Narelle Gleeson
– Manager QCOSS/IPSU, Townsville

Narelle has lived in Townsvillle for the past 10 years and in that time has worked in the community and health services sector.  She is
experienced in project management, particularly in the area of Indigenous Project Development.

Narelle is passionate about working with Indigenous communities and generating positive change.  She is committed to social justice and creating empowered individuals and communities.

Lyn is from the Iman tribe, Taroom , Queensland . After living in Rockhampton for 28 years this mother of 5 and grandmother to 8 girls came to Townsville where she now resides with her family.

In September 2003 Lyn played a very important role as a volunteer, establishing herself very much as a team player. Having remained with us Lyn is currently employed as the Admin Officer of the unit.

Kerry Fortuyn – Professional Support Project Officer

I grew up in Mornington Peninsula , Victoria and studied Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood at Monash University . I have spent the past 10 years travelling and working extensively in the field of Early Childhood, this also included living and working in Weipa.

I am currently based in Townsville.

Anna Wailu - Personal Assistant/Admin Finance Officer

My name is Anna Wailu , My mother and father are both from Murray Island ( Mer Is), in the Torres Straits. I recently left a wonderful Day Care as a group leader's Assistant, to take on this role as the Personal Assistant/Admin Officer.

I grew up in Western Australia in a little town of Karratha and Moved to Townsville in 1996 where I started and finished High School. I am looking forward to working with all the different teams involved with QCOSS/IPSU, and hope that I can help in anyway what I've learnt from my past history employment whether it be childcare or administration.

Shona Watson

I grew up in South Australia with red dirt and salt bush and loved every minute of it!  After I married, we moved to Townsville with the kids.  That was 22 years ago and we don't look like going anywhere.  I am passionate about working for kids in regional and remote areas and with staff at our deadly services.  I am happy sharing knowledge and experience of 15 years in the childcare profession combined with my creative and artistic skills.

I am fascinated with and respect other cultures and consider it a privilege to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Care Services.  Kids are our future and if we all work together with the kids in mind and work with heart, I don't think we can go wrong.

Kim Adams - IPSU Project Co-ordinator.

After 12 years of being employed as a Director of a Townsville based Child Care Centre, Kim has taken up the opportunity to fill the position of IPSU Project Co-ordinator.

She has extensive experience in the Child Care Industry and is excited to share her skills and knowledge to all of our services throughout Queensland .

Terry Watson – Project Assistant

I am of PNG and Aboriginal background. My Aboriginal heritage stems from Lake Nash area in Northern Territory as part of the Alywarr people and PNG background from Bouganville Island near the Solomon Islands . I grew up mostly in Cairns , Far North Queensland, after moving from the Islands . My working experience is varied within the Community Sector. I have worked in the areas of Housing, Indigenous Health and Social Wellbeing and Employment. I am excited to work with an organization which places importance in our children's development and wellbeing. I realize how important children's early development is now since I've become a dad 13 weeks ago. I look forward to meeting everyone throughout the different services out there and all the little ones too.

Katharin Bartley – Professional Support Project Officer

Katharin is a Koori Woman from NSW who recently relocated to Townsville.  She has a teaching background with over ten years experience working within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and the Community Services Sector.  Katharin looks forward to being part of the IPSU team were she hopes to learn and grow with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Services that we support.