Communities and Justice

MACA members

Find out about the NSW Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing (MACA) members.

Joan Hughes – Chair 

Joan Hughes - Chair
Joan Hughes - Chair

Joan has been a CEO in the not for profit sector for 30 years, managing national and NSW peak organisations and charities to improve the recognition, status, policies and services for specific groups of people including older people and their family carers. Joan has also managed Federal and State Government relations for many organisations resulting in legislation, programs and services.

Joan finished paid employment in March 2021. Her current Board roles include:

Deputy Chair NSW Ageing and Disability Commission and Board Director of Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia. She is the immediate Past President of Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW. She has received Life Membership of COTA NSW and is a Churchill Fellow.

Joan believes that one of the most important issues for an older person is to stay connected in a meaningful way with friends, family and their community. No matter where older people live they need access to this support as well as services and facilities that allow them to age with dignity, respect and choice.

Moving to a regional area from Sydney has given Joan firsthand experience in better understanding the needs of older people especially lack of affordable transport options, access to health services and affordable housing especially for older women and those on pensions.

Margie O’Tarpey – Deputy Chair 

Margie O’Tarpey – Deputy Chair
Margie O’Tarpey – Deputy Chair

Margie is a retired CEO with over 30 years’ experience managing not for profit professional associations, primarily with health and community sectors and local government.  She has proven success in change and project management portfolios; as well as engagement, partnerships, representation and policy advice, with a wide range of stakeholders, community, government and industry, at local, state and national levels.

Margie is a strategically focused expert facilitator, with extensive experience facilitating boards, stakeholder forums, planning sessions, team meetings and community consultations.  Margie is independent chair of Headspace and was chair of The Circle Foundation Cooperative both in the Eurobodalla region of Southern NSW.

Margie has general interests in seniors living well in place and in community, health, broad social justice and equity issues and regional development.

Kristy Robson

Kristy Robson
Kristy Robson

Dr Kristy Robson PhD is a registered allied health professional, academic, and rural health researcher. She has nearly 30 years of experience working in regional NSW, regularly engaging with diverse community members, community groups and government organisations within a rural/regional context to improve the health and wellbeing of communities. Kristy has a particular interest in research translation in the context of ageing, with the focus of her doctoral studies investigating falls risks in older people living in regional Australia. She is currently involved in a range of rural-focused collaborative research projects that centre on evaluating chronic disease models of care, health service delivery, telehealth, and strengths-based approaches to empower older people to age well.

As a non-executive director, Kristy has significant experience from a broad range of boards and committees, at a local, state, and national level. She has extensive health regulation and policy experience with current roles on the Podiatry Board of Australia, under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), and the NSW Falls Prevention & Health Ageing Network, funded through the NSW Clinical Excellence Commission.

Kristy is highly skilled in the critical analysis and interpretation of complex data to identify emerging trends and risks, aligned to strategic intent and policy. With a strong focus on rural advocacy, her skills and experience support the ability to focus on ensuring high quality health and wellbeing outcomes for older consumers, that are not only person-centred but future facing. Kristy enjoys learning from others through strong meaningful relationships while working on complex issues and finding innovative solutions.

Unis Goh PSM BA MA JP 

Unis Goh PSM BA MA JP
Unis Goh PSM BA MA JP

For the past 30 years, Unis Goh has been dedicated to advancing the important role that social housing plays in addressing the increasing need for accessible and affordable housing for NSW’s most disadvantaged citizens. The current increase of elderly abuse and homeless older people in our community is totally not acceptable.

As part of her long and distinguished career in human services, Unis has served as deputy chair of the Disability Council of NSW. She has also been awarded with the Public Service Medal for outstanding contribution to the NSW community services industry in 2009, largely due to her work leading the team that co-designed the NSW Performance Based Registration System for community housing organizations. The system effectively shifted the culture of simply providing government funding to running a viable and sustainable community housing system.

Unis continues to work in a voluntary capacity with community housing, homelessness and disability organizations to promote the rights of all people to appropriate, secure, accessible housing and gender equality. She was recognized for the lasting impact of her work by the NSW Government. IN March 2023, Unis was awarded with the NSW Women of the Year Award, as a finalist. She also works as a volunteer Primary Ethics Teacher at her local Public School and recently she is involved in the local council as one of the community Net Zero Champions, raising awareness about taking responsibility in caring for the natural resources to sustain the planet for a better future.  Unis’ strength is pulling people together in advancing good practices in services and is looking forward to be a contributing member at MACA in advancing Ageing well into 2031!

Joanna Maxwell

Joanna Maxwell
Joanna Maxwell

Joanna is: Project Director, Age Research and Director, Human Rights Team at the Australian Human Rights Commission. In this role she considers a wide range of issues that affect older Australians, such as workplace discrimination, elder abuse, homelessness, isolation and intergenerational connection.

Joanna has also authored Rethink Your Career in your 40s, 50s and 60s (ABC Books/HarperCollins 2017) which won the Royal Society (Australian and New Zealand) inaugural Career Book of the Year award for 2018, and is being published in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom in 2020.

Joanna’s memberships have included: National Seniors, COTA, GAP Standing Committee on Productive Ageing, Inner West Council Seniors Working Group and work subgroup for the EveryAGECounts steering committee.

Joanna describes herself as: an experienced speaker and facilitator; a collaborative worker who enjoys the chance to contribute to team projects as well as initiating her own work. She relishes opportunities to work with others of diverse backgrounds and opinions, and has excellent connections throughout the community, from local council level to state and federal peak bodies, community organisations and stakeholder groups.

Margaret Kay

 Margaret Kay
Margaret Kay

Margaret has over 20 years’ experience in strategic policy and advocacy in community care, residential aged care and ageing. Most recently, working with Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Margaret’s role included researching, developing and implementing policies to support local government to enable people to remain living in their local community as they age, and enhancing the participation of older people.

As a Town Planner and social policy expert, with strong connections to local government, Margaret’s particular interest is in developing appropriate housing and local environments which enable older people to live the life they choose. She is a member of her local council’s Access and Inclusion Committee.

Margaret is a former Director of Your Side Australia, a not-for-profit community care provider and an active member of the Centre for Universal Design Australia.  She previously represented local government on the Inter Departmental Committee on the NSW Ageing Strategy.

Margaret considers herself a team player and project manager who can build and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders in a political environment, including senior management, staff, elected representatives, and external parties.

Paul Sadler

Paul Sadler
Paul Sadler

Paul Sadler runs the aged care consultancy business Paul Sadler Consultancy since 2021.  In November 2023 he joined Roland Naufal to launch Invox, a new voice for the Support at Home sector.  He was CEO Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) from September 2021 to October 2022 and was instrumental in the establishment of the new Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA).  From June to October 2022, he was ACCPA Interim CEO.

Paul is the Chair Meals on Wheels Australia and a Director Meaningful Ageing Australia.  He is a Committee member and past President of the NSW Division of the Australian Association of Gerontology.  In January 2024 Paul joins the NSW Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing.  

Paul was CEO of Presbyterian Aged Care NSW & ACT from April 2007 to March 2021.  Presbyterian Aged Care served around 4,000 older people through residential aged care, home care and retirement housing across metropolitan and regional areas of NSW and ACT.  Paul was former Board Chairperson and Chair NSW/ACT Divisional Council of ACSA, as well as a former member of the Australian Minister for Aged Care’s Aged Care Quality & Safety Advisory Council. 

From 2000 to 2007 Paul was CEO of Aged & Community Services NSW & ACT.  He held various positions in the NSW Government between 1992 to 2000, including Manager of HACC (Home and Community Care) and Ageing Programs and Manager, Planning with the Ageing and Disability Department and Policy Manager with the Office on Ageing.  Before this he worked for six years as a social worker with the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Rehabilitation & Aged Care Service (including two years with the Aged Care Assessment Team).

Paul has Master of Social Work degree with the University Medal on the topic of abuse of older people, and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) majoring in Government and Public Administration.  He is a Fellow of the Australian Association of Gerontology.

Hakan Harman

Hakan Harman
Hakan Harman

Hakan has Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Commerce qualifications. He is highly regarded in his field, being acknowledged as a Fellow of CPA Australia, a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Hakan's profound understanding of the importance of public institutions, coupled with his unwavering dedication to effective governance, leadership, and operational management, has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve social, economic, and cultural outcomes.

Currently, Hakan is the Chief Operating Officer of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. In addition to this role, he assumes the responsibilities of Chair of Seniors Rights Services Limited and serves as a member of the Macquarie Street East steering committee. Furthermore, Hakan takes on the role of executive sponsor for the Art Gallery Sustainability and Diversity and Inclusion steering committees, which highlights his extensive knowledge of and commitment to promoting sustainability and diversity.

Throughout his career, Hakan has held significant positions, including Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Multicultural NSW, Chief Operating Officer of the State Library of New South Wales, Chair of the NSW Settlement Immigration Planning Committee, and NSW Government representative on both the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters and the Commonwealth Senior Officials Settlement Outcomes group.

Hakan's expertise extends beyond a single sector, as he has cultivated partnerships with a strong emphasis on human rights, social cohesion and equitable access. His profound understanding of demographic and socio-economic indicators has enabled him to identify gaps and advocate for resources to address social inequity. Moreover, Hakan's extensive experience in governance, commercial, strategic, and operational leadership has equipped him with the skills necessary to oversee state significant assets and manage substantial operating and capital budgets including the recent successful expansion of the Art Gallery of New South Wales through the Sydney Modern Project.

Roy Starkey

Roy Starkey
Roy Starkey

Roy Starkey recently retired following over 50 years of community engagement and support work.

Roy’s experiences range from general nursing, to funeral industry, counselling, prison support, care coordination and industry training in ageing, mental health, sexuality and ageing, LGBTI Ageing, aboriginal mental health and support as well as working with injecting drug users. Advocating for client rights and acceptance for the diverse communities in which he has worked, he unintentionally he became an activist for the rights of those living with HIV and the broader LGBT communities in both urban and rural/regional areas. He has presented at national and international conferences on ageing, HIV and care co-ordination.

Living in the Northern Rivers for over a decade and being engaged personally and professionally across the varied communities gives an insight into the differences between rural/regional ageing issues and those experienced by our urban seniors.

Despite retirement he remains engaged in Communities of Practice in Ageing and Family and Domestic Violence as well as looking at what defines “masculinity” across the life spectrum. A firm believer in Healthy Ageing he attends his local gym several times a week to remain physically active.

Dr Anthony (Tony) Virtue

Dr Anthony (Tony) Virtue
Dr Anthony (Tony) Virtue

Tony is currently the long serving Chief Executive of Amalgamated Financial Services Pty Ltd and has been actively involved in the provision of personal financial advice for the past 32 years. Tony is passionate about providing all Australians with the confidence to live their best lives possible, knowing that their financial assets are being expertly managed on their behalf.

He remains active in advocating positive regulatory outcomes for the community, navigating the requirements of Centrelink and Aged Care entry and manages the financial affairs of retirees. Leading a strong multi-disciplined team his firm remains one of the longest standing independent financial advice firms in the Sydney region.

Tony has an active interest and is published in the field of Microfinance (available at Amazon). He speaks regularly on financial advice matters and continues to teach finance at Flinders University for over a decade including mentoring senior students into full time employment opportunities.

His relevant qualifications include a B Bus (Financial Planning), Masters In Applied Finance and a Doctor of Business Administration in addition to FASEA qualifications. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Institute of Public Accountants and has been involved with many Boards and Associations over a long career in both profit and not for profit organisations.

In his spare time Tony enjoys playing competitive hockey, swimming, and family life. He retains a lifelong interest in learning and travelling to new places.

Acknowledged as a team player Tony is committed to making a positive contribution to the Ministerial Council on Ageing NSW.

Sally Betts

Sally Betts
Sally Betts

Sally Betts is a migrant, who came to Australia from South Africa in 1974.  She is 76 years old.

Cr. Betts was elected to Waverley Council in 1995 and is their longest serving Councillor and was Mayor for eight years.

During her time on Council, but particularly during her eight years as Mayor Cr. Betts has worked closely with Council Officers to facilitate numerous seniors programs such as virtual fitness and social programs through the Council Senior’s Centre. She was instrumental in ensuring that Council delivered services to the frail aged sector being the over 85 year olds who have more specific needs and services.

Sally has ensured that Council’s social housing portfolio concentrates on providing housing for elderly residents wherever possible .  She is a member of Council’s Housing Committee, which looks at both social and affordable housing, specifically for the ageing.

Sally has worked for both the NSW Parliament and the Federal Government giving her a good understanding of legislation and more importantly the different community needs based on their age and ethnicity.

Sally has excellent and close relationships with many organisations who deal with our older residents, being COA in Bondi Junction, Montifiore Residential Care, and the Mark Moran Group and Aged Care.

She brings strong skills to the Advisory Board with a good understanding of what our ageing population needs to allow everyone to contribute and lead fulfilling lives.  Being involved with the community every single day she brings a broad community perspective to the role.

Barbara Ward

Barbara Ward
Barbara Ward

Barbara Ward is a highly respected, influential and accomplished business leader. She has extensive experience at senior executive and board level in diverse industries with a career that spans across finance, audit, marketing, capital & fundraising, health and education, food security with significant exposure to both domestic and international markets in public, private and charity sector.

She was recently elected to Ku ring Gai council for the first time and was also appointed Deputy Mayor. Barbara has in-depth knowledge of the daily challenges of older people and is committed to working with people for the greater good. Through her collaborative and inclusive approach she brings fresh ideas and positive results-focussed solutions that serves the community.

Barbara has proven achievements in stakeholder engagement, partnerships and policy development which has led to building opportunities for older workers, from teaching business skills to advocating lifelong learning. She brings expertise in the understanding of older adults’ experiences, including their emotional needs, adjustments to living in new environments and end-of-life planning. This is particularly evident in her role at Anglican Retirement Villages where she fundraised for High Care Dementia Unit, Palliative Care, Falls Prevention, and Dementia programs and towards improvements in facilities and programs.

She is the Chair of a number of charity boards and also serves on a number of boards including United Nations Aust NSW, Lifeline, SHARE SMR, Studio Artes & Royal Rehab Foundation. Barbara is a pragmatic director with a strong focus on integrity, transparency and credibility.

Her work with SHARE SMR and Nutrition Australia is focused on people over 55, being instrumental in conducting research with the cohort of participants and developing robust and affordable programs with health outcomes on benefits of exercise, nutrition, mental health and early onset of cognitive decline. SHARE SMR works across industries including universities, NSW Government and advocates to NSW Govt for older people. She believes mental health is an integral part of health and well-being and includes not only individual characteristics but also social, cultural, economic, political, and environmental factors.

Her passion for good public policy like many; stems from her experience that a strong economy is the basis of a just society and she works tirelessly to make life better for those less fortunate.

Adrienne Withall

Adrienne Withall
Adrienne Withall

Adrienne leads the Ageing at the Margins Group at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in the School of Psychology, with a focus on equity and digital innovation in health and cognitive assessments. Her expertise is on young onset dementia, particularly promoting brain health for populations at risk of accelerated cognitive decline. She teaches in undergraduate and postgraduate clinical training programs in psychology, particularly around ageing, mental health, and cultural responsiveness.  

Dr Withall is a proud Aboriginal and Angloceltic woman. She is a Chief Investigator on a number of NHMRC-funded studies of older justice-involved people and also on two NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence; one on Aboriginal Brain Health and the other on Violence Prediction, Profiling and Prevention. She is also an Investigator within the UNSW Ageing Futures Institute where she leads research examining frailty and the microbiome. 

Adrienne considers herself to be an advocate for diverse and marginalised older people, ensuring that their views and experiences are represented in health and wellbeing services and policies. Her aim is for all older people to have the opportunity to age well. 

Last updated:

13 Feb 2024