CareSouth is governed by a group of Board Directors who share a mutual passion for making a difference in the lives of others. With backgrounds in community services, teaching, finance and health, they bring a wealth of experience and perspective to shape the future of our organisation.
Our Board is responsible for CareSouth’s strategic direction, governance and advocacy to help bring our vision to life to build a better future for the vulnerable communities we support.
Jim McEwan – Chairperson
Jim established CareSouth, formerly Shoalcare, in 1994. He has played a pivotal role in the development of the organisation. He was a director/cofounder of a Nowra manufacturing company and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Mathematics) from University of NSW. He also has many years of experience as a foster carer. In 2020 he was awarded the Order of Australia (AM) for services to Youth and Community.
Appointed to the Board June 1994.
Deputy Chair/Executive Director 1994-2010, Chairman 2011-2014, CEO 2014/15, Chairman July 2016, Retired from the Board 26 July 2017.
Reappointed to the Board 27 October 2019.
Appointed Company Secretary 9 December 2019 – 25 October 2021.
Appointed Deputy Chairperson 25 October 2021.
Retired October 2023.
Appointed Chairperson 2 October 2024.
Rebecca Keen – Deputy Chair and Executive Director
Rebecca has over 20 years of Finance and Accounting experience and was the CFO of a large private company predominantly based in the Illawarra. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Wollongong. She is CPA qualified.
Appointed to the Board April 2014.
Deputy Chairperson April 2014 – 25 October 2021.
Appointed Deputy Chairperson 2 October 2024.
Appointed Executive Director 23 January 2025
Margot McEwan – Director and Company Secretary
Margot has extensive experience in corporate and research governance, policy development and business process engineering. She has had a lengthy career in management roles in the not for-profit, university and medical research sectors with experience in the management of both large and small organisations.
Appointed to the Board 30 October 2023.
Appointed Company Secretary 2 October 2024.
Theo Boyle – Director
Raised in foster care himself from the age of 8 until 15. He has lived in Nowra since 1969, where he has operated a bicycle business since 1980.
Appointed to the Board April 2004.
Leo Dedini Fitzpatrick – Director
Leo is a Wiradjuri man based in Hay, NSW. He is a registered nurse and works as an Aboriginal Senior Support Officer in Palliative care.
He has a background in child and adolescent mental health and trauma-informed care.
Leo brings lived experience in Out-of-Home Care, along with professional expertise in various health and community support roles. He is actively involved in his community, currently serving on the boards of Hay Children’s Services and the Hay Aboriginal Working Party.
In recognition of his community leadership, Leo was named Hay’s Young Citizen of the Year in 2024. He is committed to improving outcomes for young people and Aboriginal families, and advocates for culturally responsive care across all areas of health and social services.
Appointed to the Board June 2025.