Our Leadership
Our Senior Leadership Team
Ross Barns
Brisbane native, Ross Barns founded HYPAR in 2008 after working as a Youth Worker for Youth Justice Queensland and in youth crisis housing. Recognising the need for additional support for young people in the Youth Justice system, he started a mentoring program, which led to the creation of HYPAR.
Over the years the organisation gained a reputation for positive outcomes, leading to the establishment of HYPAR Residential Care after being invited to become a licenced care organisation by Child Safety in 2015.
Ross established the latest addition to the HYPAR Group in 2017, an adventure therapy and outdoor education program known as HYPAR Wild.
Passionate about helping Young People and the community, Ross continues to strive for positive change.
David Vojinov
David brings over 20 years of experience in financial leadership across the not-for-profit, aged care, disability, and community services sectors, with a strong background in governance, strategic transformation, and building organisational capability from the ground up. As Chief Financial Officer, he is committed to ensuring HYPAR Group’s financial foundations are robust, transparent, and aligned to delivering meaningful outcomes for the young people and communities it serves.
David holds a Bachelor of Commerce, is a Fellow CPA, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) — combining deep technical expertise with a strong commitment to organisational leadership and financial stewardship. Throughout his career, he has led complex financial transformations, delivered sustainable outcomes in challenging environments, strengthened governance frameworks, and built high-performing finance teams across a range of mission-driven organisations in the aged care, disability, and community services sectors.
David was drawn to HYPAR Group because of its values-driven model, its commitment to person-centred support, and the opportunity to play a foundational role in building the financial and governance infrastructure that will sustain and grow its impact for years to come.
Matt Parkes
Matt brings over 15 years of experience in the child protection sector, with a strong background in leadership, service delivery, and supporting positive outcomes for children, young people, and families. As Chief Operating Officer, he is committed to ensuring services are responsive, effective, and focused on achieving meaningful outcomes for those HYPAR supports.
Matt holds a Masters in Business Psychology, combining his understanding of people, leadership, and organisational performance to support both staff and participants. His passion for the child protection sector has remained a driving force throughout his career, and he is dedicated to creating environments where young people can feel safe, supported, and empowered.
Matt was drawn to HYPAR Group because of its values-driven approach, commitment to innovation, and focus on delivering person-centred supports that make a genuine difference in people’s lives.
Emily Gehrke
With over 15 years of experience in human resources and a background in 5-star hospitality, Emily is passionate about building positive, people-focused workplace cultures. Drawn to HYPAR Group’s mission, she joined the organisation in 2021 to help create positive change for young people, a value that resonates deeply with her as a mother of two.
Emily is committed to fostering strong relationships, supporting employee wellbeing, and creating environments where teams feel engaged and empowered.
She believes that when staff are supported, they deliver their best, leading to meaningful outcomes for young people, participants, and stakeholders alike.
Renee Weeks
Renee joined the HYPAR Group in 2021, bringing experience from high-risk industries to the organisation, including the Royal Australian Airforce and Traffic Management & Road Safety.
Renee now brings her wealth of experience and steely determination to the Social and Youth Care Services Industry, coupled with her qualifications in Compliance,
Lead Auditing, Quality and Systems.
Being the mum of an amazing young son, Renee feels she has the opportunity to “pay it
forward” by being part of an organisation that has a positive impact on the lives of young people and contributes to the betterment of their futures.
Annette Pravidur
Annette brings over 10 years of experience in the human services sector, with a strong background in residential care and family intervention support. She has worked in both frontline and leadership roles, including working with the Department of Child Safety.
Annette holds a Bachelor of Human Services (Children and Families) and is passionate about creating positive change in the lives of others. Inspired by HYPAR Group’s mission and values, she joined the organisation to continue growing personally and professionally, while contributing to meaningful outcomes for young people.
Annette is committed to ongoing learning, development, and empowering those she supports to thrive.
Amber Ward
Amber brings over 17 years of experience in the disability sector and 6 years within the child safety system through a dual service provider. She holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, majoring in Disability Education and Rehabilitation, and has worked across frontline, practice, and leadership roles supporting people with disability and young people with complex support needs.
Amber was inspired to join HYPAR Group because of its commitment to innovation, participant choice and control, and its focus on creating meaningful outcomes. She is passionate about identifying gaps in support, developing innovative services, and empowering people to build independence and achieve their goals.
Amber is committed to continuous learning, strong leadership, and creating opportunities that make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Our Board
Julia Zivanovich
Inspired by supportive adults and organisations in her youth, Julia found herself drawn to HYPAR Group and our mission to better the lives of others by embodying our key values throughout our services.
Julia brings extensive experience in company secretary and executive roles, serving organisations like Sea Turtle Foundation, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Market Research Society. In addition to this, Julia has worked in executive/managerial roles for larger corporations such as Colonial First State and CBA across Australia and the UK.
As a member of the AICD and Governance Institute of Australia, Julia holds an Advanced Masters in Business Administration, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies, and a IAP2 Certificate of Engagement.
Kelly Cavallaro
Driven by a strong belief that every person deserves access to supportive relationships, Kelly was inspired to join HYPAR Group, aligning with its mission to uplift and empower those who need it most.
With extensive experience in governance and community engagement, Kelly has served as Company Secretary and held executive board roles with Mission Beach Community Enterprises Limited. She also runs her own accounting and advisory practice and have contributed to numerous community organisation committees across Far North Queensland.
Academically accomplished, Kelly holds a Master of Business Administration, is a Fellow of both the Institute of Public Accountants and the Institute of Financial Professionals, a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a qualified Justice of the Peace.
Ross Barns
Brisbane native, Ross Barns founded HYPAR in 2008 after working as a Youth Worker for Youth Justice Queensland and in youth crisis housing. Recognising the need for additional support for young people in the Youth Justice system, he started a mentoring program, which led to the creation of HYPAR.
Over the years the organisation gained a reputation for positive outcomes, leading to the establishment of HYPAR Residential Care after being invited to become a licenced care organisation by Child Safety in 2015.
Ross established the latest addition to the HYPAR Group in 2017, an adventure therapy and outdoor education program known as HYPAR Wild.
Passionate about helping Young People and the community, Ross continues to strive for positive change.
John Saines
John is a Chartered Accountant (CA) who has worked in Finance, Management Consultancy and Accounting sectors across the Asia Pacific region for over 10 years. Holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA), he has worked in senior roles within global consulting firms and organisations of all sizes, ranging from not-for-profit to government and ASX listed entities.
Throughout this time, John has developed a passion for the Youth sector, holding several board positions dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk and disadvantaged youth.
John joined HYPAR Group’s Board of Directors to continue his passions and contribute to the betterment of the lives of others.
David Kent
David is a senior executive with deep experience in the mining, manufacturing, retail, consulting and not-for-profit sectors.
He brings to the Board commercial and strategic growth expertise and is focused on making a tangible difference in shaping the organisation’s growth.
David is the General Manager Strategy & Corporate Development for an ASX listed mining services contracting company. He is passionate about creating enduring positive social change.
