COMMUNITY MINDS - Key Persons
Chris Planer is a Community Services teacher with Western Sydney Institute TAFE NSW, where he delivers Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health and Youth Work programs and manages Industry Engagement for TAFE students. Previously Chris held the role of Operations Manager with Life Ed NSW as well a drug and alcohol counsellor/group facilitator at Odyssey House.
Chris is committee Chairperson for the Penrith Relay for Life and an ambassador for Cancer Council NSW, speaking at events about his experiences in overcoming cancer, as well as advocating for changes in the health system.
Chris is dedicated and passionate about challenging the mindset and shifting perspectives of children and youth, so they can play a part in building inclusive and cohesive communities.
Since 2016 Chris continues to serve on Community Minds management board bringing a wealth of knowledge, professional insights, and advice particularly in areas of operations and program development and management.
Hemat has been an accountant for over 30 years, with more than half of that time in the not-for-profit space. She joined Community Minds this year on a part time basis and is also the accountant for Humanity Matters Inc, a long-running charity youth service.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Chairperson
- Solicitor
Richard Chidiac is a qualified solicitor, holding a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney. Richard is also the Director of a successful firm, Chidiac Legal, specialising in commercial and residential law and has a growing criminal law division.
Richard is passionate about all things community and is an active member of various business and community networks, strongly committed to strengthening connections and working on projects that help people and communities thrive.
Richard's legal expertise and passion for community has been a great asset to Community Minds and as a Board Director provides resolute support and advice in areas of governance, legal matters, and business development.
Stephen Morrison has worked in crisis counselling and suicide intervention and prevention for almost 20 years. He has worked for organisations such as Lifeline, headspace and Kids First, as well as for schools such as Mercy and Servite College. He currently works as the College Counsellor at Tranby College.
In 2020, Stephen had a change in career focus. He completed a Bachelor of Business in 2022, is due to complete a Master of Business Administration in August 2023, and has enrolled to commence a Master of Human Resource Management in September 2023. Stephen is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Australian Human Resource Institute, Project Management Institute and Change Management Institute.
Stephen believes that community mindedness significantly improves the quality of all our lives and is the answer to social poverty. His passion for community mindedness is why he became a board member at Community Minds in 2023. Stephen's directorship focus is on corporate foresight, organisational development, and business model optimisation.
Job Titles:
- Non - Executive Board Director