Meet Our Board
David Rafferty
CHAIR
Experienced Manager and Advocate for Disability Services.
David Rafferty is a highly experienced manager with 22 years of dedicated work in disability service provision. His expertise lies in disability programs for adults, specifically disability supported accommodation and disability employment.
With an impressive career spanning 45 years, David brings a wealth of knowledge as a business executive. His areas of expertise include strategic planning and implementation, logistics and workforce management, communications, research and development, and financial management. Having served on the boards of disability service providers for many years, David has developed strong skills in corporate governance, strategy, risk management, reporting, and board performance.
David is a passionate advocate for inclusion, empowerment, and innovation in the disability sector. He has undergone intensive study of support delivery concepts, graduating from the Social Role Valorisation (SRV) long course and participating in various SRV practicums. Leveraging this experience and skill set, David is dedicated to driving improvements for people with disabilities. He also focuses on transforming business processes and culture, tirelessly working towards continuous improvement in service delivery and quality.
Peter Callaghan
BOARD MEMBER
Peter Callaghan has dedicated his career to supporting individuals who often fall through the gaps in social services. His journey began in youth work in Rockhampton, where he saw firsthand the challenges faced by unemployed individuals, particularly those with disabilities. This passion led him to the Community Youth Support Scheme and later to the founding of Community Employment Options, which ultimately merged with Community Solutions and continues to operate under that name today.
With a deep admiration for GCLA’s work, Peter eagerly joined the board to contribute his extensive experience in social services. Until his retirement from full-time work in 2012, he was actively involved in service delivery across Central Queensland. His commitment remains steadfast - to advocate for those who often go unseen and ensure meaningful community support.
For Peter, ‘Beyond Ordinary’ represents an aspirational goal - one that GCLA embodies by striving for the best outcomes for its customers and community. As a board member, his key goal is to support GCLA’s growth into a sustainable and well-respected organisation that continues to make a lasting impact.
Beyond his professional role, Peter enjoys spending time with family and friends, being involved in his church community, gardening, traveling, volunteering, and photography. A fun fact about Peter? Before his career in social services, he worked as a press photographer in Central Queensland for over 12 years - both full-time and part-time.
Tania Howard
BOARD MEMBER
Accomplished Finance Professional and Catalyst for Community Development.
Meet Tania, an accomplished finance professional and FCPA with an impressive 30-year track record in business management, compliance, governance, change management, contract negotiations, business improvement, property development, and joint ventures. Her expertise spans corporate, government, and community sectors, showcasing her versatility and adaptability.
Tania's qualifications and accolades speak volumes about her commitment to excellence. She is a registered tax agent and ASIC registered agent, holding a Bachelor of Business with Distinction. As a Fellow of CPA Australia, she has been recognised for her outstanding career achievements. Tania's pursuit of knowledge and professional development is further evident through her completion of the AICD Company Directors Course and her experience as a lecturer at Central Queensland University.
Having served the Gladstone community for 13 years through her own taxation business and previously as Finance Manager at Orica, Tania has honed her skills in driving initiatives and fostering innovation that strengthens relationships and benefits community members. Her dedication to achieving the best outcomes has been formally acknowledged by customers who appreciate her valued partnerships, diligence, and genuine care.
Tania brings together her extensive career experience and personal commitment to local communities as a valuable member of our Board. With unwavering integrity, she strives to shape a brighter future for the communities we serve.
Our Services
Aged Care
Disability Services
