our-committee

Our Committee of Management

We provide safe, high-quality disability services centred on people and families.
Our Committee of Management ensures strong governance, compliance, and advocacy while guiding our personalized, community-focused support.

Our Approach to Governance

The Extended Families Australia Committee of Management operates with integrity, transparency, and collaboration. We are committed to good governance, consistently meeting and exceeding the expectations of our participants, families, and funding partners. Through strategic leadership and financial oversight, the committee ensures Extended Families Australia remains a progressive leader in disability support services.

Katherine Shamai

President

Steve Hambleton

Vice President

Anthony Privitelli

Committee Member

Michael Louis

Treasurer

Mei Wu

Committee Member

Peter Ernst-Russell

Committee Member

Maureen Matute

Committee Member

Stefanie Sowman

Committee Member

Interested in joining our Committee?

Meet Our Team

Meet our team of caring professionals
who are committed to supporting
people with disabilities and their families.

meet our team

Katherine Shamai

President

Katherine works closely with C-suite and Boards, advising them on matters relating to governance, financial crime, compliance, and risk management, to ensure they have relevant frameworks in place and reduce the level of risk they are exposed to.

 

As a partner in a professional services firm, Katherine brings a unique blend of industry better practices, and practical and pragmatic advice and recommendations tailored to support Extended Families Australia in achieving its strategic objectives.

 

Katherine has worked with federal, state and local government agencies and departments, For Purpose, ASX listed companies and private companies – in particular in the Disability Support Services, NGO, and Education industries.

Anthony Privitelli

Committee Member

Anthony is an experienced General Manager having worked in the corporate sector in many senior roles. With a background in Engineering and an MBA, Anthony has strong business acumen in strategic management and developing capability. Anthony believes that inclusion and connection makes for happier and healthier individuals and families and is committed to helping Extended Families achieve its goals.

Michael Louis

Treasurer
Michael is an experienced Chartered Accountant with over a decade of expertise in business advisory, virtual CFO, corporate, and international tax. He has extensive experience providing strategic financial leadership to diverse clients, including listed companies and multinational corporations across various industries. Michael is dedicated to using his financial acumen for good and is passionate about supporting Extended Families in their mission to create inclusive communities for people with disabilities and their families.

Mei Wu

Committee Member
Mei is an experienced tax and financial adviser. She has over 25 years of public practice experience and her expertise is tax consulting, tax planning, development of business processes and utilising emerging trends and technologies to streamline processes and optimise workflow. Mei is committed to ensure Extended Families operates efficiently and effectively to provide the best possible service to those in need and to make a positive impact in the lives of others and contributing to the betterment of the community.

Peter Ernst-Russell

Committee Member
Peter is a qualified lawyer, with extensive experience across in-house lawyer roles, including in the energy; media; food and beverage sectors. He is an advocate for Extended Families to build inclusivity and developing the potential of children and young people, to overcome obstacles and feel valued as members of the community.