A Warm Welcome to Our New Co‑Chair and Directors, and Thank You Katriina
Co-Chair update
After serving as Co-Chair since 2019, Katriina (Kat) Heikkanen has stepped down from the Co-Chair role and will continue to serve as Director. Katriina has played a key role in guiding Community Resources through a period of growth and change. We are grateful for Kat's care, cultural wisdom and remarkable ability to listen to varying perspectives to build shared outcomes. We warmly thank her for everything she has given, and continues to give, to CR.
““It has been a real privilege to serve as Co‑Chair of Community Resources. I’m incredibly proud of the commitment and care shown across the organisation, and grateful to have shared in the journey so far. I look forward to continuing to support CR as Director and seeing this important work continue to grow and make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve.” ”
We’re pleased to let you know that Board Director Narelle Anderson has now stepped into the role of Co-Chair alongside Indu Balachandran.
Narelle joined the CR Board in 2024 and brings both valuable industry insights and cultural knowledge. As a proud Jagera woman, her leadership continues to support CR’s journey to being an Aboriginal-led organisation.
““When an organisation becomes Aboriginal-led, culture moves to the centre of decision-making, strengthening trust, accountability and outcomes that reflect community needs. I’m honoured to serve as Co-Chair on this journey and help guide that transition, so community voice and cultural leadership shape the organisation’s future.””
““Our Co-Chair structure exemplifies collective leadership. Walking alongside Kat to guide our 39-year old organisation has been a powerful experience of people-centred, cultural leadership. I am excited to work with Narelle and her extensive strategy, waste-management and cultural capabilities.””
Welcome to Jack and Janelle
We’re also pleased to welcome Professor Jack Beetson and Janelle Reid as new Directors on the Board.
Professor Jack Beetson
Jack is a Ngemba Aboriginal educator and leader who has spent decades supporting Aboriginal education and adult literacy and community empowerment across Australia, including through his work with the Literacy for Life Foundation.
Janelle Reid
Janelle is a legal leader and experienced Board Director, with a deep personal and professional connection to Aboriginal communities and Country. Janelle currently serves on the boards of several community‑focused organisations, including the National Asthma Council Australia, Palliative Care Australia and Youturn.
A strong Board provides strong governance and cultural leadership, and we’re excited about what this means as CR continues to grow and deepen its impact for people and Country.
Please join us in:
thanking Kat for her contribution
congratulating Narelle on her new role as Co-Chair
welcoming Jack and Janelle to the Board.
With thanks,
Indu and Narelle
Co-Chairs
Community Resources
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Australia and recognise the continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. We walk together towards healing.
