Helen Emmerson, comes to the role with more than 25 years of management experience in the care sector under her belt. 

After a decade at aged-care provider Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT, where she spent the last five years as chief executive. 

Prior to this she held other senior management roles in the care sector, including at the Australian Foundation for Disability, Blind Veterans UK, Sussex (NHS) Trust in the UK, and Uniting Care.  

She began her career as a registered nurse, specialising in mental health, at the former Rozelle Hospital. 

Brooke brings more than 17 years’ experience in social services and more than a decade in leadership and case manager roles at CatholicCare Sydney. Brooke leads the management of the new service model of Catholic Care Western Sydney and Blue Mountains. She provides collaborative support to staff, volunteers and clients, while building strong relationships with community and funding partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Dimsy has led Catholic Care’s finance division since early 2023, and brings strong financial and accounting skills underpinned for more than 15 years’ industry experience. She has worked for major corporate as well as other non-profit organisations, and is committed to fostering the financial growth and success of Catholic Care.

Linda began in 2014 as an Aboriginal HIPPY coordinator in 2014. Her team of four tutors assist parents to foster a love of learning and reading in their children using HIPPY resources. She holds formal qualifications in Bachelor of Teaching (primary), Diploma Community Services, Diploma Counselling and Diploma in Drug and Alcohol, and she continues to make a significant impact on the lives of local families.

Celia has been with Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains for more than a decade. She leads the community engagement programs and activities to support individuals and families to feel connected to society and to build their confidence and skills. She holds formal qualifications in Education (Primary), Communications
(Social Inquiry) and International Studies (France).

As the brainchild of the Houses to Homes program, Maree has spent more than six months supporting young pregnant women, young mothers and their children find safe, secure shelter that feels like a home. Maree brings more than 25 years’ experience in the social services industry and holds formal qualifications in Early Childhood, Nursing, Child Protection, Infant Massage and facilitating Parenting programs. She manages multiple residences, clients and service provides across Western Sydney to provide positive outcomes for young women and their families.

Caitlin brings over 10 years' experience working in the social services sector, including in executive leadership roles. As Catholic Care's Risk and Assurance Officer, Caitlin focuses on risk management, compliance, and quality assurance to ensure Catholic Care's programs and services are delivered efficiently, while meeting regulatory requirements and organisational and industry standards.

Nevena began with Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains in November 2023 and leads a skilled team of counsellors as well managing the needs of clients and stakeholders. Nevena brings a strong social and community background with formal qualifications across both areas. She has worked closely with children and child development in her former senior casework and team leader roles at Family Spirit, and was also a case manager at CatholicCare Sydney.

Abby brings more than 12 years’ experience in social and family services, having previously worked in child protection and custodial settings for many years. She holds formal qualifications in Health Science and Psychology. She leads a team of staff delivering a range of programs supporting vulnerable families across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

Bernard supports 14 chaplains providing support to those in the community. With a background in Catholic Education as a high school teacher, he moved into chaplaincy in 2016 to become the Chaplain at Emu Plains Correctional Centre, followed by Dillwynia Correctional Centre. Bernard realised the privilege and importance of chaplaincy, being able to serve those who are some of the most vulnerable in society. In 2023, he took up his position of Chaplaincy Coordinator at Catholic Care, which provides chaplains in both the hospital and prison systems in Western Sydney.

Family Day Care team in July 2023 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, underpinned by her passion for early childhood education and care. Emma has a Bachelor of Teaching, Early Childhood (0-8 years), and nearly 30 years’ industry experience.