About Us
Community Gateway is not-for-profit provider of aged care and disability services in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Mid North Coast regions of NSW.
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We have been operating for more than 35 years and have a close connection to the communities in which we work.
Our services include case/care management, in home care and supports, respite, cleaning, transport services, social programs, life skills development, clinical care and allied health therapies.
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Our team of dedicated employees genuinely care and take the time to get to know our clients and what is important to them, enabling us to form meaningful connections, based on a solid foundation of trust.
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As a registered NDIS provider, we provide high quality, flexible supports, assisting clients to build on their capabilities and reach their goals.
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We also place great importance on providing services that promote healthy ageing and independence, and improve physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
“Empowering people to live the life they choose”
Our Strategic Plan
Our Values
Our Board Members
Chairperson
Jan Wetherall
Jan Wetherall is a retired Registered Nurse and case manager with over 30 years’ experience working in the community sector, specialising in aged and disability care.
Jan is passionate about high quality person-centred support for older people and those with disability.
She has served on the Community Gateway Board for 14 years.
Board Member
George Lymbers
George Lymbers is a senior leader in technology and business operations. He has a degree in engineering and a Masters in Business Administration.
George is passionate about leading and driving organisational change to create significant business impact and believes that we can inspire exceptional care and wellbeing through the use of innovative technologies in the administration and delivery of health and aged care services.
Board Member
Melanie Freeman
Melanie Freeman is a passionate podiatrist who started her own practice at 23, driven by a desire to make a real difference in people’s lives. Over the years, she has found a special joy in working with older people to help them maintain mobility and improve their quality of life. Melanie’s focus is on providing compassionate care that empowers individuals to stay active and independent for as long as possible.
In addition to working in private practice, Melanie enjoys exploring new ways to innovate in the field of podiatry and collaborating with others who share her passion for enhancing lives.
Melanie is excited about the opportunity to make a broader impact on improving aged care and disability services via her role on the board of Community Gateway, by ensuring that older people and those with disability have access to the care and support they deserve.
Deputy Chairperson
Chair, Risk & Governance Committee
Michael Brady
Michael Brady is a change and transformation leader with 17 years’ experience in the financial services industry. He has a bachelor's degree in technology and an Executive Masters in Business Administration.
Michael’s background includes technology implementation, leading complex projects, including mergers and digital transformations, and coordinating significant crisis response.
Michael is passionate about aligning organisational strategies with community needs and giving back to the Illawarra, his home of almost 40 years, by assisting Community Gateway to empower people to live the life they choose.
Chair, Finance Committee
Felix Aasa
Felix Aasa is a retired accountant and real estate agent. He has held a number of financial and accounting roles including Financial Controller for a family-owned business.
Felix served on the board of a prominent aged care facility in Southern Sydney for 15 years and as a mentor and director of a youth outreach centre for Project Youth, Miranda Police, PCYC Sutherland and Caringbah Baptist Church.
Board Member
Jessie Pill
Jessie is a Chartered Accountant with over 19 years’ professional experience. She is currently Finance Manager - IT at BlueScope Steel.
Jessie holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Deans Scholars) from the University of Wollongong, Masters of Taxation from Curtin University and recently graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.
She has contributed her accounting skills to the business community and not-for-profit sector through her role as Director on numerous community boards including Oak Flats Bowling & Recreation Club, Surf Lifesaving Illawarra and Illawarra Connection.
Our Leadership Team
Chief Operations Officer
Tegan Bezzina
Tegan Bezzina is an executive leader with over 15 years' experience working in community services, across the aged care, disability services, health, child protection and out of home care sectors.
Tegan joined the organisation as a Case Manager in 2010 and fulfilled various roles prior to her progression to Chief Operations Officer. She holds a bachelor's degree in Population Health (Public Health) with a minor in International Studies.
Tegan held a key position in the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions, spent four years as a Volunteer Telephone Counsellor for Lifeline and was previously Regional Convener for a local network in the disability sector. She is currently a member of the Council of Women (Board) for the Illawarra Women's Health Centre.
General Manager Corporate Services
Kate Byers
Kate is an experienced finance professional, who studied at the University of Wollongong before completing her CPA.
Kate’s career has spanned a range of industries over the last 20 years, from manufacturing to insurance. Most recently, she worked across a number of hospitals in Sydney and the Illawarra for a national healthcare group.
Human Resources Manager
Lisa Doherty
Lisa is an experienced human resources professional who has worked across multiple industries in Australia and North America.
Before transitioning into human resources, Lisa worked in hospitality, where she gained valuable insights into the dynamics of customer service.
Lisa began her human resources career in the transportation industry in Canada, before returning to Australia where she worked as a Human Resources Consultant for a range of businesses, before joining Community Gateway.
She holds a Post Graduate Certificate in HR Management (Honours), and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality Management).
Chief Executive Officer
Deborah De Santis
Deborah is an experienced senior executive and non-executive director with a passion for the community sector. She has held senior leadership roles in stakeholder engagement, marketing and communications, sales, customer relations, and human resources.
In addition to her executive roles, Deborah ran a communications and marketing
consultancy for 16 years with a range of high-profile clients in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, property development, construction, financial services, health insurance, education and aged care.
Deborah is an active member of the Illawarra business community. She was a Director of the Illawarra Credit Union for 10 years and is a former Director of the Illawarra Business Chamber.
Deborah holds a Bachelor of Arts (Management/Psychology) and a Master of Arts (Journalism) from the University of Wollongong and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
General Manager
Gateway Life
Tim Lewis
Tim Lewis brings a wealth of expertise to the Gateway Life team, including running a diverse range of business operations; from Executive General Manager with global responsibility in the FMCG sector, to former CEO of the Illawarra Business Chamber.
Tim has also successfully launched and managed startup ventures, demonstrating a knack for turning ideas into thriving businesses. A committed community advocate, Tim has served on the boards of several nonprofit organisations and is passionate about creating opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
Tim is a military veteran and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics/Politics).
Company Secretary & Strategic Lead
Katreena Roberts
With over 30 years’ experience in the aged care and disability sectors, Katreena is a known for her versatile skill set.
As Company Secretary and Strategic Lead at Community Gateway, Katreena plays a pivotal role in driving organisational governance and operational excellence.
Katreena has hands-on experience in all aspect of business operations, from coordinating multi-million-dollar projects to redesigning and creating efficient business processes.
Katreena holds a Diploma in Hospitality Management and a Diploma in Project Management.