Executive Team

Tom joined are-able​ as CEO in April 2019 after 3 years as National Director of Commercial Operations and 2 years as General Manager for the Australian Red Cross. Prior to this Tom worked for Centacare for 10 years and is well versed in all areas of business, developing skills and experience while managing his own businesses for 14 years before transitioning to the not-for-profit sector.

Tom’s decision to move into humanitarian services was driven by his desire to help others and give back to the community.  He brings a wealth of experience in jobactive and Disability Employment Services, NDIS, social enterprises, new apprenticeships and registered training organisations.

His background in commercial business balance with 18 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, holds him in good stead to lead are-able as the CEO.  Tom completed his MBA through Griffith University in 2017 and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Andrew’s association with are-able spans over 13 years beginning in 2001 working within Employment Services, before taking the opportunity to broaden his experience in the Human Resources sector with Warrnambool’s largest employer, South West Healthcare.

Andrew’s passion to make a difference in the community is evident by his service to the then WDEA Works Committee of Management as a member throughout 2008 & 2009.

Andrew returned home to are-able in 2014 in his current position as Director of People, Culture and Training. Andrew’s portfolio consists of People and Culture, Occupational Health and Safety and are-able Education and Training, allowing him to offer training and development opportunities to both employees and the wider community.

Jason has a long association with are-able spanning over 16 years, serving initially as Finance Manager followed by Director of Finance before taking the opportunity to further his professional development within the education sector.

Jason returned to the are-able family after 3 years in 2019 to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer and lends his skills in financial management and performance, along with investment strategy development to the organisation to support its robust financial compliance requirements.

Trudy joined are-able with over 15 years of experience across public health, tertiary education, and the for-purpose sector, bringing a strong background in project management, collaboration, and community engagement. She is dedicated to values-based, community-focused organisations and is passionate about building capacity for positive social impact.

As Head of Strategy and Projects, Trudy works closely with the Senior Management Team to drive strategic plan outcomes, leading key initiatives and projects. Trudy’s role centres on fostering new opportunities within our regions to create sustainable, impactful programs for people with disabilities and community impact.

Trudy is commitment to sustainable, self-sufficient organisations capable of responding to community needs over government-driven agendas.

Paul has spent most of his career working for some of Australia’s largest and most iconic retail brands. With 35 years of experience managing large teams, Paul is passionate about leading teams to achieve great results.

Paul joined the are-able team in 2019, bringing with him lived experience as a father of a son with a disability, and has made a significant impact to Social Enterprises through the development of the Big Rs Shed in his role as Business Development Manager for the Social Enterprise division during the last two years.

Paul has been an active community member of the Warrnambool district through the local CFA, school councils, and Warrnambool Business groups.

Vicki commenced with are-able in 2007 and has over ten years of leadership and management experience across various employment services roles.  Vicki joined the HR department of are-able in 2018, providing consultancy and advisory services to management and staff on a range of HR practices, issues, and legislation.

Vicki’s current role as General Manager People and Culture merges 20 years of Employment Services experience with Human Resources Management for our organisation.  With a passion for enabling people to understand and develop their skills, Vicki recently undertook completion of a Graduate Certificate in Career Development Practices in 2021.

Tammie Hawke, a dedicated and results-driven professional whose passion for overcoming challenges and delivering exceptional outcomes sets her apart. With a wealth of experience as a Site Manager at are-able, Tammie has consistently demonstrated her outstanding leadership and organisational skills in driving and managing the performance of multiple sites. Tammie is committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct, service guarantees, and service excellence, making her a valuable asset to the are-able team.

Tammie’s experience in the Employment Services Industry is a testament to her ability to successfully deliver programs and build and nurture effective workplace relationships. She excels in implementing disciplinary and grievance procedures, resolving conflicts, and addressing workplace issues. Tammie’s dedication to continuous improvement is evident through her coaching and mentoring of site staff, empowering them to achieve personal and professional growth. As the newly appointed General Manager Group Services – Employment (2023), Tammie is ready to lead and inspire our teams and drive are-able’s business objectives forward.

Mary Melican brings over 15 years of experience and a strong commitment to the Employment Services sector, dedicated to supporting people with disabilities. She joined are-able in 2009 after a 15-year career in business, starting as a Disability Employment Services Employment Consultant. Since then, Mary has taken on various roles and contracts, including Job Services, Jobactive, Workforce Australia, and Disability Employment Services. Her deep understanding of the diverse range of employment programs at are-able, along with her strategic vision, has played a key role in her journey with the organisation.

Now, as the General Manager of Employment Programs, Mary focuses on ensuring that are-able provides effective, high-quality services tailored to the needs of individuals, families, and communities. She’s not just committed to delivering impactful programs—she’s also a champion for are-able’s dedicated employees. Mary is passionate about empowering her team, creating an environment where they can develop their skills, support clients in reaching their employment goals, and grow professionally within the organisation.

Stephanie Caunter is an accomplished marketing leader with over a decade of experience driving customer engagement and executing brand strategies that contribute to significant business growth. With a strong foundation in marketing operations, Stephanie brings expertise in managing large, geographically dispersed teams and aligning marketing efforts with broader business objectives.

Stephanie’s proficiency extends beyond traditional marketing roles, with a deep understanding of team management and a strategic approach to communication—both internally and externally—that fosters a collaborative environment where stakeholders are well-informed and aligned with the organisation’s goals.

Currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management, Stephanie continues to enhance her leadership capabilities, staying ahead of industry trends to deliver innovative solutions that drive market success. Her commitment to optimising processes and streamlining workflows has established her as a pivotal contributor to are-able’s overall success.