Executive Team
Bala SuppiahChief Officer
BComm, MSc, AAICD, AFAIM
Bala Suppiah the Chief Operating Officer at Community First. Bala has vast experience in the employment, training and education sector, having held a number of senior positions within the industry both here and overseas. Graduating from Murdoch University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and a Master of Science in Telecommunications, Bala has successfully negotiated and delivered desired outcomes for several Commonwealth and State Funded programs during his years of service. His vision is to provide quality service, which will empower individuals to engage in education, training and ultimately employment, as well as support the community with superior aged care and mental health initiatives. In his current role, as Chief Operations Officer, Bala draws on his previous experience in both commercial and not for profit organisations, to ensure Community First meets its desired performance outcomes and excels as a sustainable and commercially viable organisation.
Ross Bailey
Chief Financial Officer
B.Ec B.Bus CPA
Ross Bailey was appointed Chief Financial Officer in October 2011. Ross comes with more than three decades experience in government (state and federal) and private enterprise (with private and public companies). For the past decade Ross has worked in senior corporate positions within the Higher Education and Vocation Education and Training sectors in Western Australia. He also has another twenty years service relevant experience as an officer in the Defence Force Reserves. Ross is responsible for providing strategic finance and corporate service leadership to Company’s Board.
Chief Financial Officer
B.Ec B.Bus CPA
Ross Bailey was appointed Chief Financial Officer in October 2011. Ross comes with more than three decades experience in government (state and federal) and private enterprise (with private and public companies). For the past decade Ross has worked in senior corporate positions within the Higher Education and Vocation Education and Training sectors in Western Australia. He also has another twenty years service relevant experience as an officer in the Defence Force Reserves. Ross is responsible for providing strategic finance and corporate service leadership to Company’s Board.
As Chief Financial Officer, Ross manages Community First’s corporate services, quality and compliance teams including information technology, finance, human resources, compliance and quality. Ross is a qualified accountant with CPA Australia.
Eileen AllisonExecutive Manager Community Services
Eileen Allison joined Community First in 2006. Her previous career in the United Kingdom was within the Finance, IT and Local Government sectors. Since migrating to Australia she has worked for Federal Government departments and in the not for profit sector in Senior Management positions.
Her roles at Community First have involved all aspects of Community First’s operations, including the successful development and expansion of the Home and Community Care program (HACC); expansion of Employment Services; and the implementation of the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program (PHAMS).During the past 12 months Community Services have experience growth across services including the expansion of PHaMS into the Bunbury /Vasse region and the transition of HACC services within the City of Melville. Other opportunities have included funding from DEEWR under the Innovation Fund to provide support to homeless men in Albany.Currently Eileen is responsible for the delivery of Community Services contracts across South Western WA. She believes in strong leadership, building teams that have a high performance culture, and in developing and empowering staff to achieve their full potential.
Carmen Lunderstedt
Company Secretary
BCom(Corp Admin & Man), GradCertFinPlan, ACIS
Carmen Lunderstedt is responsible for Community First’s corporate administration and governance practices. With a background in compliance, risk management and governance, Carmen works closely with the business to ensure legislative, contractual and policy compliance. Prior to joining Community First, Carmen worked for several large multi-national companies in Sydney. Carmen is a registered Chartered Secretary.
Company Secretary
BCom(Corp Admin & Man), GradCertFinPlan, ACIS
Carmen Lunderstedt is responsible for Community First’s corporate administration and governance practices. With a background in compliance, risk management and governance, Carmen works closely with the business to ensure legislative, contractual and policy compliance. Prior to joining Community First, Carmen worked for several large multi-national companies in Sydney. Carmen is a registered Chartered Secretary.
