Staff & Volunteers

The difference between a helping hand and an outstretched palm is a twist of the wrist.

~Laurence Leamer, King of the Night

In 2009 The Umbrella Network secured a small amount of funding from Disability Services which enabled us to have an office space as well as a part-time staff member. Cootharinga North Queensland have not only assisted by Auspicing our organisation but in 2009 – 2011 invited us to utilise their office space to work from. Its coffee room , offices and amenities were well used! For more information about the great work they do you can visit them at www.cootharinga.org.au

In November 2011 we bid farewell to an integral part of our organisation in Jenny Kastner. her passion and commitment enabled us to grow and help more families in our community – thank you Jenny!. While one door closed a new one opened for us and the incredible demand for our services meant a new direction and expansion in order to continue to assist the families in the community – we are proud to welcome four new faces to our Umbrella family!

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STAFF

Sue - Network Co Ordinator

Sue comes to us from an experienced and varied background ranging from HR to working within the Health System. A ‘life-change’ has brought Sue to our doors and her passion to help families comes from her own personal experience. We welcome her and her skills with open arms and know you will too. Sue will be in the office for 16 hours / week . She is a great listener, and gentle soul who will be a wonderful resource and asset to families. We will snap a picture of her soon !Contact : sue@theumbrellanetwork.org

Geoff – Project Officer

Geoff is a Townsville local who has many ties to the community. He will be engaging with other community organisations and businesses in our region to raise awareness and increase networking opportunities. Also if you think you have a business or person who might like to offer financial support – he’s the man to contact! He will also be updating our web , newsletters & face book . Geoff has close family connections to the world of disability and has proven a hit with kids who come in to visit ! He will be officially doing 7 hrs / week but no doubt we will be seeing more of him than that. Contact : geoff@theumbrellanetwork.org

Jennifer – MyTime Fascilitator / Volunteer

Jennifer is a single mum with 2 children. Her youngest child Declan was diagnosed with ASD in July 2011. Jen will be in charge of coordinating our wonderful MyTime events and meeting new and returning mums . Having just begun her journey into this ’world’. Jen will be a great contact for new mums going through a similar experience. ” The MyTime program is a great way for parents to have a little time to themselves – I can’t wait to meet you all at our next event!” For info about Mytime events check our calender or contact Jen t through the office at info@theumbrellanetwork.org

Tanya Armitage – Volunteer Coordinator & Volunteer!

Tanya is a vibrannt and energetic young woman who has a great social conscience and voluneteers her time and effort in a numberof ways through out the Townsville community. Tanya has shown great enthusiasm and support for our Network and also brings with her a great head for business and a degree in Psychology . While her fulltime work doesnt allow her to be on our ‘books’ as yet we are happy to have her organise our ever growing Volunteer base. ” As a Volunteer Coordinator I will be trying to ensure that everyones experience is fun and fulfilling. There are many ways you can assist us at Umbrella so just ask ! ”

VOLUNTEERS

The Umbrella Network would not be the organisation it is today without the time and dedication of many volunteers. They offer their help during Mothers Respite Weekends, Family Fun Days, at the office and in fundraising.

We greatly appreciate the time, effort and care shown by our volunteers and would like to thank The many Umbrella mums,dads, grandparents & friends who help out in anyway they can. . As our organisation grows , so does our need for more help! If you would like to be a part of our network in a volunteering capacity please contact Tanya at info@theumbrellanetwork.org .