Our people
Operations
Wendy Matthews
General Manager
Wendy Matthews started at Headway in early-2020 with extensive experience in management of Home and Community Care, disability and aged care services.
She holds a diploma of Business Management and Disability and was pleased to join a strong local organisation that is committed to outcomes for participants.
“I see the value in my work when we know the participants are receiving the support they requested, listening to positive feedback we receive."
She also loves to see the smiles and camaraderie of Headway Gippsland's four social support groups that operate across the region.
When she's not at work, Wendy loves to spend some time with her four grandchildren.
Email Wendy
Debbie van Rossum
Operations Manager
Debbie van Rossum joined the Headway team in January 2023 and looks forward to both sharing her knowledge and learning from those around her.
She holds a Diploma of Business Studies and has had previous roles in HR & Operations Management and administration across a broad range of industries including Healthcare, Aged Care, Construction, Manufacturing, Power and Mining.
Debbie is a mum to 6, has 3 dogs, 10 cows and about 100 sheep. In her spare time she loves to relax at their farm in northern Victoria, get out and about 4WDing, camping and boating and seeing new places around Australia.
Email Debbie
Brooke McKay
Client Services Intake
Coordinator
Brooke is Headway's Client Services Intake Coordinator.
She has worked in disability for 3 years, with a variety of disabilities, mainly mental health and psychosocial.
Brooke is currently undertaking a Cert 4 in Disability and an Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management.
"I like that no two days are the same, and getting to talk to new people and understanding the different ways I can support them."
When she is not in the office, Brooke loves spending time with her 3 boys, her puppy and family. They frequently go camping, fishing, 4-wheel driving and catching up with friends.
Email Brooke
Amy Comber
Quality & Client Services
Team Leader
Amy Comber makes sure our one-to-one support services are smooth and consistent for participants.
She is a skilled administrator who joined the Headway team in mid-2021.
With 12 years in the childcare industry under her belt, she is a great communicator and knows how to help people feel comfortable while settling in to a new service.
Outside of work, Amy is often out camping with her husband and two daughters and loves her indoor plants.
Email Amy
Lisa Patching
Client Service Engagement
Officer
Lisa Patching became apart of the Morwell team in mid-2021 to offer a range of support to the organisation, covering both administration and plan management.
Lisa has stepped up into the role of coordinating 1:1 supports. Lisa comes will-equipped to the position with qualifications in both children services and disability. Her team benefits from her experience in both direct support and office-based coordination roles in the disability sector.
Her team benefits from her experience in both direct support work and office-based coordination roles in the disability sector.
Lisa keeps a tidy desk – she loves cleaning! Outside of work, she loves to go shopping and spend time with her friends and family. Lisa has 3 fur babies Toby, Winston & Sadie.
Email Lisa
Plan Management Team
Ben Munro
Plan Manager/CRM
Technical Specialist
Ben started at Headway Gippsland in early-2021 to join the plan management team in the Morwell office who help participants manage their NDIS budget and maximise their plan.
He came to Headway with experience in the industry he will draw on to help participants get the most out of their plan.
“I wanted a job in a company that was more directly involved in helping people.”
When he is not in the office, Ben devotes his time to music as a guitar-player, and is interested in science and history.
Email Ben
Charlotte Harvie
Plan Manager
Charlotte joined Headway in 2023 as a Plan Manager, and is most excited to learn all about how the NDIS works to support their participants.
Charlotte came to us from an Aged Care facility in a Finance position. She has experience in Allied Health administration and holds a Certificate in Business Administration.
Charlotte is also currently completing a Certificate in Individual Support.
“Outside of work I love to spend time with my friends and family, go away camping on weekends and spend time with my dog Jax!”
Email Charlotte
Rhiannon Harasymenko
Marketing & Comms
Rhiannon Harasymenko joined the Headway Team in 2022 as the Marketing and Communications Officer.
Rhiannon has a dynamic background in writing, L&D, e-learning and the development of digital publications. She holds a Master of Linguistics.
Recently moved from Melbourne to Trafalgar, she sought a career change in order to better serve the community.
Outside the office, she is an avid gardener, mother of two fur children and loving restorer of a 1900 miners' cottage.
Email Rhiannon
Life Skills Officers
Life skills officers are the people who help participants reach their full potential.
They provide a positive and supportive environment for participants to achieve their own goals and get out and participate in home and community life in the way they want to.
Promoting independence is a key focus in their work with participants.
They are trained professionals who can help with daily living skills and help link in with community resources.
Interested in working with us?
These are rewarding casual positions and we have staff right across Gippsland.
For more information, visit our
careers page.
Volunteers
Headway values its volunteers for the incredible assistance they offer at various corners of the organisation. They bring their many and varied skills to help support what Headway does.
Volunteers assist with client transport, help out at social support groups, are members of the board of directors and they offer friendship to participants.
Headway supports volunteers with ongoing education and trained staff guide them in their roles to ensure participants receive consistency in the quality of support.
Want to get involved?
Express your interest today.
Click here.
Social Support Groups
We have a fantastic team of coordinators and assistants who run our social support groups with the help of volunteers.
Our staff build an inclusive, diverse and safe environment for our participants.
Those who work and volunteer in our groups, help the members learn new skills and maintain social interaction in the community.
Running a social support group is all about engaging the participants to contribute their own ideas and create a calendar of activities that is meaningful to their interests and goals.
Interested in being involved?
Contact the office today on (03) 5127 7166.
We pay our respects to the traditional custodians, their elders and ancestors of the lands, which our organisation sits. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and welcome you to our service. Headway Gippsland is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect.