The management team at Far North have extensive experience, both lived and through working with people with disabilities, their families and carers.
Kathy Hough
Chief Executive Officer
Kathy has worked in rural and remote parts of Western Australia with and for people with disability for 35 years. Kathy has experience in a civic, voluntary, direct care and senior management roles including 13 years as a host family in an ILO arrangement.
Championing rights, inclusion and equity have been a driver for Kathy to take on roles such as Board member (2010-2014) and then Deputy Chairperson of the Disability Services Commission from 2014-2017. Kathy currently chairs the Council for Regional Disability Services (CORDS) in WA and is an independent advisor on rural and remote issues for the Independent Advisory Council for the Australia Disability Strategy.
Passionate about learning and equity of access and quality of life for people who live in rural Australia, Kathy holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services), a Masters in Regional Development and post grad Certificate in Australia Rural Leadership.
Spandana Mikkilineni
Operations Manager
With over 9 years of experience in the health care sector, including Aged Care and NDIS services, Spandana Mikkilineni brings a wealth of expertise in delivering exceptional operational management. Originally trained and qualified as a doctor in India, Spandana transitioned into the Australian healthcare system and quickly developed a passion for improving service delivery in disability and aged care.
In her role as Operations Manager, Spandana is focused on enhancing care quality and fostering a collaborative environment to ensure that participants receive the highest standard of care. She is committed to leading teams with a person-centred approach, integrating her medical background and deep understanding of the NDIS framework to make a meaningful impact.
Dr Rebecca Hunt
Therapy Services Manager
Rebecca has worked across health, aged care, disability and education sectors throughout her 30 year professional career, with the past 16 years being in a regional community based setting. She qualified as a Physiotherapist and additionally has completed a Master of Science in Community Based Rehabilitation and a PhD.
Rebecca has extensive experience in management of multi- and trans-disciplinary teams, particularly in regional settings and enjoys supporting both staff and participants face to face and remotely. She has worked predominantly in the not-for-profit sector and has an in depth understanding of government funded systems as well as other funding models, including the NDIS, to enable coordinated and flexible service delivery.
Peter Martin
Corporate Services Manager
Peter is an accounting professional with extensive experience within the commercial and not for profit sectors. Peter worked professionally within the manufacturing, mining, agricultural and public health sectors before venturing to the Kimberly where he spent 10 years working within Aboriginal Corporations. Peter brings a wealth of practical commercial accountability.
Jilyan Pratt
Accountant
Jilyan is a qualified accountant with over 25 years’ experience which includes financial accounting, payroll, company secretary and consultant for small to large businesses. She has worked with diverse clients across a wide range of sectors to develop successful businesses and teams.
Jilyan graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1996 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance). She worked in the tax division at Hall Chadwick for four years where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
Michael Chiutare
Human Resources Manager
Michael joined Far North at our Derby office in July 2021 as a passionate HR practitioner and progressed to HR Manager in 2022. He holds a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. Michael is also an experienced trainer assessor.
Thomas (Tee Jay) Worrigal
Head of Indigenous Engagement and Community Relations
Thomas (Tee Jay) was born and raised in the Kimberley and has cultural connections through Aboriginal lore and traditional practices throughout the Kimberley’s West, East, Central and Desert communities.
He has strong cultural knowledge, an ability to connect with people from all walks of life and has previously provided cultural navigation, cultural awareness & capability training, consultancy and interpretation services to a range of organisations.
Linda McSherry
Community Development and Inclusion Manager
Linda is a motivated team member who utilises collaborative partnerships and innovative strategies to empower diverse communities while advocating for equity and access for all.
Linda has worked across mining, health, native title, and disability sectors throughout her career. She is qualified in Commerce, Marketing, OHS & Risk Management and Governance. She is currently the Deputy Chairperson of the Disability Services Commission & a member of the WA Disability Advisory Council.
Michael Dawson
Marketing and Communications Manager
Michael has worked across the Kimberley for over a decade in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector. He is a qualified, experienced Graphic Designer with post-graduate qualifications in Professional Writing, Health Promotion and Organisational Communication.
Michael also has training and implementation experience with the World Health Organisation’s Communication for Behavioral Impact in Health and Social Development (COMBI).
Shirlene Bell
Broome Disability Services Manager
Edwin Kosgey
Quality and Safeguards Manager
Edwin has worked in the Disability sector for many years, in both management and support coordination roles across metro and regional areas of Western Australia.
He is qualified in Human Resource management, certified in Occupational Health and Safety and has been a member of the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) since 2019.
Edwin is experienced in the assessment of individual support needs and the planning and the implementation of support programs that are value and community based, person-centred and culturally appropriate.
Angelyn Zulu
East Kimberley Service Delivery Manager
Angelyn manages our East Kimberley disability services via the Kununurra and Halls Creek offices and has over a decade’s experience working in the disability sector. She has a passion for supporting people with disability and strives to provide individualised and culturally informed supports and services.
Prior to working in the disability sector, Angelyn worked in management within Human Recourses. Her qualifications included a Diploma in Human Recourses Management and a Diploma in Theology and Counselling.
Angelyn leads a proficient and talented team focused on providing person-centred supports and delivering inclusive programs that support people to achieve their goals.
Rosalind Clarke
Derby/Fitzroy Crossing Disability Services Manager
As a social worker based in Northern Australia for many years, Rosalind has diverse, extensive experience and skills working in in community development, program management and service coordination roles.
Rosalind holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Graduate Diploma in Human Rights.
Lucy Leeder
Executive Assistant/ Database Manager
Lucy holds qualifications in Medical Administration and has worked in the WA Disability sector in both metro and regional areas for almost 8 years.
Having been part of our team at Far North for more than 6 years, she provides executive support for the CEO and Board and has extensive knowledge on the organisation’s data systems, governance and NDIA funding.
Elaine Clarke
Training Manager
Elaine was born and raised in Ireland where she worked for many years in supporting people and their families with disabilities to reach their goals and aspirations and to live a good life. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Social Studies in Social Care.
An integral part of Elaine’s core values is adopting a person centred approach at all times and walking alongside the person to live their best life. Elaine worked as West Kimberley Disability Services Manager for Far North prior to her current role as Training Manager.
You are at the core of everything we do
We understand people are faced with real challenges, that’s why we do what we say we will do and are accountable for the outcomes. We work to the strengths of all people and are flexible in delivering the best outcomes for people and their families. We’re here to help you and your family and we’re sensitive to the impact we have on the lives of people we support.