Staff
Dr Robyn Sampson
Acting Executive Director
Robyn comes to us after working for many years in policy and advocacy in the field of migration. After growing up in a multicultural Baptist church, Robyn found herself drawn to work on the social justice issues faced by people who are forced to migrate as a result of war and violent conflict. For almost 10 years, she undertook research as an academic in collaboration with community organisations on a range of topics regarding the health and wellbeing of refugees and migrants in Australia. She then completed a PhD in Politics, during which she developed a strong interest in how expert knowledge gets used in policy making processes.
Her desire to apply her learnings in the 'real world' led her to leave academia in favour of contributing to advocacy efforts full time. She joined the secretariat of an international network of NGOs working to protect the rights and dignity of people who migrate. Her contributions helped to create positive policy change in over 40 countries, and to secure key commitments by UN Member States as part of the Global Compact on Migration. For the two years prior to joining Baptist Care Australia, she was a private consultant providing research services, program planning and strategy advice to UN agencies and international humanitarian organisations. Robyn remains an active member of her local Baptist congregation in her hometown of Melbourne.
Nicole Pilkington
Communications Advisor
Passionate about social justice and equity, Nicole brings to Baptist Care Australia an extensive background in marketing and communications across the corporate, start-up and not-for-profit sectors. Having previously worked with peak body Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) throughout the Aged Care Royal Commission and Covid pandemic, Nicole has a strong understanding of the aged care and community support sectors, and has extensive experience in developing powerful communications campaigns to prompt positive political and social change.
A fierce advocate for the marginalised, Nicole is aligned with Baptist Care Australia's mission to bring equality and opportunity to Australian communities, and with our vision of hope-filled, purposeful people, building communities where every voice is heard. Her expertise in integrated communications strategy and love of storytelling will see Nicole working closely with our members, to deliver Baptist Care Australia's advocacy with impact through dynamic narratives that educate, engage and inspire.
Sharon Neal
Executive Assistant
With extensive experience providing Executive and Board support in both the Not for Profit and Corporate sectors, Sharon comes to Baptist Care Australia as a highly skilled and professional Executive Assistant who is people focused and solutions driven. Sharon brings her passion for organisation and efficiency to Baptist Care Australia and is committed to enhancing productivity and improving business operations while at the same time knowing that she is contributing to the organisation’s vision of building communities where every voice is heard.
Sharon’s role affords her the opportunity to interact with member organisations across the country, including coordinating the activities of the BCA Board, as well as a managing relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders. She loves to work collaboratively on projects with the BCA Team while utilising her strategic planning and relationship building skills to help deliver on our goals.
Board
The Directors of Baptist Care Australia Limited are the Chief Executive Officers of the state Baptist community service agencies.
Charles Moore, Chair
CEO, BaptistCare NSW/ACT & WA
Shane Austin, Deputy Chair
CEO, Baptist Care SA
Geraldine Lannon
CEO, Baptcare
David Angell (observer)
Interim CEO, Carinity