Who We Are

Mr Mark Horton, Chief Executive Officer

I am a semi-retired corporate executive who has held senior executive director roles, most notably with the Campbell Soup Company and Arnott’s Biscuits. For the past twenty years I have specialised in change management, strategic planning and leadership. As a business advisor, I have worked across numerous industries including fast consumables (FMCG), pharmaceuticals, retail, and small start-up businesses. I am the author of the book Power to Choose - Challenge to Change. The launch of his book established a successful 20-year career as an international speaker.

In addition to my corporate career, I have dedicated 20 years to helping Not-For-Profit organisations. I am a former director of MS Australia, the VP Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association (PARAQUD) NSW, and a former director of Great Community Transport, Western Sydney / Blue Mountains. In addition, I have a passion for Community Radio, and am the former president of Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM, former director of Temora Community Radio TEM FM 102.5 and current Chairman for Triple A Radio 107.1 FM Wagga Wagga.

I am a former young citizen of the year for my hometown Queanbeyan and a former Australia Day ambassador for the New South Wales Australia Day Council, as well as the recipient of a vocal scholarship from the Canberra School of Music (now the ANU).

Mr Peter Keith, President

I am a retired general practitioner and was principal GP in the one practice in Wagga for 32 years (1981 to 2013). I was for 4 years (1993 to 1997) the part time Coordinator of the Wagga Wagga and District Division of General Practice, one of the precursors of the now Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network. I have been retired for over 5 years. I have served on the Friends of Sunflower House Committee for 4 years. I have broad community interests and commitments, and have additionally held executive positions in Rotary, the Anglican Church, and Community Radio for many years. In the 1970’s I served with my family for 6 years in rural Tanzania in Anglican medical and missionary work.I am passionate about serving in community organisations like Sunflower House which support mental health clients.

Ruth jude, Vic President

I am a Wagga local, and a registered nurse working both in the hospital and community space. I grew up in the mid north coast and relocated to Wagga more than 25 years ago. Professionally I’ve had roles in bone marrow transplant and paediatric haematology research, but most of my work has been in aged care assessment, dealing with the physical and mental health challenges of clients, and structuring options to promote and maintain independence.

From a family and professional perspective I’ve seen both the trauma of mental health issues, and the successes of strong community support that exist across all ages groups. My own resources are my family, gardening and my chooks!

My new passion is to build on the success of Sunflower House and grow this fantastic local resource.

mr Reuben Robinson, SECRETARY

I am a counsellor at Relationships Australia, assisting people to overcome various life challenges. A significant part of my work involves supporting men to end violent and coercive behaviours. I have previously worked as a child protection caseworker, working with families who experience adversity. My purpose is to help people to achieve their needs and goals, tackling adversity and promoting positive change. 

I graduated with the Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) through Charles Sturt University in July 2021. While at university, I completed a 500-hour placement at Sunflower House, helping to provide programs and activities for the people attending here. It was a fulfilling experience and I joined the Committee of Management soon after my placement finished. The people at Sunflower House inspire me with their stories of how they adapt to life with mental health challenges and how they promote healing. 

Prior to becoming a social worker, I worked in environmental science for 20 years. I worked with farmers to address environmental issues affecting their cropping enterprises, and as a consultant, completing environmental assessments for various infrastructure projects in NSW and the ACT, including here at Wagga Wagga. 

Mr Damon Smith, Treasurer

I am a Wagga Wagga local who commenced work as a trainee accountant in 2002 at Selby Watson & Co (to present). I graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and was admitted as a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand in 2009. Over the past 10 years I have completed the Committee for Wagga’s Emerging Leaders Program (2014) and began volunteering as treasurer for Friends of Sunflower House in 2013. I was married in 2006 and am raising 4 boys. I am passionate about our local community and am honoured to be able to support community organisations such as Sunflower house.

KEREIN MULLENS

I have lived in Wagga Wagga for over 40 years and have raised three daughters in this wonderful community.

One of our daughters has a disability so I have lived experience as a carer, and this has led me to a career in the disability sector with Intereach, six years ago. In this role, I have gained substantial experience working in the disability sector specialising in accessibility and inclusion for everyone within Wagga Wagga and surrounds. I have worked to link people to community and mainstream services and worked alongside organisations to highlight the need for our community to be accessible and inclusive for all people. As a professional in the disability sector, I work closely with relevant stakeholders, and as such, I have a broad understanding of the challenges associated with people with lived experience of disability.In many ways, I see my role as a Committee Member with Sunflower House an extension to my passion working for inclusion and access towards a time when every member of the community can access our town, and all it has to offer.

I look forward to contributing my personal and professional knowledge to Sunflower House, and in turn continue to assist and improve the lives of participating members to live their best lives.

Ms Sandra kirk, senior mental health officer

I operate in our activity room at Sunflower House, supporting our members with their mental health issues on a day to day basis.  I initiate and facilitate wellness programs such as mindfulness and tai chi.  I support our members with their NDIS application process, accompanying them at appointments for their mental and physical health and compiling their necessary documentation.  In addition to this, I work as a one-to-one mental health support worker both on-site and off-site.  I am also responsible for meeting with people who are looking to become members at Sunflower House.

I am qualified in aged care nursing and diversional therapy.  I worked as a support and activities officer at Edel Quinn Support Services  and then PHaMS (Personal Helpers and Mentors) covering all facets of mental health support.  Prior to joining Sunflower House, I was a one-to-one counsellor at therapeutic program facilitator at Junee Correctional Centre.

I am a ‘‘family first’ person and am actively involved with my children and grandchildren. I enjoy walking, reading, listening to music and the rewarding experience of rehabilitating rescue dogs.