Real people who care.
You’ve experienced services that felt cold and bureaucratic. You want real people who listen and understand. You deserve better.
Meet our team. Staff who have lived experience. Management committee from our community. Volunteers who give their time. All here because we believe everyone deserves to belong.
Visit us: 126 Henderson Road, Pooraka SA 5095
Why Our Team Matters
We’re not just doing a job. Many of us have been where you are. We’ve felt isolated. We’ve struggled. We’ve wondered if we belong anywhere.
This place became home for us. Now we help create that home for you.
We understand because we’ve been there. We listen because we know what it feels like to not be heard. We validate because we know what it means to be told you’re clever for the first time.
Our Staff
Mel Maio
Coordinator (City of Salisbury)
Mel coordinates our centre through City of Salisbury. She ensures our centre runs well and serves our community.
Phone: 08 8406 8488
Email: [email protected]
Zoe Gow
Coordinator (Pooraka Farm Community Centre) & Project Officer (Adult Community Education)
Zoe coordinates our centre operations and leads our Adult Community Education programs. She helps people discover they’re clever. She creates pathways to work and further study.
If you want to join our learning classes, talk to Zoe.
Phone: 0432 487 611
Email: [email protected]
Misty Taylor
Project Officer (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander)
Misty leads our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and initiatives. She coordinates our NAIDOC Week event with the Warringga Committee. She ensures First Nations voices and culture are honoured in our centre.
Zulfiya Abdulla
Project Officer (Multicultural)
Zulfiya leads our multicultural programs and supports. She started our Iftar event. She runs the Multicultural Women’s Social Group. She understands what it means to build a life in a new country.
If you’re new to Australia or want to connect with other people from diverse backgrounds, talk to Zulfiya.
Phone: 0410 079 942
Our Management Committee
Our management committee guides our centre. They’re volunteers from our community who care about making Pooraka a place where everyone belongs.
Helen Rodwell – Chairperson
Carla Leversedge – Treasurer
Julie Barnes – Secretary
Bradley Harris
Divya Narang
Macx Gow
Michelle Blackmore
Surama Kalinowski
Tara Symonds
These community members volunteer their time to ensure our centre serves you well. They meet regularly to make decisions about our direction and operations.
Our Volunteers
Volunteers make our centre work. They help with:
- Classes and activities
- Events like Family Fun Day and NAIDOC Week
- Reception and welcoming new people
- Kitchen and food preparation
- Community garden
- Special projects
Some volunteers come every week. Some help at events only. All contributions matter.
Want to volunteer? We match you with opportunities that suit your time, interests and comfort level.
Call us: 08 8406 8488
Email: [email protected]
How We Work
We Listen
You know what you need better than we do. We listen to understand, not to fix or judge.
We Adapt
Communities change. Needs change. We change too. What works today might need adjusting tomorrow. We stay flexible.
We Validate
Past experiences might have made you feel small or incapable. We see your strengths. We believe in you. We tell you you’re clever because you are.
We Create Space
For learning. For connection. For being yourself. For making mistakes. For trying again. For growing at your pace.
We Check On You
When you don’t come for a while, we notice. We call. We ask if you’re okay. Because you matter.
Our Lived Experience
Many staff and volunteers have experienced:
- Isolation and feeling invisible
- Difficult life circumstances
- Learning English as an additional language
- Being new to Australia
- Disability or chronic illness in ourselves or family members
- Past negative experiences with education or services
- Financial stress
- Mental health challenges
We don’t talk about this to be dramatic. We mention it because it shapes how we work. We understand because we’ve been there.
Who We're Accountable To
We’re accountable to:
- You – the people who walk through our door
- Our community – Pooraka and surrounding areas
- City of Salisbury – our key partner and supporter
- Our funders – Department of Human Services, Skills SA, Anglicare
- Our management committee – community members who guide our work
But mostly, we’re accountable to you. If we’re not serving you well, tell us. We’ll listen. We’ll adjust.
Contact Us
Phone: 08 8406 8488
Email: [email protected]
Address: 126 Henderson Road, Pooraka SA 5095
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
We’re here because we believe everyone deserves to belong. Come meet us.
Questions?
How do I know who to contact?
Call our main number: 08 8406 8488. We’ll direct you to the right person.
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Can I meet the team before joining a program?
Yes. Drop in Thursday 10am for Chatty Cafe. Meet staff and volunteers. Ask questions. See if we’re right for you.
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What if I have a complaint or concern?
Tell us. Call 08 8406 8488 or email [email protected]. We listen. We take concerns seriously.
Does your team speak languages other than English?
Some staff speak other languages. Ask when you call. We can also arrange interpreters if needed.