Directors

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THE CANOPY BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

The Canopy Board of Management consists of representatives from local businesses and groups, other service agencies and local residents. Their qualifications and expertise include business administration, community development, family support and research. The Board’s skills are complemented by a team of staff who have a unique diversity of skills, led by the Executive Officer Paul Procter.

	Paul Procter, Executive Officer With the combined qualifications of Bachelor of Social Science (Welfare Studies) and Diploma of Leadership, 26 years of combined experience in community sector not for profit leadership and in leading local government social and community planning teams and associated activities. Paul has a passion for making a difference in the community through collaboration, partnerships, supporting and empowering communities.
	Iain Gardiner Iain is currently a solicitor specialising in family law. In a previous life he was an electrician working in the mining construction sector. Whilst he was an electrician he was a union delegate helping fellow work mates with issues that arose in the workplace such as disciplinary, WHS and a range of other matters. This gave Iain a taste of advocating for other people which eventually led to him starting his law degree. He studied at Newcastle University and has a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Business. He is married to Jodie and they have two children Finn aged 3 and Neve aged 1.
	Rebecca North Rebecca is a health executive for the local health district with clinical and operational expertise in mental health services and general health. Rebecca has over 15 years experience within the health sector ranging from clinical, education, operational leadership, and executive leadership roles. While serving as a non-executive director for The Canopy, Rebecca is also a board member for the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia. Rebecca brings high levels of knowledge and expertise in clinical governance and health service delivery to communities most in need.
	Janet Lee Janet is a successful, experienced people leader currently working with Maitland City Council as Organisational Development Manager. Prior to her current role she was Chief Operations Manager for the Mutual Bank. Janet has extensive experience and expertise in the areas of human resources, employee and industrial relations, strategic planning, work health and safety. Janet is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged families and communities.
	David Price David is the Director of ICT Services with St Philips College. David has extensive skills and experience in the areas of not for profit business, business development, strategic planning, information technology and governance. David is committed to making a difference in the community.
	Scott Luschwitz Scott is highly regarded in and across education in the Hunter Region being on the (Board of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Research) BATSIER of Newcastle University as well he is President of the Hunter Regional AECG and a State Delegate to NSW AECG Inc. He works extensively in supporting and strengthening Aboriginal /Non-Aboriginal Children and Families in their educational journey as well as advising them of their rights within this realm. Scott has served on various boards of Non-profit organisations from Reference group on the LMCC Art Gallery (Yapang), Reference group for DCJ, sporting groups, service sector groups and roles within the Department of Education and AECG. Scott is currently employed as a field Officer, Programs and Networking for Hunter, Manning and Central Coast. Prior to working for the Dept. of Education and the NSW AECG Inc. Scott worked in the Martine Industry as a Supervisor/ Forman for BHP and Newcastle Stevedores also chair their WH&S and Training committees. Scott has always advocated for children and their families to be their best and have their voices heard.
	Sandra Feltham Sandra has had a career of over 4 decades working in a range of public sector roles within health and local government. A committed lifelong learner, Sandra has a range of qualifications from being a registered nurse and midwife to Human Geography (Honours, 2001) University of Newcastle, Graduate Diploma Urban and Regional Planning (2009) University of Sydney and a Master of Public Health (2021) University of Newcastle. She is passionate about building and strengthening communities through a strengths-based approach based on collective impact, social justice and human rights principles. Sandra is also keenly aware of the social determinants of health and how these can shape both the daily life and long-term health impacts for people.
	Kathryn Martin Kathryn is the Manager of a regional Family Support Service, and a Trainer of Community Services. Complemented by qualifications in psychology, training and assessment, and relationship education, she brings 20+ years experience in strategic planning and change management leadership in the community services sector. Kathryn is passionate about supporting vulnerable families and children through high quality practice and advocacy.

Our Services

Child and Family Services
Provides support and assistance to help you make the positive changes that you would like to make in your family. Support and parenting programs available at a range of locations.
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Community Activities
The Canopy is a non-profit community organisation that manages local services and projects which aim to provide safe and welcoming environments for children, families and communities to grow.
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Venue Hire
The Canopy manages a number of well-equipped venues with a variety of facilities for hire.
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	Chairs	Tables	Additional
Activity Room 1 (Main Hall)	100 Function Chairs	10 Mobile Folding Tables 2 Folding Trestle Tables	5 Children's Chairs (weekday only), 6 Children's Tables (weekday only), Two Seater Couch and Two Single Couch Seats (weekday only) Children's artwork will not be removed unless agreed in writing at least 2 weeks prior to event
AActivity Room 2 (Front Room)	40 Function Chairs	7 Mobile Folding Tables	Portable Whiteboard
Activity Room 3 (Soundproof Room)	1 Tub Chairs	2 Trestle Tables (behind cupboard)	Ten Children's Chairs, Two Seater Couch, Two Single Couch Seats, Portable Whiteboard and Two Coffee Tables
Activity Room 4 (Kids Room)	40 Function Chairs, 4 Tub Chairs	4 Mobile Folding Tables	Children's Play Table, 15 Children's Chairs, Cubby House
Commercial Kitchen	Commercial fridge, freezer, dishwasher, stove, oven.	Crockery, cutlery and other kitchen equipment is not a standard inclusion and will only be provided on request.