Our People
MannaCare is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on people who are passionate about supporting older people and the wider community.
About Our Board and Executive Leadership Team
We have strong community connections that help residents and clients stay in touch with their families, friends, and the lives they have built. Maintaining these connections is vital to mental and social wellbeing. Volunteers play a key role at every level, generously contributing their time and skills in many ways. Without them, MannaCare could not operate as it does today, and we are always grateful for their support and for the important link they provide with the Manningham community.
MannaCare is guided by a Board of Directors and supported by an experienced Executive Leadership Team. Association members elect up to ten Directors to the Board, and a rotation policy encourages fresh thinking while maintaining continuity. All Directors have strong ties to Manningham, strengthening our connection to the community we serve.
The Executive Leadership Team brings professional expertise and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality care. Working closely with the Board, they lead the organisation’s day-to-day operations and ensure MannaCare continues to support residents, clients, and the broader community.
If you are interested in sharing your skills and contributing to MannaCare’s work, please contact us by clicking the button below.
Our Board
John Bennie PSM
CHAIRMAN
Nusia Krolikowsk
DEPUTY CHAIR
Nusia has been a director since 2014 and was elected Deputy Chair in 2021.
She is Chair of the Operational Risk Committee and a member of the People and Governance and Promotion Advisory Committees.
She has been a resident of Manningham for 37 years. She is a Registered Nurse and an experienced executive with 20 years in senior management positions in the aged care industry.
She is a past Director of the Manningham Youth and Family Services and was a committee member of the Doncaster Netball Club for many years, including 8 years as President.
Ian Goldsmith
TREASURER
Ian joined the Board of MannaCare in 2026 and is a member of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. He has been a resident of Manningham for over 40 years and was named Manningham Citizen of the Year for 2021. Whilst Ian has joined The Board in 2026, he has been a close friend and mentor to Manningham Executives for many years.
He is an experienced Executive and Director with over 40 years of corporate experience. He brings a passion for and understanding of the Aged Care sector including the legislative framework and the commercial requirements and challenges faced by aged care providers.
He has a Diploma of Business (Accounting) from Swinburne University and is a Fellow Certified Practising Accountant being a member of CPA Australia.
Ian retired from full time employment in September 2023 after 38 years in the Hospital, Health Insurance, Ambulance and Aged Care Sectors, including 10 years as the General Manager of Business Services with Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria (now Dementia Australia).
Ian also serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Jesmond Group, a NSW based Aged Care organisation, is Chairman of the Bendigo Community Banks of Doncaster East and Templestowe Village, a member of the Healthy Ageing Advisory Committee of Manningham Council and Treasurer of Rotary Manningham City. He is a seven-time Paul Harris Fellow and was Manningham Citizen of the Year in 2021.
Rod McDonald
DIRECTOR
Rod joined the Board of MannaCare in September 2023 and is a member of the Finance and Audit Committee. He has been a resident of Manningham for 19 years.
Rod has held a number of Chief Executive Officer and senior management roles in the Victorian public sector. He also occupied a number of senior executive roles with Australia Post including State General Manager for Victoria/ Tasmania and National Director of Human Resources and Industrial Relations.
After retiring from full time employment, Rod was Chairman of Vincentcare for 7 years, a large not for profit company which provided a range of services to disadvantaged and vulnerable people including those experiencing homelessness, have a disability, ageing or suffering from forms of substance abuse.
He has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Melbourne University and is a Certified Practising Accountant being a member of CPA Australia. Rod is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Churchill Fellow.
John Pappas
DIRECTOR
John Pappas joined the Board of MannaCare in 2021. He is an experienced executive, Director and business owner with over 25 years of corporate experience. With sound business acumen and a strategic mindset he is committed to maintaining high professional standards and work ethic.
His foundational career was within the Banking and Investment Banking arena and M&A experience in various sectors across the globe. John has gained a reputation for excellence as a trusted advisor to his all key stakeholders. A graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he holds a Master Degree of Applied Finance.
John is a strong advocate for community and not-for-profit organisations and he has been a resident of Manningham for more than 30 years.
Helen Woods
DIRECTOR
Helen has a bachelor’s degree in nursing with over 17 years’ experience in the aged care industry working for one of Australia’s largest aged care providers. During this time, Helen held senior positions in a variety of operational, quality and clinical governance roles. She was responsible for monitoring risk, maintaining compliance with the Standards, responding to regulators and ensuring clinical best practice was reflected across organisational policies and procedures. She is currently the Residential Solutions Engineer at AlayaCare, an organisation providing community, disability and aged care software.
She brings a passion and understanding of this complex industry, including the legislative requirements and challenges faced by aged care providers, Managers, and workforce across every level of the business and strives to achieve better care outcomes for residents.
Terry Montebello
DIRECTOR
Terry is a new member of the MannaCare Board having joined in 2026. He is a member of The Finance, Risk and Audit and The Asset sub-committee.
Terry is an experienced lawyer who is also an accredited specialist in planning, environment and local government law. He has been in legal practice for almost 40 years with the last 30 years at Maddocks Lawyers and most of that time as a Partner. Prior to joining Maddocks, Terry served as corporate solicitor at Manningham City Council. As well as legal qualifications, Terry also has a degree in economics from Monash University and has served on the management committee of a not-for-profit youth housing program.
Terry regularly negotiates the complexities of the land development approvals process. As an administrative law practitioner Terry has a good grasp of the statutory framework associated with not for profit and the aged care sector. He is also experienced in ensuring appropriate standards of governance and probity.
Ray Bongiorno
DIRECTOR
Ray is retired and a capable governance leader with more than 4 decades of extensive executive and commercial experience in the property development and project management arena across community services, aged care, health, and education sectors. The earlier stages of his career included ownership of successful consulting business and for the 8 years prior to his retirement Ray held the Executive General Manager role with Baptcare – responsible for the development and facilities management of Residential Aged Care, Retirement villages and social housing portfolios
With a specific passion for the Aged Care sector, Ray’s post graduate qualifications in Gerontology, assist in a values based approach to “wanting to make a difference” to people as they continue to successfully age.
Ray serves on 2 other Boards and a College strategic planning committee.
Peter Fuller
DIRECTOR
Peter has been a Director since 2017 and is a member of the Finance & Audit and Operational Risk Committees. He has been a resident of Manningham for over 20 years.
Peter is a retired experienced business executive having spent over 37 years with Tier 1 vendors in the ITC industry. For the past 15 years Peter held executive management roles with Sun Microsystems, Oracle and Micro Focus. Peter still stays involved in the Technology community doing Board and Advisory work with the likes of new technology startups, which is where his passion and interests lie.
He has previously been a Commissioned Army Officer with 1 Parachute Battalion and 44 Parachute Brigade in South Africa.
Josephine McGuiness
DIRECTOR
Bio to come.
Our Executive Team
Travis Heeney
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Travis joined MannaCare as CEO in June 2025, bringing nearly 30 years of experience across aged care, community services, health, education and local government.
He has held senior roles at organisations including Ambulance Victoria, genU and GOTAFE, with a consistent focus on delivering positive outcomes for communities.
With a background in social work and further study at the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Harvard Business School, Travis blends strategic insight with a genuine care for people. He is known for his collaborative, values-driven leadership style.
Vince DiStefano
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CORPORATE SERVICES
Vince DiStefano is a CPA-qualified executive leader with strong experience in senior corporate roles. He leads and grows high-performing teams and functions in sustainable organisations through challenging technological, economic and regulatory environments. Across his broader career, he has led the development of full finance functions, digital strategy, audit, procurement, statutory reporting, performance and governance reporting, and financial sustainability strategy development across both the public and private sectors, with extensive experience across aged care, public health, mental health, and not for profit organisations.
Sage Pahos
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNITY SERVICES
Sage joined MannaCare in July 2022, initially working within the allied health team before moving into broader operational leadership roles. With a background as a physiotherapist, Sage brings experience across private practice, aged care and community services, with a strong commitment to supporting people to live well in their communities.
With a Master of Health Administration, Sage brings together clinical insight and operational experience. Sage is known for a hands-on and approachable leadership style, with a genuine focus on supporting teams and maintaining strong connections, while keeping client outcomes at the centre.
Charlene Luo
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR QUALITY
AND SAFEGUARDS
Charlene joined MannaCare as a Registered Nurse in 2009 and has since held a range of roles across the organisation. Over this time, she has developed strong clinical expertise and a deep understanding of resident and client care, consistently contributing to high-quality service delivery.
Recently appointed as Executive Director Quality and Safeguards, Charlene brings extensive experience in aged care quality, compliance and governance. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing with a strong commitment to delivering person-centred care. Charlene is known for her attention to detail, and her strengths in project management and crisis management.
Nesma Said
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Nesma joined MannaCare in April 2024 and has since grown into the role of Executive Director, People & Culture. With more than eight years of experience across aged care, NDIS, and not-for-profit organisations, she brings deep expertise in workforce planning, organisational change, employee and industrial relations, leadership development, and culture uplift.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Diploma in Human Resources Management, and is known for her strategic, compassionate and values-led leadership style, with a strong commitment to building engaged teams, supporting leaders, and creating positive care environments.
Danielle North
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Danielle commenced with MannaCare in March 2026 after 25 years in health care. Danielle has a background as a Paramedic holding a variety of Senior Executive positions across Ambulance Victoria (AV).
Most recently, Danielle was the ED Regional Operations at AV, leading a division of more than 5,000 staff providing service delivery to the Victorian Community.
In addition to her Paramedicine qualifications and Executive Masters degree, Danielle has been awarded the AV National Medal, the AV Meritorious Service Award for significant contributions to Bushfires and COVID 19 response and is a Council of Ambulance Authorities Women in Ambulance Honour recipient.
Danielle is a wellbeing-based leader who is passionate about the provision of quality care and brings a wealth of experience to the MannaCare team.
Association Membership
An Associate Member of MannaCare is someone who supports the organisation’s purpose and has a strong connection to the local community. They are encouraged to stay informed, attend events such as the Annual General Meeting, and remain engaged with MannaCare’s mission to support older people in the community. This type of membership is ideal for individuals who wish to stay connected with MannaCare and contribute to its work, even if they do not meet the criteria for full membership.
Click the button below to apply for Association Membership and one of our friendly team will be in touch within 2 business days.
LOCATION
371 Manningham Road,
Doncaster VIC 3108
Tel: 1300 90 20 23
Fax: (03) 9856 1233
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MannaCare Inc respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land now known as Manningham, and pay respect to their Elders past and present.
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