Our Team

  • Mark Ellis

    CEO & Community Development Program Coordinator

    Mark is the Chief Executive Officer of the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre, a hybrid leadership role that combines strategic oversight with hands-on community development. He embraced this position with passion and purpose after years of community development work on the Sunshine Coast. A committed advocate for social justice, Mark works to create meaningful and lasting change for vulnerable community members, including people experiencing homelessness and those facing social isolation.

    In his dual role, Mark not only leads the organisation but remains actively engaged in developing programs, strengthening relationships, and supporting frontline initiatives.

    A Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards nominee in 2020 and Sunshine Coast Citizen of the Year in 2022, Mark continues to drive innovation through advocacy and collaboration. In 2025, he submitted a Churchill Fellowship proposal to explore international best practice in employment pathways to address homelessness. His leadership is defined by compassion, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre as a trusted, inclusive hub for the community.

  • Niamh Conway

    Family Support Program Coordinator

    Niamh (pronounced Neve) has worked with families for over 30 years, in Ireland, UK and Europe (17 years here on the SCoast) and has been at the centre since 2017 as the Family Support Coordinator. As every family is different, N enjoys the challenge of working closely with them to move forward positively in their lives. Seeing families connect in the community is a real bonus as many have come from overseas, without extended family support. Each child deserves a parent who can be the best they can be and this is the underlying value N has for families. N enjoys spending time with her own family, spending time at the beach, bushwalking and all kinds of music. Having fun and laughs and enjoying time with others, is what energises N and keeps her coming back to the Families at MNC for more.

  • Simon Rixon

    Urban Farm Horticulturalist & Coordinator

    Farmer Simon believes in the power of organic, nutrient rich, chemical-free clean food, the way it should be. He crossed the seas 15 years ago from the cloudy, cold shores of England, to grower’s paradise of the Sunshine Coast. Starting with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, then moving into the field of permaculture and regenerative agriculture, he has learnt what it takes to grow abundant food as medicine in the sub tropics. His goal is to empower others to grow their own produce and see the improvements in their lives. 

  • Martin Wells

    Administration Officer

    I grew up in England living in various villages in the County of Essex, our cricket team benefited from a few Aussies over the decades (Mark Waugh, Allan Border plus a few others). I settled on a career testing and measuring products at Ford and the GEC company, finishing with a few good years at the FMC Test Ground near Geelong which was fantastic while it lasted. I’ve been at the Sunshine Coast proper since 2019 and am still acclimatising to the weird and wonderful weather of Southeast Queensland whilst finding new friends at the MNC, helping me settle into my new home.

Our Board

  • Kate Kavourakis

    President

    Kate Kavourakis is a strategic leader with lived experience of disability, bringing empathy and insight to her board member role at Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre. With a background in corporate strategy, M&A, credit risk, and policy development, she applies a disciplined, pragmatic approach to leadership without compromising on values or integrity. Kate is committed to bringing her skills and experience to organisations that improve social outcomes and believes in compassion above all else.

  • Kerron Bromfield

    Treasurer

    My background is in Operations Management within the healthcare sector. I have worked at national, regional, and local levels, particularly in primary care and urgent care. I have been a volunteer with Orange Sky laundry in Nambour for over 9 years, as well as being a board member at Healthy Aging Partnerships. I also volunteer with Café Conversations which is a monthly initiative to support people experiencing loneliness and isolation.

  • Samuel Fairbank

    Secretary

    Sam is a passionate professional photographer and filmmaker whose work spans the medical, education, design, and wedding industries. Beyond this, he is a dedicated surf and documentary filmmaker inspired by compelling human stories, an avid songwriter, and a former aspiring soccer player. Sam has volunteered with MNC since 2019 and has served as Board Secretary since 2022.

  • Julie Bell

    Board Member

  • Jordan McIntosh

    Board Member

    Jordan McIntosh is a driven Sunshine Coast business leader and the Principal of Sunshine Coast Realty Group. He has proudly served as President of the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre Board since 2022, helping guide the organisation through major community projects and long-term strategic growth. Jordan is deeply committed to strengthening local support services, expanding opportunities for vulnerable community members, and championing initiatives that create real, lasting impact across the region. His leadership is grounded in vision, action, and a genuine passion for building a stronger, more connected Sunshine Coast.

  • Jon Barker

    Board Member

    Jon is a senior development professional having worked in the industry for over 40 years.  Jon started life as a project manager working on multi-residential and commercial projects.  Qualified in Construction Management, Real Estate, Project Management and Property Development, Jon likes to explore the detail.  Jon has achieved excellent results, working in all aspects of the development cycle, both individually and managing highly successful teams. 

    Having worked for both large and small companies like Concrete Constructions, McDonalds, Lange O’Rourke and Woolworths, Jon understands and appreciates different corporate cultures and values.  Jon is open and honest and is well known for his strong moral compass.

    Jon is retired, and married with 3 adult children.

  • Cheryl Harris

    Board Member

    Cheryl Harris (OAM) has over 26 years of dedicated community experience, and is a qualified Diversional Therapist. She possess a deep understanding of not-for-profit operations and a passion for linking community members with vital services and providers. Her unwavering commitment to the betterment of her community has led to her receiving:

    ▪ Sunshine Coast Council Citizen of the Year 2007

    ▪ Leadership Award in 2019

    ▪ Sunshine Coast Council Citizen of the Year 2021.

    ▪ OAM for my community work in 2024

    ▪ 2026 Qld Senior Australian of the Year

    Cheryl is guided by integrity, honesty, compassion and a thirst for continuous learning.

  • Sally Dando

    Board Member

    Sally is passionate about creating meaningful connections and contributing her skills to initiatives that make a difference. She has an extensive finance background applied across industries including IT Consultancy, Construction, and Pest Control, and filling senior management roles such as CFO. Sally blends creativity with practical problem‑solving to ensure projects are both effective and impactful. She values collaboration, transparency, and care in every role she takes on, and is dedicated to supporting efforts that uplift and empower communities.