Christine Allard
Committed to serving the Bungendore community, I have been a proud resident for nearly 13 years. As an active member of Rotary for over three years, I have taken on leadership roles, including President (2023/24) and Secretary (2024/25, 2025/26). I have also supported the Bungendore War Memorial Committee for over a decade and regularly assist with various local initiatives. Caring for seniors is a personal priority, inspired by my 93-year-old mother. My focus goes beyond caregiving to ensuring seniors have an environment that supports their mobility, inclusion, access to information, and ability to voice their needs. I am eager to contribute to this committee and help improve outcomes for our older residents.
Laurann Yen
I'm keen to promote the health and wellbeing of older people in our area through advocating for better and accessible services, and through supporting the many local initiatives that keep older people in touch and engaged with the community. We are a growing group, and we need to make sure that we can contribute and be part of our growing region. Following the really good Seniors Festival activities in Braidwood and Villages, it's clear that there are many options for connection and enjoyment of life for seniors. What we also need to consider are the many people in the community who are not able to take part in these, for reasons of money, health, or isolation. There is work to be done.
Maria Porreca
As a senior, I have firsthand understanding of the needs and challenges faced by older adults. My experience spans both private enterprise and public service, including managing our family construction business. I am an active member of the Queanbeyan Senior Citizens Association and have held leadership roles such as Secretary, Treasurer, and Publicity Officer across various organizations, including the CWA and the Bendigo Bank Canberra Board (10 years). I also led initiatives like bringing Bendigo Bank to Canberra and currently serve as the leader of the Queanbeyan Health Walking Group, demonstrating my ongoing commitment to community service and senior wellbeing.
Anthorr Nomchong
As a veteran and senior with a mental health disability and as an advocate for hidden disabilities, I bring a unique perspective on the challenges faced by seniors in the community. Coming from a well-known historical local family and with over 30 years of executive experience in the federal public service, 17 years volunteering in the NSW SES, and my role as a retired executive from the Australian Border Force, I have a strong understanding of local government and the practical needs of seniors. I am also a passionate advocate for social justice and currently serve as a member of the Sutton Unit of the NSW SES. My registered Assistance Cat, the first in Australia, will accompany me in meetings, ensuring I can fully contribute.
Olwyn-Anne Cook
I came to Queanbeyan in late 2014, joined the Seniors and became Secretary in 2015, and have been advocating for them since. I joined the Women's Royal Naval Service at 17, have travelled extensively since, serving on boards and committees, and doing voluntary work wherever I have lived, always fighting for the marginalised, which many Seniors are.
Sharon Baxter-Judge
I commend the council for establishing this committee to engage with seniors and local agencies. As President of the Bungendore Seniors Association and organiser of the annual Seniors Festival for the past seven years, I have extensive experience working with seniors and the local community. I am well-connected with community organizations and bring decades of volunteer experience, including leadership roles with schools, fundraising events, and as a committee member of the Abbeyfield Project Bungendore. I look forward to contributing my skills, network, and life experience to this important initiative
Lynne Magus
Seniors are often underrepresented at both council and state levels, despite being the fastest-growing age group in the country. As a 73 year-old senior and long-time advocate, I bring significant insight into the challenges facing this community. With nearly 30 years membership of the Bungendore CWA, including roles as President, Vice President, Secretary, Branch Delegate to the CWA State AGM for many years, Group Secretary and Group Councillor, I have extensive experience lobbying for community issues and supporting diverse groups. Additionally, I previously served as a trustee of the Hoskinstown Hall, further demonstrating my commitment to community service and advocacy.
Brenda Russell
I moved to Queanbeyan in 2019 after my husband died to be near my daughters. In January 2020 I became the President of Queanbeyan Seniors. Queanbeyan has 27% of Seniors. It will be good for seniors to feel supported, engaged and valued in our community.
Neil Johnson
Having lived in Bungendore since 1989, I’ve raised a family here and have been retired since 2022, seeking opportunities to give back to the community. With a career in IT and telecommunications, I held senior roles in cybersecurity sales and service management for Telstra, working with federal government and Defence clients. I also assist with the care of elderly parents, giving me firsthand experience with the challenges seniors face, such as navigating technology and bureaucratic processes. My professional background includes chairing meetings, producing minutes, and running workshops, with transferable governance and procedural skills to contribute effectively to the committee.
Agency Representatives
Belinda McClelland – Warrigal Aged Care