OUR BOARD

MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS OF ESPERANCE CARE SERVICES

 


 

BRIAN TOLHURST

CHAIRPERSON

Brian is currently retired having previously been self-employed in three successful businesses.

He is currently:

    • Chairman Recherche Aged Welfare Committee
    • Secretary Rotary Club of Esperance Bay
    • Secretary Tourism Esperance
    • Committee Member Pink Lake Golf Club
    • Chairman Vietnam Veterans 2021 Reunion

Previous positions held:

    • Deputy Chairman, Western Australian Tourism Commission
    • Board member Eventscorp
    • Member Deputy Premiers Ministerial Advisory Council on Small Business
    • CEO Kimberley Tourism Association
    • CEO Esperance Region Tourism Association
    • Foundation member Western Australian Inbound Tour Operators Association
    • President Rotary Club of Esperance Bay

Brian hold a Master’s Degree from the University of Notre Dame (M.Bus.)

 


 

ROD PARSONS

VICE CHAIRPERSON

Rod has been involved with the Esperance region since 1968, when he boarded at the residential collage to attend high school. He also helped pioneer the fledgling years 11 and 12. High school helped develop his passion for fitness, mainly hockey, football and tennis.

After high school he returned to the family farm at Fitzgerald, he attended Curtin University for 12 months, but the call of the bush drew him back to the family farm. Married in 1979 Rod later moved to Bunbury with AMP Insurance, then moved to Esperance in 1983 and worked for an Insurance Brokerage.  He now owns and manages his own Insurance Brokerage in Esperance.

Community and church involvement have been ongoing. At one stage co-ordinating a sand dune program for up to 100 youth and children and many volunteers.  He is president of Esperance Mountain Biking Association and been instrumental in building a nationally recognized 14km mountain bike trail at Esperance, plus he mentors a member of road bike riders. Rod enjoys the privilege of being husband of one, father of two and grandfather of three. His most priced qualification is being an A.R.G.G (All Round Good Guy). Rod was appointed late 2015 and brings a mix of energy, humour and enjoyment of people from all walks of life to the Esperance Care Services board.

 


 

JENNIFER FLORISSON

SECRETARY

Jennifer is a mother of four, and a teacher at Wongutha CAPS Indigenous Vocational School Esperance WA. At Wongutha, she enjoyed empowering young people through coordinating a work placement program and supporting the boarding environment. She has been privileged to volunteer short-term in some humanitarian projects in Kazakhstan, Bangladesh and Vanuatu.

Since 2010 Jennifer and her husband Steve have developed and delivered nationally recognised, accredited Certificate IV and Diploma training for student boarding staff around Australia and in several International Boarding schools, through their own Registered Training Organisation, “Boarding Training Australia”.

Jennifer’s passion is to equip individuals and organisations with training that enables them to provide the highest quality care and education for young people.

Jennifer loves being Grandma of Murphy and Tully, delights in nurturing her cottage garden at her open, welcoming home, and enjoys cycling in France and snorkelling in Australia.

She accomplishes all this with humility and gentleness and sees the best in all those she meets.

Her qualifications include:

  • Diploma of Teaching
  • CHC50413 Diploma of Youth Work
  • TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
  • TAE50111 Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
  • TAE50211 Diploma of Training Design and Development

 


 

STEVE FLORISSON

TREASURER

Having been a teacher for 36 years, School Principal for 24 years, trainer for four years, and currently owner of Boarding Training Australia RTO, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board. He is also a Public Officer for the CAPS Association. Steve and his wife Jennifer developed nationally recognised Certificate IV Training for Boarding Staff.

His work also includes hostel / boarding audits, consultancy work and reports and assessing and developing whole school training programs in Vanuatu.

Steve’s qualifications include:

  • Diploma of Teaching
  • Bachelor of Education
  • Master of Education, Major in Educational Policy and Administration
  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • TAE50111 Diploma of Vocational Education & Training
  • TAE50211 Diploma of Training Design & Development
  • CHC50609 Diploma of Community Services Work
  • TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Steve has had numerous trips overseas and can keep an audience captive with tales of his many adventures.

 


 

CHRIS MEYER

BOARD MEMBER & CEO

Chris has lived in the Esperance region for 53 years, 33 of those as a farmer in the Condingup region. In 1996, he was one of the group who established Esperance Care Services. He has a long history of community involvement. He has owned and managed several successful businesses before coming back to Esperance Care Services and taking on a management role in 2006.

Chris is a pastor with Australian Christian Churches and pastors the local church.

Chris has worked on short term mission trips to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia traveling to rural areas in these countries, and this has greatly broadened his experience in working with the poor and disadvantaged. The passion for and dedication to the community Chris has was honoured on Australia Day 2014 when he was awarded Citizen of the Year for the Esperance Region. Chris is a strong communicator, particularly to those who, for whatever reason, are struggling to cope with day to day life.  Chris’s heart is for the poor, not only physical but also spiritual – and to show them the way to hope for the future, especially in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

 


 

WARREN WILLIS

BOARD MEMBER

Warren is a licensed plumber/gas fitter, who has been self-employed for many years. He managed a plumbing supplies shop in Esperance for four years before returning to the practical side of his trade.

He is also a trained teacher with 10 years’ experience in both high school and trade teaching. He has taught in Esperance, Norseman, Northam and in Victoria.  His teaching experience led him to take on children's ministry which involved heading up Children’s Church over a period of ten years and he still continues in the area of Christian Education at the Christian School in Esperance.  Other contributions Warren and his wife Sue have made to the community are in the delivery of “Meals-on-Wheels”, visiting at the ‘Aged Care Facility’.

Warren and Sue have worked with addicts in “Sherwood Cliffs’, a rehabilitation facility in NSW, mentoring youth with addiction issues. They have both also travelled to Indonesia with YWAM to teach children in an orphanage, as well as completing a six-month Discipleship Training School, with YWAM where they ministered to street people in Newcastle, NSW. 

 


 

ANDREA KENNEALLY

BOARD MEMBER

Andrea is a qualified physiotherapist with experience in a number of settings including private practice, residential aged care, hospital, and community health. She has worked in a range of multidisciplinary teams in programs of hospital discharge, vocational rehabilitation, mental health recovery and support, street doctor, drug and alcohol counselling and rehabilitation and NDIS plan facilitation.

Having previously served on boards in areas of education, disability (autism) and childcare, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to her role on the Board of ECS.

Andrea believes ECS is an outstandingly unique organisation, providing inclusive, enduring and caring support to individuals and families doing it tough in our community. Andrea assists with ECS’s training and advocacy programs and is passionate about people and community.

With her infectious laugh, amazing energy and engaging disposition, Andrea is a real asset to the organisation.

 


 

BECKY HUGHES

BOARD MEMBER

Originally from Esperance, Becky brings over a decade of experience across marketing and executive management roles in various industries. She has been responsible for devising strategy, managing large teams, overseeing million dollar advertising budgets and working with clients to ensure the best outcome is achieved.

Becky’s passion for people has seen her serve as a Youth Group leader in Esperance, she worked with ‘Youth at Risk’ for a number of years in Perth and also volunteered as a mentor for YMCA WA.

Becky has an ability to work across a number of projects at any given time, while ensuring that the client is front of mind.

Becky brings energy and new ideas to Esperance Care Services. Having grown up in Esperance, Becky has seen firsthand the impact ECS has had on the community. She believes it is an exceptional organisation designed to help and support those in need.

In Becky’s spare time, she loves spending time with her family and newborn baby.

 


 

BEN PRATT

BOARD MEMBER

Born and raised in the picturesque town of Esperance, Ben has spent his life immersed in various community clubs and organisations, reflecting his strong passion for making a positive impact on people's lives.

Ben's dedication and commitment extend to his professional life, where he has been a valued member of the Florissons Home Furnishers team for the past two decades, providing exceptional service to the community.

Ben’s journey in education took a remarkable turn when he earned a scholarship to study music at the prestigious Perth Modern School. His time at this renowned institution deepened his love for music and honed his musical talents. His musical prowess finds a special place on Sunday mornings when he dedicates his talent to his local church.

In his spare time, Ben enjoys rigorous training for various triathlon events, which include swimming, cycling, and running. His dedication to sports complements his passion for helping people, as he continuously strives to push his physical boundaries.

Ben is a devoted family man, with a beautiful wife and three children.