About Us

Owen Lednor has had a dynamic career with a wealth of private sector experience, particularly in healthcare, training services, property management, and property development. With a foundational background as a Registered Nurse, Owen started working in Aged Care, quickly displaying a rapid career progression driven by his commitment to excellence and innovation. Currently focusing on business improvement, governance, and advanced information technology systems, Owen has a keen mind for ethical business strategies that enables community growth with a forward-thinking approach. He holds a Bachelor of Nursing, a Graduate Certificate in Leadership & Management, and a Master of Nursing (Leadership and Management).

Kamla Ruthnam Webb has more than 10 years of experience in management and administration, as well as a long history of volunteering her time within the Aboriginal community. Kamla has a Bachelor of Business (International Business) degree from Southern Cross University, a Diploma in Practice Management, Certificates III and IV in Personal Training, Certificate III in Training and Assessment, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Kamla prides herself on continuing to learn all the time. Kamla’s current role and volunteer work is centred around the Aboriginal community, especially the youth. Kamla has a great deal of knowledge and experience to share through her position on the Board but also enjoys keeping an open mind and learning from other Board members through their collaborative work.

Candice has worked in the Community Services sector for more than 15 years. She possesses a wealth of knowledge about the NDIS, employment services, program assurance, compliance, and community engagement. Currently employed as the Senior Program Assurance Manager at VERTO Ltd, Candice monitors and evaluates compliance and performance for Workforce Australia, Disability Employment Services, Transition to Work, Parent Pathways and Self Employment Assistance contracts across the Central West, Far West, Hunter, Mid North Coast, and North Coast regions. Candice’s current and previous roles have involved developing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, managing projects to align with government and organisational standards, and leading and supporting staff. Her qualifications include a Diploma in Leadership and Management, a Diploma in Community Services (Case Management), Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and various certifications in workforce essentials, first aid, and mental health first aid. Candice’s commitment to person-centred approaches and fostering a positive, can-do attitude has consistently resulted in high performance and positive outcomes.

Amy Mott has a keen interest in supporting the community, having worked in the Local Government sector since 2006. Starting her career as a trainee, she has advanced through various finance roles, enhancing her expertise and commitment to the community by providing financial sustainability in her role as Chief Financial Officer. Amy holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), is a member of CPA Australia, and is dedicated to ensuring her skills in governance and financial management support the community sector and enhance the work they are committed to undertake. Amy is excited by the opportunity to join the Board and support the organisation's ongoing growth.

Ruth has been the Chief Executive Officer of Blue Sky Community Services since 2009 and has been working in the community services sector since 1982. Ruth is passionate about ensuring the services we deliver are of exceptional quality. She is committed to creating a positive difference in the world, in the lives of people we work with, and within our local communities. Ruth is also passionate about building a kind and values-based workplace, where our staff are genuinely valued and are supported to thrive and be happy at work. Ruth believes that good leaders inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more. Ruth has a strong commitment to continuous learning and holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences, a Diploma in Management, a Diploma in Social Enterprise, an Associate Diploma of Diversional Therapy, and Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment.

Terry brings more than 17 years of experience in the community sector, in Australia and internationally, to Blue Sky Community Services. His previous work with a diverse range of organisations has focused on empowering individuals and communities to achieve their potential, with an emphasis on youth, employment, community development and education. Previous roles included National Program Director and Victorian Program Director for High Resolves, Country Director for Youth Challenge Vanuatu, and Project Administrator on the Australian Government initiated Family Centred Employment Project. Terry holds a Master’s in Social Science and a Bachelor of Commerce.

Colin joined Blue Sky Community Services as Chief Financial Officer in June 2017. His previous experience includes Chief Financial Officer of a large not-for-profit community organisation, Group Accountant for an ASX-listed corporation, and working within his own business. Having trained in the UK, Colin migrated to Australia in the 1980s. Colin is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds an Honours Degree in Accounting and Analysis. Colin loves working with the great team of people at Blue Sky Community Services, and is enjoying assisting the organisation to achieve its vision.

Nicki has worked in a variety of industries in her working life, mainly in operational roles. She enjoys the challenges that managing operations brings, and believes it is a role that allows her to learn new things every day. Nicki has previously worked closely with schools, TAFE, universities and local employers to develop opportunities for young people, both indigenous and non-indigenous. She collaborated with a number of organisations in the disability and aged care sector to develop programs to educate and introduce young people to the many different careers and opportunities available to them working in the sector. Nicki has experience in mentoring and supporting both young people and their employers. She believes that people are the most important asset of an organisation, and that it’s important to respect and support staff and embrace their individuality so they are happy at work. And in return these happy staff deliver excellent services!

Yvonne joined Blue Sky Community Services in August 2018. Yvonne has more than 25 years of experience working in the television industry, managing broadcast production and venue operations on major global events such as World Cups, Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Her most recent long-term project was as Head of Broadcast Venue Management on the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, overseeing the planning and implementation of broadcast operations across all 18 venues of the event, and the production of associated documentation and communications. Yvonne has a Bachelor of Arts Joint Honours degree in French and German, is a registered Prince2 Project Management Practitioner, and a qualified proofreader. In her spare time she enjoys swimming, cycling, running and surfing, and is a volunteer surf lifesaver. Yvonne is enjoying working for an organisation that makes a positive difference in people’s lives, and that adheres to its strong values-based culture.

Jye is a qualified Chartered Accountant with more than 17 years’ experience within the accounting industry. He has worked with a wide range of industries over this time, including many not-for-profits. Jye supports businesses with financial budgeting, reporting and modelling, process improvement and design, systems implementation. He joined Blue Sky Community Services in early 2023 and enjoys working with such an amazing team of people and seeing the positive impact they make on our communities every day.

Nicola joined Blue Sky in 2025 and brings a variety of experience in both the private and local government sectors, having worked in HR Generalist roles and as an HR Business Partner. She holds a Bachelor of Communication and is completing a further Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management. Nicola is passionate about assisting managers and team leaders to support their teams in a values-based manner and build a strong workplace culture. Nicola has also studied Screen and Media abroad and in her spare time loves getting out in nature, camping or gardening!

Aaron is an experienced leader with a strong background in corporate, retail, and the not-for-profit sector. His career journey has been shaped by a consistent focus on people, performance and purpose, bringing together organisational insight with a genuine commitment to supporting others. Aaron’s transition into community services leadership has enabled him to align professional experience with his passion for making a meaningful difference. He is deeply committed to supporting young people and families to succeed, creating environments where individuals feel empowered, valued, and equipped to reach their full potential. Outside work, Aaron prioritises family life and enjoys supporting his teenage sons with their own journeys. He also has a passion for classic cars, baking and creative cooking, and appreciates time spent connecting with others through shared interests and experiences.

Mel has been part of the Blue Sky Community Services family since 2014 and brings over 15 years of experience in the community services and disability sector. With a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Newcastle, a Graduate Certificate in Diversity, Inclusion and Intersectionality from Charles Sturt University, and a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management, Mel combines knowledge and heart in everything she does. Passionate about creating inclusive communities, Mel works alongside her team to champion diversity and ensure everyone feels valued, included and can participate and thrive. Mel plays a key leadership role in several initiatives at Blue Sky, including the Reconciliation Action Plan working group, Disability Confident Recruiter Accreditation, and the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, as well as numerous community capacity-building projects. Outside of work, Mel enjoys life's simple pleasures - surrounded by her three little girls, juggling macramé projects, baking something sweet, or getting her hands dirty in the garden. She loves a good outdoor adventure with her family, and secretly dreams of running her own cosy Airbnb one day!

Charity moved to Australia from the UK in 2019 , with more than 12 years of experience in the UK healthcare industry. This period included 9 years in operational management and 3 years in organisational development, with a focus on workforce equality, inclusivity, wellbeing and engagement. She has a passion for staff wellbeing, continuous improvement and innovation, and hopes to be able to use her skills to help make a positive difference in the local community. Outside of work Charity enjoys being active and is enjoying exploring her new home country!

Erin joined the Blue Sky Community Services team in April 2017 and has over 18 years of experience working in the community services, youth and disability sector. Erin holds a Bachelor of Primary Education and Certificate IV in Assessment and Training. Erin is passionate about inclusion and diversity and loves connecting and working with people from all backgrounds, learning about a variety of experiences and what people value most. Prior to working at Blue Sky, Erin lived in Central Australia for a decade. Six of these years in a remote Aboriginal community learning the stories and practises of the area. Outside of work you will find Erin playing football, cooking and planning new adventures to exciting and faraway places.

Claudia joined Blue Sky in February 2017, as a Local Area Coordinator. Coming from a background in community services, Claudia holds a Bachelor of Human Services Majoring in mental health and addiction and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment. Claudia is passionate about inclusion, staff wellbeing and innovation and loves supporting people in the community and workplace to achieve their goals and build their skills. Outside work, Claudia enjoys spending time camping, swimming and reading.

Leanne is the NDIS Support Services Manager and has been working in disability services for seven years. Leanne is passionate about disability services and loves the fact that she can assist in making a difference in the lives of people and their families. Before joining Blue Sky, Leanne managed a supported independent living residence. Prior to her experience in the disability sector, she worked in finance and retail management. Additionally, Leanne owned and operated her own business for ten years. Leanne’s qualifications include a Diploma of Mental Health, Mental Health First Aid, Cert 3 in Financial Services, and a Certificate in People Management. Leanne enjoys building inclusive relationships within the community and with people living with disability.

Chelsea joined Blue Sky in April 2021, as a Local Area Coordinator. Chelsea holds a Bachelor of Social Science with a minor in justice studies, and has applied this degree in a range of volunteer and paid roles. She has a passion for delivering person-centred support to staff and members of the community, and is passionate about innovation and continuous improvement. Outside of work she enjoys spending time at the beach and watching local sports with friends and family.

Jasmine has been part of the Blue Sky Community Services team since 2021 and has always been motivated to build a career in the community services sector. She holds a Diploma in Community Services and is passionate about supporting others, promoting inclusion, and helping people create positive change in their lives. Prior to joining Blue Sky, Jasmine gained valuable experience in medical administration, retail, and as a family support worker, all of which strengthened her skill set and ability to have a person-centred approach. Outside of work Jasmine enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, swimming, exercising and reading.

Sam has more than a decade of diverse experience in various roles working with young people and communities. With a Bachelor of Music, Diploma of Audio Production and a Diploma of Games Development, he values creativity and self-expression, believing that everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves, and to be seen and heard. Sam is committed to creating a vibrant youth centre (and world), where everyone, regardless of identity, feels valued and empowered to thrive. His aim is to help build a community where belonging is paramount, and skills flourish, enabling a brighter future for everyone.

Lori has worked in payroll and office management roles since 1980, and within the disability sector since 2009. She is always aiming to accept people as they are and understand their perspective. Lori is always willing to take on new challenges and her ability to think outside the box is key to Lori consistently delivering outcomes. She is friendly and approachable, with an eye for detail, skills that are invaluable with her work in Plan Management. Her husband, family, grandchildren, and two white cats bring her joy, and she recharges her batteries through having a laugh, sleeping in, music, reading and camping. Lori holds a Certificate IV in Business Administration, Certificate IV in Disability and is a NSW Justice of the Peace.

Jo has been working in the disability industry for over 25 years, and is passionate about assisting others to grow and reach their goals. She enjoys the challenges the industry can present, as well as exploring achievements for every individual. Jo is a people person and will look at every situation differently in order to support each individual to gain the best possible outcome. Jo's qualifications include the Cert. III in Disability, Cert. IV in Service Coordination, Diploma of Case Management, Advanced Diploma of Management, and Cert. IV in Mental Health.

Nicky has more than 12 years of experience working in the disability sector, having held a variety of roles throughout her career. For the past 7 years she has worked as a Support Coordinator, helping individuals navigate the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and access the services and supports they need to live fulfilling lives. A Clarence Valley local, Nicky is passionate about advocating for people with disabilities and ensuring they receive the best possible care and support. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the sector make her a dedicated and trusted professional in the community.

Kylie joined HeartCo in November 2011 as the Director of our Kempsey Early Learning Centre. Kylie has been working in Early Childhood Education for 21 years and holds a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) from the University of New England. In 2022 Kylie moved into the role of Children’s Services Manager to oversee our three Early Learning Centres located in Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Bellingen. Kylie is passionate about delivering high-quality education and care and believes that the first five years are critical to a child’s development. Outside of work Kylie enjoys spending time with her family, reading and camping.