Dr Donna Bridges, is an academic in the School of Social Work and Arts at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst Campus. She is a lecturer in the sociology discipline and an active social researcher.

The majority of her teaching experience is in subjects that concern understanding society and human behaviour and in the improvement of human interaction interpersonally and within wider social environments.

Donna has a diverse research background that spans areas such as feminist theory, gender and work – particularly professions and occupations considered to be ‘non-traditional’ for women such as the military, the trades and aviation. Her work concerns issues of inequality, inclusion, representation and identity.

With a passion for developing and growing business and with many personal interests I have always had a number of ‘projects’ at any one time. This has transpired into multiple start-up businesses and a wealth of experience across different industries. I have a good understanding of what drives and sustains business people and a business and can see innovative ways to build and support growth in business.

Experience:

• Currently working on my Real Estate license,
• 35+ years self employed across multiple industries and business including beauty industry, MLM, start-ups, real estate, tourism, short-term accommodation, training and  business consulting.
• Trade certificate and experience in Graphic arts/ print industry.

Skills:

• Sales and marketing,
• Conceptual thinker with the ability to formulate and activate ideas,
• Business strategy & implementation,
• People orientated and natural networker with diverse connections,
• Good communication.

Kymberley Allen is a Wiradjuri woman, with strong connections and involvement in the local First Nations community.

She is a Project Officer at Charles Sturt University, where she works to raise awareness and effect change for minority groups across the Organisation. She has an MBA and holds qualifications in Business, Human Resources, Mental Health First Aid, and Community Suicide Prevention.

Kym grew up in Bathurst and is raising her family here. She joined the board as she is supportive of the services and opportunities that the Centre provides to women and children within the region.

Anna Lewis is Client Director of her own Chartered Accounting firm, Kelly Partners.

She has previous board experience, is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and has completed a Bachelor of Business (Accounting).

Lian Wong is an architect practicing locally as a Director of Schubert + Wong Architects, and also a Senior Associate at Design 5 – Architects in Sydney.  She has worked in the field since 2005, specialising in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse.

Outside of work, Lian also plays bass guitar in a number of local bands.

Lian moved to the Central West in 2014, and now lives with her partner and young son in O’Connell.  She joined the board as a way of supporting the services provided by the Centre.

Born and raised in the Central West, Sharnie is Passionate about improving connection and awareness in communities, especially her own.

Sharnie has worked previously in the Aged Care sector and is currently working with Children and Young People. Currently, Sharnie works for a local NGO in Mental Health Support. She is also a trained Mental Health First Aid Instructor, qualified to deliver Older Person MHFA, Youth MHFA and Teen MHFA.

Sharnie is completing a degree in Social Work. She would like to complete this degree and continue her education and current work role, while also providing Mental Health First Aid Training to the community. With several years’ experience in mental health, Sharnie would love to see her community have greater awareness and knowledge of mental health problems and develop overall community wellbeing. Promoting self-care, connection, resilience, and balance across all aspects of life.

Sharnie has joined the board as she is interested in supporting what she believes is an extremely valuable service within the Central West.