Key Personnel

Wayne Griffiths

Chief Executive Officer

Wayne is a dedicated and passionate leader with over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector. As CEO of Winanga-Li, he has overseen significant growth and impact in areas that drive change for Aboriginal communities in NSW. A proud descendant of the Gamilaraay people, Wayne has developed expertise in the community services industry through his leadership positions in other non-profit organizations. He is committed to reducing disadvantage within vulnerable communities and has achieved significant milestones, including successful tender for the Gamilaraay Language Hub program and successful accreditation from the Office of the Children’s Guardian.

Madi Ellis

Manager - Out of Home Care

Madi is a Gamilaraay woman, born and raised in Gunnedah. She has eleven years of experience in community services from homelessness to out-of-home care. She says, "I am the luckiest Mum on earth to the two most beautiful children, who are just the most amazing little humans". Madi is passionate about being a part of change, and values the role and purpose in the life of those that she supports. She especially loves being a voice for Aboriginal children and young people.

Renee Houldsworth

Manager - Language Hub (Yaama Gamilaraay!)

Renee is a Gamilaraay women born and bred in Quirindi with 10 years' experience in community services and over two years managing the Gamilaraay Language Hub Program. She has been learning and delivering language with Winanga-li since she started working closely with our Linguist Language support Hilary Smith. She incorporates language at home with her two daughters and is passionate about keeping her language journey going for the years to come. Renee is excited to be able to teach children language and loves going to work every day, doing what she loves and making changes in children's lives.

Wade Burt

Manager - Family Support Services (Family Preservation and Targeted Early Intervention)

Wade has 22 years’ experience in the community welfare sector, working towards capacity building and tangible outcomes for families and individuals. Wade has held numerous Senior Operations roles across Disability, Employment and Out of Home Care, managing large teams in Permanency Support, Child Youth and Family Programs, Disability, Education and Disability Employment Services in the New England, North-West and Hunter Regions.

“I am proud to be a part of Winanga-li, and it’s an absolute privilege to be working alongside Aboriginal families within the communities we serve.

"I believe that using evidence informed practice ensures that our teams can support families to make long term, sustainable change to keep their families safe, together, and build stronger communities for generations to come.

"I am committed to ensuring that my practice is culturally safe and responsive and have this commitment at the forefront of all work that I do”

Jessica Small