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Our Board

  • Dean Mason

    Dean Mason - Chairman of the Board

    CHAIRMAN

    Dean Mason (B.A./B.Comm Melb.) is a Management Consultant and Principal of Enakt Consulting. Dean has been volunteering with DIDSS since 2004 as a group facilitator, a 1300 Helpline volunteer, and an active committee member at regional and national levels. Dean's primary motivation in his role as chairman is developing a governance environment in which all volunteers feel inspired and empowered to contribute their talents, and their own experiences of hardship, into making a positive difference in other people's lives.

    Read Dean’s occasional blog reflecting on life in the Chair: Men Not Alone Click here

    On the Board since 5th August 2010

  • Gehan Wijegoonewardane

    Gehan

    TREASURER

    Originally from Sri Lanka, Gehan is relatively new to the DIDSS organisation and therefore comes with fresh eyes and insights. For over ten years he has held senior positions in financial management of multi-national companies and not-for-profits. He was appointed Director of Housing Reconstruction by the President of Sri Lanka in 2005 to oversee the task of post-tsunami reconstruction. Gehan's expertise in financial management, reporting, compliance and corporate governance will be a great asset to the Board and DIDSS nationally. His passion is to see DIDSS reaching more men and families across his new nation and making new inroads into ethnic communities.    

    On the Board since 28th October 2010

  • Andrew King

    Andrew King

    Andrew King is a consultant trainer and program developer in group work, working with men and strengths based practice. He is the Deputy-Chairperson for the Institute of Group Leaders and a specialist trainer in group work and trains professionals throughout Australia and Canada in ‘working with men’. He is also an experienced practitioner and has published a range of professional articles.

    Andrew’s work career has involved working with teenagers who have drug and alcohol problems, young people with a mental health issues, parenting education, coordinating a large fathers’ centre and managing training for professionals interested in group work or working with men.

    On the Board since 6th September 2012

  • Alan Valja

    Alan Valja

    Alan Valja has been a board member since 6th September 2012.

    Alan is one of the co-founders of Dads in Distress. His involvement has included helping to establish and develop the support group structure. At present, Alan is the National Volunteer Co-ordinator for Dads in Distress. This involves regular communication with current volunteers and mentoring new volunteers Australia wide. Alan also supports men and women through the 1300 helpline.

     

     

  • Ron Macris

    Ron Macris

    Ron has a rich and diverse background in working with men over an extended period, and has held senior management positions within community agencies and the Victorian Government.

    Ron was the National Relationships Manager for Crisis Support Services and MensLine Australia and also as a telephone counsellor. He has extensive experience in working with families and clients within the Departments of Justice and Human Services.

    As General Manager, Community Based Corrections Victoria, Ron was responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating case management practices and treatment programs for men sentenced to community based orders and/or terms of imprisonment.

    Ron has also participated high level program reviews and major inquiries, resulting in the preparation of detailed reports for Government Ministers and senior heads of staff. These include the performance Audit of Victorian Intellectual Disability Services, a review of community support programs in reducing recidivism for discharged prisoners and conducting inquiries into major incidents including deaths in custody.

    On the Board since 6th September 2012

  • Jim Morris

    Snapshot of me 10

    Jim Morris (BC UNE), retired, grey nomad, student. Jim commenced his working life in the building industry.  He was state manager for a national housing company before branching out on his own.  He has been involved with community groups for many years (Youth Clubs, Agricultural Society, Kennel Clubs, Lions Club, Scout Leader.) 

    After moving to Coffs Harbour, Jim commenced a second career in the community services sector. This included telephone counselling, training telephone counsellors, face to face counselling, mediating for NSW Legal Aid and supporting people with dual diagnosis disabilities.

    Jim has been involved with dads in distress since February 2000. He has worked the phones, facilitated and served on the board.  He was a member of the original committee that incorporated dids and applied for the first funding grant.  He moved to Newcastle where he assisted in the establishment of regional dids groups.  As a dids representative Jim presented CSA ‘staying connected’ workshops to single dads.  Jim has also represented dids on the Hunter Men’s Services Network committee.

    He has established long term relationships with fathers, mentoring and supporting them through high conflict negotiations and self-represented parenting litigation. 

    Jim would like to see the DIDSS organisation continue its personal strength based focus, making a difference to individuals and families.

    On the Board since 6th September 2012
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