Our Team
Volunteer Board
Steven Takacs-Gal (Chairperson)
In addition to my role as Chair of Inner West Neighbour Aid, I am also on the boards of other non-government organisations and as well volunteer in my local community. I had a long career in the NSW public sector and a couple of stints in community organisations; working in the areas of aged care, disability, First Nations, youth, employment, education, health and natural resource management. What attracted me to Inner West Neighbour Aid is the organisations' professionalism and empathy in working with the people we support in the community. We value our clients, volunteers and staff very highly and I believe we are well placed to embrace the future changes in the Aged Care sector.
Ben Lever
I’m a Garden Aid volunteer interested in agriculture and horticulture. I’m a software engineer with a commercial background. I’m currently working as a business consultant. I’ve a strong understanding of the 5 Senses Garden project, having assisted with a marketing strategy provided pro bono through our business consultancy.
Jeanette Gilbert (Volunteer Representative)
I have worked for many years in government departments and not-for-profit organisations. My experience is primarily accounting and administration in the education sector. My favourite thing about Inner West Neighbour Aid is the staff and their passion for what they do. It inspires me. I also love the clients and their life experiences.
Alison Muir (Secretary)
I have worked in for-purpose organsations for over 19 years, and came to operational leadership from the ground-up, holding a series of administrative, service delivery, fundraising and business development roles, now heading up operational improvement, client success strategies and growth areas of a for-purpose disability organisation. I am deeply commitment to, and understand the challenges of navigating the financial, governance, service and operational challenges within the NFP and disability sectors, facilitating strategies and business plans that deliver cost-effective growth and positive impact to the communities we support. One of my passions is empowering all individuals to live their best life and I gain immense satisfaction in breaking down barriers and building support systems that connect individuals to community and promote independence. I live in the inner west with my two precious dogs.
Simon Leong (Client Representative)
I am one of the Client Representatives on the board. Since I retired in 2019 I have two strands of personal development. The first is how to deal with babies and toddlers. I have 6 grandchildren and meeting all their needs and mediating with them and amongst them can be challenging. But I am learning how to communicate with this young generation, with guidance from my wife Linda who is a retired kindergarten teacher. The second strand of my personal development is related to being a client and board member of Neighbour Aid. In this role I am learning how to interact with others in the community and this gives me a sense of purpose. Connecting with clients gives me a feeling of joy as there is something that is medicinal when you have a pleasant conversation with people who have led interesting lives. The depth of knowledge, perspective and experience is something that should be shared. If our paths cross at a Neighbour Aid program or function I’d be delighted to have a chin wag (if that term is still understood and used). Cheers to all our seniors.
Peter Malhotra (Treasurer)
I have over 15 years’ experience across diverse industries including aged care, health, hospitality, logistics, and non-profits. My career is marked by successful project management, strategic leadership, and a passion for continuous improvement. Being involved with Inner West Neighbour Aid is incredibly fulfilling, as it allows me to apply my skills to support and strengthen our community. I enjoy collaborating with like-minded individuals to drive initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of our communities.
Suzanna Pawley
With nearly 25 years of dedicated service in the community services sector, I am a passionate advocate for fostering healthy communities. Throughout my career, I have championed initiatives aimed at empowering families, children, young people, and older community members to thrive. I am grateful for the opportunity as a board member of Inner West Neighbour Aid to contribute to our pursuit of providing spaces and opportunities for people to connect, participate, and share.
Samantha Guthleben
I have worked in diverse environments including arts and culture, community and disability services, local government and the media. I enjoy balancing the challenges of business priorities with financial long-term organisational sustainability in a for-purpose environment. My volunteer career has spanned a number of years from Sydney Story Factory, Dress for Success, Youth off the Streets and the Sydney Film Festival. I am passionate about empowering seniors in our community to connect with each other and enjoy active, social and independent lives. I value the commitment and compassion that underpins everything we do at Inner West Neighbour Aid, and look forward to continuing to work with the board and team to ensure we are in the best position to support clients and volunteers in the aged care environment.
Margaret Lergessner (Client Representative)
I feel very privileged to have been able to spend over 40 years working in India, and being able to make a difference in the lives of many by means of education, social work and medical work. Returning to Australia in 2000, I worked as a therapist with women in Silverwater Prison, was a volunteer with Salvation Army in their outreach to women who had been trafficked and a regular visitor to Villawood Detention Centre where my knowledge of Hindi also helped many to make their conditions known to authorities, or even just to share conversations. I enjoy being with people and I believe in ‘casual conversations’ with anyone I believe needs a word of support or encouragement, eg “Are you ok?”, “I’m sorry, but do you need some help?, “You’re looking gorgeous!”, etc Over the past year, I have come to new relationships with my being part of Neighbour Aid’s DanceMoves program and ongoing engagement with both participants and board members. Age is no deterrent when there is someone to whom one can reach out to, or to approach when one’s own self may be in need.
Staff
The Inner West Neighbour Aid team are passionate and committed to improving wellbeing of our clients. We take time to get to know clients and their individual requirements.
Allison Yee-Brogan
Inner West Neighbour Aid has been a special place to call "work" since 2012. I bring a wealth of senior management experience across the aged care, disability and youth at risk sectors to Inner West Neighbour Aid. With qualifications in Economics, Community Management and Chartered Accounting, I also share my expertise in organisational planning, business development and contract management. I have led state-wide and national teams at a variety of not for profit organisations over the past 30 years. I believe one of my strengths is creating teams with purpose, understanding where individuals can grow and providing an environment where they can thrive. I am passionate about outdoor adventures, fitness challenges, martial arts, and general health and wellness. Above all, I value family and community. My view on living is: keep doing what you want to do and what your body and mind are able to do, until you can no longer "do". Age is just a number.
Maja Sorensen
I've worked with Inner West Neighbour Aid since October 2020. I started in the Garden Aid team helping maintain people's gardens and now work as the Social Support Coordinator. I have always enjoyed working with community and older people, starting with my first job at a local pharmacy. I have previously worked in bush regeneration and as a senior chef in restaurants. I love the community within Neighbour Aid. On the weekends I enjoy being in nature or by the ocean and getting creative through cooking, gardening or art.
Emma-Lee Torres
I started at Inner West Neighbour Aid in 2016 as a Social Support Worker. I loved attending outings and exercise activities with everyone. You have most likely spoken to me on the phone if I haven’t met you in person. My current role as Client Services Coordinator started in 2020. Navigating My Aged Care and the ongoing changes can be difficult, please call the office to speak with me if you need some assistance. When I am not in the office, I am at home with my twin girls, Flordeluna and Milagros and their little brother, Ezra. They keep me very busy! Weekends are filled with trips to the park, playing at the beach and swimming lessons.
Indah Kusumawati
I began working at Inner West Neighbour Aid in October 2011. I am qualified in Economics. Before joining Inner West Neighbour Aid, I worked as an accountant for a not for profit organisation in Indonesia funded by the Australian Federal Police. In my free time, I enjoy cooking for my family, spending time with friends, and relaxing in my backyard. As I am getting older, my focus isn't on looking younger, but on being happier.
Karen Paige
I had been working in the community service area around the Inner West for around ten years before joining Inner West Neighbour Aid in November 2021, initially as Client Service Officer. My role now includes Volunteer Intake. These roles give me the opportunity to assist new clients at the referral stage and recruit new volunteers. It’s lovely to get to know our clients and volunteers and assist them to get the most out of their connections with Neighbour Aid. I enjoy having the opportunity to engage with our community in everyday matters regarding their Neighbour Aid services. Everyone has a story to tell and I love that Neighbour Aid is such a welcoming place for sharing.
Joanne Santas
I joined Inner West Neighbour Aid in March 2022 and am the Help at Home Coordinator for our private (non-government funded) garden and lawn service. My previous career highlights include Head Gardener at Kirribilli House and Leading Hand Horticulturalist at Newington College, Stanmore. I’ve been gardening for over 20 years and I have to say working with the Neighbour Aid team and our clients is by far the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.
Melanie Athan
I started at Inner West Neighbour Aid in February 2025 as a horticulturalist on the Garden Aid team. I have been working in the garden industry for 10+ years but being able to share the joy of gardening to people no matter what age, background or experience has always been the most rewarding for me. The team and community at Neighbour Aid is so welcoming and I love that my job combines my passion for plants and people. Hopefully we bring a smile to someone’s face after we work our Garden Aid magic. In my spare time I enjoy walking in nature, spending time with friends and family and tending to my own veggie garden where I like to grow fresh food to cook with.
Stuart Blundell
I joined the Inner West Neighbour Aid team in July 2014. At the time I was looking for a job that was worthwhile and allowed me to get outside in the fresh air. I wanted to keep helping older members of the community and a job as a gardener at Neighbour Aid was a perfect fit! I have over ten years’ experience working in the aged and disability government sector and am passionate about horticulture. I love working with like-minded people to help our clients enjoy and be proud of their gardens. I am a qualified horticulturist and enjoy cooking the food grown in my garden.
Emel Jurd
I am part of the Social Support team and have worked at Inner West Neighbour Aid since January 2022. I have over 30 years' experience working with vulnerable clients in the community sector and 20 years' experience specifically developing and facilitating group programs across the health, education and not for profit sectors. I love coming up with new creative ideas for our clients and leading a range of exercise and dance programs Neighbour Aid provides.
Jake Lackner
I joined Inner West Neighbour Aid as part of the Help at Home team in January 2023. I was attracted to the role as I love being outdoors and I have always had a strong interest in gardening. I enjoy working with the community and helping those who need it. The work is extremely satisfying and I enjoy every minute of it.
Mikali Anagnostis
I joined the Inner West Neighbour Aid team in August 2023 with Help at Home and then joined the Social Support team six months later. I've previously worked in horticultural science and disability support, so it's a dream come true to have a role that lets me work with the community and with plants! I love the way this team looks for the best in people and the gifts they have to bring to community.
Chantel Jurcevic
I have been working in the Social Support team at Neighbour Aid since February 2024. I have had the privilege of working across the community sector to support children, young people, carers, families and people experiencing mental distress. I am loving the experience of now working with elders and seniors, with such a wealth of knowledge to glean from supporting and connecting with our clients. Facilitating opportunities for our seniors to feel connected and express themselves makes my work feel really valuable.
Ruben Hadges
I joined Inner West Neighbour Aid in January 2025 and love working with the team and our seniors. There is so much to learn from our community and I feel lucky to come to work every day. I have been working in social services for the past 7 years including homelessness case management, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and disability support services. I enjoy watching movies and swimming/snorkelling in my spare time as well as playing Fortnite with my nephew.
Service Providers
We are proud to develop long term partnerships with service providers who align with our vision:
Schools and Partners