Laura Shortis – Executive Manager, Cire Community Hubs
As Executive Manager, Cire Community Hubs, Laura Shortis has much to offer given her extensive background in leadership roles across the community services sector and her strong appreciation for the positive impact that comes with community involvement and a sense of belonging.
In her role as Executive Manager, Laura is always looking for opportunities to strengthen the relationships the hubs have with individual members of the community, partner organisations and the community as a whole.
Laura believes that the key to the success is for the hubs to provide opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, driven by a responsive approach to community needs.
Working across both Chirnside Park and Yarra Junction, Laura loves the opportunity this provides to connect with those accessing the hubs and is always up for a chat.
“It is wonderful to be working with a team of dedicated and passionate individuals to deliver services within my community.”
Jarred Kellerman – Business Support Manager
Driven by an energy to empower adolescent youth, Business Support Manager Jarred Kellerman broadens the scope of Cire Community Hubs, and the organisation as a whole.
An experienced counsellor, Jarred has a track record in building therapeutic alliances and working towards client goals, drawing on evidence-based approaches. He is passionate about developing proactive wellbeing policies and programs with a focus on early intervention and resilience building.
Jarred finds it hugely rewarding to help design and deliver projects that promote social connectedness and empower young people to participate within their community. Having grown up in the area, he is well tuned into the challenges they face.
Jarred has a Bachelor of Psychology, Masters in Counselling and Graduate Diploma in Education. He is a former secondary school wellbeing coordinator.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Cire Community Hubs team and helping local young people .. I have a real appreciation of their challenges.”
Janelle Strachan – Coordinator, Chirnside Park Community Hub
In her capacity as Coordinator of Chirnside Park Community Hub, Jenelle Strachan finds it extremely rewarding to be actively involved in helping strengthen the community.
With previous experience as a manager, trainer and in finance, Jenelle is responsible for the smooth day- to- day operations at Chirnside.
Equally important, her role is to support and strength the community by providing a welcoming place for people to meet, feel a sense of belonging and a chance to develop their skills.
Jenelle is keen to deliver a wide range of programs, classes and activities that engage individuals of all ages. She welcomes all forms of feedback and suggestions.
“It is a privilege to be able to help people engage and have a sense of belonging in our community.”
Simone Whitehead – Coordinator, Yarra Junction Community Hub
A contagious and bubbly enthusiasm, is one of Simone Whitehead’s greatest assets as one of the coordinators of Cire Community Hub at Yarra Junction.
Her role involves planning, coordinating and delivering activities and programs to engage people of all ages and meet their needs. She is always on the lookout for additional initiatives to engage people and welcomes new ideas and feedback on existing programs.
Simone thoroughly enjoys welcoming people to the Hub to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging, as well as to learn.
Proud to call the Upper Yarra home for more than 10 years, Simone believes she is fortunate to belong to such a vibrant community.
“It is so rewarding to be part of Cire’s drive to help to facilitate community ownership, participation, access and equity through its Community Hubs.”
Penny Walters – Coordinator, Yarra Junction Community Hub
Penny Walters joined Cire in 2017 as Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer. While based at the then Community House at Yarra Junction, she became increasingly aware of its empowering role within the community through its extensive range of flexible learning opportunities and other important services and programs. Penny welcomed the chance to become a Community Hub Coordinator when the position arose.
She is excited about being part of a team planning, coordinating and delivering activities and programs to engage people of all ages and meet their needs, as well expand what Cire can offer the community.
As EA to the CEO and the fact she lives locally means Penny has some invaluable insights into needs and uniqueness of the Yarra Ranges community.
“It is exciting to be helping develop Cire’s Community Hubs and working as part of a team to serve our community in the best way possible.”
