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Our Staff

Lifeline Mid Coast Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

Catherine Vaara

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

With a double degree in Psychology and Sociology, Catherine brings deep expertise and compassionate leadership to her role as CEO of Lifeline Mid Coast. Her commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in her continued studies that keep her informed and competent, developing skills that have strengthened her ability to lead staff and shape service development. 
Catherine is passionate about delivering community-based, non-clinical crisis support and is a driving force behind Lifeline Mid Coast’s initiatives in suicide prevention and postvention services. She has also played a pivotal role in elevating the organisation’s op shop retail operations, setting a benchmark for excellence across the Lifeline network. Under her leadership, Lifeline Mid Coast has earned widespread recognition for its innovation, integrity, and impact, cementing its reputation as a trusted and respected service provider within the national Lifeline community.
Lifeline Mid Coast Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

Max Schaapveld

Retail Divisional Manager

Max is one of the newest members of the Lifeline Mid Coast leadership team. Recently relocating to Port Macquarie, he brings a diverse background spanning both entrepreneurship and corporate leadership. Having owned and operated several businesses in Orange, Max has also led business units for major organisations including Apple, JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, The Good Guys and Woolworths. In his role as Retail Divisional Manager, Max oversees Lifeline’s six retail stores and works closely with their talented managers and hundreds of dedicated volunteers to deliver outstanding retail performance and community impact across the Mid North Coast.
Lifeline Mid Coast Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

Di Bannister

Telephone Crisis Team and Training Manager

Di Bannister has been a dedicated member of Lifeline Mid Coast since 1995, starting as a Volunteer Telephone Counsellor and face-to-face counsellor and monitor. Di holds a diploma in counselling, has studied tertiary-level psychology, and possesses a TAE qualification. 

Di's dedication and commitment to helping others made her the perfect candidate to become the Crisis Team Manager and Training Manager from 2012. Di continues to manage and act as the lead trainer for the 13 11 14 Crisis Support Team, excelling in training, managing, and supporting her team. In addition to this role , Di also offers community training programs such as Accidental Counsellor, All About You, Mind Your Mates, and DV-Alert that teach life-saving skills to the Mid Coast community.

Lifeline Mid Coast Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

Samantha Burgio

Human Resources

Samantha began her journey with Lifeline Mid Coast as a Crisis Supporter in 2022 and quickly transitioned to the admin team, providing vital administrative support. In 2023, she took on the role of Human Resource Coordinator, leveraging her nine years of experience in program and people management. Passionate about collaboration and support, Samantha is dedicated to fostering a strong organizational culture and aligning staff with Lifeline’s strategic plan, ensuring that the team thrives in its mission to help those in crisis.

Lifeline Mid Coast Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

Kelly Saidey

Senior Services Manager
Kelly began her journey with Lifeline Mid Coast in 2014 as a telephone crisis supporter while studying psychology at Charles Sturt University. In 2018, Kelly took on the role of Suicide Prevention and Postvention Manger. 
Kelly and her team of Lived Experience of Suicide Mental Health Peer workers deliver suicide bereavement groups, suicide attempt groups, the Hospital to Recovery program and soon to launch a carers group for people caring for someone who lives with suicide ideation. Kelly has a keen interest in personal development and helping others find the care and support they need to live their best lives possible.
Lifeline Mid Coast Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

Zoe De Lepervanche

Suicide Prevention and Postvention Services Coordinator
Zoe is the Lead Facilitator of Lifeline Mid Coast’s Eclipse and Suicide Bereavement Support Groups. Zoe holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science majoring in counselling allowing her to provide psychological support to groups and to Hospital to Recovery Participants. 
In addition, Zoe is a member of Port Macquarie Headspace Youth Reference group and volunteers for Lifeline Telephone Crisis Support Services answering the 13 11 14 phones each week. Zoe has an interest in Youth Mental Health and the holistic aspect of Mental Health Wellness.
Lifeline Mid Coast Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

Patti Parsons

Office Manager
Patti began her career with Lifeline Mid Coast in 2007 as an Administration Assistant, bringing a depth of experience from the Health sector. In 2010, she transitioned into the role of Office Manager, where she continues to lead with integrity and compassion. With extensive experience in payroll, administration, and accounts, Patti ensures the smooth operation of Lifeline’s internal systems while also serving as the CEO’s personal assistant. 
Her work is grounded in a steadfast commitment to Lifeline Mid Coast’s values of care, connection, and community resilience. Patti leads a highly skilled and dedicated administration team, including Samantha Burgio (People & Culture Manager), Martha Leonard (Financial Officer), and Cherie Burgess (Administration Officer). Together, they uphold the organisation’s mission with professionalism and heart, supporting both front-line services and strategic initiatives that make a lasting impact across the Mid Coast region. 
Lifeline Mid Coast Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

Boni Lornie 

Communications and Engagement Specialist

Boni joins Lifeline Mid Coast as the new Communications and Engagement Specialist. Backed by over 25 years of Graphic Design experience, she brings exceptional skill in conceptualisation ideas into fruition. Her strong organizational and relationship-building skills facilitated a successful transition into marketing and communications, leveraging diverse experience across retail, hospitality, and media. Driven by deep compassion and empathy, Boni is excited to utilise her abilities to make a tangible difference in the community. She is committed to elevating Lifeline Mid Coast’s message and connecting with the people it serves.





Lifeline Mid Coast Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention

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