Meet the Team

Alison joined GFS Perth directly after a management role in the WA social care sector. Working closely with the board she has initiated a change process aimed at enabling an almost 140-year-old organisation to continue and flourish in its contemporary setting.

Her experience includes 2 decades of church-based community development work in the UK followed by 7 years state-wide, at senior level with two denominations in WA; management of multiple outlets of international company both in the UK and overseas; the support and education of special needs pupils, and junior management within, successively, a government department, a school’s project related to urban regeneration and a family business. Alison trained for ordination at Cranmer Hall – Durham University and served in roles across diverse traditions, as well as leading a missional pilot project for the Church of England. She has developed dozens of new community initiatives and partnership projects using Asset Based Community Development modelling with a specialism in social inclusion.

Alison was the first female chaplain to the professional Rugby League in the world. She is also a published author, and conference speaker, and at various times appeared regularly on local radio, occasionally on TV and in other media in the UK; has been school governor, charity trustee, company director and chaired numerous groups.

Alison is a wife and mother to 2 adult daughters. A bunch of kids she has fostered and orphans in remote Kenya, have claimed her as Mamma too. She read lots, keeps fit, enjoys her 2 terriers, dislikes green tea intensely and LOL at every chance – which is enhanced by a Facebook group she founded some years ago called ‘The Global Smile Challenge‘.

Her passion is to see widespread human flourishing that enables everyone to thrive.

I was born in the UK to parents who were farmers, I moved to Perth in 2001 with my husband Mick to be nearer my sister and give our 2 girls a better life. In the UK my husband and I had a small haulage business and along with driving trucks I did the books.

I have had several jobs working in various industries such as Pony Club Association of WA Inc. as a bookkeeper, an organic olive grove who had 3 farms around WA doing accounts and admin.  7 years ago, I decided to go self employed and was offered some work with GFS as a bookkeeper along with working for a Pest control Company, a sheet metal business, and a floorcovering shop. All my work has been word of mouth and I have never had to advertise, just recently I was offered a part-time position with GFS doing Admin and bookkeeping.

I am looking forward to seeing GFS Perth grow and flourish as the West Swan property develops and becomes a social hub.

My name is Miriam Kauhiva and I come from the island of Niue in the South Pacific.

My parents migrated to NZ in the 1960s, where I was born and raised. I grew up around my Christian faith which has a great connection to our Niue Cultural traditions. During my time in Auckland, I was involved in several arts projects which sparked my passion for organising events, particularly for women and youth. I enjoy meeting new people, helping and supporting them, and hearing the stories that bring a better understanding of Cultural Awareness.

I’m blessed to be surrounded by very positive and uplifting people, who encourage me to keep going and to never give up. You will see me with the flower in my hair, it makes me a proud strong Polynesian woman and mum, with great family values. 

I look forward to working with GFS, with the opportunities to build a strong foundation for our future. 

My Name is Gerard Siero. I’m a father and a grandfather, ecological architect (semi-retired), deep ecologist, and amateur theologian/philosopher on life and justice. I have lived and practiced in Victoria Park since 1997 and been an active member in my communities.

Our family came to Australia to escape the Cold War. Dad was a journalist and Mum had a post office. The bushland valleys and creeks were my playground, and I was distraught at the destruction of our valley for real estate. So I became an architect and landscape designer thinking of doing it better.

I spent my working life developing ideas about how humans might live sustainably on Earth. I discovered that our ecological, social, and climate justice issues are all interlinked, complex and only solvable if we work together – think global, act local.

My professional practice work ranged from ecological planning to public buildings, schools, and housing, emphasising sustainability, solar design, landscape integration. I also did media work, research into Ecological Urbanism and I lectured in architecture, landscape, building and renovating, sustainability and climate solutions.

Since retiring in 2017, I’m still studying ideas about evolving a just, equitable, eco-centric society, where we humans could undertake our true role as Consciousness, Carers and Creators in the Community of Life on our precious Earth. With our Climate and Ecological Emergencies upon us, the very lives of our children and grandchildren depend on us transforming our societies, stopping global heating and ecocide, and cooperating with Nature and each other in order to sustain Life on Earth and building equitable, prosperous, thriving communities founded on justice and the sciences.

I have volunteered extensively, both professionally and in community: Insitute of Architects: Environment, Urban Design, Practice and Membership Committees; Perth Anglican Ecocare Commission; Kidsafe WA and National; The Building and Construction Industry Training Council; Victoria Park Community groups; School and church bodies and as a musician and singer.

My hobbies are cycling, bush-walking, futures, including science and climate fiction, documentaries, crime dramas, travelling and learning about Aboriginal Culture.

As the new chair of GFS Perth I would like to thank my predecessor Josie Steytler.  Josie has been part of GFS for many years undertaking a variety of rolls.  Josie has guided the organisation through some significant changes in recent year and should be commended for her commitment.

As I read through the history of GFS Perth I have been delighted and in awe of the courageous and entrepreneurial character of the woman who have been associated with the organisation.  They have reached out to remote communities, bought and sold properties and invested in woman and girls across the state developing opportunity for learning and leadership.

I have been a member of GFS for several years and have benefited from the support offered to me in my roles with children’s ministry in my local church. I have found the warmth offered in friendship to be very encouraging.

When the opportunity arose for me to step forward into the role of chair, I was excited by the prospect of been able to be part of the next steps GFS takes.  As with all things nothing stays the same, GFS Perth included. We need to adapt to the world finding where we can make the most difference in the lives of woman and girls.  There is a well-documented pandemic of loneliness within our communities, across the nation, in fact throughout the world.  Loneliness that can be address by a smile, an inclusive welcome, an acknowledgement, an opportunity to create a sense of belonging.

I have a strong background in the disability sector including, piloting, providing and managing community support services as well as recreational and sporting opportunities for people with a disability and their families at local and national levels.  I have been and still am, involved in community activities with a strong inclusion focus. I have worked in the not for profit area, Local Government and the State Government within a national framework of inclusive practice.

I have experience on not for profit boards over many years.  I have developed opportunities for inclusive practice at the grass roots level in local communities and am currently working alongside others internationally to build inclusive opportunities for those who have traditionally been extremely marginalised.

I understand the importance of developing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders.  I have access to a large network and can identify and build alliances with relevant local and state government agencies. I come with experience in developing policy and procedures, growing volunteer support and change management.

I and have strong advocacy, training and facilitation skills.  I have a willingness and commitment to foster the development of relationships including but not limited to board members, staff, members and the targeted demographic.

I wear many hats; my favourite fun hat is that of Grandma to my 12 beautiful grandchildren.  I am a committed Christian and see the work at GFS Perth as an action of my faith.

My hope and prayer is that I can lead and encourage GFS Perth in undertaking the exciting, plans for growth and development, underpinned by inclusive practice and child safe principals. To support the healing of any hurts that may have come from the pains of change and to assist all the wonderful members to develop life giving friendships that facilitate flourishing in an inclusive environment.

Firstly I am a wife, Mother and Grandma. I have two adult children and a teenage grandson.

I am a qualified childcare worker, I have been working with children for over 44 years. This  has included working with children with severe disabilities in America, to owning my own childcare services for 18 years both in Australia and the UK.
I have been President of the Childcare Association and on the board of the Ethnic Childcare Resource Unit and Children’s Services Support Unit, as well as working closely with the Childcare Licensing Board to write the regulations for outside school hours care.

I was a facilitator for Lady Gowrie to introduce the Accreditation system to Childcares and later became an inspector for Accreditation.

A few years ago I was asked to run the Kids plus programme for Holy Cross in Melville and for the last 8 have helped with the running of Mainly Music.
Currently I am a foster-carer generally with very young babies. Something I absolutely love.

My name is Jenny Ramshaw and I’m the current secretary of GFS Perth.

I began my working life as a hairdressing apprentice and co-owned a salon in Melbourne.

I decided to change my career after my children were born and went to university and completed a Bachelor’s in Applied science in Information and Library studies.

It’s always a difficult one for me to sell myself but I believe I am kind, empathetic, hard-working and always welcoming. Friendship is very important to me and takes many forms and being part of GFS Perth opens many opportunities to use these qualities.

I have been an Accountant for my whole career, since graduating from Western Australian College of Advanced Education, now known as Edith Cowan University with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and have worked in this field ever since.  I now run my own accounting practice, specialising in Taxation.

Community Service has always been close to my heart. Currently, I am the Volunteer Treasurer for the HMAS PERTH I Memorial Foundation and GFS Inc Perth, previous to this I was the Volunteer Treasurer for an Australian Navy Cadet organisation for well in excess of 10 years.

My name is Charlotte (Charlee) and I am so excited about joining the board of GFS.

I was born in Australia in 1988 and attended St. Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls. I was awarded a Music scholarship in 2001, drums being my instrument of choice. I play all genres of music, from jazz, symphony, pop and rock. I was one of the 4 head prefects at St Hilda’s and graduated with two honours awards.

After school, I was fortunate to take a year to travel and work before commencing Flying Training to become a Commercial Pilot. Upon completing my flying training, I was awarded the Air BP Tom Miller Scholarship.

I am also a qualified flying instructor. I have trained many young pilots including the Air Force Cadets and cadet pilots for China Southern Airways.

I am now a Captain for an Australian Airline. In 2023 I became the first female in Australia to be Captain of my current fleet.

I have been successfully involved with the local government regarding rezoning, which is something I am very passionate about.

I have been involved with and am a director of a successful company located here in Perth for over 8 years.

Privately I love pilates, going most days when I am able, and spending time with my family, which includes my beautiful dog Mira, and travelling.

For some time I have been looking for a new challenge and for something to be a part of. I would like to be able to give a little bit back to the Community. The opportunity to become part of the GFS Board, with all the exciting plans for the future is an amazing opportunity. I will hopefully get to meet many of you and I am looking forward to GFS moving into the future with the amazing plans at West Swan.

With a strong foundation in community development and social planning, Rebecca brings a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, connected communities. Her work spans the tri-sector landscape – collaborating across community, government, and industry to drive meaningful change. Passionate about building resilient networks and empowering local voices, Rebecca is dedicated to supporting GFS Perth’s mission and creating opportunities for people to thrive through strong social networks, shared purpose, and place-based impact.

My name is Sue Lloyd, and I relocated to Perth in late 2023 from the East Coast.

I was a GFS Girl in Melbourne numerous years ago and am now proud to be an adult member of GFS Perth and extremely honoured to serve on their Board.

I was previously a Girl Guide Leader in NSW for over 23 years, as well as having numerous other NGP roles throughout my working career in NSW.

I am a proud member of Rotary International, having joined in 2001, and I am currently an active member of Swan Rotary.

I am also a member of the Swan View Uniting Church and coordinate their Samaritan Purse Operation Christmas Boxes for overseas children.

I am blessed to support Miriam with GFS Perth Wednesday Women’s Group and the Little Buds Thursday Group.

I look forward to supporting the inspiring work of GFS Perth well into the future.

Reverend Alofa Asiata was raised in a Christian family and has always been involved in assisting the local community and ministry work.

Before her ordination, she worked as a layperson for the Samoan Methodist Church of New Zealand for over 3 decades.

During that time, Alofa was involved in children’s programmes, as well as supporting youth missions, and was a member of the Women’s Fellowship for many years.

Alofa led a Cooperating Parish which she says made her life remarkably interesting. She has been involved in leading interfaith work and says pastoral care is one of her passions. Alofa recently moved to Australia to be near her only son and his family.

I’m a Noongar yorga with family roots from Gnarla Karla and Balladong Boodja. I’ve raised 9 children who are all adults now and work in the community sector with the homeless.