Our Board
Pam Batkin
Chair
Pam Batkin - Chair
Pam has extensive experience in leadership and senior management in the community sector and in local government. She is the Chair of WSCF and has also been the President of the Council of Social Services of NSW (NCOSS). These state and regional leadership roles reflect Pam’s strong professional commitment to social justice and to work at all levels for a fairer society. Pam joined the Board in 2011 and is the CEO of Woodville Alliance. She holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Social Studies, a professional Social Work degree.
Randa Kattan
Deputy Chair
Randa Kattan - Deputy Chair
Randa has been an active community leader and has been vocal on promoting the status of women and social justice principles. She has served on numerous ministerial committees including but not limited to the Premier’s Council for Women. She holds qualifications in the social sciences, management, training, Executive Coaching and is completing a Masters in Social Change and Development. In 2014, Randa was named as one of Australia’s most influential 25 people in the not-for-profit sector. Randa is the CEO of the Arab Council Australia and joined the Board in 2013.
Ben Jackson
Treasurer
Ben Jackson - Treasurer
Ben spent a decade working in the corporate sector and after project managing direct sales of charity products, he entered the not for profit sector. Since that time, he has held senior management positions in health, disability and community services. Ben is an active voice in the community sector and is the CEO of Hills Community Aid. He holds a number of leadership representative positions including for the NSW Local Community Services Association. Ben joined the Board in 2014 and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and post graduate qualifications in Public Relations.
Tracy Taylor
Secretary
Tracy Taylor - Secretary
Tracy’s passion for working within the community started during her sporting career as a young adult where she was exposed to a range of mentoring, goal specific driven activities and opportunities. Subsequently, Tracy built and developed a career in the Health, Fitness, Sports, and Community Services industries. She is passionate about assisting, encouraging and developing individuals to reach their full potential despite barriers and obstacles. Tracy is the CEO of Karabi Community and Development Services. She joined the Board in 2014 and holds qualifications in welfare and community management.
Keith Hamilton
Member
Keith Hamilton - Board Member
Keith has a passion for social justice, and a drive to include people whom society often excludes. He has been a minster of the Uniting Church in Australia for 27 years, and involved in the church and community of Western Sydney for the past 17. Keith holds a Bachelor of Theology and three Masters’ degrees in Theology, Communications and Cultural Studies, and Community Management. Keith is the Senior Minister / Group CEO of Parramatta Mission, deputy chair of the Uniting Church in Western Sydney, a Board member of the Community Migrant Resource Centre, and joined the Board in 2015.
Natasha Lay
Member
Natasha Lay - Board Member
Natasha has had a diverse career in community and economic development, including in local government, non-government and the private sector. She has been a strong advocate for young people and the broader community of Western Sydney for the past 10 years and remains passionate about youth participation and community development. Natasha is the Western Sydney Coordinator at Youth Action, the peak body for young people and youth services in NSW. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication majoring in Social Inquiry and joined the Board in 2015.
Dr. Andy Marks
Member
Dr. Andy Marks - Board Member
Andy is a research expert, authoring reports in areas such as socio-economic development, homelessness, housing affordability, addiction and social-inclusion. He featured regularly in the media as a commentator on these issues. He has been a leading advocate and consultant on several government and social services sector committees. Andy is the Director Strategic and Government Relations at Western Sydney University. He joined the Board in 2016 and holds a PhD and first-class Honours degree in politics and literature.
Melissa Monterio
Member
Melissa Monterio - Board Member
Melissa Monteiro is the Executive Director of the Community Migrant Resource Centre. Melissa joined the CMRC in early 2000 and has over twenty five years’ experience in the community sector. Melissa has been employed in a number of not for profits include the Blacktown City Community Services Network, Missionaries of Charity and the College of Social Work winning the University of Western Sydney Community Services Award (2013). During this time, she worked closely with community leaders in Western Sydney with an interest in creating greater social impact through a stronger social sector and cross-sectorial collaboration.