Our People

One of the things that makes Focal great is our people.
Meet the group of inspired, skill-based leaders who bring knowledge, expertise, passion and years of experience to the organisation.

One of the things that makes Focal great is our people.

Meet the group of inspired, skill-based leaders who bring knowledge, expertise, passion and years of experience to the organisation.

Each Board Member has unique expertise and links to the community, which ensures Focal continues to be relevant and innovative.

Board of Directors

Each Board Member has unique expertise and links to the community, which ensures Focal continues to be relevant and innovative.

Zane Ali

Chairperson

Zane is passionate about innovating the way traditional services are delivered and challenging the status quo. He is a highly regarded industry leader known for promoting social and community growth, development and cohesion. Zane brings over 15 years of experience in executive leadership roles overseeing finance, corporate services and business development functions in the aged care, refugee, multicultural and disability sectors. Zane lives in Brisbane, is a proud father and is driven by the motivation of providing a better society for all.

Cathy Schilpzand

Secretary

Cathy is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 10 years of experience spanning public practice, disability and the not-for-profit sectors. She is passionate and driven in having a positive impact on people with a disability by bringing her commercial acumen to the sector to ensure long term sustainability. Cathy joins the Board as Company Secretary based on her experience with working with non-for-profit Boards. She enjoys roles that enable her to apply her experience to help within the community.

Robert Newman

Treasurer

Rob is an organisational psychologist specialising in board and executive dynamics, leadership coaching and organisational culture. He works as an advisor and coach to senior executives and directors in large organisations across diverse industries including construction, finance, transport, utilities, resources, and education. Rob is also a faculty member at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) where he co-facilitates the advanced course in governance, the Boardroom Mastery program.

Jillian Fox

Board Member

Jillian is an accomplished senior executive whose strategic leadership and management experience is drawn from multiple areas. Her focus is strategic and innovative service development, with strong commitment to values and governance. Jillian is committed to ethical, mindful leadership and nurtures an organisational culture of professionalism, learning and career development.

Brianna Barry

Board Member

Brianna brings over a decade of professional experience, with a personal drive to create positive impact for disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable groups within Australia. Brianna has been working within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) framework since it’s pilot in the Hunter region (NSW) in 2013. During that time, she’s worked in many related roles, including Support Coordination, for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), and in direct management and senior leadership positions in supported accommodation, service delivery, and operations.

Elaine De Vos

Board Member

Elaine has been a CEO for over 25 years and has significant experience of working within the NDIS sector both at a Government level and as a CEO of large not-for-profit organisations. Inspired by the history of Focal and values that are core to the organisation's mission, Elaine has a vested interest in empowering and enabling those Focal supports to live independently and achieve their dreams.

Board of Directors

Zane Ali

Chairperson

Zane is passionate about innovating the way traditional services are delivered and challenging the status quo. He is a highly regarded industry leader known for promoting social and community growth, development and cohesion. Zane brings over 15 years of experience in executive leadership roles overseeing finance, corporate services and business development functions in the aged care, refugee, multicultural and disability sectors. Zane lives in Brisbane, is a proud father and is driven by the motivation of providing a better society for all.

Cathy Schilpzand

Secretary

Robert Newman

Treasurer

Rob is an organisational psychologist specialising in board and executive dynamics, leadership coaching and organisational culture. He works as an advisor and coach to senior executives and directors in large organisations across diverse industries including construction, finance, transport, utilities, resources, and education. Rob is also a faculty member at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) where he co-facilitates the advanced course in governance, the Boardroom Mastery program.

Jillian Fox

Board Member

Jillian is an accomplished senior executive whose strategic leadership and management experience is drawn from multiple areas. Her focus is strategic and innovative service development, with strong commitment to values and governance. Jillian is committed to ethical, mindful leadership and nurtures an organisational culture of professionalism, learning and career development.

Brianna Barry

Board Member

Brianna brings over a decade of professional experience, with a personal drive to create positive impact for disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable groups within Australia. Brianna has been working within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) framework since it’s pilot in the Hunter region (NSW) in 2013. During that time, she’s worked in many related roles, including Support Coordination, for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), and in direct management and senior leadership positions in supported accommodation, service delivery, and operations.

Elaine De Vos

Board Member

Elaine has been a CEO for over 25 years and has significant experience of working within the NDIS sector both at a Government level and as a CEO of large not-for-profit organisations. Inspired by the history of Focal and values that are core to the organisation's mission, Elaine has a vested interest in empowering and enabling those Focal supports to live independently and achieve their dreams.

About Us

At Focal, we support people of all ages and needs, in their homes and the community. Through our unique person-centred support options we're building a brighter tomorrow for people with disability and seniors throughout South East Queensland.

All About Us

Our vision

To create endless opportunities for all.

Our mission

We empower a life of choice by listening and working alongside you towards your goals.

About Us

At Focal, we support people of all ages and needs, in their homes and the community. Through our unique person-centred support options we're building a brighter tomorrow for people with disability and seniors throughout South East Queensland.

All About Us

Our vision

To create endless opportunities for all.

Our mission

We empower a life of choice by listening and working alongside you towards your goals.

Be part of something bigger

Careers at Focal

Our team members wear all sorts of hats, helping Focal set the benchmark for aged care and disability support since 1974. Whether you’re currently studying, looking at a career change, or looking to expand your horizon, you’ll make a real difference here.

Work With Us