SALLY GAFA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
As the CEO, Sally is passionate about GMS offering members of our ethnic communities access to services that meet their needs and expectations, in a culturally respectful manner. Having joined GMS in September 2022, Sally has over 25 years experience working across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, most recently in disability service provision and trauma-informed counselling. Sally brings a person-centred approach to this role and is passionate about understanding each individual’s experience and empowering them to achieve their goals. Sally enjoys connecting with people and is keen to hear from those using the service and our local community.
ARFA KHAN
DIVERSITY ADVISOR
GMS is the auspice agency for the Gippsland region Diversity Advisor. The Diversity Advisor works with Commonwealth Home Support (CHSP) and Home and Community Care Providers, supporting providers to design and deliver services that are inclusive and respectful to users from a range diverse backgrounds.
This work supports the development of more inclusive services, where barriers to appropriate services are identified and addressed. The Diversity Advisor also facilitates training, provides access to resources, data and planning support to service providers.
INDUNIL EKANAYAKE
MANAGER SUPPORT SERVICES
Indunil who also goes by ‘Indu’ has recently joined the team as our Manager Support Services. In the role, Indu, manages our team of Direct Care Workers, providing training and supervision to ensure they are well supported in performing their roles. With 17 years of work experience in education, training, and NDIS with not-for-profit, private, and local government sector. Indu likes to share her lived in experience as a migrant with the local community to achieve a happy and high-quality life. Indu also manages our service delivery which incorporates In-Home Aged Care and NDIS services to ensure a high standard of care is provided to our clients that meets their individual goals.
CODY HOOD
ACCESS AND SUPPORT (CALD) WORKER
The Access and Support (CALD) Worker provides support to those from a CALD background who are over 65, or younger with a disability, who need assistance to find the services they need to live independently at home. The A&S worker helps people who face cultural and linguistic barriers, supporting them to connect to the services they need, and to make informed choices about their care. This position provides great support assisting clients to navigate service systems that may at first seem confusing and complex, to gain the outcomes that best meet their needs.
LISA SHORT
PROGRAM SUPPORT OFFICER
Lisa provides program support to our Aged Care and disability services, and carries out the day to day rostering and administration duties for all our Direct Care staff. Lisa supports the respite and NDIS services, responding to service requests and ensuring that service users receive the best possible service suited to their needs and interests. Lisa ensures that staff and clients are well supported and oversees the smooth working of services to meet people’s needs.
KATIYA DE FONTAINE
ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Katiya (Kat) is the GMS administration assistant. Kat is the friendly voice on the end of the phone, and the welcome smile at our reception. Kat undertakes a range of tasks to support the workings of our programs, services, staff and committee of management, and the many administrative tasks needed on a day to day basis to keep everything running smoothly.