Who is CHSS
Coffs Harbour Support Services (CHSS) was established in 1993 by local families and community members committed to the support, inclusion and empowerment of people living with disability.
We are a Not-for-profit.
Our Vision
A community in which people with disability are valued and contributing members.
Diversity
Respect
Innovation
Integrity
Wellbeing
Our People
Cathy Lengyel
Chair
Evans Kurinyepa
Treasurer and Member Finance, Risk, Audit Committee
John Oldfield
Director and Member Finance, Risk, Audit Committee
Tracy Welsh
Director
Brett Kelly
Director
About Me
Cathy Lengyel is a consultant in the Human Services area (with a focus on service re-design and business reviews in the aged, disability and healthcare sectors).
Cathy has a social work degree with postgraduate qualifications in business management. She has more than 25 years’ experience in Executive Management roles in community, health, disability, and aged care services in Not-for-profit, Government and Private sectors, across the Eastern seaboard of Australia.
Cathy has been a Director of several not-for-profit Boards and completed the Governing for Not-for-Profit organisations course at Harvard University in 2011. Cathy is also a graduate and fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Cathy grew up in Melbourne and now lives in Coffs Harbour. She is passionate about innovative service delivery / projects, empowering people with disabilities and building inclusive communities.
Director since 2022.
About Me
Evans, a seasoned CPA and committed Christian professional, grounds his career in the Ubuntu philosophy. He staunchly believes in the symbiotic relationship between personal success and the collective well-being, inclusion, and support of the vulnerable within our community.
As CFO of a local values-based charity, Evans drives impactful change for vulnerable seniors in Coffs Harbour, combining financial expertise with a commitment to community well-being.
Evans boasts a wealth of expertise in investment research and fund management, with a specialized focus on financial management in the For-Purpose sector. His experience spans residential aged care, retirement villages, home care, and community services.
With a professional background as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Evans holds a Master of Business in Accounting, a Bachelor of Accounting and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) with Honors. He is a passionate Chelsea FC supporter.
About Me
John has held C-suite roles in both public and private sectors. Notably, he led GP Synergy Limited from a small startup to a large public enterprise with revenue exceeding $60M, while managing a workforce of 250 employees across nine offices.
He is Principal consultant for Jam RegTech delivering strategic management services, including InfoSec (ISO27001:2022) and Cybersecurity systems development and auditing.
His strategic acumen is reflected in the execution of corporate amalgamations, operational and ITC strategy, integrated systems development, and complex change management.
About Me
About Me
Brett Kelly joined the CHSS Board seeking an opportunity to give back to the community using his diverse professional experience. Since stepping into the role, Brett has gained deep insights into the disability sector and has been continually inspired by the meaningful impact CHSS has on the lives of its clients.
With a career spanning both banking and finance—where he worked as a commercial lender—and aged care and retirement village management, Brett brings a broad and versatile skillset to the Board. His cross-sector experience has proven invaluable in contributing a unique perspective to strategic discussions and decision-making.
Brett is passionate about CHSS’s mission to grow sustainably and expand its reach, enabling more individuals to access services that enhance their quality of life and community participation. He sees exciting potential for CHSS to diversify its offerings beyond the disability sector.
Proud of the collaborative and high-performing Board team, Brett values the opportunity to collaborate with fellow directors while contributing meaningfully to CHSS’s governance and strategic direction.
Outside of his professional commitments, Brett is often found paddling his outrigger canoe in the early mornings at the Harbour, soaking in the beauty of the ocean and the vibrant marine life. He feels fortunate to live in such a stunning location and makes the most of every moment outdoors.
Joel Aitken
Interim CEO
Rachel Landrigan
Manager, Service Delivery
Carol Malcolm
Manager, People & Culture
Sarah McKittrick
SIL Team Leader
About Me
Joel Aitken is the CEO of CHSS, bringing over 20 years of experience in disability, aged care, mental health, and employment services. A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, Joel is committed to empowering communities and creating opportunities for people to thrive through meaningful participation.
With a strong background in business growth and strategy, Joel has led successful organisational expansions, delivering multi-million-dollar revenue growth while maintaining a people-first focus. His leadership is defined by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to building resilient, high-performing teams that deliver both social and commercial impact.
Joel’s career spans frontline work with vulnerable communities through to executive leadership, where he has driven major reforms, including NDIS transitions and new service models in employment and well-being. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science, a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management, and is completing a Graduate Certificate in Business (MBA Pathway).
At CHSS, Joel is dedicated to driving strategic growth, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the organisation remains at the forefront of delivering meaningful, community-driven services.
About Me
Rachel Landrigan leads with heart and purpose. With over 15 years of leadership experience—including six dedicated to the community services sector. Rachel is known for her ability to bring out the best in people. Whether she’s guiding teams, supporting individuals, or shaping programs that make a real difference, Rachel’s approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a belief that strong communities start with empowered individuals.
As CHSS’s Manager for Service Delivery, Rachel blends strategic thinking with a deep commitment to human connection. She is passionate about mentoring teams, building individual capacity, and cultivating cultures of learning, empowerment, and growth. Her coaching strengths and ability to develop others are central to her leadership style, helping people thrive both professionally and personally.
Proudly based in beautiful Mid North Coast, Rachel draws inspiration from the natural environment and the vibrant community around her. Outside of work, you’ll often find her exploring the coastline, recharging in nature, or sharing a laugh with friends and family.
About Me
Carol has been with CHSS since March 2018. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, implementing a values-based focus to recruitment and culture to the organisation. Carol’s focus on building a skilled workforce with strong values within CHSS ensures that staff are recruited and continually supported to have a client focus in service delivery, building respectful relationships with their colleagues, our clients and the community.
Carol has worked as a senior executive for several large organisations and has also ran her own business for 14 years’ as strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) Consultant. Carol has extensive experience working with non for profits and in the disability sector.
Carol is a Coffs Harbour local who enjoys time at the beach, whether it be walking her schnauzer Winston, swimming or surfing.
About Me
Sarah is a Team Leader, Supported Independent Living and joined Coffs Harbour Support Services in 2014. She has enjoyed the experience gained through various roles with CHSS and that led to her appointment as Team leader in June 2020.
Throughout her time in the disability sector she has applied the “Person centred approach” to all individuals she has supported, is client focused and has a passion for supporting people living with a disability to live a full inclusive life by supporting the individual to be as independent as possible and reach their goals.
Outside of work Sarah is a mother to two beautiful little girls and they enjoy long walks on the beach with their dog Dickson.
CHSS 2025 - 2028 Strategic Plan
Please click the below button to view our 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan
