About us
Board of directors
Julie Babineau, President
Elected November 2019
Julie Babineau is the chief executive officer of Odyssey House NSW. Julie has worked in the public service in Canada and Australia for more than 35 years. Previously she was appointed Deputy Director of the then Drugs Program Bureau (NSW Health), followed by executive roles at Justice Health, eight years as CEO. She holds qualifications in social work, psychology, sports science, management and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Libby George, Vice President
Elected November 2019
Libby George is the general manager of Drug and Alcohol Health Services Inc. Libby has worked extensively in the human services sector, including roles in education, family support services, health and community services and AOD programs. She holds qualifications in education, mental health, AOD and frontline management.
Peter Valpiani, Finance Executive
Elected November 2019
Peter Valpiani is the chief executive officer of the Haymarket Foundation, and has worked in the non government sector for the past 12 years. He has a keen interest in improving the capacity and effectiveness of the AOD sector through the adoption of innovative practices. Peter is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), as well as qualifications in project management, change management, and communications.
Ed Zarnow, Board Member
Elected November 2019
Ed Zarnow has been employed in the AOD sector for the past nine years, during which time held the position as CEO of Lyndon and currently is the chief operating officer (finance and operations) with Lives Lived Well. Prior to this, Ed held senior management roles in the aged care industry and public health system. His qualifications include health administration (finance), facilities management, and business (governance).
Latha Nithyanandam, Board Member
Elected November 2019
Latha Nithyanandam is the chief executive officer of ADF NSW—Kathleen York House. Latha brings over 36 years’ experience working in mental health services and AOD treatment, both in Australia and overseas. Her qualifications are in psychology at undergraduate, post-graduate and doctorate levels. She also currently holds two service positions for the Australian Psychological Society as treasurer and committee member for both the APS Sydney branch and the ‘Psychology and substance use interest group’.
Norm Henderson, Board Member
Elected November 2019
Norm Henderson is currently working as the senior AOD officer at Weigelli Aboriginal Corporation and program advisor/coordinator of Aboriginal Hub Projects in Parkes, Bourke and Walgett. He holds 25 years’ experience in the AOD sector. Previously he worked as the chief executive officer of Orana Haven Aboriginal Corporation, and manager of the Lyndon therapeutic community.
Leone Crayden, Board Member
Elected November 2021
Leone Crayden is the Chief Executive Officer of The Buttery, a not-for-profit, charitable AOD rehabilitation, addiction and mental health services organisation. With a background in nursing, social science, leadership and governance, Leone has a long and distinguished career in executive and frontline positions in mental health, community housing and homelessness, social welfare and disability.
Gerard Byrne, Board Member
Elected November 2021
Gerard Byrne has over 30 years’ experience in the AOD field, working in counselling to senior management roles. Now the operations manager for WHOS Treatment Services. Gerard holds qualifications in social sciences, AOD work, psychotherapy, clinical supervision, business management, human resource management and workplace training and assessment. He currently holds board positions in AOD peak bodies and services.
Mark Buckingham, Board Member
Elected November 2021
Mark Buckingham is the Chief Executive Officer of Kedesh Rehabilitation Service and has worked in the AOD sector for over 20 years, both in specialist treatment and managerial levels. Mark is a graduate of the University of Wollongong’s Faculty of Commerce, where he focused his studies on health management. He has served on the NADA board as an executive for close to a decade.
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NADA proudly acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the custodians of the land on which our office stands. We extend this acknowledgement to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
NADA has award level accreditation under the Australian Services Excellence Standards (ASES) a quality framework certified by Quality Innovation and Performance (QIP).
NADA is a member of
