About Us - Board Members

Board Members

Wendy Trinne - Chair
My experience in the Home and Community Care sector includes working as a co-ordinator in a range of programs and as a consultant. I joined the CHAP board 6 years ago and have been Chair since 2004.

Previous committee & community experience includes secretary of Redeemer Lutheran School Board and Chair of Wakefield Network, Lower North SPOKE and Working Toward Wellbeing Committee, and member of Barossa Leisure Options and Barossa Housing Steering committees.

As education manager for the TAFE SA Community Services & Health program across Lower North, Barossa, Gawler and Riverland regions I have a significant interest in the community sector and services and supports available to clients and consumers. I have formal qualifications in education (secondary and adult), workplace training and business management.

Robyn Aylesbury
My name is Robyn Aylesbury and I have been a CHAP board member since 2002. I have 21 years experience working in the public sector mainly in the human services sector in country communities. The skills and experience that I bring to the Board includes:-

Ensuring service delivery in accordance with Policy
Monitoring and reviewing performance
Preparation and monitoring of Business Plans
Establishing and maintaining networks
Conducting internal audits
Budget preparation and monitoring
Recruitment, selection and human resource processes
Provision of leadership and management of staff
Ensuring and maintaining customer confidentiality

On a personal level, I am married with two adult children and have recently returned to live in Wallaroo after living in Port Pirie for 5 years. Prior to the move to Port Pirie I lived in Wallaroo for 17 years and it's good to be back.

I am committed to the role that CHAP plays in our community in providing in-home support to enable clients to maintain independent living in their established community with access to family, friends and supports.

Jennifer Curtis
I joined the CHAP Board 6 years ago soon after retiring with my husband to Balaklava. The work of CHAP was well known to me when I was asked if I would consider membership of the Board and I had no hesitation in applying. The Mission Statement and the Values CHAP espouses appealed to me since my work has always been about helping people to have choices and to become or remain as independent as possible. The dedication of all those involved in CHAP was immediately apparent and the feedback from the community always positive.

I have been active in all aspects of community life since I left school. My professional working life began when I was employed in both the public and private sectors in New Zealand including time in the Health Sector. Since coming to live in Australia in 1993, I worked primarily in Community Economic Development.

I spent five years in Roxby Downs (where my husband was the school Principal), working as a senior manager for Western Mining Corporation. My last job before retirement in 2000 was as a consultant with the Roxby Downs Council.

I have a particular interest in policy development and strategic planning and see CHAP continuing to be at the forefront of the "not for profit" sector in providing quality in-home support to the frail elderly and those with disabilities. I see the role of the Board as pivotal in the current economic climate and especially in defining strategic direction given the growing number of older South Australians and the increased demand for the range of services CHAP provides through its contractors.

I am proud of the reputation CHAP enjoys and feel very privileged to have the opportunity to contribute through my Board involvement. I currently hold the position of Vice Chair.

Patricia Jacka
Home town Clare - lived here all my life. Have been involved in community activities over a long period of time.

These have included - schools, local government as councillor and the Mayor - Regional Development Board - Aged Care - Youth - foundation member of Riesling Trail committee, currently Board Chairman Wool Wine and Wheat Country Education Fund.

Interests - family - music - theatre - reading (when there is time) and travel.

My membership on the CHAP Board affords me the opportunity to be in touch with the needs of Aged Care Services within the region and at a local level.

Margaret Manuel
A migrant, who arrived in Australia from Scotland in 1951, I spent my school years in Norwood, attending both Norwood primary and high schools. In m early working life, I was employed by the Commercial Bank of Australia in the Adelaide office - now Westpac - and consider my "claim to fame" being the first female teller in South Australia.

I helped my late husband, Roger, run the family business, The Plains Producer newspaper, which we bought as an ailing business in 1983. I took over the reins when he died in 1995.

Having a member of my family benefit from CHAP services I was impressed by the workings of the organization and developed a passion for the care provided and spent some time on the board while still working at The Plains Producer. I feel a background in newspapers and running my own business has given me some understanding of what businesses in rural SA face.

I have a passion for seeing country communities grow, and now retired, felt I had the time and energy to give to something worthwhile and readily accepted the invitation to become a CHAP Board member once again.

In my role a secretary of Balaklava Area Committee and ongoing connection with the newspaper, I feel I have an ideal forum to bring to the attention of the Balaklava community any CHAP achievements.

Vicky Cooper
I have lived in the Gawler area for 30 years and while my children were growing up was involved in youth and school groups. I have a lifetime experience in different nursing fields, the last 10 years in community health in which I still occasionally work. My work has allowed me to see how assistance to elderly people in their homes improves their quality of life and gives them choices about their future. I have a desire to ensure that the needs of the elderly are expressed and acted upon by community agencies and governments.

Geoff Spence
I am currently an Executive Director of Balco, working in Finance - Operations. I have an Arts degree from the University of Adelaide and am a former principal of Balaklava Primary School.

I have served on the Board of Mill Court and several other community organisations including Apex, Community Arts Group, sporting clubs and the Economic Development Board.

I have a strong interest in finance and forward planning.

Karen Tyler
Sometimes good things or good people keep reappearing in your life, and for me, CHAP is one of those blessings!

I grew up around country SA, and began my working life as a nurse. After working in residential care and doctor's rooms I joined CHAP as the Barossa co-ordinator in 1990.

My next ten years employed with CHAP shaped so much of my professional identity. Social justice, advocacy and client centred practice all became real, as in partnership with the client; we were able to make a tangible difference in the choices people could make for their lives. A stint as Manager during a period of significant growth was also a wonderful learning experience. I am proud of CHAP, the people who work for it and how it has contributed to people's lives and to the communities that it works within. It is a unique organisation and I am pleased to be able to continue this relationship as a Board member.

I now enjoy working for TAFE, teaching mainly in Aged Care. I have qualifications in nursing, education, counselling and management.

CHAP would like to talk with people who may be interested in joining the Board. If you have a passion for your community, a willingness to share your skills, a particular interest in the aged care arena and believe you can contribute to the governance of CHAP, please contact Mick Brock on 8562 4177 or email by using the Email CHAP button in the contact us section.