Our Organisation
Our experienced and passionate team is always here to help you.
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Our People
We believe home is where the heart is and consider it our priority to make your home & business as safe, comfortable and accessible as possible.
We promote a diverse and inclusive workplace employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people with disabilities.
Our expert team, including licenced builders, all have the appropriate insurance and certificates of trade.
Our Board of Management consists of seven members (three Executive & 4 Ordinary) endorsed through relevant declarations and commitments to hold these roles. All Board of Management are encouraged and do attend available training in their legal responsibilities.
We have reviewed our Constitution under the Associations Incorporation Act, 2009 and review this annually to ensure it continues to be relevant;
Our Annual General Meeting is held in November of each year.
We’re a not-for-profit community service organisation made up by a diverse group of individuals who work together to ensure we deliver the very best service for our clients.
Team Members
Gordon Stewart
CEO
Gordon is a highly accomplished professional possessing 20+ years of senior-level success driving local and international business development. With a track record of successfully developing business operation strategies in various countries, Gordon possesses a history of delivering effective marketing and business strategies. His time in different countries has exposed him to various cultures, advanced his business acumen, and developed his ability to quickly adapt to situations.
Gordon is an energetic and detail-oriented professional. Among his many talents is the capacity to effectively complete both client-side and supplier-side functions, optimise business opportunities and manage key accounts. His interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills assist with forging long-lasting stakeholder relationships.
His reputation as a results-driven leader with an ability to coach, motivate, and facilitate teams in delivering desirable outcomes in alignment with corporate goals is showcased throughout his career.
Belinda Hayton
Administration
Belinda has been a proud member of the Coffs Harbour community for over 27 years, having lived in various cities across Australia before settling here.
With a diverse work background, she has gained valuable experience as a youth worker, held administration and reception roles, as well as a professional cleaner. She’s been actively involved in her children’s school’s P&C.
Her commitment to supporting people in need has grown from her deep connection to the community. Outside of work, Belinda enjoys gaming, crocheting, baking and cherishing quality time with her children.
Sheldon McCartan
Administration
Sheldon is originally from London, England and moved to Australia to work and live herewith his family. In his spare time, he likes going for walks and listening to music.
He has a varied work history as a healthcare worker and has experience working in customer services.
He is happy to be a part of the team at Accessibility Experts and being able to help make our community a safer place.
Margie McLennan
Administration Assistant
Margie has been in the Coffs Harbour area for over 15 years and originally hails from Dubbo in country NSW.
Margie has two children and three grandchildren who she visits regularly and enjoys spending time with. She belongs to a local bush walking group which allows her to appreciate the beautiful area we live in.
Margie’s greatest experience has been in Administration in the Social Services Sector assisting families by helping to create an inclusive and connected world. She brings her helpful and friendly customer service skills and eye for detail to assist you in having a professional customer experience.
Greg Murray
Marketing Assistant
Greg moved to Coffs Harbour from Broken Hill in 2011 and has completed a number of courses at TAFE, including Certificate IV Web Design and a Diploma in Business Administration.
Greg joined our team in early 2017 as our marketing assistant, bringing a wealth of knowledge in social media and website management to Accessibility Experts.
In his spare time Greg Likes to collect minerals, enjoys taking photographs and reading Science fiction books.
Daniel Colling
Operations Manager
Married with a young family, Daniel grew up in Grafton and lived in Grafton before moving to Coffs Harbour and joining the Accessibility Experts team in 2020.
He has been a carpenter for over around 15 years and enjoys working in the building industry. Prior to joining our team, Daniel’s previous work included building new homes, extensions/renovations and bathroom renovations.
Daniel enjoys sport and can be found both watching and playing all types, particularly golf, rugby & cricket.
Daniel Curzon
Carpenter
One of the members of our construction team, Daniel was born in Tamworth but now enjoys the coastal lifestyle that Coffs Harbour offers.
Daniel has completed his Carpentry apprenticeship and has been a part of Accessibility Experts for years.
Daniel successfully completed his Higher School Certificate, Certificate III in Carpentry Building and is currently studying Diploma of Building and Surveying. He’d love to to gain his Certificate IV Clerk of Works.
Outside of the workshop Daniel’s interests include surfing, travelling, camping and fishing.
Blake Dunlop
Carpenter
Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Blake has lived on the Coffs coast for the majority of his life. An experienced and qualified carpenter, Blake has also completed a Cert V in Building and Construction.
Previous work included building new homes, extensions/renovations and bathroom renovations.
Blake enjoys off-shore fishing, motorbike riding, camping, 4wding and taking his two blue heelers (Boss & Meeka) for walks.
"I love helping people and hope I can continue to make a difference in the organisation."
Luc Austin
Carpenter
Luc was originally from a small country NSW town and has been living on The Mid-North Coast for around 15 years.
Luc has a certificate 3 in carpentry and is currently studying for certificate 4. Luc has been a carpenter for almost 20 years. He has been in the Home Modification Business for almost 7 years.
Luc enjoys fishing, camping, 4-wheeling driving, playing with his dogs and spending time with family.
Locky Colling
Apprentice
I grew up in Grafton and worked as a cabinet maker/ joiner for 12 years. I have my cert 3 in cabinet making/joinery. I have experience both working on the machines in the workshop and installing on site joinery.
I moved to Coffs Harbour in 2008 and commenced my carpentry apprenticeship in 2023.
In my off time I enjoy going to the gym, cooking, and playing video games.
I look forward to continuing to work for Accessibility Experts and helping people.
Ryan Crowney
Apprentice
Ryan has a Cert III in Holiday Parks and Resorts and a Cert III in Cabinet Making. For the past 2 years Ryan has worked for himself as a contractor installing kitchens for multiple local kitchen companies and builders.
In his spare time, Ryan enjoys playing golf, camping, and playing basketball. Ryan currently coaches for the Valley Braves and North Coast Basketball teams and plays senior men’s basketball for the Valley Braves. Ryan started his apprenticeship in carpentry with Accessibility Experts and is enjoying learning new skills and helping people.
Board Members
Terry Wilson
Chairperson
Terry has an extensive history working with public housing having worked for more than thirty years in housing administration, planning and operations.
Experience in policy and planning for state initiatives, working extensively in Sydney operationalising policy in relation to housing services for older people as well as product development.
Terry has post graduate qualifications in Management and Business Planning, Resource Management, Social Science and the Arts.
Stephanie Ring
Secretary
Stephanie has over 20 years experience within local and state government and the non-government sector in management and development positions, with a strong focus on social housing, community programs and development of community capacity.
Stephanie has around 15 years recent experience in management of community housing program planning and administration in a regional state government context.
Stephanie has most recently undertaken some project work to support capacity building in the indigenous community housing sector, and to support the implementation of Local Area Co-ordination of the NDIS
Mark McKiernan
Treasurer
Mark is an outcome focused professional with an extensive career in Asset Management, Business Operations and Projects Management.
He has held senior roles with in Government and NGOs as a Project Director, Asset and Capital Works Managers. He has held responsibilities for the Strategic and Operational Management of Assets within Health and Housing portfolios.
Mark has worked Internationally with Redr Australia and Federal Government as result of the 2004 tsunami. Responsible for development and delivery of major humanitarian projects, including reconstruction of major projects and infrastructure.
Mark has completed a broad range of professional development activities with qualifications in Business Management, Facilities and Asset Management, Project and Contract Management, Construction, and Logistics. He has been a Licensed Builder, Advance Building Construction TAFE Teacher and Licensed Valuer.
He has a reputation as a Leader focused on strategy and achieving planned results.
Ken Craig
Board Member
Ken Craig was born and raised in Coffs Harbour. His father was a Gumbaynggirr/Yaegl man and his mother is a Bundjalung woman – he comes from a large family that is one of the oldest in Coffs Harbour.
Ken has dedicated a lifetime to improving housing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across NSW, retiring in June 2015 after 32 years in Public Service. In 2013, in acknowledgement of Ken’s work in the housing sector, he was awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) by the then Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir.
As the Northern Regional Manager of the Aboriginal Housing Office, Ken was instrumental in leading his team to improve Aboriginal living standards by implementing programs that aim to build the capacity and sustainability of the Aboriginal community housing sector.
Working as an Associate with Moreton Consulting, Ken has also been involved in a number of projects including the Kempsey Aboriginal Ageing Strategy, supporting the Coffs Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Land Council and supporting Many Rivers Regional Housing Management Services Aboriginal Corporation.
Ken has undertaken many professional development activities and his qualifications include a Graduate Certificate in Housing Management and Policy and an Advanced Diploma in Government.
Chris O'Brien
Board Member
I grew up in Coffs Harbour attending Coffs Harbour primary school and then Coffs Jetty high school. I went to university in Sydney and graduated with a BA LLB.
I returned to Coffs Harbour in 1985 and was a partner in the legal firm Fishburn Watson O’Brien until I retired in 2020.
I acted as honorary solicitor for a number of Aboriginal Land Councils, sporting clubs and NFP organisations.
I was a board member of the Moonee Beach Reserve Trust for a number of years. I was the chairperson of the Coffs Harbour Challenge Foundation and more recently a board member of Community Care Options Coffs Harbour. I am currently chairman of the Charlesworth Bay Fishing Club.
Tonia Fitzcosta
Board member
I have lived in the Coffs Harbour area since 1997 after arriving here as a backpacker from the UK. I emigrated in 1999 and became a citizen after completing my Bachelor of Social Science from Southern Cross University.
I have travelled extensively throughout my life and spent my first 5yrs living in Africa. After completing my education and completing a Diploma in Business studies in my early 20’s I was employed by Hogan & Co International who worked closely with the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) and engaged in undercover work and private investigation work, this opportunity so young in my life has contributed to the person I am to day allowing me to adapt and embrace change no matter where I lay my hat!
I have worked in the social welfare arena for the past 20years with NGO’ such as Mission Australia, St Joseph’s Cowper and Mackillop Family Services, predominantly running programs, assessing carers and working with vulnerable young people from the juvenile justice system who have suffered with childhood trauma. During this time, I have engaged in numerous professional development pursuits providing me with a sound knowledge of person-centred care and trauma informed practise.
My current position is with Dougherty Villa (Clarence Village) where I am the Quality Manager, I oversee the care team and lead the quality and compliance effort, along with the Facility Manager, Deputy Facility Manager and care staff. The Quality Manager also works with Team Leaders to ensure care provided meets required standards, as well as to ensure care documentation and quality systems are up to scratch. I take a lead role in figuring out how to address quality issues in consultation with other managers and staff and review underperforming areas to find a way to improve. The Quality Manager keeps the Continuous Quality Improvement register up to date and manages complaints and feedback.
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I have 1 child who is in her early 20’s also travelling the world as a professional dancer. I have a large network of close friends and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, kayaking, camping and having fun!
Peter Nevell
Board Member
I was born in Coffs Harbour and attended the local primary school. My secondary school and university education was conducted in Armidale, NSW.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Financial Administration in early 1980. After university, I moved to Sydney where I worked in the audit division of KPMG for two years and then in the Firm’s tax division for approximately 9 years.
I returned to Coffs Harbour in 1992 and was engaged as a partner in a local accounting firm for just under 32 years. I retired from general accounting and specialised tax practice in early 2024 calendar year.
Rights and Responsibilities
Our Organisation
Customer Testimonials
How we helped:
The Team led by Blake (who was an absolute perfectionist), were friendly and hardworking and addressed any questions we had about the build. the painters let by Kaij were the same and did a fabulous job on the painting. The ramp has made such a difference to our lives, now we can just walk in and out with no problems at all. Congratulations to you all on a job very well done.