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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.

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.

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.

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.

Senior Management Team

Our senior management team brings a wealth of first-hand knowledge to the table, enabling us to make informed decisions and stay at the forefront of our industry.

Patricia Hitchenor

Senior Manager Community Development

Deb Thomas

Senior Manager
Quality and Compliance

Kerri Siebenhausen

Senior Manager Client Relationships and Children Services

Kelly Butler

Senior Manager Support Coordination

Riddhi Devia

Financial Controller

Cathy Schilpzand

Senior Manager Corporate Services

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 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 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 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