Our People

Richard Patterson - General Manager

richardp@volunteeringgc.org.au

Richard Patterson has worked as a Manager and General Manager in the volunteering sector for the last 9 years. He set up Volunteering Tweed as a Volunteer Resource Centre in northern NSW and during its second year of operation won the Tweed Business Excellence Awards. He has been General Manager at Volunteering Gold Coast for 6 years. During this time the business has grown tenfold and won both the Queensland and Australian Prime Ministers Awards for Excellence in Community Business partnerships.

Kylie Schodel - Business Manager

kylies@volunteeringgc.org.au

Kylie Schodel has an extensive professional background in business development, management and marketing within the fields of media, employment, tourism and hospitality. Her enthusiasm and energy has been well utilised in front line experience with facilitating training programs in personal development for jobseekers. Having tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Welfare, Tourism, Training and Employment Services her knowledge and experience are well utilised to develop growth and manage the changing environment of Volunteering on the Gold Coast. She is a sponge for learning and enjoys coaching others for personal growth. She loves the wilderness, backpacking around the globe and experiencing the amazing world we live in.

Neil Rangeley - Business Development Executive

neilr@volunteeringgc.org.au

Neil Rangeley, gold coast local, family man and well respected business franchisee with BP Australia Ltd for some 29 years. With a responsibility and understanding for his community, Neil has also worked with Crime Stoppers QLD  as well as heading up the volunteer project with Schoolies Support Teams at the 2008 Gold Coast Schoolies Response. Neil’s passion for local and professional sport has also seen him working with Gold Coast United Football Club in business development, commercial and sponsorship. For all sponsorship, corporate and business opportunities contact Neil.

Emma Trapski - Marketing, Communications and Media

emmat@volunteeringgc.org.au

Emma Trapski lives and breathes marketing! She’s completing a double bachelor’s degree from Griffith University in International Business majoring in International Business and a degree in Business majoring in Marketing. Emma joined Volunteering Gold Coast in August 2010 as a volunteer marketer and has worked her way up through the organization. Her strong passion for all of the good things in life is reflected in her bubbly outgoing personality. Growing up in Doha, Qatar, Emma has been exposed to many different cultures and countries. Travelling to a range of countries worldwide has greatly increased her passion for people and how different environments interact. She has hiked through the Himalayas, white water rafted down the river Ganges and travelled by scooter down the Amalfi Coast of Italy. During her spare time Emma enjoys playing social sports, going out for lunch with friends and going to the beach. For all marketing, communication or media enquiries please contact Emma.

Simone Ault - Financial Manager

simonea@volunteeringgc.org.au

Simone Ault has come to Volunteering Gold Coast with extensive experience in accounting having worked in the Accounting industry for over 12 years. She has worked in the finance departments of international companies and also within the not-for-profit sector brining with her great business acumen and insight. Her role in leading Volunteering Gold Coast’s finance department has been vital and she has been an integral team member during the organisation’s expediential growth over the past 5 years. Simone is previously from Canberra and moved to the Gold Coast to follow the sun, where she married and has had two gorgeous boys. Outside of work she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, playing soccer, camping and riding motorbikes. For any financial queries please contact Simone.

Sandra Sutherland - Transport Services Manager

admin@vgcts.org.au

Sandra moved interstate from Sydney 10 years ago bringing 15 years experience within community organisations. She started out in a secretarial role for long term foster care for disabled children and worked over a number of different Directorates within Centacare in Sydney ranging from Children’s Services, Disability Services and Aged Care Programs. Her roles involved working closely with the managers, clients, volunteers, foster parents and 23 co-ordinators. Sandra’s first position in Queensland was a Program Officer for the YMCA Family Day Care at Carrara where she processed the pays for the carers. She was ecstatic to secure her position with Volunteering Gold Coast's Transport Services back in 2006 and even happier to have a job in Tugun close to where she lives. Sandra is passionate about the ever growing Transport Services and works with a great team of professional staff, drivers and volunteers. As a mother and grandmother she enjoys time with her family, loves the beach, and enjoys spending time with   her grandchildren – all 6 of them! For all Transport Services enquires please contact Sandra.

Jo Jones - Transport Services Coordinator

accounts@vgcts.org.au

Jo moved over to Australia from the United Kingdom many years ago. Upon arrival she started working for a publishing company and worked as PA to the Managing Director for approximately nine years. After marrying she had three wonderful children (plus four stepchildren) and worked within the family business for 15 years. Having sold the business, Jo needed to fill in her time and started working with Volunteering Gold Coast Transport Services where she eventually took on the challenging role of Transport Projects Officer. She has been with Volunteering Gold Coast Transport Services for over two years, and says that the time has just raced past – there is certainly no “down time” and never a dull moment! In her spare time, Jo takes part in competitive rowing with Surfers Paradise Rowing Club, pursues as many outdoor activities as time allows and enjoy life with her family, which now includes 4 grandchildren. For any Transport Services options please contact Jo.

Lynn Mount - Volunteering Services Administrator

lynnm@volunteeringgc.org.au

Over a period of 25 years Lynn has Managed Community Groups, represented the Community as a member of State government steering committees on Infrastructure issues and presented submissions in the Land and Resources Tribunal and to the Senate on Health Issues. Whilst having  experience and knowledge of the Corporate Sector  having worked for Ernst & Young and PKF Chartered Accountants  and Business Advisors . Lynn has now chosen to commit her energies to the Community Services Area and in particular Volunteerism. Lynn enjoys the challenge of continuous learning and communicating and sharing those experiences with other people. In her spare time she enjoys going to the theatre, reading and spending time with her wonderful grandchildren. For all Volunteering Services enquires please contact Lynn.

Dianne Fowler - Records Administrator

diannef@volunteeringgc.org.au

Dianne Fowler has a passion and commitment for volunteering and to community involvement on both a professional and personal basis. Bringing her wide-ranging skills and experience, her interest and enthusiasm, Dianne has many years of experience in the hospitality industry managing corporate café’s and running her own business, giving her an insight into business acumen that helps to bring professionalism to the not for profit industry. Dianne has a Cert III in Business Administration and together with the team at Volunteering Gold Coast won the Prime Ministers Award for Community Partnerships in the small business section nationally. Dianne enjoys time with her family and friends, loves caravanning with her husband and watching the sunset at happy hour. For any enquiries regarding organisation membership please contact Dianne.