ARC is governed by a Board of Management which oversees the strategic operations of the organisation. The Board of Management is elected from the members of the organisation at the Annual General Meeting with Board Members being elected for a 2 year term.

Here are our current Board Members:

• Chairperson
• Vice Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer

<

>

Lorraine Carroll

​Lorraine has spent over 20 years in Cairns working in the area of disability in both government and non-government organisations.
​
Having worked as a Speech Language Pathologist for many years, Lorraine completed her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and now coordinates the disability and therapy services across all Catholic Schools in the Cairns Diocese. Lorraine joined the Board in mid-2015 and was elected as the Secretary for 2017. At the AGM in November 2017, Lorraine was nominated and elected as the Chair of the ARC Board. This is an exciting time to be a part of the ARC Board with NDIS creating amazing opportunities for clients and their families as well as service providers.

Lorraine is a strong advocate for the rights of people with disability and through her role on the Board, is committed to ensuring ARC’s ongoing future as an organisation of excellence.

Cathy Aitken

​Cathy has been a carer representative on the ARC Board and has participated in the growth and professionalism of the organisation.

​Offering a lived understanding and appreciation for what ARC can offer to service users to ensure we stay true to our mission of being "More Than Just Support.." Cathy is enjoying being part of a wonderful team working on the board at such a critical time in disability services, as we work through the roll-out of the NDIS .

Natalie Bird

​Natalie has been a passionate disability and carer advocate since 2005, when her eldest son was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum condition.

She has tirelessly promoted the need for disability support, advice and information for families in many capacities, including as a committee member with the local autism spectrum group for over ten years. Her skills are many and varied as she has qualifications in teaching, media production and journalism. Currently, she manages a digital information page through Facebook whilst home schooling her two teenage sons.
Natalie was thrilled to be welcomed as a member of the ARC board recently and looks forward to lending her support as the ARC organisation continues to grow.  ​

Graham Caldwell

Graham has a background working with businesses in the areas of Business Development and Growth. By working closely with the business community for over 30 years, Graham has forged a solid reputation through his dedication to supporting and encouraging start-ups, entrepreneurs, business and industry in the region.
 
Graham has experience as a director of both Not for Profit and Profit entities from start-ups to established enterprises. His aim is to produce positive outcomes that provide real value and generate the maximum result for all clients so that they can achieve their goals.

• Member
• Member
• Member

<

>

Barb Smith

After coming to us at ARC as a parent seeking disability services for her son, Barb joined the board in 2017.
​
Barb has been a great credit since joining ARC's board, working as an advocate for carers and parents of the service users of ARC . 

Keith Seaton

As an Aerospace Designer working in many Western World countries Keith migrated permanently to Melbourne in 2004 with his family. A move to Cairns in 2007 offered a career change gaining him increased time with family and children.
Keith joined his daughters Primary School P&C in 2009, became Treasurer in 2010, then moved to High School and remained P&C President 2011 to 2015 and School Council 2013 to 2015. Launching the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at his daughters High School helped gain him the Parent Volunteer of the Year Award 2014.

PCYC FNQ Volunteer of the Year 2015, PCYC Qld State Volunteer of the Year 2016, Toastmasters Area Director 2017, Toastmasters Vice President Education 2018 and ARC Board Member in 2019 all followed. Keith believes in and often ends his speeches with “Think Big, don’t be Afraid to Succeed,” and is determined to continue the promotion of the ARC Programs and of Disability Advocacy in our Region.
​

Beth Rolton

Beth is excited about the opportunity to make a positive difference to people’s lives through her work with ARC and her work at Maurice Blackburn.
​
​ Beth has worked as a lawyer since 2010 in Cairns. She is employed with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers working predominantly in the field of Personal Injury law. This work involves helping people who are living with a brain injury, disability and/or catastrophic injuries access their legal rights and entitlements. Prior to this Beth worked as a secondary school teacher. She worked in Charters Towers, Sunshine Coast and for the last 10 years of her teaching career she worked at Kuranda District State College. This role involved working with students who had varying needs and disabilities. Beth strived to ensure that all students were able to access the curriculum despite any disabilities and that students’ needs were accommodated.