Who We Are
At Harbour, we are fortunate to have a dynamic and dedicated leadership team committed to steering our mission of providing a safe haven for women and children escaping Family and Domestic Violence. Our Board Members and Executive Team collectively bring a wealth of expertise and passion to guide Harbour on its transformative journey.
Their collective commitment ensures that Harbour stands as a beacon of hope, offering not only refuge but also a pathway to healing, resilience, and empowerment. Get to know the faces behind Harbour’s impactful work, driving positive change in our community.
Our Team
Meet our skilled & compassionate Board Members and Executive Team
Board Chairperson
Nicole Frayne
Nicole is a health professional with a Bachelor of Pharmacy and accreditation with the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacy. As a credentialed Diabetes Educator Nicole has worked as a Diabetes Management Specialist and a consultant pharmacist.
Nicole has held the position of Vice Chairperson of the Harbour (South West Refuge) Board since 2019.
Nicole is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed the Not-for-Profit Governance Training. Nicole is also the Vice President of the Australian Diabetes Educator Association.
Nicole is a proud volunteer with the Bunbury Soup Van.
Vice Chairperson
Emma Fiegert
Emma joined the Board in 2022 and has been an invaluable contributor as a Board Member in the short time she has been with us. Working as a solicitor specialising in family law and family and domestic violence matters, Emma brings a wealth of knowledge to South West Refuge.
Emma has a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice in addition to being on the panel of Legal Aid.
Emma’s skills of advocacy and legal expertise provide our service with access to up-to-date information on the workings of Family Violence Restraining Orders and related legislation pertaining to family law.
Treasurer
Carina Roney
Carina brings 30 years knowledge in tax law, accounting and finance and is a Member of CAANZ. IN addition to being a Chartered Accountant, Carina holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Master’s in Applied Finance.
As if that is not impressive enough, Carina is employed by Virgin Airlines focussing on financing and leasing aircraft.
Carina’s skills are applied to contract reviews, negotiation, research, financial risk assessment, government submissions and advisory functions.
Carina’s Board experience has included St Brigid’s School in Collie, Vice Cahir of the Management Committee for Collie Early Education Inc and in Sydney the SVDP Youthreach initiative.
Secretary
Dr Alex Hugman
Alexandra joined the Board of Directors in May 2020, after being a Board Member of NSW Uniting
Church Board of Education, the Waratah Centre Board, and the Secretary Member of the Roseville
Uniting Church.
Alexandra (Alex) has also used her skills in ESL to educate teams for Relationships Australia and
Chatswood Multicultural Centre.
We’re very fortunate that Alex made the move to Western Australia – she previously worked in the
Eastern states, both as an Accessibility Coach at Macquarie University, and a Director of UniServe Science at Sydney University. She also worked as
Assistant Principal at Armadale Christian College.
Alex’s qualifications include being a Doctor of Science Education, an MSc in Education Management, NVQ in Training Trainers and a CERT IV in ESL Education.
Board Member
Nerida Pickup
Nerida has been offering her skills and experience
to the South West Refuge for eight years, being on
both the Board, and the Finance Sub-Committee.
With over 31 years in finance and business banking,
Nerida is the perfect fit for the Refuge’s financial
management and reporting systems and plans.
Nerida’s natural skills in relationship building, advocacy for the service and valuing community has been a key factor in the success of our donations and fundraising programs.
Nerida is also constantly giving value back to her
community, be it through community fundraising,
volunteering for Riding for the Disabled, or running
Governance Workshops.
Board Member
Dr Amanda Sabel
Amanda boasts 20 years of medical experience,
bringing invaluable knowledge and skills to the
women at the South West Refuge. Amanda’s
qualifications include General Practitioner Obstetrician, MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG,
completing Advanced Mental Health Training, and
having been a GP Trainer and an Advanced Life
Support Instructor.
Her studies and work have taken her from Australia to the UK, South Africa and Malaysia,
where she worked as a medical officer for a marine
conservation project.
Amanda has built and operated a number of successful local businesses and continues to advocate for community support for South West Refuge.
Board Member
Kristen Lilly
Kristen joined the Board in mid 2023 after being an active member of the Fundraising Events Committee.
Kristen has significant event management experience from her days as a Greens southwest campaign event manager.
Kristen holds a Bachelor of Arts Cultural Heritage and Environmental Management and a Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education.
Kristen’s career experience has included housing, prison welfare and an Auswim swimming teacher.
Kristen’s experience, insight and expertise in Fundraising and events has been invaluable to the Board and South West Refuge team.
Chief Executive Officer
Ali White
Ali commenced as CEO of South West Refuge Inc in January 2020.
Prior to her appointment to this role, Ali has held previous CEO and Senior Management positions across health, housing, aged, disability, mental health, unemployment and social enterprises.
She holds academic qualifications in Nursing, a Masters of Business Administration and a Diploma of Governance.
Ali is committed to the principles of equity, accountability and personal choice and believes with the support and involvement of the local community, backed by education, practical support, legal reform and contemporary attitudes, living a life without violence is both possible and a fundamental human right.
Program Manager
Gaynor Topliss
Gaynor joined South West Refuge for a second time in 2022 as Program Manager. Prior to this appointment, Gaynor had worked as a South West Refuge Advocate and Service Coordinator.
In between Gaynor and her husband headed for Cambodia for a few years of working with those less fortunate.
As well as being a positive role model for the team, Gaynor brought her knowledge and experience in teaching Cert IV TAFE Community Services students and has therefore bought the fundamentals in case management and the practical application of working with clients at their own pace.
As a life coach and educator, Gaynor reinforces the clients journey as client led.
Join Our Team and Make a Difference
We are always on the lookout for passionate individuals who share our commitment to making a positive impact. If you’re interested in working with us or exploring work placement opportunities, we invite you to reach out.
