STAFF PROFILES
Cathy Bolger – Manager/Senior Advocate
Cathy has a Bachelor of Social Work Degree and Diploma of Social Welfare. She joined DRAS in October 2006. Cathy brings skills and experience in the areas of family services, homeless services, aged care and vocational rehabilitation. Cathy’s previous employment history was in the business administration sector and she possesses an Advanced Diploma of Business Management and Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training. Cathy is an Honorary Justice of the Peace.
Kay Goldsworthy – Administration Officer
Kay enjoys living and working in Geelong after moving from the Wimmera. Kay has worked in Office Administration in numerous businesses and organisations, in remunerated and voluntary positions. Kay is pleased to be working at DRAS while also continuing her volunteer works at Volunteering Geelong.
BOARD MEMBER PROFILES
Duncan Morris – Chairperson
Duncan is the Department of Human Services Housing Services Manager of the Office of Housing in Geelong. In 2008 he completed a Masters in Human Services Management. Duncan’s passion for working with people was established while working as a captain in The Salvation Army. In 1993 he left the ministry and worked closely with people experiencing grief and loss at a Geelong funeral company. For the past six years Duncan has worked for The Salvation Army after completing studies in social work.
Peter Dolder – Vice Chairperson
Peter joined the DRAS Board in May 2010. Peter is the Casting & Lean Manufacturing Manager at the Ford Motor Company, Geelong Operations. Peter completed his Masters in Business Administration from Deakin University in 2007. Peter graduated from the inaugural ‘Leaders for Geelong’ program which examines the issues confronting the Geelong community.
Joe Ormeno – Treasurer
Joe joined the DRAS Board in 2010. Joe has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Major in Accounting and Finance) from Deakin University. He has worked for the past eighteen years in both the corporate and community services sector in finance management positions. Joe is currently the Chief Finance Officer at The Gordon. Prior to this he worked at St Laurence Community Service Inc as the General Manager Finance and Administration for five years. Joe is a member and supporter of the Geelong Football Club.
Chantelle Haines – Public Officer
Chantelle is currently the Local Customer Service Manager for Telstra Geelong & the Surf Coast She has over 10 years experience in the telecommunications industry. Her newly appointed role is to look after escalated customer service queries and manage localised marketing initiatives in the Geelong region. Chantelle will graduate this year from the Leaders for Geelong program. The program has exposed her to many different industries, community groups and government sectors, all providing her with detailed insights into local, regional and national topics.
Joanne D’Andrea
Joanne joined the DRAS Board in May 2010. Joanne is a Senior Associate at Harwood Andrews Lawyers. She studied at the University of Melbourne where she obtained a Bachelor of Law, a Bachelor of Arts, as well as a Graduate Diploma in International Law. Joanne is also a Registered Migration Agent. Joanne has been practicing law for 15 years and has significant experience as a litigator and commercial lawyer. Initially focusing on the areas of transport and trade, Joanne’s practice now has a strong emphasis on business structures and contracts.
Dean Hope
Dean joined the DRAS Board in June 2010. Dean has an extensive history in Human Resource management positions across both the community services and manufacturing sectors. He is currently the Human Resources Manager, Southern Region for Incitec Pivot Ltd. Prior to this he was the General Manager of Operations at St Laurence Community Services for seven years. Dean graduated from the inaugural ‘Leaders for Geelong’ program which examines the issues confronting the Geelong community.
Olivera Kocovski
Olivera joined the Board in 2010. Olivera migrated from Macedonia to Geelong 14 years ago. Although having a Spec. Hon. Bach. Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Building Services) and 14 years experience as a Project Manager, Olivera has followed her passion of working in the area of disability support/advocacy and is employed at Encompass Community Services. In 2009 she was the Project Officer for the inaugural ‘Taking the Lead’ Program. As a parent of young twin daughters diagnosed with severe Autism, Olivera also represents a consumer perspective in relation to disability advocacy on the board.
Dawn Armstrong
Dawn joined the DRAS Board in May 2010. Dawn has lived in Geelong all her life. After leaving school Dawn trained and worked as a nurse for some years. Later returning to university Dawn completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and then a Social Work degree from Melbourne University. Dawn is an experienced Social Worker having worked within hospital settings, Child Protection and currently at MacKillop Family Services in Foster care.