ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
OUR VALUES
- Rights – We listen and support the aspirations of our people, clients and staff.
- Inclusion – We believe everyone has a valued contribution to make and the right to feel safe in all environments.
- Collaboration and partnerships – Are the keys to achieving great outcomes. We encourage others, look for win-wins, and celebrate our success and that of others.
- With, not for – We aim to develop capability, not create dependence.
- Impact – We believe in accountability, doing what we say, and getting things done. We set goals, make plans and meet deadlines.
- Learning – We are always learning and are well-placed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
OUR HISTORY
The founding members were parents who had been providing disability services to their community. The first employment workshop and Training Centre opened in 1970, with residential care supporting 8 people in 1975.
1980 is when the association changed its name to Barkuma. By now the newly named Barkuma was supporting 110 people with Intellectual Disability, but doing so reliant on donations, fundraising and volunteers. In 1986, ‘Project employment’ was the first open employment service in South Australia, supporting people with disability to work in the mainstream workforce.
‘Project employment’ was renamed ‘Personnel Employment’ in 1989, then ‘Barkuma Employment’ in 2016. In the late 80’s the Smithfield factory was relocated to Salisbury and Para Hills, under the names Silkwood Fine Furniture and Northpack.
In 1999 Barkuma obtained RTO status and established Disability Training Australia. Barkuma opened the Elizabeth site on Philip Highway in 2000, and Holden Hill in 2011.
2015 saw Barkuma register as an NDIS provider and a year later in 2016, Barkuma is awarded the inaugural Telstra Business Awards South Australian Charity.
November 2023 Barkuma wins Service Provider Award (for businesses with more than 15 FTEs) at the South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards.
Barkuma is proud of our history of supporting South Australians with disability, and looks forward to a future partnering with people on the journey to their best life.
MEET THE BOARD
The Board of Barkuma Incorporated accepts overall responsibility for the corporate governance of the organisation. The Board directs and monitors the business and affairs of Barkuma and delegates the responsibility for the management of the organisation to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The Board operates in accordance with The Constitution of Barkuma Incorporated and reports to members through the Annual Report, Annual General Meeting and such other meetings as may be called by the Board or the membership.
CHAIRPERSON
Ursula Hickey
With over 36 years in Local Government, Ursula Hickey is a respected leader in community services, infrastructure, and organisational management.
Ursula currently serves as Chair of Barkuma, where she provides strategic leadership and governance oversight to support financial stewardship, risk management and long-term organisational sustainability.
Ursula has led executive roles across Adelaide, Burnside, Campbelltown, and Mitcham Councils, overseeing community, economic, and infrastructure portfolios, managing budgets up to $20 million, and delivering major projects including six public libraries.
Ursula joined Barkuma in 2021 and served as Director, Deputy Chair, and Chair of Board sub-committees before her appointment as Chair in 2025.
Ursula holds degrees in Libraries and Information Management, Management, and Innovation for Transformation. She has also volunteered with Down Syndrome SA, RSPCA and Barkuma.
Ursula’s experience growing up with a brother with a disability deepens her understanding of the challenges faced by people with disability. This personal connection underpins her dedication to Barkuma’s mission and continues to influence her inclusive approach to leadership and governance.
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON
Ian Woollastan
Iain Woollaston has over 25 years of leadership in construction, project management, and the not-for-profit sector, helping strengthen Barkuma’s Board with his experience.
Iain has held executive leadership roles, including General Manager and Commercial Manager, across private, government and not-for-profit organisations. His career has focused on delivering complex projects and leading large, diverse teams, with emphasis on financial performance, safety, risk management and operational efficiency. He is highly experienced in strategic planning, negotiation and the implementation of systems for sustainable growth and innovation.
Iain’s governance experience spans over a decade. He served on the Board of YourPlace Housing as Property Committee Chair and a member of the Finance, Risk, Audit and Compliance Committee, contributing to the merger of IDAA and Accessible Housing. He also served on the Board of Community Support Inc, chaired the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, and supported services for over 1,000 clients.
Iain holds an MBA and an Advanced Diploma in Management. He completed governance training with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Nexus and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders.
Iain’s experience as a parent of a child with a disability drives his commitment to Barkuma, directly contributing to more inclusive, person-centred outcomes for individuals.
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Jodi Wright
BOARD MEMBER
Martine Feckner
BOARD MEMBER
Stephen Diprose
BOARD MEMBER
Melanie Ottaway
BOARD MEMBER
Neil O’Reilly
BOARD MEMBER
Nancy Penna
BOARD MEMBER
Tom Sullivan
OUR AMBASSADOR
