Sharon Gingell has been the Coordinator of Northside Connect since March 2012. She has over 30 years' experience in the Community Sector, working in homelessness, family support, domestic violence and mental health. As the Coordinator, Sharon is responsible for the day to day operation, management and development of Northside Connect Inc programs and activities
Justine was admitted as a solicitor in 2007 and has worked in both private practice and the community legal sector. Justine is also an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and has worked as a mediator helping separated parties come to agreements about property and parenting matters. Justine has been on the management committee for Community Legal Centres Queensland, has significant experience working in the community legal space and feels passionately about the community having access to justice and services.
Lauren was admitted as a solicitor in 2010 and has been fortunate to have had a variety of professional experiences, having worked at Legal Aid and the Central Queensland Community Legal Centre, including in criminal defence, appeals, generalist advice and administration. At NCI, much of Lauren's work is in in family, criminal, and minor civil law areas including Neighbourhood Disputes and consumer law issues. Lauren looks forward to continuing to be part of the Northside Connect Team, dedicated to the provision of inclusive services, and working responsively to community needs.
Hannah commenced in her role as a Domestic Violence Counsellor in January 2023 after Northside Connect secured funding for the Domestic Violence Program from the Department of Justice and Attorney General. In her role she provides individual counselling, co-facilitates the Journeys group, delivers Group Facilitator Training, and engages with the Northside Alliance Against Domestic Violence to collaborate on projects throughout the year. Hannah has a Master of Social Work from QUT and completed her first student placement here at Northside Connect under the supervision of Lisa Berlin in 2017. Hannah is passionate about and experienced in working alongside women impacted by domestic and sexual violence, children in out of home care, and people with intellectual and learning disabilities.
Kerry is a social worker with over 20 years' experience and has academic accreditations in social work, social policy and Public Health. Joining the DV program at Northside Connect in September 2024 as a Domestic Violence Counsellor, Kerry provides individual counselling, co-facilitates the Journeys group and engages with the NAADV and NSAAN networks to collaborate on projects throughout the year. Kerry's passion for primary prevention and addressing early drivers of family, domestic and sexual violence, have underpinned her years of working to identify and support people at high risk of perpetrating or experiencing violence.
Teagan was first introduced to Northside Connect as a student through completing her university placement in Bachelor of Human services and Criminology and Criminal Justice in 2021. Upon completion, Teagan become a volunteer at the centre where she assisted with the general day to day running's of the centre till she started as the Domestic Violence administrator at the beginning of 2025.
Peita came to Northside Connect in 2024 with seven years' experience working in advocacy, project work, and stakeholder engagement in not-for-profit and government settings. Currently studying a Master of Social Work, Peita has an academic background in the arts and cross-cultural studies. In her role as Community Engagement Worker, Peita supports NCI's volunteers and community members via the centre drop-in services, food relief and group programs, various community focused projects throughout the year, as well as assisting in the supervision of our placement students.
Fatima started working at Northside Connect in July 2022 and has a Diploma of Accounting and over 6 years' experience in accounting. Fatima is responsible for all of the accounting responsibilities of NCI including account payable, receivable, payroll, reports, budgeting, Auditing etc. Fatima is really enjoying working in a community service role and has significant background experience working with non-profit organisations. She is a multi-cultural, bilingual woman, an efficient employee and supportive team member.
Kamal started at the position of Legal Service Administrator in February 2022. Kamal has an oversees law degree and completed her Master of Laws degree from Victoria Law School (Melbourne). She has over 11 years of experience working in the Community Legal sector and government sector. Kamal's role is to provide legal admin support to the day-time legal clinic, assist the Principal solicitor and manage/coordinate a team of volunteer lawyers and law students for Wednesday evening legal service. Kamal has a strong interest in social justice and helping the community.
As the Intake and Reception Worker at Northside Connect, Jo is first point of contact for clients and community members seeking assistance including information and referral, legal assistance, domestic violence support and information about our programs and activities. Jo has worked as both a volunteer and paid staff since joining the organisation in 2012 and was previously in the role of Legal Administrator for 6 years.