Our Committee

President - Michael Power

Michael Power joined the Committee of Northside Connect at the end of 2016 and commenced in the role of President in November 2025.  Michael’s experience as a social worker for over 26 years, including management and operational positions, in the areas of child protection, family law, family support, mental health and victims of crime contributes to the broader work of the committee.  Michael is committed to supporting the creativity and contribution of the centre as part of the fabric of the local community.

Treasurer - Hui Ru McKinnon

Ru joined the Committee of Northside Connect as the Treasurer at the end of 2024. Ru has been a volunteer and on Management Committees for various non-for-profit organisation throughout her career.  As a Certified Practising Accountants of Australia for over 10 years, Ru is looking to contribute her skills and knowledge to the organisation.

Patricia McArthur

Patricia retired after spending her career working for the Queensland Courts, Office of State Coroner, Department of Justice and Attorney General and Victim Assist Queensland.  Patricia is an active volunteer with the Northside Connect offering her assistance with administrative support, event management and fundraising activities.  Patricia has been on the Management Committee since 2011.

Tanya Smith

Tanya Smith is an experienced program and project manager with a strong background across the not-for-profit and government sectors. She brings expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic delivery and community-focused initiatives. Tanya is passionate about creating positive social outcomes and is committed to supporting the work of Northside Connect in strengthening local communities.

Jessica Cameron

A local Northgate resident, Jessica joined the management committee in late 2020. Jessica holds a Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources and a Post Graduate Certificate in Information Technology alongside a diverse career across travel, transport and mining sectors. A passionate volunteer in a variety of previous roles, Jessica enjoys interacting and contributing to the local community.

Olivia Keppel

Olivia has a Bachelor of Social Work and has experience working in Intensive Family Support and the Domestic and Family Violence Sector. Olivia has previously facilitated community programs with Northside Connect and is looking forward to continuing her support as a member of the committee.

Cathy Baker

Cathy Baker is a seasoned communications professional with extensive executive-level experience leading communication teams across ministerial offices, community associations, and not-for-profits. She brings expertise in strategic planning, marketing and public relations, media campaigns, digital strategy and large-scale event coordination.

She is passionate about social justice and has led campaigns advocating for community legal sector funding, protecting children from harm, and shaping the government's response to the youth justice crisis. A proud Nundah local, she looks forward to contributing her skills and experience as a member of the Northside Connect Management Committee.

Aaron Ball

Aaron is the Principal Solicitor of Shorestone Legal.  Aaron's public service career spanned some 25 years, holding various roles with independent statutory authorities, and both Commonwealth and State government departments, providing expertise in areas of statutory compliance, civil and criminal investigation, and prosecutions.

Aaron then moved to private practice as a solicitor in 2016 and now practises predominately in the areas of family law, wills and estates, and civil litigation.

Throughout his career Aaron has volunteered his time for various community organisations and causes.  Aaron has been involved with Northside Connect since 2017, previously volunteering with the Wednesday Evening Legal Service offering legal advice on domestic violence and family law matters.  Aaron joined the Northside Connect Management Committee in November 2024.