Board Members

Jessica Popple |
Jessica joined the Board in 2021. She is a Solicitor with Pippa Colman & Associates in Maroochydore and practices in family law, domestic violence, wills and estates matter. Jess is also the President of the Sunshine Coast Law Association and is the Company Secretary for Sunshine Coast Sports, whilst sitting on numerous other committees. Jess is hopeful that her experience in the area of wills and estates can assist the Board in providing those types of services for those who need it in their later stages of care.

Stewart Wood |
Stewart brings to the Board over 40 years of experience as a government and private company director and is the Company Secretary for the charity. Stewart has used his commercial experience to assist in the expansion and restructuring of the company’s trading activities. He is passionate about ensuring that the charity maintains its position as a key provider of the vital palliative care services that the Sunshine Coast community needs.

Sue Mason-Baker |
Sue has been Treasurer since 2010 and became the Managing Director in March 2017. With a degree in Business (Accounting) and having worked at executive levels in acute hospital, primary health and community service settings, Sue brings a broad range of skills and experience to the table. She is a member of CPA Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Bev Barton |
Bev obtained qualifications as a registered nurse and held senior positions within the hospital system in New Zealand where she and her husband also built and operated an aged care centre and retirement village. Bev has been involved since 2006 and has always been passionate about end-of-life care. She is an active and successful fundraiser for the charity.

Phil Dance |
Phil joined the board in 2020. He trained as a town planner at the University of Queensland and practiced in that field for all of his professional life. He worked at both state and local government levels before establishing his own consultancy, based for many years in Townsville. Phil is no longer active professionally but hopes his experience can be of value to Mingary Care.

James Rickards |
James’s career has included a primary focus on providing the community with the skills to navigate the varied models of aged care, being a recognised advocate for ageing in place and for the importance of developing tailored, individualised care solutions. With leadership experience across the residential care, retirement living and in-home care sectors, James takes pride in remaining connected with the community, implementing strategic initiatives, driving fundraising efforts, navigating complex challenges and evaluating partnership opportunities that support growth.

Margaret Evans |
Margaret has recently retired after working for 15 years in the community care sector as an in-home carer. She has been involved with our charity from its beginning in 2008, firstly as the Volunteer Coordinator, and later providing volunteer support during the years we operated our residential hospice. With a nursing background and having worked as a medical receptionist for thirty years, Margaret has a broad knowledge of medical pathways to the end-of-life journey. Having completed further certificates in the subject, Palliative Care is her passion.

Frank Lewins |
Frank retired at the December 2022 AGM after 10 years as Chair. During his time, Frank worked tirelessly with his fellow board directors to shape the future strategic direction of the charity and introduce an innovative new model of care operating under the name of Mingary Care.
Along with his board duties, Frank also volunteered at our hospice when it was operating and at our Cooroy and Tewantin Op Shops. Frank is now enjoying his second retirement. We extend our grateful thanks to Frank for his contribution to our success.