About Counterpoint
Counterpoint Community Services Inc. has been a trusted provider of support and advocacy services for individuals, families, and community groups for decades. Specialising in working with social housing residents across the City of Sydney, we are passionate about fostering inclusive, thriving communities.
With a unique structure guided by a resident-led management committee and supported by a team of dedicated professionals, Counterpoint is deeply embedded in the communities we serve. We not only provide direct services but also act as a central hub for other essential local organisations and grassroots community groups. This collaborative approach enables us to amplify the impact of community efforts and deliver meaningful change.
Our roots run deep. The Factory Community Centre, established in 1977, and South Sydney Community Aid, founded in 1968, came together in 2017 to form what is now Counterpoint Community Services Inc. Together, we bring over five decades of experience in empowering communities and building connections.
As a not-for-profit, public benevolent institution and registered charity, we are committed to supporting vulnerable populations, particularly those in social housing, with a focus on compassion, respect, and equity. Through practical programs, partnerships, and advocacy, Counterpoint is dedicated to helping individuals and communities achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
At Counterpoint, we don’t just work for the community—we work with the community.Toggle Content
In music, “Counterpoint” is the relationship between harmonically interdependent voices that are independent in rhythm and contour to produce a beautiful, harmonious whole. At Counterpoint, we acknowledge that each part of our society is independent; individuals, families, communities, NGOs, and governments are interdependent to create better places to live, learn, work, rest, and play.
The Association’s objectives are to assist in the relief of poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, destitution, or helplessness by fostering the growth of community life and community services and working with the community to build capacity, connection, wellbeing, and resilience. To achieve the above objective, the Association shall facilitate appropriate activities and offer itself as a charitable and publically benevolent organisation and resource for people.
We will work with other community groups and organisations whose objectives align with the Associations. To this end, the Association will pursue resources and operational activities that will aid us in attaining our objectives, including, but not limited to, the provision of:
Community Development Services for all, particularly community members in vulnerable situations and people experiencing deep and persistent disadvantages.
Provision of Community Support Services and Facilities for individuals, families, and community groups
Capacity Building for individuals, families, community groups and other organisations aligned with our objectives.
Community Advocacy that is independent and impartial and represents the diversity of our communities, with a particular emphasis on amplifying the voices of community members who have had limited opportunities to share their views with those in positions of power
Community Events that promote harmony, diversity, and inclusion
Social Enterprises that enable us to further our aims.
Specialised children’s services that foster education, family support, child safety and wellbeing
We will partner with other organisations and community groups whose objectives align with our Association and which help further our objectives. This will include but is not limited to auspicing, participating in appropriate consortia and inter-agencies, and entering appropriate Memorandums of Understanding (MOU)
Any other service or activity which furthers or is incidental to our objects.
Counterpoint Community Services is managed by our volunteer management committee, which is annually elected by our members who represent the local community, together with program representations.
CHAIRPERSON: Jose Perez
TREASURER: Geoff Turnbull
SECRETARY: Julie Foreman
MEMBER: John Martin
MEMBER: Diana Whitworth
MEMBER: Charlie Wilde
MEMBER: Lyn Lormer
STAFF REP: Raeleen O’Halloran
PUBLIC OFFICER & CEO: Michael Shreenan
Management
Michael Shreenan Executive Officer 19 years
Administration
- John Ferguson Accounts 21 years (retired)
- Anna Kim Accounts 12 years
Community Development
- Navin Lamsal – Community Development Trainee
- Ciel Yuan Community Development Officer 2 year
Community Centres and Support
- Grant Nair Community Centres Coordinator 12 years
- Elle Jennison Factory Community Centre Coordinator 12 Years
- Rory Jackson Community Support / Project Officer 1 Year
- Charmaine Jones (casual)
Hospitality/Facilities
- Dianne Rodgers, caretaker/Hospitality 35 years
- Margaret Wood Caretaker 24 years
Poets Corner Pre-school
- Raeleen O’Halloran Preschool Director 29 years
- Naomi Ward Senior Child Care Worker 31 years
- Angelique Yazigi Child Care Worker 12 years
- Josephine Scianni Early Childhood Teacher 7 years
Social Enterprises
- Elle Jennison Waterloo Re-cycle Workshop
Playgroups
- Ciel Yuan Playgroup Coordinator
IT Project Support
- James Perez, 12 years
- Jose Perez, 26 years
Bilingual Educator
- Mila Seredenko Bilingual Educator 6 years
Community Centre Tenants
Sydney Local Health District
Shane Brown Manager Healthy Living Program 6 years
Jewish Care
- Olga Tourchina Case Worker 16 years (retired Sept 2023)
- Ilona Bromberg Case Worker 1 year
Barnardos – Yurungai Learning Centre
- Vivianne Freeman Senior Advisor Aboriginal 21 years
- Bruce Shillingsworth Senior Education Support 18 years
- Dianne Rodgers Casual 15 years
- Filise Freeman-Mafi Casual 6 years
Spanish Community Care
Lillian Zuniga Project Officer 7 years (parental leave)
Transport
- Bruce Shillingsworth Bus Driver 18 years
- John Martin Bus Driver 15 years
We receive funding from a range of sources including donations, NSW State Government Departments, City of Sydney Council and the Australian Federal Government.
We are also supported by tertiary education institutions, private businesses, and donors, including Club Grants NSW, Mirvac, Australian Chinese Charity Foundation, Australian College of Applied Psychology, University of Sydney, UNSW, Christ Church St Laurance, and others.
Counterpoint Community Services INC is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an existing diverse team.
People of culturally diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are encouraged to apply.
We advertise our employment opportunities on Ethical Jobs Website:
http://www.ethicaljobs.com.au and other Websites