President

Ryan Bear

Ryan’s background is in Law, completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Social Science in 2012 and a Bachelor of Laws – LLB, Law in 2018.
Ryan is passionate about maintaining quality support services in the local community, joining Open Arms Care in 2021 Ryan hopes to achieve this purpose by contributing to the Not-For-Profit sector through sound governance and leadership.
Ryan is a lawyer Director at Coastal Law and Conveyancing and a Director at Line & Length.

Vice President

Cassandra Ball

Cassandra Ball joined the Board in 2021.
Cassandra is the Director of a HR Consulting firm and a Director of Ballpoint Kitchens, a local cabinetry business. Cassandra completed her Bachelor of Business and embarked on her early career in Corporate HR before running her own businesses in Holiday Resort Management. Cassandra is community minded, having held many volunteer and leadership positions, and has a passion for ensuring essential services are available to the local community and delivered with care.

Secretary

William Buckingham

Will is an IT specialist and the Director of Blue Sky IT Consulting.
Will’s extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects relating to information technology, computing, networking, and software solutions adds incredible value to the Open Arms Care Board.
As a local business owner/operator, Will is passionate about our local community and contributing to maintaining services locally.
Will’s business acumen contributes greatly to the governance of Open Arms Care with a person centric approach.

Treasurer

Jo Brotherton

Jo was appointed to the Board in 2016.
Jo has a diverse range of experience in the banking, finance and tourism industries in front of house, reception and customer service-based positions, as well as running her own small business locally in Urunga.
Most recently, Jo was elected as a Councillor of Bellingen Shire Council and has also previously served as the Urunga Lions Club Secretary and Vice President of the Urunga- Mylestom Chamber of Commerce.
Jo is a vibrant, caring and passionate person who spends much of her spare time supporting the local community.

Board Member

John Race

John’s professional background is in Special Education. He has held leadership positions as a University Lecturer, Principal of two special schools, TAFE Department Head and Director of Education Services at the Queen Elizabeth II Rehabilitation Centre.

In 1999, John was made a Life Governor of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children and awarded an Honorary Doctor of Education Degree. He also holds a Teachers Certificate (General Primary), Teachers of the Deaf Certificate, Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Educational Psychology and Special Education and a Master of Education Degree with a Major in Special Education. 

Board Member

Damien Attwood

Damien is the founder of boutique business consultancy company, EMPOWER Agency, and has a decade’s experience in finance, insurance and banking, specialising in risk mitigation and change management. Along with his team, he supports small to medium-sized businesses in finding their definition of success. Damien loves to bring people together to collaborate on projects. In addition, his leadership skills and sense of fun mean he has a knack for getting groups to work together cohesively to make the most impact and drive social change.