Meet Our People

Our Team

• Cate Akaveka

  Chief Executive Officer

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  Cate Akaveka

  Chief Executive Officer

  Bio to come.
• Chris Mundy

  Sector Development Lead - Research & Policy

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  Chris Mundy

  Sector Development Lead - Research & Policy

  Chris has worked with NCQ in a variety of areas and now leads the sector in forwarding Neighbourhood Centre data and research, social policy influence and developing sector networks.

  Chris has over 20 years of experience in community work in a wide variety of contexts including both individual support and community programs. He spent 10 years working with teenagers, community groups and stakeholders in a high school context, using Community Development methods to address issues of mental health, self-harm, social justice and youth crime. His experience in Neighbourhood Centres entailed further Community Development experience as well as Volunteer Management, Consortium Work and Financial Resilience. Chris has also supported individuals and groups affected by Past Forced Adoption practices as well as conducted research and advocacy in this area.

  Chris has studied a Bachelor of Ministries from the Australian College of Theology, Graduate Diploma of Psychology at QUT and a Master of International and Community Development (PhD Pathway) at Deakin University. His multidisciplinary background brings a variety of research, practice and systems perspectives to his work which is ideal to demonstrate the diverse nature and value of Neighbourhood Centres across the state.

  His multidisciplinary background brings a variety of research, practice and systems perspectives to his work which is ideal to demonstrate the diverse nature and value of Neighbourhood Centres across the state.
• Melanie Maher

  Strategic Communications Lead

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  Melanie Maher

  Strategic Communications Lead

  Melanie leads the design and delivery of communications and digital engagement projects to develop the impact of the peak body and our members. Projects include the strategic rebranding of NCQ, the design of a new website and members online learning platform, and the creation and implementation of the communications strategy.

  Melanie has spent the last 12 years working as a communications designer, particularly focused on helping not-for-profit (NFP) and for-purpose organisations to amplify their social and environmental impact.
  She has a range of skills and experience, developed from a diverse portfolio of projects that include her work in political campaigning (including leading state-wide communications in Federal Election Campaigns in Tasmania), designing fundraising campaigns (including those for poverty in Hong Kong and environmental protection in Tasmania), and collaborated with researchers to adapt communications to more effectively influence policy change.

  Melanie is also a design lecturer, with 8 years experience in lecturing, course writing, workshop creation and learning facilitation of Bachelor of Design students. She teaches a range of courses such as Design Thinking and Business by Design. She has also worked with for-purpose organisations to design and implement online learning systems and experiences.

  Melanie holds a Bachelor of Visual Communications Design and a Masters in Digital Design majoring in Education. Her research work has focused primarily on increasing sustainability literacy (skills, values and behaviours) with communication and design methods.
• Ally Kodet-Moran

  Sector Support - Communications & Digital Engagement

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  Ally Kodet-Moran

  Sector Support - Communications & Digital Engagement

  Ally supports the delivery of NCQ’s communications and digital engagement projects. This involves connecting with neighbourhood centres, elevating their achievements and impact, as well as raising the overall recognition of the sector. Ally focuses on NCQ’s social media, sector and members newsletters, website updates, stories and case studies. She aims to foster a sense of belonging within the sector to the neighbourhood centre movement.

  Ally has worked in the non-profit sector since 2012, primarily in the communications space. Her work has involved promoting the wellbeing of children and families and the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence through respectful relationships education. Ally’s roles have ranged from communications, digital marketing, operations, contract management, grant writing and executive support.

  Ally holds a Bachelor of Communication (Media Studies) and is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

  Ally is passionate about social change and strongly believes in the importance of connected communities in nurturing social inclusion, mental health and overall wellbeing.
• Natasha Odgers

  Sector Development Lead - Disaster Resilience

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  Natasha Odgers

  Sector Development Lead - Disaster Resilience

  Natasha leads NCQ’s disaster resilience projects, consulting with Centres in areas impacted by disasters, developing and implementing disaster resilience strategies, developing stakeholder relationships and designing resources to support the resilience of Neighbourhood and Community Centres and their communities.

  Natasha has over thirteen years of experience working in community development, mainly with local communities across Glasshouse Country, through a program of the Caloundra Community Centre. Prior to this, Natasha worked in communications and community engagement roles with the Landcare sector with natural resource management bodies at the local, regional, state and national levels.

  Natasha is also currently an affiliate with Community Praxis Cooperative working on a community development project called ‘We Recover Better Together’ with community members across Glasshouse Country focused on disaster recovery.

  Natasha holds a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Community Development.
• Sally Foreman

  Sector Project Officer

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  Sally Foreman

  Sector Project Officer

  In her role as Sector Project Officer – Community-led Disaster Resilience, Sally works alongside Neighbourhood Centres, disaster resilience partners and the NCQ team to promote and support community-led disaster resilience in flood-impacted regions, in alignment with the Queensland Neighbourhood Centres Strategy for Disaster Resilience 2023-26.

  Sally is a passionate and skilled development practitioner and researcher with over 16 years experience working with various domestic and international agencies and NGOs. Specifically in areas of disaster recovery and resilience, gender, tourism, social inclusion, justice, livelihoods and small business development and education. Her passion is collaborating with other thought leaders in working to build reflective leadership capabilities for diverse groups bringing about change in complex environments.

  Sally’s skills and expertise include community development and community-based and participatory research, project management and evaluation, capacity building, strategic planning and policy development, and cross-cultural engagement.

  Sally holds an undergraduate degree in Business (International Business) and a Master of Development Practice (Community Development).
• Claire Whiting

  Administration Officer

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  Claire Whiting

  Administration Officer

  Claire serves as our dedicated administration officer, offering invaluable support to the team with meticulous attention to detail across all administrative functions. With a strong background in the not-for-profit sector, she brings extensive experience in customer service and fosters a welcoming and collaborative workplace culture.

  Claire is also a singer-songwriter, having spent much of her life touring nationally and internationally – both as a solo artist and as part of various bands.

  She holds a Diploma of Leadership and Management as well as a Bachelor of Music and is currently furthering her passion for music and human beings by pursuing a Master of Music Therapy.
• Micah Lean

  Project Officer

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  Micah Lean

  Project Officer

  Micah is a Project Officer focusing on the planning and implementation of the Disaster Resilience Maturity Scorecard Project. Micah is looking forward to the opportunity of working across the State with Neighbourhood Centres to train their local community groups on disaster preparedness and resilience.

  Micah is interested in improving community education and action on climate, environmental and sustainability issues. Micahhas been involved in many projects and initiatives in his local area including working in groups to start the Redcliffe Repair Cafe, the Redcliffe Neighbourhood Centre community garden and the Moreton Bay Eco Fest event.

  Micah has worked for the past 7 years in professional community development roles at his local Neighbourhood Centre and the City of Moreton Bay.Micah is also currently on the teaching team for two community development subjects at the University of Sunshine Coast.

  Micah holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Development) and a Graduate Certificate of Community Development.

  Micah loves bushwalking, gardening and a good plate of food.
• Sneha Soy

  Operations Lead

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  Sneha Soy

  Operations Lead

  Soy is the Operations Lead at Neighbourhood Centres Queensland, bringing over 8 years of leadership experience across emergency management, organisational development, and business strategy. With a proven track record in leading multimillion-dollar projects and scaling teams in high-stakes environments, Soy thrives where impactful, compliant, and sustainable solutions are essential.

  Before joining NCQ, Soy held several national and state leadership roles , leading emergency responses to major crises including bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic. With oversight of workforces exceeding 1,500 people, her leadership is grounded in capability development and people-first strategy.

  Known for her adaptive leadership and situational management style, Soy excels in aligning people, systems, and processes to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes. At the heart of Soy’s leadership is a philosophy grounded in trust, collaboration, and the development of individual potential. Her commitment to inclusive, strengths-based leadership has propelled teams to national recognition and created opportunities for growth and innovation across complex operating environments.

  Currently completing her Master of Business Administration, Soy pairs academic insight with practical leadership experience.