Meet our leaders

Brad has over 30 years of experience in the private, government, and non-government organisations (NGOs), including senior management and leadership roles since 2001. He is driven by a strong desire for social justice, and in particular the full participation of all people in our community.

Brad believes that the ultimate measure of success for an NGO is the empowerment of its participants to reduce their reliance on the organisation. This requires a strong team of employees, volunteers, and supporters all working to support the needs of participants, all underpinned by a sustainable and growing organisation.

Brad sees that collaboration both within and across sectors is essential to driving the systemic change required to reduce disadvantage and exclusion in our community. He is a Board member of the NSW Council of Social Services, and the Committee for the Hunter, a member of the Newcastle Poverty Action Alliance, and a founding convenor of Equality and Wellbeing Hunter.

Karlie commenced with Castle in September 2018 as the NDIS Manager and has since transitioned to Executive Manager Service Delivery across the NDIS and DES businesses.

With over 25 years’ experience in the Human Services sector in government, not-for-profit and consultancy she has an acute understanding of the challenges, complexities and opportunities that exist in the delivery of supports to people in our community. Combined with an unwavering commitment to social justice and workforce excellence Karlie also understands the trust and privilege associated with supporting people to achieve positive and meaningful outcomes.

With a background in operational management, policy development and strategy Karlie is adept in empowering teams to navigate change with confidence and purpose, with a clear focus and commitment of balancing social purpose with business sustainability. Karlie’s employment experience includes working with disadvantaged people in our community in a variety of areas including social enterprises, accommodation, community integration and clinical services.

Corey is our DES Operations Manager. He loves supporting and empowering our Castle team to deliver the best services for our participants and community stakeholders. He believes that everyone should have the opportunity to be involved in contributing to society.

Corey prides himself in opening the line of communication between participants, partnerships and businesses to achieve mutual life-changing employment opportunities. He has over 15 years in the employment services sector and heavy industry sector and project management that supports our key initiatives.

Corey states that his purpose best matches Castle’s mission of 'creating opportunities for everyone to be truly seen, supported and valued'.

Linda’s desire to contribute meaningfully to individuals that are met with challenges every day was met when she commenced with Castle working on the frontline as an Employment Consultant within the DES program– this was in 2007. This contribution is still being fed by the same desire over 12 years later with Castle.

Linda has held various positions specific to the DES program for the first 4 years, and then progressing in organisational monitoring, learning & development, training, and compliance Coordination and Management roles. These roles see her currently succeed in management within an executive capacity, of Governance, Risk & Ethics across all facets of Castle.

Years of industry experience is supported by Diploma in Disability; Diploma in Quality Management; Certificate in TAE enabling Linda to continue to uphold Participant rights and provide guidance and assurance for Castle current business operations and future directions.

Darren has worked across a wide range of industries including Heavy Engineering, Banking, Health, Education, Disability and Community Services. These roles have taken him up and down Australia and across the world, including Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Hong Kong, London and Abu Dhabi. Darren has a Degree in Computer Science, a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management, and he is a member of CPA Australia.

After 19 years of working with the NSW state government Darren joined Castle in May 2019 because he wanted to work in a business where he could make a real impact. Darren is excited by the work that Castle does and the impact that it has on many thousands of people’s lives.

Prue is our Human Resources Manager. She is a highly experienced HR professional who brings a wealth of experience to Castle, working with Not for Profit, Government (Federal, State and Local), Higher Education and Private Organisations.

Her extensive experience includes industrial relations, development and implementation of learning and training interventions, change management projects and strategic human resource management planning, forecasting and implementation.

Prue is interested in working in human resources/corporate services management and consultation and training/learning development consultation and implementation environments.

Over time, different roles have given Prue a unique and varied perspective into the human service organisation. Her passion is to build and maintain contemporary best practice HR service for Castle.

Along with her vast sector experience Prue holds a Research Masters, an MBA as well as qualifications in French languages.

A Director of Castle since 2009 and 30 years’ experience in public practice accounting.

Blair has dedicated his career to working with people in business. For more than 25 years he has been driven by a desire to help people achieve their goals and reach the level of success they long for. Blair’s attention to detail and measured way of dealing with every task is impressive. He has the ability to cut through the jargon and explain the process involved in each service in simple terms so that it’s clear.

Jennifer has been a Board member since 2014 and has been Chairperson since 2015. Jennifer has over 36 years of experience working in senior management roles responsible for service delivery, operations and people management in employment and social services. She is very passionate about contributing to services that support individuals achieve their goals.

Nino is a local businessman who comes from a construction and development background. He has been operating his own company in the local area since 1989. Nino holds a Diploma of Marketing and joined Castle as a committee member in 2003 and became a Director upon incorporation in 2011. Nino was appointed company secretary and has been vice-chairman since 2014.