Board of Directors
Cootharinga is governed by a Board of Directors, drawn from local business communities in Townsville, Cairns, MacKay and Mt Isa. They are the governing body of Cootharinga and volunteer their skills and expertise. They are responsible for setting the strategic direction for Cootharinga, approving budgets, monitoring, and auditing Cootharinga’s affairs, on behalf of Cootharinga members by whom the Directors are elected and to whom they are accountable. The activities are conducted in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Cootharinga and relevant legislation. Activities are aimed at the delivery of quality services to people living with disabilities in North Queensland and ensuring that Cootharinga remains focused on its Mission Statement.
Directors are non-executive and act in a voluntary capacity.
The Board has delegated responsibility for day to day operations of Cootharinga to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board through the President. Directors are members of a range of specialist “Board Committees” each of which concentrates in specific areas and recommends action to the Board. The Board and each Board committee have established:
- Roles
- Structure and composition
- Terms of reference
- Functions
- Meeting and reporting requirements
- Key performance indicators
Rob Grant
President
Mr Grant is a Consultant and was elected President of Cootharinga following the AGM in November 2002. He has been a Director since 1991. He has also served as Cootharinga Secretary in 1997 - 1998 and Vice-President from 1993 until 1997, and again from November 1999 to November 2002. Mr Grant is the Ex-officio Chair of the Executive Committee, and Ex-officio member of the Client Services Committee, Finance & Resources Committee and Community Relations & Fundraising Committee.
Diane Catley
Director
Ms Catley works in Human Services and has been a Director since 1992. She is a member of the Client Services Committee. Ms Catley is a resident of Mackay.
Ian Featherstone
Director
Mr Featherstone is a Fleet Manager and has been a Director since 1996. He is currently Cootharinga's Secretary. Mr Featherstone is the Ex-officio Chair of the Client Services Committee, Ex-officio member of the Executive Committee, member of the Finance & Resources Committee.
Anna Nicholls
Director
Anna Nicholls was appointed to the Board of Cootharinga on 27 November 2008. Anna is an occupational therapist who returned to North Queensland in 2000 and established North Queensland Therapy Services.
Anna has been finalist in a number of North Queensland awards including Young Business Person of the Year 2002 and Townsville Business Woman of the Year 2003. Anna is currently completing a Masters of Philosophy (Research Masters) and has aspirations to complete a number of research projects to publish and present her findings.
Renee Bennett
Director
Renee is a partner of the law firm, wilson/ryan/grose, Lawyers. Over the years, Renee has developed a special interest in the area of Wills, Estates and Estate Planning, including disability trusts. This area regularly brings her into contact with individuals and families planning for the needs of people living with disability.
Renee joined the Board of Cootharinga on 24 November 2009. Her appointment to the Board continues the long connection wilson/ryan/grose has had with Cootharinga in having a continuous representative on Cootharinga’s Board for over fifty years.
Colin Harkness
Director
Mr Harkness is a Solicitor and has been a Director since 1998. He is currently Cootharinga's Vice-President and has also served as Cootharinga Secretary. Mr Harkness is an Ex-officio member of the Executive Committee, Ex-officio Chair of the Community Relations & Fundraising Committee.
Scott Keft
Director
Mr Keft is a Solicitor and joined the Board of Directors in 2001. Mr Keft is a member of the Community Relations & Fundraising and Client Services Committees. Mr Keft is a resident of Cairns.
Alan Parry
Director
Mr Parry is a Business Proprietor and has been a Director since 1989. He is currently Cootharinga's Treasurer. Mr Parry is a Life Member of Cootharinga. Mr Parry is the Ex-officio Chair of the Finance & Resources Committee, Ex-officio member of the Executive Committee, a member of the Community Relations & Fundraising Committee.
Jim Young
Director
Mr Young is a Business Proprietor and has been a Director since 1996. Mr Young is a member of the Finance & Resources Committee. Mr Young is a resident of Mount Isa.