Chief Executive Officer Averil Straney brought this vision to life in 2018 by founding Bridges Alliance after a professional career in local and regional program management and service delivery spanning over 20 years within the disability and community service sectors, most recently coordinating Ability Links NSW regional programs for Settlement Services International. Averil’s aim is focused and clear – to build high quality, interconnected services that align with and deliver on client choices and goals.
“My passion has always been to listen to and support those who struggle and fight to have their voice heard in our community. Bridges Alliance is a vehicle to bridge a pathway for people with a disability and their families and carers to fully engage in their communities and to create the best life possible.” - Averil Straney
Bridges Alliance Director Mark Straney brings a lifetime of experience in program and project management working with marginalised and disadvantaged communities at local, regional and state levels, including several years managing the NSW Department of Education’s State Equity Centre working closely with government Special Education and Disabilities programs.
Our Team
Bridges Alliance recruits staff who demonstrate two major characteristics – first, hearts that genuinely care for and enjoy working with people with a disability and second, heads that are strongly informed and guided by a skills-based knowledge and understanding of the complexities associated with people with a disability and this field of work.
All staff are committed to delivering person-centred, high quality care and professional services to our clients every minute of every day.
Our support workers and team leaders, our multidisciplinary allied health professionals and our management team all have significant experience and qualifications within the disability, health and community services industry. They bring a diversity of cultural, language and personal backgrounds – their lived experiences providing empathy and connection with Bridges Alliance clients, their families and carers.
