Empower Autism

Our Team

Peter Callaghan – Chair

Ad Dip Community Services (Disability)
Dip Business (Front Line Management)
Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Peter has broad experience in the not-for-profit sector. Over his 40 years, he has been involved in Senior Leadership and Board roles in many Community Service organisations spanning youth, disability, aged care, housing, education, training, employment and Industry Services sectors in Queensland.

Until July 2011, Peter was founder and CEO of Community Employment Options Inc and, after a merge, co-founder and Executive Manager, Employment and Training Services of a multi-site/program ‘community business’ known as the Community Solutions Inc. Over the 20-year development, Peter oversaw operations across 18 sites in Queensland, 300 staff and programs including DES, JSA, PPP, PHaMS, Youth Connections, Skilling Queenslanders for Work delivered to nearly 6000 clients across the State.

Peter now works as a Partner with the consulting group – DCA Advisory Services. The group, predominantly, support Community Service organisations to better respond to the changing environment.

Peter is passionate about utilising his experience, skills and knowledge to assist organisations develop their capacity to grow sustainably and achieve their full potential. Central to his passion are people in our Regional, Rural and Remote Communities of Queensland.

Andrew Campbell – Director

Masters of Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
Masters of Arts (Strategy and Management)
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Andrew joined the ASA board in June 2021 as a Director. Andrew brings to the board extensive experience in strategy development, corporate governance and human resource management. He is a strong advocate for neurodiversity and inclusion within the workforce.

In addition to his role at ASA, Andrew is a Management Consultant providing specialist advice and expertise in the areas of project management and business strategy development. This follows from 25 years’ service in both State and Federal Government. Andrew is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Cameron Thayer – Director

Masters of Business Administration
Bachelor of Behavioural Science – Psychology
Occupational Health & Safety Certificate IV
Workplace Training & Assessment Certificate IV
Lead Internal/External Auditor (RABQSA)
Management of Portfolio Certification

Cameron Thayer is a passionate, highly driven and socially minded community business leader that has a personal mission to empower people, change lives and give back to community. He has enjoyed a diverse career in and out of the community sector over the last 20 years, including 13 years in senior leadership and executive roles and has strong experience providing strategic and operational leadership across a range of functions. These include strategy development, marketing and communications, strategic partnerships, business development, risk and assurance and national community program design and delivery.

He has obtained a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) and a Masters in Business Administration and enjoys applying contemporary strategic management practice to respond to a dynamic and diverse community environment, always with the aim to optimise the ability to support and empower people in our community.

Cameron has a strong interest in how NFP leaders develop social capital with business/private enterprise to enable innovative solutions to social challenges, and is committed to building these foundations in his leadership practice.

As the father of two energetic young boys, Cameron enjoys family life and camping in the great outdoors.

Dr Camilla Andrews – Director

MBBS (QLD)

Camilla first became associated with ASA when two of her family were diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome.  There was little information or practical help available at the time and as a doctor the little contact she had had was with people in desperate and seemingly unremitting crisis.  She felt the outlook for her two grandsons seemed bleak.

Someone suggested she contact a tiny volunteer organisation, ASA, for guidance.  Here she found trustworthy practical support and information, and as a consequence her grandsons are now wonderful young men (although sometimes still infuriatingly Aspie), living independent and fulfilling lives.

What she learnt has informed her practice ever since, especially her work at Headspace Inala, which provides help for youth at risk.  The non-medical determinants of health are one of her passions.  For people on the spectrum particularly, they determine the difference between thriving and a life of bewilderment and despair.

As a director of Accoras, a not-for-profit providing a range of services in the area of personal and community health and well-being, Camilla served for some years as the chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, with responsibility for general oversight of governance of the organisation.

ASA exists to help people on the spectrum reach their potential through practical experience and evidence-based programs and services, which fits well with her philosophy.

Dr Lance (Ned) Le ray – Director

MBBS
Masters of Public Health
Fellow of Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
Fellow of Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators

Dr Lance (Ned) Le Ray worked as a General Practitioner in Mackay, North Queensland for 14 years.

Since 1998, he has worked in the public hospital system in the Northern Territory, NSW and Queensland in Director of Medical Services roles or Executive Director positions. He is currently employed as a Clinical Advisor in the COVID Emergency Operations Centre of Metro North Hospital and Health Service.

Ned is married to Bernadine and have a family of 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren.  Their late son Damien had ASD-2 and they are familiar with the challenges and rewards of raising a family member with ASD into adulthood.

Ned believes in social justice and enjoys working in the areas of disability and disadvantage.

Warren Murnane – Director

Diploma of Technical Analysis
Diploma of Share Trading and Investment
Certified Financial Technician
Justice of the Peace (NSW)

Warren has extensive experience in small business, finance and company management. This includes directorship of multiple companies over 30 years.

Warren is the current National President of the Australian Technical Analysts Association. This is a NFP association of over 400 members Australia wide with Chapters in most states.  Warren has continued in this role for over 4 years initiating various educational courses and serving on the governance and ethics committee.

At the age of 48, Warren was diagnosed as an Aspie. After a period of self-reflection and developing a broader understanding of the Asperger Syndrome, he discovered an empathy for and had a need to assist other people on the Autism Spectrum. This is the reason Warren joined the board of ASA to passionately and actively support those of us who are neurodiverse.

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