesley Uniting Employment and was on its management committee. She worked with Chris Hall and others in helping to set up the Uniting Missions Network and has an interest in strategic planning and scenario planning for the church and its agencies. She has degrees in communication, business studies, theology and TESOL as well as a Certificate IV Training and Assessment.

Wendy’s other major career has been in teaching at TAFE in the areas of English as a second language, in business studies and communication. Both teaching and the church work has led to significant involvement in relations with people of other faiths, becoming an inaugural member of the Australian National Dialogue of Muslims, Christians and Jews. As a result of this work, she was invited by the federal government to be part of a 10 person Australian delegation at religious faiths in Asia together with government representatives from 14 South East Asian nations.

Michael is currently employed at a national top tier law firm, where he practices principally in commercial and corporate law with a focus on corporate transactions relating to the energy and resources industry. During his career, Michael has acted on a number of complex transactions which have provided him with a broad understanding of the commercial issues faced by organisations, including those in the not-for-profit sector.

Michael’s hopes that the knowledge he has gained through his qualifications coupled with his commercial experience can provide valuable expertise to the UnitingCare West Board.

Glenda has previously held the position of Associate Dean International, Head of School of Education, and Associate Dean, Faculty of Education. Glenda began her professional life as a special education teacher and primary school administrator in Canada before moving to Perth and to the university sector.

Areas of research activity include cross-cultural teaching, school leadership and staff development. Glenda has served on the Council of Christ Church Grammar School for more than a decade, has held various executive roles in professional associations, including President, and is a Fellow and National Board member of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders. She has served on a number of state advisory committees including a current position on the Legal and Governance Committee of the Association of Independent Schools WA. Currently, Glenda is Deputy Chairperson of the Board.

Chris is Community Services director at the Rotary Club of Western Endeavour, and has previously served as President in 2008/09, and Club Service director from 2004-2006. Chris brings to the Board of UCW a keen interest in areas such as community service and social justice, working with young adults, and examining the impact of energy efficiency on the organisation itself and its service users.

He has skills and experience in strategic planning and management, policy development, and in gaining and organising knowledge to better inform decision making.

During his career Ian has worked in a range of high profile and complex roles holding key positions responsible for the creation, management, and leadership of four organisational startups, including significant elements for two Royal Commissions and two Standing Commissions of Inquiry, the last of which was having been engaged as one of the founding directors of the WA Corruption and Crime Commission in 2004. He has also been a director of a private company for the last twelve years. Ian holds a Graduate Certificate in Business and a Masters Degree in Leadership and Management, from which he was awarded the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Medal. More recently Ian has also attained a post graduate degree in Sustainability.

David previously worked at Wesley Mission Perth as a youth worker and has a good understanding of the mission of the Uniting Church and relationships with local congregations. He is a member of the Churchlands Christian Fellowship, Balcatta and has experience serving on several governing bodies and their committees.

Currently, David is the Chair of the Finance, Property and Audit Committee.

Doug brings to the Board executive management experience of both large and small organizations having had a lengthy career with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA. Doug was until recently a Director of Westscheme Pty Ltd and had been a long term member of its Claims Committee. He has been a member of a number of Statutory Boards and Committees in the areas of employment, training and equal opportunity together with various community organisations. He possesses tertiary qualifications in industrial relations, public administration and business management. Currently, Doug is a member of the Finance, Property and Audit Committee.

Janet has extensive experience in the provision of couple and family counselling, clinical supervision, and professional training for individual counsellors and teams. She has worked in a variety of health and counselling settings, and has particular interest in assisting individuals, couples or families with a focus on strengths and valuing differences. Janet has previously taught in undergraduate psychology and counselling programs at both Murdoch and Notre Dame Universities. Janet has prior experience as a mediator both in Perth and Sydney. Currently, Janet is a member of the Senior Staff Salaries and Conditions Working Party.

On completion of the year, she returned to catering as the College Housekeeper at Methodist Training College in Brisbane. In her two years there, she completed academic and other requirements necessary to commence theological training. During her years at the Theological Hall in Perth, Margaret worked as a Boarding House mistress and RE teacher at Penrhos College. She was ordained into the Methodist Ministry in 1975.

Her ministry placement at that time was Chaplain at Methodist Ladies College. In 1976, she was the inaugural president of SANDS (now incorporated into SIDS). In 1980, with two small children, the family relocated to Iraq where her husband was involved in an Australian Government project.

On returning to Perth, Margaret accepted a 12 month fill-in chaplaincy at Wesley College before going to PLC as a supply chaplain in 1983. She commenced as full time chaplain in 1984. During this time, she was voluntary chaplain to the Girl Guides Association.

In 1992, Margaret completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling at Edith Cowan University and is still a full member of PACAWA. On leaving PLC at the end of 1993, Margaret completed a Unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Royal Perth Hospital before accepting the position of Protestant Chaplain at the hospital.

After 11 years in that position, Margaret asked Synod to grant her leave of absence. Since then, she has filled a number of ‘supply’ positions both at the former Warehouse Café and at Royal Perth Hospital. Over the years, Margaret has held positions and served on education and health chaplaincy associations. She served for nine years on the board of GSI.

David was a successful applicant on the 2005 Leadership WA program and on completion provided assistance through the skillsbank program to a number of not-for-profit organisations in particular Volunteers Task Force and Living Works in the Pilbara Suicide Intervention Program. David's community service roles have included the St Thomas Primary School Board and P&F committee, membership of the Shark Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Member Pilbara Consultative Committee, Defence representative for the Burma - Thailand Railway Fund, and involvement in the Useless Loop Community Biosphere Project, Clean Up Australia and Tidy Town events

David brings to the Board particular skills and experience in property management and asset control, general business and human resources management, and contract negotiation and award. Currently, David is a member of the Finance, Audit and Property Committee and a member of the Property Strategy Advisory Group.

Rebecca worked in Parliament House Canberra developing policy advice and analysis in areas such as housing, Indigenous Affairs, community services and social inclusion. Rebecca is currently working with the Department for Local Government in Western Australia. Prior to taking up this role, Rebecca held the position of Director Government Relations with the national office of UnitingCare Australia in Canberra where she developed submissions into government inquires and provided communication and advocacy advice.

She has worked in Federal and local government organisations managing community development and public relations and in the private sector delivering health services. Rebecca has tertiary qualifications in welfare studies, the arts, human services and public policy. She has served on a number of boards and management committees in the community services, arts, and local government industries.