The combined experience, expertise and commitment of our Directors has resulted in a Board that understands and practices strategic ways of governing. The Board is resourced with professional secretarial support.

Brett de Chastel is principle of de Chastel and Associates, a Sunshine Coast management consultancy specialising in the provision of strategic advice to the not-for-profit and government sectors.  With a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism Major), Bachelor of Law and a Masters of Business Administration (Human Resources Major), Brett brings a broad range of management experience from both the public and private sectors.

In addition to his role with United Synergies, Brett is involved in other community organisations including junior soccer and surf lifesaving.

Peter Billinghurst (Director)

Peter Billinghurst is a Chartered Accountant with 29 years experience in the accounting profession. His experience is well-rounded and includes time spent both in commerce and in the public practice, the latter working with an extremely diverse client portfolio.

Peter is one of the committee members involved with the establishment of community banking on the Sunshine Coast and sits on the board of Sunshine Coast Community Financial Services Limited. Peter is a founding director of Billinghurst Martin Chartered Accountants which operate from Cooroy.

Ali Lamond (Director)

Ali Lamond is an owner/company director of local Sunshine Coast business FENCEPAC. With a knowledge of, and participation in, a range of volunteer and business ventures, Ali brings to the board of United Synergies the business and private enterprise focus for clients.

Ian Macdonald (Director)

Ian Macdonald was executive director of Relationships Australia for 23 years and managed its transition from a voluntary agency to become one of Queensland's largest professional counselling organisations.

He has been a member of the Queensland Government's Domestic Violence Task Force; was a foundation member and chair of the Queensland Responsible Gaming Advisory Committee and is currently a member of the Queensland Gaming Commission.

Prior to accepting a board position, Ian worked alongside United Synergies staff for seven years, as a counsellor with Relationships Australia. He is now semi-retired in Noosa.

Ian Montague (Director)

Ian Montague is the Director of Business Services with Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE.  Originally from Victoria, Ian has lived on the Sunshine Coast since 2004 and has spent several years in business development roles in the education arena, as well as 15 years in ceramic manufacturing.

Trina Howley (Director)

Trina Howley operates her own consulting business, Trina Howley Consulting.  Trina has worked in community-service and consulting based roles in the areas of general equality development, community development, social analysis, civil society and ngo development.

Trina has worked in many parts of the world including Timor Leste, Indonesia, Thailand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.