Our People

Meet Our Board and Staff Members

At Common Ground Queensland, our dedicated team of professionals shares a common passion for addressing one of society’s most pressing issues: homelessness. Our board members and staff members are committed to making a positive impact in our community by working tirelessly to end homelessness. With a shared vision of creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all, our team brings a wealth of diverse experiences, skills, and expertise to the table. 

Together, we are united by the belief that ever individual deserves a safe and stable place to call home. 

Image showing the rooftop garden at the Brisbane Common Ground building.

Our People

Common Ground staff are passionate about helping individuals and families in Queensland. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate tenancy management for our tenants as they work towards a brighter future.

Sue Pope

CEO

Sue has more than 20 years’ experience working in the non-profit health and community sector in Queensland in a variety of senior policy, advocacy and ...
A portrait image of the Administration Manager for Common Ground Queensland.

Erin Smith

Administration Manager

Erin is the the Administration Manager for Common Ground Queensland. She leads the Corporate Administration team, working closely with the CEO to implement and manage ...
A portrait image of the senior tenancy manager for Brisbane Common Ground.

Derek Taylor

Senior Tenancy Manager

Derek is the Senior Tenancy Manager at Brisbane Common Ground. Derek has over ten years of experience in the supportive housing space, and is dedicated ...

Brendan Goebel

Finance Manager

Brendan is the Finance Manager for Common Ground Queensland, and plays an integral role in improving the organisation's financial systems. ...
Portrait image of the Operations Manager at Brisbane Common Ground.

Michael Murphy

Operations Manager

Michael is the Operations Manager for Brisbane Common Ground, and plays a central role in the day-to-day management and maintenance of the building, ensuring the ...

Directors

Our dedicated board members at Common Ground Queensland are a passionate group of individuals committed to ending homelessness in our community. With a wealth of expertise and unwavering dedication, they drive our mission forward. 

Kate Jones

Co-Chairperson

Kate has more than 20 years experience in senior government and leadership positions. Kate served as a Minister in the Queensland Government for more than ...
A portrait of a man.

Michael Ryall

Co-Chairperson

Michael is the Chief Financial Officer of the property development company Spyre Group. He is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience. ...
A portrait headshot of a woman.

Christine Grose

Director

Christine Grose has over three decades of direct service delivery and management experience in the community sector - in particular in the areas of homelessness ...
An portrait headshot of Kate Grimley.

Kate Grimley

Director

Kate is a Chartered Accountant, with over 25 years of experience in professional services across various fields of accounting and in different jurisdictions throughout Australian ...
An headshot portrait of Kate.

Kate Francis-Mulder

Director

Kate is a Chartered Engineer with over a decade of experience in construction, engineering and professional services in Australia and Europe. ...
A portrait photo of CGQ Director Stephen Wockner.

Stephen Wockner

Director

Stephen brings extensive experience in executive, information, technology, risk and organisational management to our organisation. ...

Jackson Hills

Director

Jackson has spent more than 15 years working in non-for-profit and community organisations. This includes 12.5 years with Tennis Australia, three years with the Australian ...
A portrait headshot of a woman.

Joanna Spanjaard

Director

Joanna is currently the Director of Governance and Risk at The University of Queensland. She has over 20 years’ experience. ...
A portrait headshot of a man.

Justin Hogg

Director

Over his career, Justin Hogg has worked as an accountant in a number of industries including overseeing teams responsible for billion-dollar business ventures through to ...
A portrait headshot of a man.

Mark Neave

Director

Mark has over 40 years’ experience working within the Health and Welfare sectors as a frontline worker ranging from direct clinical work as a social ...

How you can help

Join us in our journey to end homelessness! We believe that everyone has a right to live in dignity and have a safe place to call home. Homelessness is a solvable problem: your donation will help us to create homes for individuals and families in our community who are currently homeless.

Uluru Statement From The Heart

Common Ground Queensland accepts the invitation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and supports a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Australian Constitution.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Owners and Custodians of the land on which we work. We recognise sovereignty was never ceded.