Our People
Board
Dr Pat O’Flaherty
Chair – Business Advisor – Lean implementation
Pat had a long successful career in the corporate world at Senior levels spending 20 years with Thales Australia involved in Learning, Employee Development and Organisational Transformation.
He is presently active in the start-up business community in the Hunter through University of Newcastle and is Industry Professional Fellow at UTS in Sydney.
His PhD in Education Research: “Second chance at learning in the workplace” has amplified his view that employment can empower financially disadvantaged adults in our community.
Aradhana Grover
Deputy Chair
Aradhana Grover has recently graduated and is now working as a Registered Nurse in Australia. She is passionate about making a positive difference in society and helping disadvantaged members of the community.
In 2024, she was awarded the NSW International Student of the Year Award (Higher Education) by Study NSW, recognising her outstanding contributions as an international student. During her time as a student, Aradhana held several leadership and volunteer roles focused on inclusion and student support. She served as a Student Ambassador, peer mentor, and international student mentor. She was also the podcast convenor and host of Between the Flags, the official podcast of the Student Nurses and Midwives Society.
Aradhana believes in bringing smiles to people’s faces and is driven by a strong desire to make the world a kinder, more inclusive place. Through her role at HAFC, she continues to contribute with empathy, purpose, and heart.
Cherylin Beever
Secretary
After an extensive career as a Primary School teacher, she always loved helping people. Since retiring this has continued. She is now involved in NFPs the Raise Foundation and Mentor Support Network mentoring disadvantaged Refugees and High School students.
She also works with the University of Newcastle on a causal basis reporting on student teachers and supporting them in their internships. She is enthusiastic to be involved with HAFC.
Doug Beever
Treasurer – Funding Coordinator
Doug’s career in finance spans 35 years working with financial institutions and later in the telecommunications industry. Since retirement he has worked in a voluntary role with a junior sporting club as treasurer.
He has organised the major fundraiser events for the last 10 years. He is interested in supporting disadvantaged adults as well as seeking financial sponsorship for HAFC.
Dhananjay Sharma
Public Officer
Dhananjay is in the final year of his Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) degree at the University of Newcastle. He also volunteers as Engineers Australia Student Ambassador at the University of Newcastle, where he supports and engages with fellow engineering students through events and mentorship.
He joins HAFC with a passion for learning and a strong desire to contribute to initiatives that support disadvantaged adults in the community. Dhananjay brings energy, creativity, and a fresh perspective to HAFC.
Bridget McCall
Business Support – Lean implementation
Bridget has been part of business transformation projects for a wide range of companies. She has over 25 years of operational and business transformation experience. Currently the Commercial and Category Manager for Waste Services at City of Newcastle.
She gained international experience support the introduction of Lean for Rio Tinto Alcan in Europe and South America. Bridget has a Masters of Organisational Psychology from Sydney University.
Kumbirayi Nyabadza
Board Member
Originally from Harare Zimbabwe, Kumbirayi moved to Australia in 2016 to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce and did a double major in Accounting and Finance (2019) at the University of Newcastle. She is currently working for a Chartered Accounting firm.
Kumbirayi is passionate about helping others reach their full potential. She has mentored disadvantaged refugees with Mentor Support Network.
Nyasha Zinyuku
Project Manager
Nyasha was born in Zimbabwe and came to Australia in 2016 as an international student. Currently he is working as an Accountant for one of the biggest construction companies in Australia.
His goal in life is to help the disadvantaged as much as possible and make their lives better. This has motivated him to join as a director of the HAFC.
We are always interested in hearing from people with diverse backgrounds and industry experience to join our Board, or to become volunteer mentors. Please reach out to us at info@hunteradultsfc.org.au if you’d like to know more.