President /
Jacinta Mannion
I’m Jacinta Mannion I’m a Mum of 3 , business owner and leader in our community. I am passionate about community connection and investing in our younger generation, who are the future of our region. Giving them a set of skills, in their early years to assist them through the challenges of today’s life. As a business owner I want to invest early in my future team and workforce, and have open conversations about positive wellbeing and awareness. Being part of the Ripple effect northwest has opened my mindset to the importance of being part a wider community approach to wellbeing.
Secretary /
Penny Haire
I’m from Tambar Springs where, alongside my 3 teenagers, we grow crops and run beef cattle. Community involvement has always been a part of our family life, from preschool committees, our local school’s P&C through to the Tambar Springs CWA. I see Ripple as a means to connect the wider Gunnedah community and provide a great base & resources for well being.
Treasurer /
Donna Grant
My name is Donna Grant and I am the current treasurer of Ripple Effect North West Inc. I am married with three children, who are all now young adults. I lead a busy and fulfilled life which involving me running a small public practice accounting firm as well and being very involved in our family farming operation. In my spare time I run, which I find is a great way to prepare myself for a busy day ahead.
I was asked to come on board with Ripple by a founding member, Kate Pinn. I jumped at the opportunity as I have seen first hand, the impacts on our local community, when our young people are no doing well. We have seen the devastation felt through suicide; the impacts of youth crime and the loss of hope when our young people do not flourish and achieve to their potential. I was keen to be involved in a locally run organisation that was focused on improving outcomes for our young people through the provision of practical, tangible programs that are tailored to our communities needs.
Committee Member /
Kate Pinn
I'm a mum of three young adults and married to a local agronomist. As a teacher and a partner in our family business, I understand the challenges and rewards of life in a regional community. I grew up in Coonabarabran and have spent most of my life in rural areas, so I know just how vital strong community connections are.
Being involved with Ripple Effect has given me the opportunity to work alongside a passionate group of people who care deeply about the wellbeing of Gunnedah. Through community connection, education, and targeted wellbeing initiatives, we’re helping to build a more resilient and supportive town. As both a teacher and a parent, I see every day how important these efforts are—and the real, lasting impact they can have.
We Believe
Ripple Effect North West Inc was founded in 2022 by a group of people with a deep commitment to improving community wellbeing, particularly for youth. The organisations began with the vision of providing access to evidence based programs that empower young people with the tools and skills needed for their growth and success. By focussing on creating opportunities for flourishing, our goal is not just about short term outcomes but also about fostering resilient and sustainable development in the long term.
Achievements
> Mental Aid First Aid Training 2024 // Ripple Effect delivered our first Mental Health First Aid training in 2024, it was a great success!
Facilitated by Pip Baker from Ripple Effect Wellbeing, it quickly became popular and drew in many educators from the community. It provided a much needed opportunity for raising awareness and provided support for mental health in education environments.
> Parent Session Mental Health First Aid 2024//
We also hosted a parent information evening focussed on raising resilient children, which was informative and engaging. It was a great event that provided insights and a sense of community.
> PESA State Conference Sydney 2024 //
We supported 5 teachers to attend this conference and 2 community members. This Conference is designed for educators and organisations to enhance their understanding of positive education and well-being education - it's the Agquip of Education! The day provides a great overview of many different types of Positive Education.
Our Goals
We are excited to organise community initiatives aimed at raising funds to provide mental health first aid training and support for our youth. Our goal is to empower young people and educators with the skills and resources they need to maintain their mental wellbeing. If you would like to support us in our mission, your involvement can make a lasting difference.
Our Creative Founders.
This is a special team of community members who work across all sectors of our community. They are passionate about improving the mental health fitness of our community.
Committee Member /
Georgina Gavel
Living in a regional area it is sometimes a challenge to get access to help. I have 3 teenagers and a desire to see that our regional kids get the same opportunities as our city kids. Wellbeing is the centre of our overall health and I want to be involved in empowering our community and bringing a sense of positive energy and resilience to the younger generation. Ripple Effect has given me the ability to discuss these issues with likeminded people from our community.
Committee Member /
Tammy White
I’m the mother of a son who, more by luck than good management, I’ve managed to get through to adulthood. I’ve grown up in, studied and worked in rural and remote communities my whole life. One of my goals in becoming a lawyer was to be able to help young people, particularly in less supported regional areas.
Having spent the majority of my life in rural areas I understand the special places they are and the strength of and necessity for community organisations to not only provide ballast for those communities, but also to drive and support change.
My involvement with Ripple Effect came about as a result of watching friends, families and communities struggle with the loss young people to mental health issues and thinking that there has to be a way improve the mental wellbeing of our communities.
Committee Member /
Mel McCulloch
After living and working in Sydney for 18 years, in the hospitality, public relations and child protection sectors, I returned home to Gunnedah with 3 children and a husband, to move close to family and hoping to give my chidlren a childhood similar to the one that I remembered.
Gunnedah has now been home for about 17 years and we love living in north west NSW. After working with local family support services for over 10 years, working in the homlessness and domestic and family violence area, I moved into aged care and am working with GoCo Community Care that provides in-home care in the New England and North West NSW.
With a history of working with people who may experience mental health issues, I was very interested in becoming involved in an organistion such as Ripple Effect North West Inc. Ripple Effect’s purpose of increasing the wellbeing and developing the skills and knowledge around good mental fitness, that in turn builds collective resilience in the community, alligned well with my own philosophy.
Committee Member /
Enja Prest
Former Professional Boxer
Ranked no 1 in Australia and No 15 in the World / Personal Trainer
Program Coordinator for Stars Foundation, supporting young aboriginal and Torres Strait islander girls through high school and life after school.
My why is to create better opportunities for these young ladies during and after their education years. Supporting them to achieve, be successful and feel a sense of belonging in their communities.
Teaching the next generation to be confident young women ready to take on a challenge and step outside their comfort zones whilst learning to grow as a person.
Mission
Build the capacity of our community through the delivery of quality, evidence based programs.
Purpose
To raise money to increase access to and facilitate generational change in the mental wellness of our local communities.
Partnerships
Fundraising
Bringing Events and training to our region
The inaugural Melbourne Cup Lunch 2023,
A successful fundraising event dedicated to supporting our 2024 initiatives. With the generous support of the Railway Hotel, we were able to deliver the Mental Health First Aid training workshop to over 30 participants. This special celebration resonates with our commitment to creating a positive impact. in our community.
Ripple NorthWest was excited to partner with The Railway Hotel again for the Melbourne Cup Lunch 2024. This important fundraising event aims to help fund our 2025 initiatives, which include launching the Inaugural Handball Competition and introducing The Lure It Up!, a youth fishing lure program in collaboration with Gunnedah PCYC. Stay tuned for more information!
Handball Championship
Ripple Style!
Was completed on the 16th of October. Community sponsorship and involvement was integral to our success that day and we are so happy to announce that we raised $4600. This will be put towards Mental Health First Aid courses for 2026 where we aim to increase connection and wellbeing in our community.
We wish to acknowledge the deep sadness felt across our organisation following the tragic passing of Britt Abraham. Britt was a valued and foundational member of our committee. She brought insight, compassion, and a strong commitment to social justice within our communities. Britt was proud to support Ripple Northwest and incorporated this work into her PhD studies, which focused on mental health.
Ange Langdom from Wobblee Ware - a friend of Britt's has kindly donated $2000 from the sale of earrings in memory of Britt. We are very grateful for this donation and we will continue to promote positive wellbeing and engagement among local youth and community.
Located in Gunnedah NSW. Located 420km from Sydney. 100km from Tamworth and 780km from Brisbane.
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WHERE WE ARE
Located in Gunnedah NSW. Located 420km from Sydney
100km from Tamworth and 780km from Brisbane
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