A safe space for Vulnerable women

Karen holds a B. in Psychological Science and a Diploma of Counselling. Her warm and friendly personality, together with excellent communication and listening skills shine through in her role as Team Leader at WillowTree 37 Women Support Centre. Karen has a long history of working in roles where compassion and empathy are key, including positions as a funeral director and celebrant, youth counsellor and pastoral care pastor. These positions have nurtured her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Karen also has extensive experience supporting individuals through challenges such as marital issues, addiction and mental health concerns. Karen is an active member of the community and is involved in the Lions Club of Warwick and with St Mark’s Anglican Church.

Melinda Eastwell has 26 years of experience in a people-focused service, empowering individuals through her work as a hairdresser. A mother of four, she is currently completing a Bachelor of Human Services, majoring in Child and Family Studies.  Committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families, Melinda is passionate about fostering resilience and connection within the community. She brings empathy, life experience and dedication to her role at WillowTree 37 Women's Support Centre.

Jill brings a wealth of diverse experience to her role as President with a work history in nursing and medical practices, veterinary nursing and business ownership including local business, Warwick Sandstone. Passionate about supporting her local community, Jill prioritises using local suppliers for parts for her company and actively supports local charities. Jill has volunteered her time with Zonta, Scope Club of Allora and Safe Haven, demonstrating her passion for helping others. As President of WillowTree 37 Women's Support Centre, Jill brings her skills and compassion to supporting vulnerable women on the Southern Downs.

Jo is currently studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education (English/History). Her previous work experience includes, Councillor including Deputy Mayor role at Southern Downs Regional Council and a Queensland Police Officer.  A Warwick resident for over 30 years, she is a dedicated volunteer in the community, including Board positions on Zonta Warwick as Treasurer and Southern Downs Industry Education Association (SDIEA). She was Past President and Life Member of Australian Local Government Women’s Association Inc. (Queensland) and is a passionate advocate for improving the lives of girls and women in the community. Jo is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (2018) and a holds a Certificate in Governance and Risk Management from the Governance Institute of Australia (2020).

Rebecca is the director of local business, REMBIZ. She is a qualified accountant (B.Com, University of Southern Queensland), registered BAS Agent with the Australian Taxation Office and a Fellow member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).  Rebecca is a born and bred Warwick local who gained experience working for local accountants before commencing her own business in 2008. She has 25 years of accounting, bookkeeping, and administration experience.

Ansie has served as a ministry agent in Warwick for the last decade. Her commitment to justice and community development drives her efforts to empower individuals to utilise their unique gifts and talents for transformative and healing purposes within the communities she supports. With a keen interest in discovering new ideas and cultures, Ansie draws inspiration for her work from these experiences. She has played a pivotal role in launching the Community Garden in Warwick, as well as revitalizing and renovating the Freestone Uniting Church. Currently, she is engaged in an affordable housing initiative within the Warwick Killarney Parish, which aims to provide fourteen affordable homes for residents of Warwick and Killarney. In recognition of her contributions, Ansie was honored with the Queensland Synod Award in 2021.

With a journey in Health Care that began at age 17, Jo's experience shines brightly here at WillowTree 37 Women's Support Centre. She commenced her career as a Pharmacy Assistant, then progressed to becoming an Assistant in Nursing and Endorsed Enrolled Nurse before stepping into the role as a Registered & Clinical Nurse across various fields including Emergency, Community & Defence.  Jo’s qualifications include Bachelor of Nursing, Diploma of Domestic & Family Violence, Diploma of Community Services & Masters of Traumatology. Jo is committed in providing supports to vulnerable community members with both work & life experience. 

Kathy is an accredited Mental Health Social Worker in private practice.  Her qualifications include BA (Soc Wel) & B Soc Wk. Kathy has worked in the human services sector for over 30 years, providing tailored, therapeutic, and professional support to individuals and families.  Community development and advocacy feature highly in Kathy's professional and personal workspaces with her involvement in numerous creative community projects; working to increase well-being of vulnerable community members and community engagement.   

Helen is a qualified social worker (BSW, James Cook University) with many years’ experience working in various programs with participants that included grandparents raising their grandchildren, foster carers, unaccompanied humanitarian minors and families in the child protection system. Helen has experience working in mental health and aged care administration as well as part of an evaluation and practice development team. 

Sheryl is the current Deputy Mayor of Southern Downs Regional Council, bringing nine years of experience as an Elected Representative to the role. She is passionate about serving her community and in addition to her busy Council role, is also on the board for Akooramak Aged Care and SDIEA. . Sheryl is a domestic and family violence advocate and has also completed a Mental Health First Aid course. With experience in property management, business management, governance and compliance, Sheryl brings a wealth of knowledge to the WillowTree 37 committee. 

Russell has been a dedicated community advocate who founded a charity to support rural residents during the 2020 drought.  That same year, he proudly stepped into the role of President of the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Festival, a biennial event drawing 80,000 visitors to the Southern Downs.

Currently in his first term as a Southern Downs Regional Councillor, Russell is married, with three daughters and six grandchildren who are proud seventh-generation residents of the Southern Downs. He is passionate about encouraging community spirit, supporting all things local, and championing initiatives that enhance the region’s quality of life.

Sophie is currently in her second year of studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and she has gained valuable experience working in a local youth mental health non-government organisation for the past two years. As a Warwick local since early childhood, she is particularly committed to empowering women in rural communities. She believes in the importance of fostering mental wellness through education, awareness, and compassionate support. Sophie values inclusivity, accessibility, and is motivated to actively contribute toward building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities in the Southern Downs region.  

Rosie is a Warwick local with nearly 30 years of administrative and marketing experience across a number of sectors, including a keen interest in social media and website management. While Rosie currently works part-time as a paralegal, she also assists a small number of local businesses with their social media and marketing needs as a freelance consultant. She has been actively involved in a number of local sporting and school committees, holding a number of volunteer positions which highlight her dedication in supporting her local community.