As Chair of our Board, Darren Dick is a steadfast advocate for the vital work Welfare Rights Centre performs. Darren underscores the critical need for continued support to safeguard dignity, justice, and basic human rights for those most vulnerable.

Darren brings extensive experience in human rights and social policy at both international and national levels. Currently serving as a Senior Policy Executive – Human Rights and Strategy with the Australian Human Rights Commission, he has been instrumental in high-impact policy reform and fostering collaboration across the NGO sector and national human rights institutions. His expertise encompasses international engagement, Indigenous rights, minority rights, and children’s rights.

Holding a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney, Darren has also dedicated over 15 years as Treasurer with Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTAR). He joined Welfare Rights Centre’s Board in November 2023.

Darren emphasizes the Centre’s crucial role in supporting victims of Robodebt and providing evidence at the Robodebt Royal Commission. Through his leadership, Darren advocates for continued investment in Welfare Rights Centre, stressing that government support is an investment in the welfare and well-being of society as a whole. His commitment to human rights and social justice drives the Centre’s mission forward, ensuring that it continues to make a profound difference in the lives of those it serves.

Wendy Field brings a wealth of experience and passion to Welfare Rights Centre’s Board. With over 25 years of expertise in management, administration, and leadership across various sectors, Wendy’s commitment to social justice is evident in her professional journey and her role at the Centre.

As a social worker and head of Policy, Programs, and Strategy at The Smith Family, Wendy has witnessed firsthand the profound impact that timely financial support can have on individuals and families facing crises. Whether it’s job loss, rising rental costs, family break-ups, or the death of a loved one, these unexpected life events can plunge people into significant hardship. Access to immediate financial assistance can prevent a crisis and help set individuals on a path to recovery.

Wendy’s extensive background spans the community sector, policy and advocacy organizations, and public service sectors, including her work with the Australian Government Department of Family, Housing, Community Services, and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). Her qualifications in social work and social sciences have equipped her to address a range of policy areas, including homelessness, family wellbeing, education, youth, and disability.

Wendy joined Welfare Rights Centre’s Board in December 2022 and was elected as Deputy Chair in 2024 and is proud to work alongside a dedicated team and fellow board members. Together they strive to ensure that everyone receives the support they are entitled to, changing lives and making a real difference in the community.

Welfare Rights Centre’s mission is to help those in need access essential financial support, providing a lifeline during times of crisis. Wendy’s leadership and dedication are invaluable in advancing this cause and ensuring that more people receive the help they deserve.

Andrew Howell, Company Secretary of Welfare Rights Centre’s Board, brings a wealth of legal expertise to his role. As a Partner at PwC specializing in tax controversy, dispute resolution, and risk management, Andrew’s work closely aligns with the challenges faced by the Welfare Rights Centre. His previous experience at the ATO in audit and litigation roles has equipped him with valuable insights into navigating disputes with government agencies.

Andrew’s current practice involves advising clients in disputes with government agencies and handling litigation matters in the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and Federal Court—areas that correlate strongly with the work undertaken by Welfare Rights Centre. His commitment to legal justice and dispute resolution makes him a crucial asset to our Board.

Andrew holds a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney, further enhancing his legal acumen and ability to contribute effectively to the Centre’s mission. He joined Welfare Rights Centre’s Board in November 2022, bringing his expertise and dedication to advancing fair and just outcomes for all individuals seeking support from our Centre.

Yvonne Weldon, an esteemed member of Welfare Rights Centre’s Board, has dedicated her life to advocating for those in need of support and legal advice. As the first Aboriginal councillor in the City of Sydney’s 180-year history, Yvonne brings a unique and invaluable perspective to the Centre.

Born and raised in inner Sydney, with strong ties to her Wiradjuri homelands of Cowra and the Riverina areas of New South Wales, Yvonne has held numerous senior positions in NSW Government, non-government, and Aboriginal controlled organizations. Her work spans health, human services, childcare, child protection, housing, disability services, and Aboriginal heritage.

Recognized as the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year in 2022 and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to the Aboriginal community, Yvonne’s achievements are a testament to her dedication and leadership. She also recently published her debut novel, Sixty-Seven Days.

Yvonne has seen firsthand the profound impact the Welfare Rights Centre has on individuals facing challenging circumstances, particularly during the Robodebt crisis, when the Centre stood by those who were suffering and oppressed, providing essential support and legal advice when there seemed to be no other options.

Yvonne’s involvement with Welfare Rights Centre ensures that the organization continues to make a tangible difference, providing a lifeline to those in need and upholding the right to social security support for all. Her passion and advocacy are essential in driving our mission forward.

Yvonne joined the Board in March 2024.

Thom Calma joined Welfare Rights Centre’s Board after being inspired by their Reconciliation Action Plan and the genuine commitment to reconciliation demonstrated by the Centre and its staff.

Thom, a proud First Nations Australian and member of the Kungarakan people from Darwin, NT, brings a wealth of experience to the Board. After completing a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology/Performance Studies) from the University of Sydney in 2009, he entered the not-for-profit sector and has been actively working and volunteering ever since. Currently, he is an Executive Manager at Participate Australia, supporting people with disabilities and their families.

Thom has a strong interest in human rights, focusing on the rights of First Nations people, people with disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers, and LGBTQI+ individuals. He is a long-serving Director at the University of Sydney Settlement Neighbourhood Centre, a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and the Sydney Committee of Human Rights Watch (Australia).

Thom joined Welfare Rights Centre’s Board in November 2021, bringing his passion for social justice and advocacy to the forefront of our Centre’s mission.

Renee Martin, a dedicated member of Welfare Rights Centre’s Board, is passionate about supporting individuals experiencing acute stress and vulnerability due to failures in Australia’s social security system.

Renee currently serves as Head of Engagement at Sefa, one of Australia’s leading social finance organizations. In this role she contributes to the development of the impact investing ecosystem by supporting for-purpose organizations in accessing the capability support and capital needed to achieve their social impact potential and address structural disadvantage in Australia.

Her diverse experience includes working in financial markets, assisting farmers in rural Cambodia, running and funding health programs in Asia, providing program and policy advice to the Federal Government, and delivering advisory services to clients in the health, education, and human services sectors both in Australia and internationally. Renee holds academic qualifications in business, international relations, and public health.

Since joining Welfare Rights Centre’s Board in December 2022, Renee has been committed to advocating for our mission to fight for a fair and accountable social security system. Renee’s commitment to social justice and her extensive experience in impact investing and advisory roles make her an invaluable asset to Welfare Rights Centre. She continues to strive for better outcomes for people and the planet, ensuring that Welfare Rights Centre can make a profound difference in the lives of those it serves.

A new director on Welfare Rights Centre’s Board, Emily Shen is committed to ensuring that vulnerable communities can navigate Australia’s complex social security system. Her work highlights the vital importance of our Centre in promoting and defending a just, accessible, and adequate social security system.

Emily’s professional background as a lawyer in the Fintech + Web3 team at Gilbert + Tobin, where she focuses on financial services regulation, fintech, and crypto, equips her with a unique perspective on the intricacies of complex regulatory frameworks. She advises clients on matters related to payments, crypto and blockchain solutions, centralised and decentralised finance, financial services, consumer credit, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, and stored value regulation.

In addition to her professional work, Emily is deeply committed to pro bono service, volunteering as a solicitor for the Marrickville Legal Centre. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney.

Emily joined Welfare Rights Centre’s Board in November 2023 and has already seen the transformative impact our Centre has on individuals facing adverse Centrelink issues. Her dedication to social justice and her legal expertise make Emily an invaluable asset to Welfare Rights Centre, driving our mission to change lives and support the most vulnerable in our society.

Claire Thurstans works to improve equity, justice and human rights Australia. She has worked across the private, public and not for profit sectors in law, policy and law reform.

Claire is the National Pro Bono Manager at Maddocks and Law Reform and Policy Advisor – Elder Abuse at Eastern Community Legal Centre. She is also the Deputy Chair of the Elder Law Committee at the Law Institute of Victoria.

Claire has a passion for multidisciplinary legal practice, working with older people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, centering people with lived experience, and collaborating to seek to solve systemic problems.

Claire is excited to contribute to the strategic direction of Welfare Rights Centre including its commitment to systemic reform, community engagement and education, and upholding basic human rights.

Maxine Sharkey joined the Welfare Rights Centre Board in 2024.  She currently holds the position of General Secretary of the Australian Education Union NSW Teachers Federation Branch. As General Secretary, Maxine has oversight and responsibility for governance, finances and employment matters, as well as the day to day running of the union representing approximately 60,000 members employed in public education.

Maxine was first elected as a TAFE Organiser in 2007 and subsequently held the role of Federation Assistant Secretary (Post Schools) for 8 years and the Australian Education Union Federal TAFE Secretary from 2020-2023.  She has held a role on the Teachers Federation Executive since 2015.  Maxine has a lifelong commitment to the public provision of basic needs such as education, health, housing and transport and has a commitment to actively campaigning to protect and enhance this provision.

Before commencing work as a teacher in TAFE NSW in 1999, Maxine worked for the Department of Community Services in Family Support and Child Protection.  That role involved holding significant legal responsibilities.

Maxine holds a B Soc Sci (Social Welfare) and B VET.

A dedicated member of Welfare Rights Centre’s Board, Rita Martin understands the critical importance of income support for individuals and families. Rita emphasizes the connection between social determinants of health—such as income, education, and housing—and health outcomes.

With a background in Intensive Care Nursing and public hospital management, she has worked extensively across Ireland, England, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the USA, Germany, Italy, and France before settling in Sydney. She studied Political Science and Industrial Relations before her appointment at the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), where she currently serves as the Government & Community Relations Organizer.

Since joining our Board in November 2020, Rita has been a passionate advocate for the Centre’s mission. Her extensive experience in healthcare and her commitment to social justice make her an invaluable asset to Welfare Rights Centre. Rita’s work ensures that our Centre continues to provide vital support to those in need, striving for a fair and just social security system that safeguards the well-being of all individuals.