Our Board

Sarah Barclay - Chairperson

Sarah joined the Board of Caretakers Cottage in April 2013.  Sarah began working with children and young people in a residential school setting, in 2001, before developing her career at a housing association providing supported accommodation to young people at risk of homelessness in inner city London.  Sarah relocated to Sydney in 2008 when she began working for a metropolitan Community Housing provider, Bridge Housing Limited, where she has worked in a number of roles that have encompassed community development, project management and management of a housing team. Sarah has been recently responsible for developing partnerships, tenant participation and an IT implementation project.  Sarah has a degree in History and Social Sciences from Manchester University and is currently studying for a Masters in International and Community Development

Tomas Rowlandson - Treasurer

Tomás joined the Board of Caretakers Cottage in January 2011. Tomás is an experienced community services worker, having been involved with such organisations as WAYS Youth Services and The Exodus Foundation. He currently works as a disability support worker with Eastern Respite and Recreation not-for-profit organisation which provides a range of support services for people with a disability and their carers. Tomas is also undertaking a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in religion and philosophy) at the University of Western Sydney. Being a former resident of the Caretakers Cottage Refuge, Tomás brings a unique perspective and insight to the Board of Caretakers.

Andrew O’Brien

Andrew joined the Board of Caretakers Cottage in 2018. Andrew is a broadcast television professional with over 30 years’ experience in the media and communications sector. Andrew has worked on many headline sports broadcasts, including Olympics Games and Commonwealth Games, Test Match cricket, State of Origins, NRL Grand Finals, Wallaby Test Matches and British and Irish Lions Tours, F1, Indy Car, Supercars and premium horse racing including Cox Plates and Melbourne Cups.

Andrew has volunteered with Orange Sky and is a supporter of the Pass It On Clothing group, who supply fresh clothing to the homeless people of Sydney. Andrew holds qualifications in audio engineering, television production, leadership and coaching, Certificate III & Certificate IV in fitness, is a qualified personal trainer and is currently completing a Business Law degree through Curtin University.

Effie Warren

 Effie Warren is a seasoned housing management professional with over 9 years of hands-on experience in the field. Her expertise lies in effectively managing housing programs and properties, ensuring the provision of quality housing services to residents.

Effie's journey in housing management began with a passion for creating thriving communities and ensuring that individuals and families have access to safe and affordable housing. Throughout her career, she has held various leadership roles, overseeing the day-to-day operations of housing complexes, implementing policies and procedures, and managing budgets and resources efficiently.

As a housing management professional, Effie stays abreast of industry trends and best practices, continuously seeking opportunities for professional development and growth. She remains deeply committed to her mission of ensuring that every individual has access to safe, affordable, and well-managed housing, and continues to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Trent Thomas

Trent joined the Board of Caretakers Cottage in September 2020. Trent is a business leader with an extensive HR background. He has a broad range of experience in commercial, government and not for profit sectors within Australia and Asia. Trent has had previous experience in the transport sector leading human resources functions and projects in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. Trent has held a number of volunteer roles in not for profit organisations over the past 15 years ranging from committee to senior board positions. As a result of his volunteering Trent was recognised as the NSW Young Volunteer of the Year in 2013. Trent holds a Bachelor of Commerce/Art, a Masters in Human Resources & Industrial Relations and is currently studying for a Masters of Business Administration.

Caelan Shaw

Caelan joined the Board of Caretakers Cottage in 2024. Caelan is a Lawyer who practices mainly in industrial relations and commercial law. Caelan has previous experience in the Courts and Tribunals sector of the public service assisting primarily in migration cases and other proceedings involving children and families. Whilst working in the public sector, Caelan also performed human resource duties. Caelan holds a Bachelor of Arts – Psychology and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Macquarie University. He is currently pursuing post-graduate studies, studying a Master of Laws (Applied Law).