Directors
Kim Brown
Kim has been the Chair of the Big Sister Foundation for 8 years and a volunteer board director for the past 11 years. With over 25 years working across the Asia Pacific region in IT and consulting sectors, Kim brings to the board experience in communications, marketing and business management. For over 25 years she has volunteered in the community sector and is passionate about assisting local community organisations develop their sustainability and social enterprise capacity.
Kim holds a Masters Arts in Communication (UTS); Diploma in Management (UTS) and a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at the Centre of Social Impact (UNSW).
Alison Brown
Alison was appointed as a Director of the Big Sister Foundation in 2011. Alison worked as a physiotherapist before moving into Health, Safety and Risk Management, initially in the private sector and then as an independent consultant. She is currently a manager in the Public Health sector. Alison is motivated to support the disadvantaged by assisting local organizations to realise innovative programs and provide best practice outcomes while ensuring their future sustainability.
Alison holds a Bachelor of Science (UNSW) and a Graduate Diploma in Commerce (UOW).
Debbie Crowley
Debbie has thirty years of experience with community organisations which provide services to address the rights and improve the welfare of children and adults with disabilities. She has more than twenty years’ experience in board directorships with several non profit organisations. Currently she is a director of Clever Care NOW and since 2006, has been on the Board of Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre. In 2014 she was voted Sutherland Shire Citizen of the Year.
Since 2014 Debbie has been a tribunal member at NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal and continues this role today.
Cathy-Anne Kelly
Cathy brings to Big Sister Foundation over 30 years of experience in community health across a variety of roles including delivering health programs and pharmacy education to businesses, community, schools and aged care organisations. Cathy is a strong communicator with qualifications in training and assessment, and is a registered and practicing pharmacist.
Cathy believes in the importance of individual social contribution and active community involvement, with a particular personal interest in the disability sector and navigating the health system.
Cathy holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (USYD) and a Cert IV TAFE (training and assessment).
Julie McCarthy
Julie has owned and run successful small businesses in the health industry for over thirty years. She is an experienced manager and understands the interaction of the key stakeholders in the delivery of effective health programs. Julie joined the board of Big Sister Foundation to support local community organisations deliver better medical and mental health outcomes via early prevention, interaction and education programs. Julie is interested in making sure that all funding is used for the greatest social impact.
Julie is a non-executive Director of the Sydney Health Community Network and a Director of the Community Council for the CESPHN, advocating and advising on community, consumer and carer issues.
Julie holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, Physiotherapy (USYD).
Shanne Taylor
Shanne has been a Director on the Big Sister Foundation Board since 2011. She has worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in both the public and private health sectors for over 35 years. Shanne has gained extensive knowledge from working in health in most states in Australia and has a strong commitment to the empowerment of women, particularly making a difference to women in the local area through her community work and business practice.
Shanne holds a Bachelor of Nursing from Deakin University with further studies in Perioperative Nursing and Management and Social Media. She has also completed an AICCC.