Our Committee
Dallas Neighbourhood House is overseen by an experienced and passionate committee who work tirelessly for their community.
Barb van den Vlekkert
Chairperson
Barb is the current CEO of the BDS Support Services, a not for profit disability support organisation based in Broadmeadows. Barb has worked in the disability sector for over 40 years in a range of roles and settings which include local government, DHHS and in the not-for-profit sector.
She is a current member of the CEO Institute and has served on several community committees including a long stint as President on her local school council. Barb has been on the Dallas Neighbourhood House Committee for over 10 years.
John Rutherford
Vice Chairperson
John has a lifetime of experience in representing and helping others. For much of his career in the Building and Construction Industry he was an elected union official, first with the Plumbers and Gasfitters Employees Union of Australia and then as the Assistant National Secretary of the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union.
A Broadmeadows resident for over 50 years, John has also served on many committees and working groups which include Broadmeadows Progress Association, Broadmeadows Residents Advisory Team and Northern Community Legal Centre.
Helen Patsikatheodorou (OAM)
Treasurer
Helen qualified in Special Education wanting to make a difference in children’s early learning and education. She has mainly worked in community based, not for profit organisations and continues to serve on a number of community organisation boards.
Helen has worked with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, is sensitive to a diverse range of needs and has always been an advocate for Social Justice and individual rights.
Elected to Hume City Council she has served as both Mayor and Councillor between 2008-2016. She was known as the “Pink Mayor” advocating for Breast Cancer and was awarded the OAM in 2021.
Jenny Chin
Secretary
Jenny holds a combined Bachelor of Arts and Law and is currently undertaking her Masters of Public Policy. She’s an experienced people manager and policy/project officer and has worked across public health, education and social policy. She’s current working as Project Officer at the Centre for Non-Violence.
Michael Bzdel
Committee Member
Michael is a committee member at Dallas Neighbourhood House, leveraging over two decades of experience in local government to enhance community development. Currently serving as the Business Development Manager at BDS Support Services since June 2023, he previously spent 24 years with Hume City Council Leisure Centres in various leadership roles.
Michael's expertise lies in implementing programs that improve local residents' quality of life, combining his background in community recreational programming with business acumen to address complex challenges and foster community engagement. His role strengthens the partnership between BDS and Dallas Neighbourhood House, utilizing his extensive experience working with the local community to drive positive change.
Kaylene Evers
Committee Member
Psychologist, Mediator, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Justice of the Peace, Celebrant.
Through her extensive experience, training and qualification, Kaylene has a passion for helping people through all life's highs and lows. A truly "Whole of life" approach, hallmarked by empathy, professionalism, compassion, care and JOY.