Company Profile
Pathfinders is an organisation at the forefront of providing advocacy, support and services for disadvantaged communities. We have operated in the North-West and Northern Tablelands regions of NSW for over 30 years and have recently expanded our reach to the Mid North Coast.
Our focus is on addressing the complex challenges and issues within the social care landscape. We facilitate foster care, out-of-home care, homelessness services, family referral services and supported independent living for young people.
We carry out additional functions such as delivering tailored services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, providing support services for people with disability, and offering early education programs and training programs for young people.
Pathfinders plays an important ongoing role in supporting families, individuals and children to overcome various social issues. By taking risks to help those at risk, we are making sure no one is left behind.
Services and programs
- Foster care and out-of-home care services
- Specialist homelessness services, including a women and children’s refuge and supported accommodation services for young people
- Child protection and family referral services
- Parenting and family strengthening workshops
- Family preservation services, supervised contact, therapeutic activities and after care services
- NDIS support services, such as Support Your Path
- Pathfinders’ National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program
- Aboriginal Early Years Program
- Marie Delaney Training and Education Centre in Armidale providing vocational skills development, education and accreditation
- Field placements and training for TAFE and university students
We deliver our services and programs in a thoughtful and compassionate manner. It is only by understanding the issues that impact a person that we can help them create long-lasting stability, resilience and empowerment.
Vision and mission
The Pathfinders vision is to develop thriving communities in which all people can fully participate and develop freely through mutual trust and acceptance. We see this being achieved through collaborative strategies and best practices, a strong and respectful workforce, and advancing bold and progressive ideas and policies.
Our mission is to empower people to live with hope and equal opportunity to reach their potential. We provide hope through purpose and passion; generously sharing our expertise, knowledge and resources to make a transformative difference. We create equal opportunity by facilitating access to education, employment and safe housing; breaking down barriers that are obstacles to growth and independence.
Team
Pathfinders is fortunate to have a robust frontline staff network, backed by an experienced board and strong leadership team. Together, we have an unwavering commitment to being the agents of change and improving the lives of people we work with. This success has been recognised on many levels and has resulted in numerous awards for excellence.
We are proud of the work we do, the partnerships we have created and the results we achieve for people within our care. We are stronger because of our collaborations and our willingness to challenge the status quo through action.
The Honourable James Wood AO, KC – Pathfinders official patron
Pathfinders is honoured to have the Honourable James Wood AO, KC as their patron.
Mr Wood is well known for his commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW.
Mr Wood was commissioned to conduct the inquiry to determine what changes within the child protection system are required to cope with future levels of demand. In November 2008 he released the Report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW. The inquiry reported on what changes were required within the child protection system to improve the safety of children and families in NSW. Keep Them Safe is the NSW Government’s response to the Wood Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW.
Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW (1984 – 2005), Chief Judge of the Common Law Division and member of the Court of Appeal (1998 – 2005), Non-resident Judge, Court of Appeal, Fiji (2004 – 2006), Royal Commissioner, Inquiry into Corruption with the NSW Police Service, and into Paedophilia (1994 – 1997), Special Commissioner, Inquiry into Child Protection System of NSW (2007 – 2008), Member Customs Reform Board (2013), Independent Review Cycling Australia (2012 – 2013).
Justice Wood currently serves as the Chairman, NSW Law Reform Commission (from 2006); Member NSW Sentencing Council (from 2006); Member NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team (from 2011); Member Human Research Ethics Committee Children’s Hospital, Westmead (from 2005) and is the Director of Painaustralia Limited.
Board of Directors
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Mark Keogh
Mark brings over 30 years of experience in the finance sector, with expertise spanning financial and management reporting. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Charles Sturt University – Bathurst and an Accounting Certificate from the Department of Technical and Further Education in Armidale. His career includes roles in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.
Throughout his career, Mark has been involved in all aspects of finance operations, including HR, payroll, and finance system migrations. He is an experienced leader who believes in fostering a collaborative team environment, taking pride in supporting individuals and teams to achieve their goals while ensuring compliant and high-quality service delivery.
In addition to his finance background, Mark recently completed a Diploma in Christian Studies. He now serves part-time as a chaplain in aged care and supports regional pastors and leaders through Fresh Hope NSW and ACT.
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Korrina Schultz
Korrina has had a long career with the Department of Family and Community Services and is now employed by an non-government organisation. Korrina has a wealth of knowledge in the provision of community services and has held positions of manager, case worker and NDIS representative for her workplace. Korrina has extensive experience supporting management, clients and families in NDIS applications and package management.
She is currently Health and Safety Representative, Union Delegate, and the Woman’s Officer for her workplace. Korrina has Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management) and Disability Work. She is currently studying a Diploma of Community Services.
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Kevin Emanuel
Kevin is a proud Aboriginal man from Warren, NSW, on Wailwan Country, now residing in Wauchope on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. He grew up between Sydney and Warren, and over a distinguished 50-year career in the NSW Public Service, Kevin has worked across various departments with a passion for sharing his deep knowledge of Aboriginal culture to positively impact communities and support his peers and colleagues.
For the past 34 years, Kevin has worked with the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), including 24 years as a Senior Caseworker (Aboriginal). During his time with DCJ, he also acted as a Manager Casework and completed a Diploma in Community Services. His expertise lies in child protection and out-of-home care, where he has made a lasting difference in the care, support, and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable families. Kevin is deeply committed to supporting Aboriginal communities and empowering others through cultural understanding and education.
Kevin has played a key role in advocating for First Nations people within the public sector. He was part of the Northern Rivers team that developed and implemented the Aboriginal Consultation Policy—now integral to the Aboriginal Case Management Policy Rules and Practice Guidance used by DCJ and its partner agencies.
He has also been actively involved in numerous community-based and non-government organisations, offering advice, cultural insight, and advocacy on issues affecting Aboriginal people. He regularly participates in Aboriginal consultative processes and continues to promote awareness and cultural competence within both government and community sectors.
Before relocating to Wauchope, Kevin lived in Grafton for 14 years, where he served as a Director with the Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC). He is currently an active member of the Bunyah LALC in Wauchope.
Kevin’s lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people, particularly children and families, reflects both his professional dedication and cultural leadership.
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Damian Hall
With a career spanning over three decades, Damian is currently engaged as the Zone Substations Field Manager Telecommunications North for Essential Energy. As a seasoned Telecommunications Coordinator and Senior Engineering Officer since 2004, Damian has been instrumental in executing successful operational and capital works programs. His expertise extends across crucial areas including risk analysis, budgeting, technical evaluation, safety in High-Risk work environments and stakeholder engagement which Damian has brought to his role as Director with Pathfinders.
Damian’s qualifications extend beyond his professional accomplishments. He possesses a diverse set of industry certifications including Advanced Diplomas in Telecommunications Engineering and Program management, in addition to several other industry and safety related accreditations. Beyond his professional life, Damian is an engaged member of the community. He has a strong passion for various sporting organisations and has even had the honour of representing Australia in the ”Presidents 8 Polocrosse Squad” during their 2005 tour in Canada and USA. Damian also dedicates his time to volunteering at sporting and social gatherings, actively supporting, and promoting the development of youth.
Damian Hall’s unwavering commitment to his community is evident in his three-decade-long career marked by exceptional leadership and dedicated service. His extensive expertise and wealth of knowledge in the field of telecommunications, risk analysis and stakeholder engagement support the continued growth and impact of Pathfinders.
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Alex Shaw OAM
Alex Shaw OAM has been a dedicated force in the service of the community for over five decades. Alex has always held a deep commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Beyond the corporate realm, Alex’s dedication to community service has been unwavering. His involvement with the Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution, where he served as CEO from 1993 to 2016, exemplifies his commitment to aged care and support.
In addition to his significant contributions to RFBI, Alex has played pivotal roles in various organisations, including serving as a Board Director of the Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution and as a member of the Rotary Club of Sydney since 1991. His exemplary leadership within the Rotary Club is underscored by his tenure as President in 2016 and the honour of receiving the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow for Service in 2018.
Recognised for his outstanding service, Alex was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2019, a testament to his enduring dedication to community welfare. This honour acknowledges the breadth of his contributions to his communities. Alex Shaw’s involvement with Pathfinders began in 2017, where his wisdom and experience have proven invaluable in guiding and growing the organisation. Alex brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep-rooted passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Senior Management Executive Team
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Alan Brennan
Alan Brennan has been CEO of Pathfinders since 2004.
An experienced leader with a passion for social policy, he has a strong background in human services, child protection and welfare, juvenile justice, disability, community education and development.
His role is to manage the 300+ staff who make up the Pathfinders’ teams to ensure that the many programs and services we deliver continue to make a difference to our clients, improve their lives and create opportunities.
Alan sits on the board of YFoundation, a peak body addressing youth homelessness, and is a member of the Children in Care Collective and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is a former board member of the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies.
He holds qualifications in Law, Social Work, Psychology and Education.
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Courtney Pay
Courtney Pay is our National Director – Child, Youth & Family, with responsibility for Foster Care, Residential Care, Semi-independent Living, the Interim Care Model and the Short Term Emergency Placement program.
She joined Pathfinders in 2017 and has worked across all aspects of the Out of Home Care program, including experience as a front-line caseworker.
As a member of the senior management team her focus is on ensuring that all staff are given a voice and feel supported, from youth workers to management, and values working collaboratively with key stakeholders to deliver on Pathfinders’ goals.She holds a Bachelor of Social Science with majors in Psychology and Criminology from the University of New England and Diploma in Management from TEAMS (RTO) in Glen Innes. In 2014 she was presented with the ‘Young Business Executive’ award by the NSW Business Chamber for the region and went on to become a national finalist.
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Jillian Hardman
Jillian Hardman is currently serving as our Acting National Director of Finance and Resources. She joined Pathfinders eight years ago, bringing with her valuable experience from the private sector where she worked as an auditor and accountant.
Jillian holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Financial Accounting and Management, from the University of New England.
During her tenure with Pathfinders, she has played a key role in implementing some of the most significant payroll and financial system upgrades, ensuring our business remains resilient and prepared for future growth.
Jillian is driven by a deep sense of purpose and finds great fulfillment in supporting our frontline teams, dedicated to helping the most vulnerable members of our community.
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Joanne Hall
Joanne Hall is the National Director – Corporate & Community and has been an influential member of the leadership team since 2013 when she joined Pathfinders as Human Resources Manager.
She is responsible for a broad suite of programs and services, including: Human Resources, Work, Health & Safety, Quality Assurance, Special Projects, training and education, Pathfinders National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program and Cultural Support, Specialist Homelessness Services, Aboriginal Early Years Program, NDIS, family and youth support programs, Non-Placement Support Services, Therapeutic Care, media and promotions, and grant and tender works.
A strategic thinker, people orientated and empathetic, Joanne has been integral to the success and growth of Pathfinders.
Joanne holds a Bachelor of Business with a Double Major in Human Resources and Economics from the University of Southern Queensland and is currently undertaking a Juris Doctor from the same university.
