About Us

Board of Directors

The Canterbury City Community Centre’s Board of Directors is made up of volunteers chosen yearly by the Centre’s members at the Annual General Meeting. They’re the backbone of our efforts to serve the community.

By ensuring effective governance and managing our contracts with funding bodies, they keep the wheels turning so we can focus on making a positive impact.

Usman Saadat

President and Treasurer

Usman brings over 30 years local and international experience in the communications and utilities infrastructure sectors. With a background in economics and significant management and leadership credentials across public and private companies, consulting firms, and with a regulator, Usman offers a strong foundation in governance, risk management and legal and regulatory compliance.

A former Treasurer of 4Cs from 2021 to 2024 Usman now leads as President, guiding the organisation with a clear focus on integrity, strategic direction and community impact. He remains deeply committed to advancing our mission and ensuring we continue to serve the community effectively.

Rhiannon Cook

Vice president

Rhiannon brings over 10 years of experience in social policy and community development, including international work with the World Health Organisation in Manila. She has led policy and advocacy initiatives at St Vincent de Paul and the NSW Council of Social Service, with a focus on energy, transport, health, children and families.

Holding a Master’s in Social Development from UNSW, Rhiannon combines professional expertise with hands on community involvement, actively participating in 4Cs’ Mum 2 Mum Program. She lives in Hurlstone Park within the Canterbury Bankstown LGA and is committed to building stronger, fairer communities.

Elizabeth Machado

Board Member and Chair of the Quality Care Advisory Committee

Elizabeth is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Management (Community Management) and over 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles across both community and residential aged care. A highly respected trainer and educator in the sector, she is recognised for her deep clinical expertise and commitment to excellence in aged care services.

As Chair of the Quality Care Advisory Committee, Elizabeth brings a strong focus on person-centred care, ensuring that services delivered through 4Cs are not only of the highest quality but also compassionate and responsive to individual needs. Her dedication to the values of 4Cs and the broader community sector reflects her lifelong commitment to supporting older people and their families with dignity and respect.

Cathy Callaghan

Board Member

Cathy brings extensive experience in public policy, advocacy and corporate leadership, with a strong focus on housing, inclusion and community wellbeing.

Her career spans senior roles across the private, government and community sectors, including executive leadership at Telstra and positions with Shelter NSW, the P&C Federation NSW and the Royal Institute of Architects. She also served as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to Jihad Dib MP during his time as NSW Shadow Minister for Education.

At Shelter NSW, Cathy led the development and launch of its 2023 State Election platform on housing and homelessness, bringing together community perspectives and policy expertise to advocate for change. Throughout her career, she has built strong relationships across government, business and the community sector, and championed greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Cathy brings strategic insight to the 4Cs Board, along with an understanding of the policy decisions affecting local communities and experience in bringing people together to achieve shared goals. Her experience and commitment to inclusion are a valuable contribution to the 4Cs Board.

Katina Varelis

Board Member

Katina is an experienced health leader with extensive experience designing, leading, and evaluating multicultural health services, interpreting and translating programs, and community development initiatives across NSW Health. She is recognised for her expertise in strategic policy development, stakeholder partnerships across government and non-government sectors, and delivering culturally safe, equitable health services for diverse communities.

 

Mohan Wijeyamohan

Board Member

Mohan has been a CPA since 1985 and brings extensive experience in senior management, finance, governance, audit and strategic planning to the 4Cs Board.

He currently serves on the Management Committee of a charity, contributing to financial oversight, audit responsibilities, governance, and strategic planning.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Mohan left the country in 1975 and worked for Anglo American Mines in Zambia for five years before migrating to Australia under the Skilled Migration Program in 1982.

During his career, Mohan held a range of financial roles across diversified industries. His professional achievements include helping restructure a large manufacturing plant to respond to price pressure from overseas imports. With more than 40 years of life and work experience in Australia, he brings practical insight, sound judgement, and a strong understanding of both professional and community matters.

Mohan is delighted to join the Board of Canterbury City Community Centre (4Cs).

Throughout his corporate life, Mohan was motivated by a desire to give back to the community after retirement. As a migrant himself, he deeply values the services provided by 4Cs and the important role community organisations play in supporting individuals and families. He also follows Australia’s aged care reforms with strong interest.

Outside his professional and community commitments, Mohan enjoys spiritual practices, reading (particularly world history), golf, cycling, walking and spending time with his cheeky Jack Russell Terrier. He has two adult children and places a high value on education, which was a key motivation for his move to Australia.