Our Board

Sarah Barclay - Chairperson

Sarah joined the Board of Caretakers Cottage in April 2013.  Sarah began working with children and young people in a residential school setting, in 2001, before developing her career at a housing association providing supported accommodation to young people at risk of homelessness in inner city London.  Sarah relocated to Sydney in 2008 when she began working for a metropolitan Community Housing provider, Bridge Housing Limited, where she has worked in a number of roles that have encompassed community development, project management and management of a housing team. Sarah has been recently responsible for developing partnerships, tenant participation and an IT implementation project.  Sarah has a degree in History and Social Sciences from Manchester University and is currently studying for a Masters in International and Community Development

Tomas Rowlandson - Treasurer

Tomás joined the Board of Caretakers Cottage in January 2011. Tomás is an experienced community services worker, having been involved with such organisations as WAYS Youth Services and The Exodus Foundation. He currently works as a disability support worker with Eastern Respite and Recreation not-for-profit organisation which provides a range of support services for people with a disability and their carers. Tomas is also undertaking a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in religion and philosophy) at the University of Western Sydney. Being a former resident of the Caretakers Cottage Refuge, Tomás brings a unique perspective and insight to the Board of Caretakers.

Vanessa Duffy

 Vanessa joined the Caretakers Board in 2020. Vanessa brings to the Board her public and private sector experience in strategy, innovation, commercial negotiation and corporate partnerships. Vanessa has worked in the legal, construction, infrastructure and telecommunications industries.  

 Vanessa has a Bachelor of Law from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Masters of Commerce from the University of Sydney. Vanessa’s community involvement includes mentoring women, graduates, and advocacy for Accessibility issues.  Vanessa’s involvement with the Caretakers Board stems from her passion to contribute meaningfully to Caretaker’s mission to empower and provide autonomy to young people.

Trent Thomas

Trent joined the Board of Caretakers Cottage in September 2020. Trent is a business leader with an extensive HR background. He has a broad range of experience in commercial, government and not for profit sectors within Australia and Asia. Trent has had previous experience in the transport sector leading human resources functions and projects in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. Trent has held a number of volunteer roles in not for profit organisations over the past 15 years ranging from committee to senior board positions. As a result of his volunteering Trent was recognised as the NSW Young Volunteer of the Year in 2013. Trent holds a Bachelor of Commerce/Art, a Masters in Human Resources & Industrial Relations and is currently studying for a Masters of Business Administration.

Louise Hope

Louise Hope is a Learning and Organisation Development leader with a broad range of experience in commercial, not for profit and government sectors. Louise started her career in the NFP education sector in the UK, with a particular focus on working with disadvantaged and disenfranchised youth, before moving to Sydney where she worked as a training consultant, working with various commercial and government organisations in NSW.  In 2007, Louise joined the Sydney Opera House where she became the Head of Organisation Development and Learning, responsible for setting the people, learning and OD strategy for the organisation. In that time, Louise re-built the L&OD function to be cost effective, whilst ensuring coverage and support across a number of diverse business areas. In 2016, Louise joined the Australian Film Television & Radio School as the Executive Director, People & Culture, later also becoming the Student Registrar. Louise holds a BA (Hons) in English Literature & Language from Salford University and an MA in Strategic Human Resource Management from RMIT.