Our people

Meet our staff

Charmaine Bennett - General Manager

Having made the significant move from South Africa to Gladstone in 2014, Charmaine Bennett brings with her over 28 years of experience spanning the corporate, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Throughout her career, Charmaine had the privilege of collaborating with individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, enriching her understanding of global perspectives. Personally acquainted with the challenges of transitioning, Charmaine joined Integreat Queensland with a clear purpose: to streamline the integration journey for the multicultural community in Central Queensland. Charmaine’s mission is to assist individuals in settlement, fostering friendships, facilitating skill and cultural exchanges, and nurturing meaningful relationships through the platform of Integreat Queensland. Through these endeavours, she aspires to make a tangible difference in the lives of those she serves.

Cheree Hawking - Administration and Programs Support

Prior to joining Integreat QLD, I worked as a Centre Manager in the early childhood education sector, overseeing both the operational and strategic management of centres. These experiences enhanced my organisational, leadership, and communication skills, which I now apply to foster growth and provide support to individuals and communities.

With my strong commitment to supporting individuals and communities, I’ve gained valuable experience working across various sectors. As a team member at Integreat QLD, I oversee administrative tasks, coordinate events, and assist in delivering key initiatives such as the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program. My role is focused on helping individuals from diverse backgrounds settle confidently into their new communities, and it’s truly fulfilling to see the positive impact of our efforts.

My goal is to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through my work.

Esther Arzolay Martinez - Programs Facilitator

Originally from Venezuela, Esther migrated to Australia in 2011 and has a Bachelor of Systems Engineering. With 15 years’ experience as a Councillor, Esther’s passion for community work as a volunteer began when she moved to Gladstone in 2014 and worked in aged care, early childhood education, and administration support. Esther began working for Integreat Queensland in 2020, where she now coordinates Resilient Relationships programs and playgroups as part of our Healthy Communities initiative.

Kristy Niemand - Programs Coordinator

Originally from South Africa, Kristy Niemand embarked on a transformative journey in 2019 when she, along with her family, decided to make Gladstone, Australia their new home. Since then, they have embraced their adopted community, inspiring Kristy’s passion to spreading kindness and support. With a versatile background encompassing hospitality, administration, events, and program coordination, she approaches her role as Programs coordinator with enthusiasm. Kristy is eager to leverage her expertise to enhance Integreat Queensland’s programs, firmly believing in the collective power to drive positive change within the community.

Jessica Bingham - Programs Mentor

Recently relocating to the Gladstone region from the Sunshine Coast, Jessica shares Integreat QLD’s deep commitment to community and inclusivity. As our new Program Mentor, Jessica will work closely with participants to help them build confidence, develop job ready skills and achieve personal goals, all with the aim of empowering them to maximise their potential and quality of life.

With over 10 years of experience in the Community Services sector Jessica specialises in employment support, disability and mental health services, skill building and personal development. She is excited to contribute positively to the Gladstone community and be a part of its growth.

Rania Elgendy - Little Steps Facilitator

Rania Elgendy, the Gladstone Little Steps Multicultural Playgroup Facilitator, embodies the spirit of resilience and cultural diversity. Hailing from Egypt, Rania immigrated to Australia with her family in 2015, bringing with her a wealth of experience as a quality control engineer in the oil and gas industry for over a decade. Rania’s journey with Integreat Queensland began through volunteering, where she not only contributed her time but also completed her Cert 3 in Individual Support and the Get Work Ready Program for Migrant Women. Passionate about children, crafts, and fostering connections, Rania currently serves as a teacher’s aide at Rosella Park School, specialising in special education. Actively engaged in transformative work with children, she also facilitates the Little Steps playgroup in gladstone. Rania’s commitment to making a positive impact shine through her multifaceted contributions to education, community, and the Little Steps program.

Rasha Alhabbal - Finance Officer

Upon relocating to Gladstone with her husband and daughter in 2018, Rasha Alhabbal embraced her affinity for numbers. Rasha holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Damascus University and with 13 years’ experience gained in both Syria and Abu Dhabi, Rasha’s expertise in financial matters is extensive. Her journey with Integreat Queensland began in 2019 as a dedicated volunteer, eventually leading her to assume the role of Finance Officer in 2021.

Rikki Razon - Design and Communications Support Officer

In 2016, Rikki migrated to Australia with his family and has been living in Gladstone ever since. With an avid interest in graphic design, photography, and video filming/editing, Rikki originally came to Integreat Queensland as a volunteer to enhance his computer skills and also meet new people and gain confidence speaking English. In 2018, Rikki started employment at Integreat Queensland and in 2021 he gained a Diploma of Digital Media with CQUniversity.

Roshni Rajan - Administration Assistant

Originally from India, Roshni made the transition to Australia in 2014 from New Caledonia. Her dedication to community service led her to volunteer at Integreat Queensland, eventually securing a permanent part time position as administration assistant. Armed with a master’s degree in Tourism Administration, Roshni brings a wealth of experience from diverse fields including hospitality, sales, and education.

Meet our Board

President: Vosawale Tamani

Vosawale is an experienced leader with a profound expertise in steering large-scale initiatives across multinational landscapes. Her career, spanning over two decades, has been dedicated to advancing corporate sustainability, financial inclusion, marketing, and communications throughout the Asia Pacific region. As the current Head of Corporate Affairs for the Pacific region at ANZ, Vosawale has notably broadened her scope of influence, encompassing strategic planning, leadership, educational partnerships, corporate communications, and the conception and implementation of ground-breaking programs. Her work, impacting 23 countries, is characterised by her ability to forge collaborative partnerships, influence outcomes by executing innovative strategies, and driving educational collaboration. Her professional journey is marked by her substantial experience, demonstrable leadership that has consistently yielded significant outcomes, and an unwavering commitment to community development.

Her vision is focused on capacity building within the region, supporting the strategic objectives and expansion of Integreat Queensland.

Vice President: Chantale Lane

Chantale Lane is a seasoned professional employed as Stakeholder Relations, Social Investment, and Performance, Community Development, with ConocoPhillips. With a focus on stakeholder relations across industry, government, and community sectors, Chantale leads social investment and performance initiatives aimed at fostering positive impacts and supporting sustainable communities.

Her unwavering commitment to the betterment of the Gladstone region is palpable through her dedication to supporting community endeavours. With a passion for creating lasting change and fostering meaningful relationships, Chantale plays a pivotal role in driving positive outcomes for the region.

Secretary: Priti Bakhur

Priti Bakhur brings extensive expertise in Human Resources and Information Technology to her role as a Board Member. She holds a Master of Business Administration with dual specialisation from Delhi School of Management, India, and has earned positive skill assessments for HR Advisor roles from VETASSESS. Priti’s proactive approach to process improvement and her dedication to optimising employee engagement initiatives underscore her valuable contributions to organisational success.

Priti’s professional experience includes managing HR Operations, where she excels in formulating and updating departmental documents while adhering to Information Security & Privacy Management standards.

Treasurer: Samantha Devers

Samantha Devers is the owner and founder of the bookkeeping business Small Biz HQ Pty Ltd. A Gladstone local, she has lived and worked in the Gladstone area for almost her entire life in various fields of employment. After the birth of her last baby, she dove into self-employment and has developed a passion for small business. A certified professional bookkeeper and BAS Agent, Sam and the team at Small Biz HQ work together with their clients to organise, systemise and understand their business numbers so that they can achieve their goals and live the small business, big life way.
As a proud local, she is also active on other volunteer committees. She is passionate about the lifestyle and opportunities our region offers.

Board Member: Sherradean Stringer

Sherradean Stringer brings a wealth of experience and passion for community service to her role as a Board Member. Born in the United Kingdom, Sherradean immigrated to Australia at a young age and spent her formative years in Northern Territory before settling in Gladstone for the past 24 years. Sherradean has devoted over two decades to the community sector industry.

With 20 years of experience in the Community Service Sector, specialising in Youth, Disabilities, Homelessness, and community/social Housing. Drawing from her personal journey of moving to a new country without family support, Sherradean embodies resilience and empathy. Her innovative thinking, quick decision-making abilities, and comprehensive knowledge of policies and processes make her an asset to any organisation striving to meet the diverse needs of the community.