Jennifer was born and raised in Toowoomba, working on the Sunshine Coast for five years and returning to study full time at the University of Southern Queensland. Her work in and around Toowoomba has included working with many of the people and families who now receive services and support from Breakaway whose children are now all grown up! She has formed long standing professional relationships within the human service sector of Toowoomba including across government departments and within the disability service industry.
Jennifer first commenced her journey working with people with a disability in 2006, in the Family Support Program as a family support facilitator with what was then Disability Services Queensland. It was working there, where she began her working relationship with Breakaway when it was a block funded respite and emergency response service. Jennifer continued with what went on to become the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, moving into roles across the service centre including Intake, service access and contract management. She maintained a strong working relationship with Breakaway up to 2017 when the Queensland government transitioned disability service provision to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Spanning 11 years, Jennifer gained knowledge and experience across all service streams in the department including disability, child protection and community services cementing her footprint in the sector.
In January 2017, Jennifer commenced with Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network (PHN) in program and project management and later as part of the leadership team as Senior Manager, Commissioning. Work with the PHN was to commission primary health services across the Darling Downs and West Moreton region. Programs included aged care, chronic disease, refugee health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and significant focus on mental health and alcohol and other drugs support services. Her hard work and dedication to developing innovative programs for those most vulnerable in our communities was evident in the PHN becoming a finalist in the 2019 State Mental Health Week achievement awards.
Jennifer has a strong sense of social justice and maintains her dedication to improve overall health and wellbeing outcomes for people with a disability and those living with mental health conditions and other vulnerable cohorts. She is acutely aware of the social determinants of health for vulnerable people, including those living with these conditions who are grappling with homelessness, limited access to education and inclusive employment opportunities. She has worked hard to develop strong working relationships in the sector with engagement and consultation including those who are receiving services, including families and carers in the consultation process, all through a person-centered lens.
She is looking forward to building on the strengths of Breakaway, with a commitment to maintaining a reputation as a great place to work and in the quality of the supports that are on offer to existing and future clients and their families with fantastic customer service. Shane (Board Chairman) said “Jennifer has a passion for the disability services industry and particularly Breakaway. This was clearly evident during the selection process”.
With an extensive 21-year tenure in disability service delivery, Alana Ashby is the Operations Manager for Breakaway Toowoomba. Alana’s diverse background encompasses pivotal roles within Queensland Government and Not-for-Profit Organisations, from the ground up as a disability support worker, team leader, administration, intake through to program coordinator and contracts manager.
Alana also brings qualifications in contract management, lead auditor, business, and management. Her passion for meaningful change, social justice and advocacy provides an unyielding commitment to advancing the lives of people living with a disability. Alana is adept in change management, utilising her experience to provide seamless transitions and optimal service quality.
Alana possesses strong skills and an extensive background in effectively supporting staff, clients, and stakeholders to achieve their highest potential. Her capabilities include facilitating focused outcomes, achieving desired results, nurturing strong relationships and providing honest, transparent and reliable information.
Alana’s journey reflects a fusion of frontline compassion, astute administration, and a resolute dedication to fostering positive transformation in the disability sector. As an Operations Manager, Alana is driven to uphold our mission, values and to navigate challenges and advance Breakaway as an Industry Leader.
Gene Goldby is the Finance Manager for Breakaway Toowoomba. With 30 years’ experience across a range of industries, including Public Practice, Education and Hospitality, and having served on the Board of Directors for youth oriented Not-for-Profit Organisations, Gene’s major focus has always been on how the Finance role can help support and allow Not-for-Profit Organisations to achieve their goals.
With qualifications in Accounting, Education and Business Administration through QUT, James Cook University and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, Gene is currently a member of the Institute of Public Accountants in Australia and brings those skills to help manage the communication between Finance and other aspects of any business.
Jodi was born and raised in Tasmania, moving to Alice Springs where she lived and worked for 10 years, finally settling in Toowoomba in 2012. With over 15 years of experience in the disability sector, Jodi has worked as a support worker, house lead, teacher aide and 1:1 inclusion support for children with disabilities before transitioning to a career in nursing.
Jodi’s journey with Breakaway began in 2013, where she initially worked as a support worker before studying nursing at USQ, Toowoomba. After graduating with her Bachelor of Nursing in 2018, Jodi dedicated five years as a registered nurse in a busy hospital setting, specialising in paediatric nursing. Jodi completed post graduate studies in paediatric nursing as well working and gaining knowledge and experience in all areas of clinical nursing care.
Now, returning to Breakaway as the Clinical Lead, Jodi brings her wealth of knowledge to oversee our clinical care, governance, and management of registered nurses, all whilst ensuring the Respite Centre, Breakaway on Bridge, operates at its best. With a passion for fostering independence and autonomy amongst individuals with disabilities, Jodi’s commitment to holistic health care shines through in her work every day.
Laura spent most of her professional career working in England within the public sector before returning to Australia in 2022 to be closer to family. Her experience includes roles such as Company Compliance Officer and Senior Onsite Account Manager, where she ensured legal compliance and managed key accounts. Laura's journey at Breakaway Toowoomba began in the human resources department and progressed to the role of Business Services Coordinator, where she ensures the smooth operation of vital business services while aligning with strategic goals.
Jen relocated to Toowoomba from the Gold Coast in 1998 whilst working within the medical sector. A change of career in 2009 saw Jen in a safety administrative role, initiating her passion for a profession in the safety field. Over the past 15 years, Jen has cultivated expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive Safety and Quality systems across diverse industries, ranging from oil and gas, construction to disability. Her approach emphasizes proactive risk management, meticulous compliance monitoring and continuous improvement to safeguard both workers and clients.
Navigating complex regulatory legislation, Jen holds a Certificate IV Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) as well as Certificate of Authority with Workplace Health and Safety (Qld) as WHS Officer. She is passionate about fostering a culture of Safety and Quality excellence and is eager to continue leveraging skills and knowledge to drive positive change and uphold the highest of Safety and Quality standards across Breakaway.
Mark was raised in the Toowoomba region and completed his studies for a Bachelor of Business at the University of Southern Queensland. Prior to joining Breakaway, his professional background involved working in the explosives manufacturing and food processing industries. Mark is passionate about continuous improvement and Breakaway being an employer of choice by positioning itself to be a competitive and attractive employer in a tightening labour market.
Emma was born in Zimbabwe and came to Australia in 1985 after completing an Advanced Diploma in Administration.
With a varied background in different industries, including university, farming, export and disability, Emma has worked with Breakaway on two occasions – once as a SIL Accommodation Manager and currently as the Finance Coordinator. With a strong motivation to “do the right thing and do it right”, Emma’s strengths include solid communication skills, extensive financial experience and high-level business awareness. Her precision and Award interpretation abilities, ensure Breakaway employees are paid correctly and on time. Emma enjoys her position with the company and appreciates the supportive team environment.
Shane was born in Toowoomba, Qld and educated at St Mary’s College. He is retired. Shane worked in the retail side of banking for 20 years before a career change saw him spend the last 25 years working in the Audit and Financial Crimes area of the banking industry. He has managed teams of up to 30 staff and was instrumental in developing policies and procedures for that area of the bank. Having three great-grandchildren with acquired disabilities provides Shane with an understanding of the difficulties faced in trying to secure the best outcomes for families.
May brings over two decades of experience in the accounting industry to her role as a board member. Her journey spans from an office junior to ascending to positions such as accounting manager, general manager, and now director of her own accounting and bookkeeping firm. Throughout her career, May has had the privilege of collaborating with small business owners across diverse sectors, offering comprehensive guidance on business taxation and general advisory services. She has a proven track record of working closely with clients, providing personalised coaching to enhance business performance.
As a chartered accountant, May prioritises effective communication, ensuring that interactions are consistently characterised by honesty and respect. May's dedication to integrity and her wealth of experience make her a valuable asset to our board.
Mrs Rochelle Ferriday has been a Board member of Breakaway since 2021. Rochelle is a respected executive with global experience leading finance, governance, regulatory and commercial initiatives in high-growth companies and has a proven track record of improving business performance, leading change, developing high-performing teams and increasing value. She is the CFO of a company in the renewables sector and serves on various community committees. Rochelle holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and a Bachelor of Applied Mathematics (Honours) from the University of South Africa, as well as MBA from AIB. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.
Matthew is a recognised business leader with over 18 years’ of experience. He has served in various senior capacities in human resources, workplace health and safety, quality assurance, and information technology. His work has encompassed several sectors, including agriculture, finance, retail, and manufacturing. Owing to his diverse professional background, Matthew adopts a holistic approach to business management. His expertise is supplemented by postgraduate qualifications in Human Resource Management, in addition to professional qualifications in Leadership and Quality Auditing. Furthermore, he is a certified HR Practitioner by the Australian HR Institute and also an Associate Fellow with the Institute of Managers and Leaders. When Matthew has downtime, he enjoys spending time with family, snow skiing and travelling.
John is admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia and has worked in the Darling Downs and Brisbane regions for his entire career. In addition to his Bachelor of Laws and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, John also holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Economics. John brings a wealth of experience across a variety of family law areas including complex financial matters which utilises his background in business, particularly involving trust and corporate structuring and self-managed superannuation funds.
With his calm and likeable nature, he effortlessly puts his clients at ease during what is often one of the most difficult periods in their lives. His pragmatic and level-headed approach to matters is well respected by clients and colleagues alike.
In his spare time John enjoys trying to keep up with his young family and amusing his friends and colleagues with his desperate and often painful efforts to stay involved in the local sporting community.
Karen has been involved in the disability sector for many years in both her professional and personal life, working as a special education teacher and as the mother of a son who has autism, learning disability and social anxiety. Recognising the significant difficulties facing people with disability and their families in trying to establish positive quality of life outcomes in adulthood. Karen has taken on a new role at the University of Southern Queensland as a lecturer of education (special education) in the School of Education. Karen has joined the board of Breakaway to support the organisation in its quest to enhance the lives of adults with disability in our community.
Russell was born in Toowoomba; Qld educated at St Mary’s College and works for Heritage Bank as their Manager Facilities. His role sees him extensively involved in the management of the Bank’s national leased premises portfolio and built environment. From personal experience Russell understands the challenges faced by those within the community who deal with disability; and it was with this in mind that he accepted Breakaway’s invitation to join the Board, with a view to being of service to the wider area.
