About Mai-Wel

Mai-Wel creates and delivers vibrant, innovative services which provide opportunities for people with disability and job seekers across the Hunter Valley to achieve their dreams and goals for life.

As a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, we provide a range of disability and employment support services that are varied to meet the goals and aspirations of each individual. We connect people to possibilities and aim to empower each individual to achieve their goals.

We provide supports and services in our purpose-built facilities across the Hunter Region, from Singleton to Newcastle and to Port Stephens. We also support people in their homes and to access their local community.

Our Mission:

Mai-Wel’s mission is to create and deliver vibrant, innovative services that provide opportunities for people with disability and job seekers across the Hunter Valley to achieve their dreams and goals for life. As a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, Mai-Wel offers a range of disability and employment support services tailored to meet the goals and aspirations of each individual. The organisation aims to connect people to possibilities and empower each individual to achieve their goals. ​

Our Vision:

Empowering People, Changing Lives

Our Values:

  • Integrity
  • Excellence
  • Respect

Mai-Wel Board of Directors

Felicity Laczina - Chair of the Mai-Wel Board

Felicity Laczina – Chair of the Board

MA Business, Dip Strategic HR, Grad Cert Strategic HR, AMP194, GAICD

Elected: 12.07.21

Occupation and Qualifications:  Chief Operations Officer Maitland Mutual Bank

Committees: Chair Governance and Risk Committee, Chair Remuneration and Nominations Committee, Chair Merger and Acquisition Committee

With over 25 years of experience in Human Resources and business roles, primarily in the banking and government sectors, Felicity now brings her expertise to the not-for-profit sector. She has spent nearly a decade at the executive level and holds an MBA and a Graduate Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Her personal connection to disability, as both a sister and an aunt to family members with disability, fuels her passion for Mai-Wel’s mission to make a meaningful difference in the community.

Michael Burfitt

Michael Burfitt – Deputy Chair of the Board

BA Bus, (CA), (GAICD)

Elected: 28.10.19

Occupation and Qualifications:  Chief Finance Officer Maitland City Council

Committees: Chair Finance and Audit Committee, Chair Property Committee

Michael is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years of experience in financial reporting, governance, risk management, and auditing, primarily in government and not-for-profit sectors. His extensive career includes roles in superannuation and local government, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer at Maitland City Council. As a non-executive director since 2019 and with prior experience in the non-bank financial sector, Michael brings deep financial expertise to Mai-Wel, ensuring sound governance and financial oversight. He also holds a Bachelor of Business, CA, GAICD, and is a Justice of the Peace.

Martin Corrigan

Claire Chidgey – Director

BBus, CA, CIA, GAICD

Elected: 25.11.24

Occupation and Qualifications: Corporate Governance and Finance Executive

Committees: Finance and Audit Committee, Governance and Risk Committee

Claire is an experienced executive with over 25 years in corporate governance, finance, risk management, and audit across Chartered Accounting, Not-for-Profit, and Utility sectors. As a Chartered Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Claire is enthusiastic about contributing her expertise in leading transformative change within a framework of sound corporate governance to the Mai-Wel Board. She is dedicated to ensuring Mai-Wel continues to fulfill its mission of empowering individuals to achieve their full potential and enriching the community with which it engages.

Carolyn Higgs

Carolyn Higgs – Director

BA Hons, MA Criminology

Elected: 30.10.17

Occupation and Qualifications: Assistant Director Department of Infrastructure

Committees: Governance and Risk Committee, Quality and Safeguards Committee

A dedicated member of the Mai-Wel Board since 2017, Carolyn follows the legacy of her father, Frank, who served the organisation for 50 years. Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and a Master of Arts in Criminology from the University of Toronto. Her academic and personal experience equip her to contribute meaningfully to Mai-Wel’s mission, ensuring continued support for individuals with disabilities in the Maitland community.

Jann Kingston

David Lynch – Director

Elected: 25.11.24

Occupation and Qualifications:  

Committees: Governance and Risk Committee, Quality and Safeguards Committee

David Lynch brings over 30 years of commercial experience to Mai-Wel’s Board, having held executive roles including CFO, COO, and CEO across the “for purpose,” community, and commercial sectors. His expertise in corporate services, strategic planning, financial management, and risk mitigation provides valuable insights to navigate the strategic and operational challenges faced by the organisation.

A lifelong resident of Maitland, David is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has shaped his life. His passion for supporting people with disability is rooted in his tenure at Life Without Barriers, one of Australia’s largest disability organisations. Through his role on the Board, David aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people with disability in the Maitland and Hunter regions.

Simon Coleman

Simon Coleman – Director

BA Comms, GAICD, Grad Dip Occupational Hygiene, Grad Dip OH&S Management, FCPA,

Elected: 12.07.21

Occupation and Qualifications:  General Manager Health, Safety, Environment and Quality AMP Control

Committees: Chair Quality and Safeguards Committee,  Property Committee

With over 30 years of experience in health, rehabilitation, and safety, Simon brings a wealth of knowledge to the Mai-Wel Board. Starting his career as an Occupational Therapist and later working in Health & Safety, Environment, and Quality roles, he is well-versed in disability support, risk management, and effective communication. Although he has no personal lived experience with disability, Simon’s work as a Support Worker and OT has given him valuable insight. He is passionate about ensuring Mai-Wel continues to thrive in the Maitland and Hunter region.

Christian Pynsent

Dr Sherphard Chidarikire – Director

PhD, GradCertRes, MNNP, BHlthSc(Nurs), DipHE(MH), DipEd

Elected: 17.12.24

Occupation and Qualifications:  Senior Lecturer in Nursing (Mental Health), Program Convenor-Master of Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle

Committees:

Sherphard is a Senior Lecturer in Nursing (Mental Health) and Program Convener of the Master of Mental Health Nursing at the University of Newcastle. With over a decade of experience in mental health education, he has taught and led curriculum development at both the University of Tasmania and the University of Newcastle. As a registered mental health nurse, his extensive clinical background spans community, acute, and forensic mental health settings in Australia and the UK.

A dedicated researcher and academic leader, Sherphard has led multiple national and international research projects exploring mental health care, resilience, and interprofessional learning. His contributions to the field include the translation of the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire into Shona, now available through the World Health Organization. Passionate about community mental health, he actively works to improve mental health outcomes, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Christian Pynsent

David Belcher – Director

BA (PolSc)

Elected: 07.02.25

Occupation and Qualifications:   A strategic advisor for Community Disability Alliance Hunter and a former Councillor for Lake Macquarie City Council.

Committees:

David is a dedicated disability advocate and government relations specialist with over a decade of experience in policy advising and community engagement. As a well-respected former Councillor for Lake Macquarie City Council and a strategic advisor for Community Disability Alliance Hunter, David champions accessible infrastructure, inclusive communities and a human rights approach to disability.

With a strong background in community service and advocacy, David has been instrumental in various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people with disability. His lived experience as a wheelchair user informs his approach to creating inclusive policies and services. David also develops leadership workshops and regularly contributes to disability discourse through public writing and media.

His strategic insights and commitment to community development will greatly enhance Mai-Wel’s efforts to empower individuals and create inclusive opportunities.

Mai-Wel Executive Team

John Cleary

Chief Executive Officer

The Mai-Wel Group

Lucy Crawford

General Manager

NDIS Pathways

Kyllie Tegg

General Manager

Employment Services

Bianca Simms

General Manager

People|Culture|Safety

Jennifer Cappellacci

General Manager

Corporate Services

Our History

In November 1960 a number of Maitland-based families met and shared their concerns about the lack of recognition of the needs of their children with disability for an education and opportunities for life.

This event marked the formation of Mai-Wel. The challenge to remove the discrimination experienced by people with a disability and their carers is as strong a motive today as it has been throughout the past 60 years.

Mai-Wel received funding from the Australian Government Department of Environment in 2012 to launch a History Project, researching and documenting the organisation’s rich history and contribution to the Maitland community. The History Project was completed in mid-2014 and is available in the form of a book and short film documentary accessible via the links below.

We thank local journalist, Alek Shulha, for the many hours he volunteered to help bring this project to life. Also thanks to the many participants, families, community members, staff and supporters who contributed to the film and book.