The Gowrie (Qld) Inc. is an incorporated, not for profit organisation. We have an elected Board of Management that meets on a monthly basis, consults with all stakeholders regarding the strategic direction of the organisation and monitors compliance and macro operations.
Board of Management Profiles
Leisa Prowse
Leisa has more than 19 years experience working in the public and private sector. She brings her background in community and stakeholder engagement, and communication to her activities on the Board. During her career, Leisa has contributed to the delivery of more than 150 infrastructure projects across Australia, successfully managing sensitive and complex issues.
Leisa is tertiary-qualified in both town planning and communication. This rare combination of skills enables her to meaningfully engage with a range of stakeholders at different technical levels. Leisa is skilled at facilitating discussions with individuals and groups.
Leisa’s journey with Gowrie Queensland started eight years ago when her eldest child started in long day care at the Quarry Street centre. She has served on the Board of Management for the last three years.
Kim Parascos
Kim Parascos is the CEO of iVolve, a technology solutions provider to the mining industry.
Kim has been responsible for the successful commercialisation of new products for iVolve. This has seen iVolve experience compounding growth greater than 100% for the past 3 years and its products being installed internationally for customers including Thiess, Leightons, Rio Tinto, Peabody and Xstrata.
During that time she successfully applied for a number of government grants for iVolve and is responsible for its successful fund-raising activities. Conducive to the company’s growth, Kim’s focus has been on strategy development including environmental and equity and diversity as well as the introduction of control systems.
Kim has Bachelors of Engineering and IT and a Masters in Business Administration.
Kim’s son started at Warry St in 2008 and her daughter now also attends.
Simon Smith
Simon has qualifications in economics and commerce and is a CPA and Commissioner for Declarations. Simon has worked in finance & accounting roles in the private & public sectors since 1992. His current role is the Financial Controller of a Qld based retail enterprise (1997 to present).
Simon brings his great understanding and expertise in business management to Gowrie and has been the hard working Treasurer of the Gowrie Qld since 2005. Simon is also a keen and talented musician.
Simon’s two children have attended long day care at the Quarry Street service 2005. Simon has a strong interest in early childhood education, and the development and recognition of early childhood educators.
Maryanne Theobald
Currently a lecturer at QUT, Maryanne is unit coordinator in various units in the School of Early Childhood, including a foundational unit on historical and comparative perspectives in early childhood. Maryanne’s PhD research examined young children’s talk and interaction in the playground. Maryanne is a keen researcher and is currently researching children’s interactions and how teacher’s support children in P-3 lunch playtimes.
Maryanne is a registered early childhood teacher and has experience teaching early years in Queensland in kindergartens and preschools, being the director of Salisbury C&K kindergarten for 12 years. During that time Maryanne was involved in teacher workshops that focused on documenting children’s learning and negotiating the curriculum with young children.
Maryanne joined the Board in 2010 and her involvement plays an important role in fostering partnerships with QUT and Gowrie Qld. Maryanne has a great respect for Gowrie Qld as a leading industry partner in the field of early childhood education and care and the team of professionals who work at Gowrie.
Fiona Brady
Fiona Brady has a clinical background as a paediatric nurse and 13 years experience in health sector management. Fiona currently works for the Ramsay Health Care Group she is well positioned to advise on health related issues as they arise.
Fiona joined the Board in 2010. She has two children and began her connection with The Gowrie in 2006, when her first son commenced at Quarry Street.
Jasmine Dyball
Jasmine is currently a teacher at Southbank Institute of Technology, working in the Children’s Services Team. Jasmine commenced at Southbank in 2006 and has been working with external and on-campus students in Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs. This role provides opportunities for Jasmine to work with and support both students who are new to the sector and existing workers as they gain their qualifications. Jasmine is required to engage in continuous improvement and ongoing professional development, thus ensuring she has a sound knowledge of contemporary practice and current issues.
Jasmine recently commenced her Master of Education with an early childhood focus, having completed her Bachelor of Early Childhood (PreService) in 2008. Jasmine has 8 years experience working with young children in a number of early childhood settings, including long day care and lower primary.
Jasmine believes strongly in the importance of relationships in young children’s learning, working collaboratively with others and engaging in reflective practice.
David Harrys
David has worked in banking & finance in the private sector since 1995. He has worked for Queensland’s largest financial services company since 2000 and is currently based on the Sunshine Coast.
David has a strong understanding of business management and strategy design. David has Bachelor of Commerce, a Masters in Business Administration and is a Justice of the Peace (Qual). David is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of Financial Services Institute of Australasia. David also currently serves on the Board of another large member based organisation.
David is a father of three children and commenced his relationship with the Gowrie when his eldest son attended the Gowrie Parent/Toddler group at the Love Street service in 2006.
David was the Treasurer for a Gowrie affiliated service during 2011. He has played an important role in assisting the service with implementing The Gowrie policies and procedures, whilst supporting the service through new legislative requirements and reforms as required under the National Quality Framework. David joined the Board of Management in 2011.
Documents
To view our Annual Report or Strategic Plan click on the PDF’s below.