Catherine Vaara
CEO
With a double degree in Psychology and Sociology, Catherine brings deep expertise and compassionate leadership to her role as CEO of Lifeline Mid Coast. Her commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in her continued studies that keep her informed and competent, developing skills that have strengthened her ability to lead staff and shape service development. Catherine is passionate about delivering community-based, non-clinical crisis support and is a driving force behind Lifeline Mid Coast’s initiatives in suicide prevention and postvention services. She has also played a pivotal role in elevating the organisation’s op shop retail operations, setting a benchmark for excellence across the Lifeline network. Under her leadership, Lifeline Mid Coast has earned widespread recognition for its innovation, integrity, and impact, cementing its reputation as a trusted and respected service provider within the national Lifeline community.
Kelly Saidey
Services Manager
Kelly began her journey with Lifeline Mid Coast in 2014 as a volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporter. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and currently oversees the Suicide Prevention, Postvention, and 13 11 14 Crisis Support teams.Throughout her tenure, Kelly has been instrumental in the growth and delivery of the Eclipse and Bereavement programs both locally and nationally. She has contributed significantly to the research, development, and presentation of Eclipse, and continues to support other Lifeline Centres with the implementation of Eclipse and Suicide Bereavement Support Groups.Kelly is passionate about collaboration and innovation, working closely with participants, staff, and partner organisations to continually enhance Lifeline’s services and strengthen community wellbeing.
Max Schaapveld
Retail Manager
Max brings a diverse background spanning both entrepreneurship and corporate leadership. Having owned and operated several businesses in Orange, Max has also led business units for major organisations including Apple, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, The Good Guys and Woolworths. In his role as Retail Divisional Manager, Max oversees Lifeline’s six retail stores and works closely with their talented managers and hundreds of dedicated volunteers to deliver outstanding retail performance and community impact across the Mid North Coast.
Sarah Cunningham
Operations & Compliance Manager
Sarah joins Lifeline Mid Coast as the Operations and Compliance Manager, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience across the community, healthcare, retail, financial services and technology sectors. Throughout her career, she has partnered with executive teams to strengthen workforce capability, governance, compliance and organisational performance while fostering positive, values-led workplace cultures. Sarah leads Human Resources, Workplace Health & Safety, governance and operational improvement across the organisation. She is passionate about building engaged teams and volunteer communities, strengthening systems and processes, ensuring robust compliance, and creating an environment where people feel supported and empowered to deliver meaningful outcomes for the communities Lifeline serves.
Boni Lornie
Community and Engagement Manager
With over 25 years in graphic design, Boni has a knack for turning ideas into things people actually notice and connect with. Her move into marketing and communications came naturally, shaped by years across retail, hospitality, and media, and grounded in strong organisational and relationship-building skills. Driven by compassion and empathy, she's excited to put her experience to work for the community - helping Lifeline Mid Coast's message reach the people who need it most.
Di Bannister
Training Manager
Di has been an integral part of Lifeline Mid Coast since 1995, bringing extensive experience in psychology and counselling to her work and to the community. After many years contributing to the 13 11 14 service, Di has now stepped into a dedicated Training role. As our Training Program Manager, Di leads the delivery of key Lifeline training programs, including Crisis Support training, Accidental Counsellor, and a range of community education initiatives. She presents on topics such as suicide prevention, mental health, and domestic and family violence—helping build knowledge, resilience, and confidence across the Mid Coast community. With the support of an incredible training team, Di remains committed to empowering individuals, strengthening local capability, and supporting Lifeline’s mission of hope.
Tom Schumann
People & Culture Leader
Tom is a People & Culture leader with a diverse background spanning financial management, human resources, and trauma-informed community care. He began his career in frontline support roles, including Youth Work and Behavioural Therapy Assistance, where he supported individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, and complex personal circumstances with empathy and a strengths-based approach. After completing his studies in business and undertaking a leadership scholarship, Tom combined his passion for community impact with a strong interest in business and organisational leadership. Tom has lead responsibilities across payroll, compliance, workforce operations, and employee development across purpose-driven organisations. Known for his adaptability, cross-functional business expertise, and calm, people-centred approach, Tom brings together operational excellence with a deep commitment to employee wellbeing. His unique blend of commercial capability, trauma-informed practice, and relationship-focused leadership enables him to foster inclusive, high-performing workplaces where both people and organisations can thrive.
Want to join the team?
We advertise paid roles as they come up, and we’re always looking for volunteers, on the crisis line and in our shops.