Our People
Annual Report 2025 - 2026
Every day, CRCS employees and volunteers help people feel safe, respected, included and connected. In 2025-26, we expanded our volunteer community, including support for Connect Up social groups and community transport services.
Our 2025 Employee Engagement Survey reflected this commitment, with 90% of employees clear about their role, 88% describing CRCS as an inclusive organisation, 87% feeling respected at work, and 86% saying their manager encourages their development. More than four in five employees (81%) said CRCS’s vision and purpose makes their work feel important.
Across CRCS, our people bring diverse skills and experience to their work with children, young people, families and older people. During the year, we appointed a dedicated Program Manager – Quality and Safeguarding to further strengthen safeguarding practice across the organisation.
CRCS Board and Executive Leadership
Led by Chair Deiwane Bakkum AM, the CRCS Board provides governance, oversight and strategic direction. New members joined during 2025–26, broadening the Board’s mix of community, sector, executive and governance experience.
Deiwane Bakkum AM
Director
Joined 2024
Dr Nigel Nutt
Vice Chair
Joined 2025
Ellen Samuels
Secretary
Joined 2023
Margaret Anderson
Director
Joined 2023
Adam Stankevicius
Director
Joined 2025
Naresh Gunasekere
Director
Joined 2025
Mandy Green, Chief Executive Officer, and the Executive Leadership Team, provided strategic and operational leadership through a year of growth, change and evolving community needs.
On 30 June 2026, the CRCS Executive Leadership Team was:
Mandy Green
Chief Executive
Officer
Stella Shin
Executive Manager
Programs and Services
Ruth Jalloh
Executive Manager
Impact and
Engagement
Kate Luck
Executive Manager
Business and
Infrastructure
Our Volunteers
Volunteers make an important contribution across CRCS, sharing their time, skills and local knowledge to support participants, strengthen programs and create opportunities for connection. During the year, 35 volunteers contributed more than 1,000 hours across social groups, transport, youth services, community activities, events and organisational support. We also strengthened our volunteer onboarding process, with clearer information, improved induction and additional training and information sessions to help volunteers feel confident, prepared and supported in their roles.
Volunteering in Action
Across CRCS, volunteers also supported community transport, youth activities, early childhood centre gardens, events and organisational operations. Involve Woodworking participants repaired outdoor furniture for Bruce Ridge Early Childhood Centre, while longstanding volunteers such as Helen helped make Belconnen Community Centre welcoming through plants and arrangements lovingly grown and created.
Employee and Volunteer Awards
The annual CRCS All Star Awards recognise employees and volunteers who make an outstanding contribution to our organisation and community. The Good Fun Awards also celebrate the creativity, humour and team spirit that contribute to a positive workplace.
2025 Winners
What Participants Told Us
The quality of our services is shaped by the people who deliver them every day. Feedback from participants highlights the positive impact of CRCS employees and volunteers, reflecting our commitment to respect, inclusion, quality practice and strong relationships.
Employee and Volunteer Highlights 2025-26
