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Our Staff

  • Barry Guidera, Chief Executive Officer

    Barry close up

    Barry has been the Chief Executive Officer of DIDSS since October 2009, and is based at head office in Coffs Harbour on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Barry moved to the area from South Australia with his wife and 3 children after 15 years in the oyster industry - operating his own farm, and then managing the merging of eight farms around the state.

  • Laurence Anderson, Victorian Regional Coordinator

    Me close up

    Laurence first became a volunteer group leader for DIDSS in late 2004 and has been involved in all aspects of organisational planning and development since that time.

    In the field, he has built a strong professional referral network and remains heavily involved in a number of National, State and Regional committee’s devoted to community and sector development in the area of Men’s Health and Well-being; Laurence has also maintained a strong advocate stakeholder presence within a number of agency committees including the Commonwealth Ombudsman, Family Law Pathways, Child Support and Family Relationship Services community reference groups.

    Over the past 7 years, he has helped hundreds of dads and their families find a pathway to happiness and remains committed to the notion that this is achievable for any parent no matter what their situation or how insurmountable some barriers appear to be.

  • Phil York, Western Sydney Regional Coordinator

    Phil York, Western Sydney Coordinator

    Phil is a proud father of 3 girls, and has volunteered and worked for DIDSS since 2003. He is the Coordinator for Western Sydney and is based in the Illawarra region of Southern New South Wales. He has opened and facilitated many groups and has helped countless men through their own time of need, with the emphasis of making a positive impact on dad’s lives as they move forward after separation.

  • Alan Valja, National Volunteer Coordinator & Helpline operator

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    Alan Valja is one of the co-founders of Dads in Distress. His focus has been to establish and further develop the support group structure. At present, Alan is the national volunteer co-ordinator for Dads in Distress. This includes keeping in touch with current volunteers and mentoring new volunteers Australia wide. Alan also supports men and women through the Helpline.

  • Mac Werner, Helpline operator

    Mac has been a Helpline operator and volunteer support worker with DIDSS since 2007.

  • Jeff Lindsay, Helpline operator

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    Jeff came to DIDSS in 2010 as a work placement student with TAFE as part of a community service course. Jeff now works on the Helpline, helps with admin and co facilitates the Coffs Harbour group.
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