Caringa has a board of elected volunteer directors who oversee the stewardship of our organisation.
These individuals are voted for by their fellow Members, for demonstrating diverse professional backgrounds, extensive experience, and an unwavering commitment to Caringa’s vision, mission and values.
Each Director contributes a wealth of expertise from various industries, creating a synergy of knowledge that guides Caringa’s strategic direction with a future planning focus.
More importantly, these Directors all share a common ethical foundation that aligns seamlessly with Caringa’s core principles of inclusivity, empowerment, and community.
The 2025 Caringa Directors
As we move through 2025, the importance of inclusive communities in regional and coastal NSW has never been more apparent. Our volunteer board members play a vital role in shaping community and disability services, and advocacy across our diverse regions – from the bustling coastal town of Yamba or Coffs Harbour to close knit inland communities of Glenragh and or Lawrence.
We recognize that true inclusion means having diverse voices at the decision-making table. This includes people with disability, their families and carers, First Nations people, and community leaders who all bring valuable insights to our governance and strategic direction.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to strengthening disability advocacy across regional and coastal NSW. Our volunteer board members continue to demonstrate that local leadership and community connection are key to creating more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Image: (L-R) – Joshua Craig, Darren Kershaw, Caringa CEO Leon Ankersmit, Vicki St Lawrence and Timothy White.
Absent; Phil Elliot & Deborah Vlastaras
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
2025 CARINGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Caringa Board of Directors’ collective wisdom encompasses not only business acumen but also a deep understanding of social responsibility and the unique challenges faced by individuals across the board community that Caringa serves.
Every decision made at the Board level reflects Caringa’s commitment to improving lives and fostering a more inclusive community for everyone – a Complete Life if you will!
This ethical leadership is instrumental in maintaining Caringa’s reputation as a trusted and effective Community organisation, dedicated to making a positive impact across our culture, operations, and long-term vision.
Disability representation on our board and for our Members is not just a matter of inclusivity—it’s a crucial element in shaping the future of Caringa and the services we provide. Having individuals with lived experience of disability at the decision-making table ensures that our policies, strategies, and initiatives are truly reflective of the community we serve. Your unique perspectives provide invaluable insights that inform every aspect of our work, from service delivery to organisational culture.
Just as our Support Workers make a difference on the frontlines every day, Caringa Members with disabilities drive change at the systemic level, challenging assumptions, advocating for accessibility, and ensuring that the voices of people with disabilities are heard and respected in every decision we make. Your membership is a powerful statement of our commitment to authentic representation and empowerment, reinforcing our mission to create a more inclusive and equitable community for all.
Your membership is a powerful statement of our commitment to authentic representation and empowerment, reinforcing our mission to create a more inclusive and equitable community for all.
Download a 2025 Financial Year Membership Form (PDF)
The Caringa Community extend our deep thanks to the 2024 Directors
During their terms, they have fostered innovative problem-solving and robust decision-making processes, actively participated in governance and provided strategic guidance; all while navigating the complex landscape of disability inclusion & access, and provided principled leadership and advocacy for the wider Caringa Community.
Read more about The 2024 Board here