Our Team

Lydia has worked at Our Community Place as the Manager of the organisation since 2019. She has worked in the Community Services sector for over 15 years within the Multicultural Service.  Lydia brings to the organisation her expertise in Case Management, Community Development, and Project Management. Lydia is passionate about supporting the community through developing accessible programs and services.

Alex Richardson – Senior Program Worker

Alex has taken up the new role of Senior Program Worker. Alex has worked in the Community Services and Disability sector for over 10 years, and has experience working with Youth, Adults and Families in a variety of settings. Alex thrives in an environment where she can leverage her interpersonal skills to create a positive change. Alex is looking forward to her new role with OCP!

Teagan is new to Our Community Place; she will be taking up the role as the Program Support Worker this year of 2022. She will support and facilitate programs such Sister Talk, Young Parent Group and other activities within our service. Teagan is enthusiastic about empowering the community with her expertise, skills, and knowledges in Case Management, Disability, and Auslan (Sign Language) through developing accessible programs and services.

Margaret Standen – President

Margaret worked in Childcare and Celebrancy and was a Child Care Director for many years. Margaret retired in 2017 and is currently volunteering in her local community, with a passion in supporting women and families. Margaret currently sits on the Board of Management for both Our Community Place and the Lake Macquarie PCYC and is actively involved in many OCP programs, particularly the Women Shed on the Lake.

Alison Johnson – Vice President

Alison has worked in the Early Childhood sector for over 16 years and is currently still employed in the industry. Alison also enjoys volunteering and has been assisting Our Community Place for the last five years with a variety of programs. When not volunteering or working, Alison spends her time supporting her daughter’s bakery business.

John Falconer – Treasurer

John spent 20 years working in Medical Research before a career change into IT Management. After another 15 years John finished work as an IT Director for a French global corporation based in Paris. On retirement John started volunteering – spent 7 months as an Australian International Volunteer in Samoa in 2015 and since then having served on the Management Committees of Our Community Place and another NFP Age and Disability Service in Lake Macquarie.

Lyn Dennis – Secretary

Lynora worked as a Mental Health Nurse for 47 years and retired in 2016. Lynora enjoys spending her time volunteering within the community by participating on the Our Community Place and Lake Macquarie PCYC board of management and investing her time assisting organisations such as Guiding Australia, Scouting Australia. Lynora is actively involved in many OCP programs and enjoys teaching sewing and craft activities.

Jeffrey Riley – Ordinary Member/Public Officer

Jeff worked as a town planner for several years. He is most proud of steering through the extended initial rezoning process of the now rapidly growing Morisset Industrial Estate. Jeff has supported the growth and development of church, sporting and community organisations in the Hunter Region for over thirty years. He has been particularly happy in helping ensure that communities in Lake Macquarie receive their fair share.

Elizabeth Muir – Ordinary Member

Libby worked in engineering and building for over 40 years and has expertise in administration and contract management. She is now retired and enjoys her volunteering by providing support and assistance to a passionate community group who empowers itself in facilitating programs and services to vulnerable families, individuals and children.  She hopes by providing her time and service she can make a small difference.