About Us
LeapFrog ability provides rapid response, flexible support services to people and families living with a disability or who are disadvantaged.
We are a not-for-profit, non-government organisation guided by highly skilled and respected Board Members who donate their time, assets and efforts to benefit our community.
Please view our most recent Annual Report here.
The many benefits we provide to the less fortunate in the community are largely funded by the NSW State government. While delivering the best possible value and services for our clients we also intend to guarantee future assistance to the communities disadvantaged by being an innovative social enterprise with a focus on bringing an innovative and fresh approach to social problems.
"A social enterprise is any nonprofit-owned revenue generating venture created for the purpose of contributing to a social cause while operating with the discipline, innovation and determination of a for-profit business’. (Kim Alter, Social Enterprise Typology, Virtue Ventures, 2004, p.5)
Please take the time to view our services. They may be able to help you or someone you know or you may be able to contribute to helping others. If possible, please donate via our on-line donation facility, apply here to receive our newsletters or call 02 4979 7777 to make an enquiry.
OUR MISSION
To inspire the community to join us in helping people overcome disadvantage
OUR VISION
To be the innovative leader in helping people overcome disadvantage
Board Members
Chairman
Chairman Scott has owned and operated a residential property finance business in Newcastle since 1995. Prior to this he had varying senior management roles in business advice and finance in the banking industry. Scott has also presided over management committees in the childcare and education sectors. He is a fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australia, holds a Bachelor of Business, and is a critic and past president of Newcastle Speakers Club and a Foundation Member of the Newcastle Knights. Scott’s interests include family, long distance running, meditation and following the Sydney Swans.
Vice Chair
Liz is the Co-owner and Director of Safety Works Group, a leading national provider of safety and cultural change solutions. Liz specialises in strategic safety management advice and behavioural based business strategies for large Australian Corporates. She also works extensively with community service organisations to assist with the complex issues associated with delivering service needs to the community. Along with Grad Dip in OHS, Liz has a background in Nursing and has been a lecturer (seasonal) at the University of Newcastle in Bachelor and postgraduate OHS courses
Board Member
Nigel is a Business Consultant and manager of the Leadership Training Division with partnercorp. Nigel is an accomplished facilitator, coach and presenter who is regularly called upon to facilitate planning and strategy meetings with large and small organisations as well as provide leadership and marketing coaching for small and medium sized enterprises.
Board Member
Mike Grogan is the Director of Human Resources with Crown Equipment Pty Ltd for the Pacific Region and has been with the company for 7 years. Mike has worked in senior management roles for over 20 years in a number of international corporations including Boeing Aerospace, Oakbridge, BHP and Crown Equipment. He has previously been involved with community groups that provide support to children and young adults with disabilities. Mike has a Graduate Diploma in Safety and Risk Management and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management and Labour Relations from the University of Newcastle.
Board Member
Judy is a business development and management professional with 20 years experience managing customer service teams in Australia and abroad. Judy holds a Master of Nursing (UNE) and Master of Management (MGSM). She has held senior management positions within private and public health care as well as private sector experience in a large multi-national corporate environment. Her interest and strength lies in people management and the strategies required to build effective teams.
Board Member
Deidre is an associate at Thomas Simpson Partners, an accounting firm based in Newcastle. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree, is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia and is also a Justice of the Peace. She has 14 years experience in accounting and business with particular focus on taxation and superannuation.
Board Member
Gavin has been one of the owners of Turnbull Hill Lawyers since 2001 where he advises on a broad range of workplace relations issues. His speciality is in advising business owners on how to establish and maintain a productive workplace culture through superior performance management. Gavin has trained in mediation through Australia’s leading mediation organisations, LEADR. He is President of Central Charlestown Junior Rugby League and Registrar of the Once a Knight Old Boys Inc.
Board Member
Cathy-Lyn Burnard has over 20 years experience and tertiary level qualifications in business development, strategic management, health sciences and medical research. She has held senior management positions within private and public hospital settings and worked in private enterprise to develop better access to medical technology in both the acute and community health sectors. In addition Cathy-Lyn has lobbied both private and public entities and the Federal and State Governments to improve Australian's quality of life and their opportunities to live independently in the community. Cathy-Lyn's strong sense of social justice and interest in further supporting the Hunter community saw her join the LeapFrog ability Board in January 2011.
Staff
