Chris Black, Board Chair

Chris holds a double Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Commerce, as well as a Graduate of the AICD. He represents other boards and was the former Vice President of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce. He started and then sold a financial services business to a Fortune 500 American Company in 2019 and was noted as one of the most influential advisers in Australia according to the Financial Standard.

In his spare time, Chris enjoys giving back to the community and keeping fit doing triathlons, park-runs and riding his bike. He also loves cricket, football and racing cars with his brother.  He is a father to 3 boys, married to a clinical psychologist and is passionate about changing the conversation with, and removing any stigma around mental health.  He believes in proactive mental fitness and believes in a ‘whole of community responsibility’ approach to helping people. 

Don Carlson, Deputy Chair

Don joined the board as a committee member in 2018, and brings a depth of financial and business knowledge. Before retiring, Don spent 26 years as a financial planner – working at all levels from being a sole operator, through to being a Director of a business employing up to 60 people. Don has also been a Director on the Board of Ability Enterprises since just after its inception in 2011, and has held the role of Treasurer for that organisation. One of the things Don values about Momentum Mental Health is the difference that it makes in the lives of people who have been struggling with mental challenges. Don particularly feels comfortable with the purpose driven model and the goal that success for the organisation is when a member chooses to make their own way in the wider world. This is especially important to Don as his adult son has Asperger’s Syndrome.

When Don isn’t working with Momentum, some of his other interests include: Social Enterprise experience on the Board of Ability Enterprises; Co-founder of Toowoomba Business Networkers a business networking club; Previously served on the committee of the Toowoomba Jazz Society and is currently on the management committee of Toowoomba Bushwalking Club and Renew Toowoomba Branch (Alternative Technology Association).

Don holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Environmental Science and has a diverse working background including rural production, research and marketing, as well as working as a Financial planner and business owner.

Cat Ardi

Cat is a dynamic Toowoomba-based entrepreneur renowned for her versatile business ventures across multiple industries. As the General Manager of Excavation Equipment Pty Ltd (EXEQ), she has significantly contributed to the company’s growth and recognition, including being named Business of the Year at the Focus HR Business Excellence Awards.

In 2024, Cat launched The Know, an Australian skincare brand developed in collaboration with dermatologists and pharmacists. Inspired during the COVID-19 lockdown, she sought to create a simple, effective skincare routine tailored for individuals exposed to harsh environments. The brand emphasizes authenticity and simplicity, resonating with consumers seeking confidence in their skincare choices. .

Beyond her business endeavors, Cat is an advocate for women in leadership. She has been recognized with the Greater Downs Woman in Business Award and the Heritage Bank Business Excellence Awards – Future Leader of the Year.

Dr Raelene Ward

Raelene is a proud Aboriginal woman originating from Cunnamulla. She is a descendant of the Kunja traditional owner group of Cunnamulla and surrounding areas on her grandfather’s side and her grandmother is a descendant of the Kooma people from South-West Queensland. She is a practicing clinical nurse for the last 30 years, focusing clinical work and research on Suicide Prevention, Aboriginal health, Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health in the broader areas of Social Justice, capacity building and Determinants of Aboriginal health.

She was awarded the Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) LIFE Award – Indigenous Category, for the unique and creative health program, service partnership encompassing the holistic and social view of health (physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual), wellbeing of Indigenous individuals and communities in promoting suicide prevention across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland. She completed a Masters in Health (research-based) in 2010 titled “In the event of a crisis’ what services are accessed and available to an Aboriginal community who have been affected by suicide and/or self-harm” which further warranted the completion of her PhD in 2016 focusing on ‘Suicide Prevention: Exploring Aboriginal understandings of suicide from a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Framework’.

Jane Ranger

Jane was appointed to the Chief Finance Officer role in August 2016. In this role, Jane provides single-point accountability for the Finance Division including Financial Control, Commercial Management and Procurement, Health Information Services and the Business Analysis and Development areas ensuring the prudent financial management for Darling Downs Health

Jane has extensive experience at a senior level in the banking, hospitality, public transport, manufacturing and building industries. She also has senior level experience in both public and private health care.

Jane has a Bachelor of Business from Griffith University Gold Coast, where she graduated as dux of the year. Jane gained her CPA status in 2002 and was awarded a Fellowship in 2019.

In 2018 she gained a Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors and completed the Queensland Health Change Leadership Program in association with KPMG and Harvard University.

In her spare time Jane enjoys spending time at her small family farm just outside of Toowoomba with her husband. Jane has a particular interest in mental health issues affecting our regional and rural communities.

Alison Kennedy

Alison Kennedy is a seasoned leader in the fundraising sector. She served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, where she introduced innovative events and significantly increased revenue through strategic fundraising and the development of the Foundation’s commercial arm. Under her leadership, the Foundation embarked on ambitious projects, including the establishment of the Museum of Health, aimed at preserving the history of healthcare and mental health services in the region.

Alison’s contributions to the community have been widely recognized. She was named one of Toowoomba’s “Top 40 Most Powerful People” and was honored as the 2018 Downs Business Woman of the Year.

Alison holds a Diploma in Marketing and is a member of several professional organizations, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Fundraising Institute of Australia, and the Toowoomba-Surat Basin Enterprise.