As a community-led organisation, established to meet the needs of our people, the faces behind our services have always been essential to our success.
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Since it's inception in 1991, the Gumbi-Gumbi Drug and Alcohol Residential Rehabilitation and Withdrawal Management Facility has been fortunate to benefit from the support and skill of people who care deeply about the work that we do.
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Led by a dedicated and passionate volunteer board of management with expertise across a wide variety of professional backgrounds, and operated by staff who always strive to make a positive difference with culturally appropriate services, and the latest recognised practices - we are lucky to be as good as the people behind us.
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BOARD DIRECTORS:
Board Chairperson - Laurie Armstrong
Directors - Rose Malone, Jamie Simpson, Jade Langerak
It's all about our people
Executive Management Team:
James Waterton
Chief Executive Officer
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James Waterton is the Chief Executive Officer of Gumbi-Gumbi and a respected community leader from the Gangalu and Jiman people. With a strong cultural presence and deep ties to the Rockhampton region, James is dedicated to creating pathways for healing and empowerment. He is a passionate advocate for restorative approaches and a trusted cultural mentor who leads with integrity, vision, and respect. Drawing on many years of community service, James continues to strengthen connections between culture, wellbeing, and recovery—ensuring that Gumbi-Gumbi remains a place of hope, healing, and belonging.
Debbie Esser
Finance, Human Resources and Quality Assurance
Debbie Esser is the Executive Manager of Finance, Quality and Human Resources at Gumbi-Gumbi, where she oversees finance, governance, compliance and organisational quality. A dedicated leader and advocate for community wellbeing, Deb combines professional expertise with compassion and a strong belief in holistic, culturally grounded healing. She supports programs that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through trauma-informed, on-Country and recovery-focused practice, ensuring services operate with cultural integrity and strong organisational foundations. With a background in finance and community development, Deb brings integrity, accountability and heart to her work, helping Gumbi-Gumbi continue delivering community-led, high-quality support across the region.
Caroline Cox
Programs and Treatment
Caroline Cox is the Programs and Healing Manager at Gumbi-Gumbi, bringing together professional expertise, cultural understanding, and a deep commitment to community wellbeing. With a counselling background and many years working in the community sector, Caroline leads with empathy, respect, and a trauma-informed, strength-based approach. She embodies Gumbi-Gumbi’s values of healing, connection, and hope—guiding programs that empower individuals to rebuild their lives and strengthen cultural identity. Caroline’s calm leadership and compassionate spirit inspire both staff and clients, making her a cornerstone of Gumbi-Gumbi’s healing journey.
Georgia Hegarty
Administration Manager/Executive Support
Health Team:
Jess Hocking - Nurse Practitioner
Meagan Denovan - Enrolled Nurse
Nicole Sola - Intake Officer/Senior Support Worker
Nicole Sola is an Intake Officer and Senior Support Worker at Gumbi-Gumbi. As the first point of contact for individuals, Nicole brings empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental approach to every interaction. With lived experience and a deep understanding of trauma-informed, strength-based care, she provides crisis intervention, assessment, and referrals while advocating for individuals to access the support they need both within Gumbi-Gumbi and through other community services. Nicole’s passion and commitment make her a trusted and respected presence, ensuring every person is met with dignity, understanding, and hope.
Programs Team:
David Forder - Counsellor/Case Support Worker
Milo Sola - SEWB Worker/Session Facilitator
Zandalee Bassani - Case Worker/Female Support Worker
Support team:
Shirley Madsen - Support Worker
Shane Leo - Senior Support Worker
Matty Songoro - Support Worker
Kev Duthie - Support Worker
COME WORK FOR US.
APPLY NOW.
Complete the form to send us your contact details, your resume and please select which job you have experience in and would like to do at Gumbi-Gumbi