OUR EXECUTIVE

Séan O’Halloran – GAICD, MBA, Grad Dip (Chartered Management) , Man Cert (Digital Business (AI) Strategy)

CEO of Kookaburra Kids

“Supporting young people to shape their own futures has always been at the heart of what I do. My goal is creating meaningful opportunities that help them thrive. Seeing firsthand how Kookaburra Kids’ programs make a real difference for those affected by family mental illness is both inspiring and deeply fulfilling.”

Seán is a highly skilled senior executive with over 30 years’ experience and a strong history of achievement in the service provider, technology and infrastructure sectors. He has significant expertise in providing clear strategic direction, establishing high performance teams, and growing profitable revenue in challenging markets and maintaining strong and nimble governance structures.

Seán has broad experience in leading operational improvements including process redesign and has a deep understanding of both financial and operational drivers that make businesses successful. Sean is the current Principal of Lionra Pty Ltd (providing advisory and consulting services to the technology and telecommunications markets) and previous roles have included Chief Executive Officer for Axicom and President and Managing Director, Oceania at Alcatel-Lucent Australia. He was also a former member of the Business Council of Australia and was on the Board of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association for five years.

Alison Schultz – BA (Human Resources Management), Grad Cert (Corporate Management), Cert IV (Workplace Training & Assessment), Managing Human Resources Mt Eliza Business School

Chief Operating Officer

“What I love about my role is connecting with people across all levels of our organisation. It’s an opportunity to understand what motivates each individual and to understand how best I can support them to thrive so they can be their best each day. I aim to lead by example by acting with integrity and aligning my values & behaviours with those of Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation. I care about the organisation I work for, its people – and this shows in the results we achieve together. It’s a privilege to be part of a foundation that empowers young people to thrive beyond the impacts of family mental illness”.

Alison Schultz is a Human Resources practitioner with over 25 years’ experience working across multiple HR functions and Australian industry groups. A genuine and authentic leader who builds rapport with all levels within an organisation. A respected leader who has the proven experience and capability to build and implement strategic and operational plans to achieve improved results for an organisation and foster an inclusive workplace.

As Chief Operating Officer, Alison plays a pivotal role in overseeing the foundation’s day-to-day operations, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of programs and services. Her responsibilities encompass managing operational strategy, optimizing processes, and working closely with senior leadership to align operations with the foundation’s mission and goals. Alison joined the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation in late 2023.

Andrew Mahoney – Chartered Accountant, B (Commerce)

Head of Finance and IT

“I am passionate about working within our organisation and supporting our teams in achieving their goals. What centres me to this task is the knowledge that the work the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation undertakes not only nurtures and supports the mental wellbeing of young people in the present but also empowers generations yet to come with the gift of resilience”.

Andrew Mahoney is a Chartered Accountant with several years of experience working as a Finance Business Partner, Management Accountant, Consultant and Auditor across a range of organisations across different sectors in Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, Andrew has worked closely with a range community organisations through his involvement in Rotary International supporting them on fundraising, logistics, and finance and tax matters in Australia and the Pacific.

Andrew was selected as a Young Chartered Accountant Regional Award Recipient in 2023, awarded a Paul Harris Fellow Award for his contributions to the community and Rotary in 2022, and was selected as a participant in the 2021 International Visitor Leadership Program by the United States Department of State, where he remains an alumnus.

As Senior Finance Manager, Andrew’s role is to support all areas of the organisation by providing financial information, and ensuring finance and tax compliance. Andrew commenced with Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation in August 2024.

Inkah Fischer – GAICD, M (MHClinLdshp), MBA (Human Resources Management)

Head of Clinical Delivery

As an experienced executive, human resource management specialist and mental health professional, Inkah’s work across the healthcare, education, government and for-purpose sectors has seen her cultivate a robust toolkit of best-practice human-centred strategies to embedding transformative leadership, organisational change and workplace wellbeing. She has designed, developed and delivered executive leadership, change leadership, workforce culture and employee wellbeing programs for organisations Australia wide, and has worked closely with organisations and communities to co-design psychosocial risk mitigations and disaster resilience frameworks.

With 15 years of experience in public service and NFP management, Inkah combines a deeply human-centred approach with a critical eye for innovation. Her early career in mental health and community services ignited a passion for her work at Kookaburra Kids, and for the young people and families we serve.

Narelle Farmer – MBA (Executive), GradCert (Human Resource Management), GradDip (Business Administration), GradCert (Professional Accounting), MAHRI, Certified EX Designer

Head of Human Resources

“I believe exceptional employee experiences create the foundation for exceptional outcomes for young people and families. When our people feel connected, supported and proud of their work, that directly shapes the impact we can have.”

Narelle leads the people function at Kookaburra Kids, with a focus on building an inclusive, values-driven and high-performing culture. She is passionate about designing employee experiences that reflect Kookaburra Kids purpose and values, ensuring staff are equipped, engaged and empowered to deliver safe, meaningful programs across the country.

With experience across the tech, education and social impact sectors, Narelle brings deep expertise in employee relations, culture, and workforce strategy. Her approach blends empathy, compliance and evidence-based practice to support strong leadership and positive team environments.

At Kookaburra Kids, Narelle is responsible for driving strategic people initiatives that uplift performance, strengthen organisational capability, and enhance staff wellbeing, ensuring the employee experience directly supports the needs of the children and families we serve.

Narelle holds a Master of Business Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management, a Graduate Diploma in Business, and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting. She is a certified Employee Experience Designer through EX Design School and a professional member of the Australian HR Institute (MAHRI).

Elizabeth Harburg – MHlthSc(Health Promotion)

Senior Manager Marketing and Fundraising

Liz brings a depth of experience from across the not-for-profit sector both in Australia and New Zealand. Her passion for working in partnership with communities, government and funding partners to promote good health and wellbeing has seen her hold leadership roles to prevent and manage chronic disease across several ages and stages.

Liz’s recent work in the philanthropic sector has provided her additional insights into best practice in funding partnerships, particularly in the youth space, and she brings this knowledge and expertise to her role at Kookaburra Kids leading the fundraising and marketing team to help realise Kookaburra Kids’ mission.

Ashley Smith

Head of Community Engagement

“I believe that young people have a right to feel safe and connected. I am passionate about the work Kookaburra Kids does in fostering this for Defence families, and families impacted by mental health challenges.

What I love about Kookaburra Kids is that it is an opportunity for our young people to build their mental wellness toolkit through programs that are an invitation, not a prescription. It is a privilege to lead the community engagement team in collaborating with the wider community to share the message about what the foundation can offer to families.”

Ashley is passionate about fostering collaborative and inclusive engagements, ensuring organisations supporting families impacted by mental illness or Defence service, work together to help families feel safe and connected. She has worked for Defence Families of Australia, serving as the National Delegate for Western Australia, then Victoria and Tasmania. Ashley engaged with families and a broad range of stakeholders in the Defence and Veterans Community, advocating for positive policy changes to support serving families.

Ashley oversees the work of our Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinators, who recruit and onboard new volunteers. Ashley is dedicated to making the volunteer experience as joyful and impactful as possible, ensuring each volunteer feels valued and supported in their journey with Kookaburra Kids.