Choice. Opportunity. Diversity. Ability.
Our Story
Established in 1989, a group of parents founded CODA out of concern for the welfare of their sons and daughters with a disability when they were no longer able to provide the level of support needed to maintain them at home. After successfully lobbying the local and state government, CODA was born, and became an approved association in September 1991 forming an in-home respite service.
Today CODA is an established small to medium sized organisation that has expanded to create innovative services designed to suit the individual needs of the person with a disability and their carers. Recognising the ongoing changes in people’s lifestyles, CODA endeavours to provide flexible services that meet the needs of the clients, carers and community.
Developing a range of programs which incorporate Community Participation and linking has enabled CODA to promote community awareness and support for people with a disability and their carers and facilitate positive links with other organisations and associations interested in the support of people with disabilities and their carers.
CODA fully supports and recognises individual’s ability to make their own choices and decisions and work with individuals and families to develop plans for support that recognise those choices and facilitates opportunities for growth and change.
CODA welcomes the changes to the industry under a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and is ready to work collaboratively with you, to support you in a way that best meets your needs; with as little or as much help from CODA as you choose.
Please contact CODA today and see how they can assist you.
Meet the Team
Whether you already know us or want to join us, we hope you love being a part of CODA just as much as we do.
Our Board of Management
CODA is an incorporated, not for profit community-based organisation.
Support CODA
Support the work of our team and board members with a tax-deductible donation.
CEO Welcome
For over 26 years I have had the fortune of being part of the CODA team and take great pride in my role as Chief Executive Officer of this strong and outstanding organisation. During my time at CODA, I have worked in various roles including direct support work and client coordination. These experiences have provided me with a unique perspective and understanding of the organisation; the needs of our clients and the right direction and support for our staff.
It has been a privilege to be involved in the growth and development of CODA and help guide this organisation into being the exceptional service provider we are today.
One of CODA’s greatest assets is its size. As a small to medium organisation, we have a passionate and dedicated team committed to empowering those we work with; the individuals we support and our staff alike. We are ambitious and endeavour to be the best that we can be and the individuals and families we support; our direct support staff, our admin and Management team as well as our Board of Management, all contribute to the success of our organisation.
This website aims to provide you with an overview of our services and how we can support you. As you navigate your way through our site, if you have questions or feedback please be sure to contact us.
Whether you already know us or want to join us, we hope you love being a part of CODA just as much as we do.
Louise Daly
Chief Executive Officer
Our Management Team
Louise Daly
Chief Executive Officer
Aimee Hamlyn
Client Service Manager
Anura de Silva
Finance Manager
Chloe Brown
Human Resource Advisor
Jessica Ladd
Client Service Coordinator
Patricia Conrod
Client Service Coordinator
Michelle Pender
Client Service Coordinator
Siimone de Bruyn
Client Service Coordinator
Jodie Pratt
NDIS Support Coordinator
Cherie Fletcher
NDIS Support Coordinator
Dalila Fazlic
NDIS Plan Manager
Leonie Genge
NDIS Plan Manager
Rabaa Kewan
Accounts Officer
Imogen Allen
Office Administrator
Sarah Gorry
IT Support Officer
Board of Management
CODA is an incorporated, not for profit community-based organisation.
It is governed by a small and dedicated voluntary Board that meets bi-monthly. The Board comprises two executive positions and a minimum of two additional members, with individuals with lived experience warmly welcome.
The Board of Management is the legal entity of CODA. There are a number of key responsibilities required of the Board to ensure that CODA is fulfilling its stated objectives, and policies and procedures as specified in the Service Manual. Such responsibilities include legal responsibilities , financial responsibilities, and policy and planning.
If you are interested in contributing to and shaping the future of CODA, nominations for membership on the Board of Management can be submitted via either of the following:
Written: Addressed to the Chairperson, PO Box 631 Mt Gravatt QLD 4122
Email: managementcommittee@codasouth.org
Phone: (07) 3393 0766 and speak with the CODA Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
James Purcell
Chairperson
James Purcell brings over 20 years of specialized experience in insurance, banking, financial services, and legal practice to his role as Board Chairperson. His professional background includes providing complex advisory services to individuals and organisation’s in contract law, personal injury litigation, estate planning, and disability insurance claims.
James holds qualifications in Business and Law and joined the CODA board in 2018, motivated by his commitment to protecting and advocating for people with disabilities. He is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to choice, dignity, and respect in all aspects of their lives.
Currently working as a motor vehicle claims specialist in the general insurance industry, James applies his expertise to help people affected by motor vehicle accidents navigate complex claims processes. His approach emphasizes building genuine connections with clients, demonstrating empathy and understanding while advocating for fair outcomes. This client-centred philosophy aligns closely with CODA’s mission to support people with disabilities.
James’s legal background, combined with his hands-on experience in personal insurance, provides valuable insight into the regulatory and advocacy challenges facing the disability services sector. As a community-minded individual who volunteers as a lifeguard, he brings both professional expertise and personal commitment to his governance role at CODA.
Vacancy
Treasurer
Derrin Pomare
Secretary
Derrin Pomare is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience spanning emergency, surgical, and community nursing. She is deeply passionate about shaping the future health workforce and has spent the past seven years contributing to the vocational education sector. Has been a Board member since 2024.
In her current role as State-wide Manager of Student Placement for a Queensland-based Hospital and Health Service, Derrin leads a dedicated team that facilitates and supports clinical placements for students across both regional and metropolitan areas. Her leadership ensures students receive meaningful, well-supported experiences that prepare them for the realities of frontline care.
Beyond her clinical and educational leadership, Derrin is actively engaged in governance within the health sector, championing inclusive practices and strategic oversight to enhance service delivery and community outcomes.
Paula Johnson
Board Member
Paula Johnson is a highly experienced paediatric audiologist with over 20 years of clinical and leadership expertise supporting children with hearing loss and their families across the United States and Australia. She currently serves as an Audiologist and Group Program Coordinator at Hear and Say, where she leads the development and facilitation of resilience and well-being programs for older school-aged children and young adults with hearing loss.
Prior to her current role, Paula led the Queensland paediatric team at Hearing Australia, where she was recognized for her client-centred care and contributed to international conferences through presentations and papers. She holds a Doctorate of Audiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 2006, and began her career in a large university hospital before relocating to Brisbane in 2011.
Paula brings a unique and valuable perspective to the CODA Board, which she joined in January 2018. In addition to her professional expertise, she lives with Multiple Sclerosis, diagnosed in 2016. Her personal experience navigating the challenges of chronic illness and the NDIS system informs her advocacy for greater choice within the disability sector and improved education and training
Kathy Whiting
Board Member
Kathy Whiting is a Senior People & Culture leader with extensive experience across all facets of strategic and operational HR/ER and over 25 years generalist senior management experience within NFP’s, private and public organisations. Kathy has led the People and Culture and Corporate Services functions in many organisations, including 24/7 critical services in homelessness/domestic violence/youth residential and NDIS. Kathy’s expertise extends to managing complex IR/ER matters; providing coaching and mentoring for senior leaders, as well as driving operational and transformational change. She is also well qualified, holding Masters level tertiary qualifications in HR and Business, as well as being a professional member of the Australian HR Institute.
Kathy currently runs her own consulting business and predominantly works across Health; NFP’s/Community and corporate organisations. At times Kathy is also stepping internally into organisations to lead teams through times of change.
Having an absolute passion for the community sector, Kathy also volunteers her time in supporting a national organisation working towards the eradication of domestic and family violence and gender equity. She is equally committed to many other areas of the community and delighted to be supporting CODA and brings a wealth of practical and strategic expertise in People & Culture and Corporate Services.
Vacancy
Board Member
Ben Lawson
Honorary Lifetime Member
CODA Disability Support honours the memory of Ben Lawson, who was apart of the CODA Community as a a service user of CODA supports, and a member of the CODA Management Committee in 2003-04 and from 2008 to 2016.
Ben held degrees in natural resource management and worked in the State Government on the development and implementation of natural resource management policies. In 2008-09, Ben served as the community representative in a Business CEO forum providing advice to the Federal Government on ways to improve the employment of people with disabilities.
Ben was awarded Honorary Lifetime membership in 2016 in acknowledgement of his significant contribution to the operations and growth of CODA during his 9+ years on the CODA Board of Management. We will be forever thankful for the role Ben played in our organisation.
Brian Algeo
Honorary Lifetime Member
Brian Algeo along with his wife of over 30 years, are Carer’s to Brian’s older brother who has a disability; they are parents to 5 children and currently Grandparents to 5. Brian has owned a small business for over 20 years and is involved in other not-for-profit community groups in which over the years he has performed in various roles that include Committee person, Treasurer, President, Secretary and Registrar.
Brian has watched CODA grow almost from day one and was an active member for over 20 years on CODA Management Committee. Brian brings his financial and business management expertise to this organisation as well as personal experience of supporting his brother with a disability. Brian’s humour, passion and dedication to this organisation and industry as a whole is refreshing and inspiring.
Brian resigned from CODA board in 2013 and was awarded Honorary Lifetime membership for his dedication and commitment to CODA, spanning two decades.
