Stephanie Gillman named as new board president for Townsville’s Community Gro

Townsville group Community Gro, which aims to provide learning opportunities, social interactions, support and emergency relief, have announced their new board president.

Stephanie Gillman and Mark Tyrell.

Townsville group Community Gro, which aims to provide learning opportunities, social interactions, support and emergency relief, have announced their new board president.

Stephanie Gillman has been appointed during what the organisation has called an ‘exciting new chapter’.

With experience in strategic marketing and management, Ms Gillman has been a member of the Community Gro board for the past seven year and is also the Head of Products at Queensland Country Bank.

She takes over role from outgoing president Mark Tyrell, who served on the organisations board for more than nine years and has plans to focus on his business, Altitude Wealth Management.

Kathrin Meehan, Stephanie Gillman, Mark Tyrell.

Ms Gillman said she is incredibly honoured to step into new role for the organisation, which has two communiy centres in Rasmussen and Garbutt.

“Over my years on the board, I’ve witnessed tremendous growth, including the relocation of the Garbutt Neighbourhood Centre from Lonerganne Street to larger premises on Hugh Street in October 2023,” she said.

“As demand for our programs continues to grow, I am excited to work alongside our talented board and staff to expand our reach and deliver even more impressive, inspirational support for those who need it most.”

Community Gro team: Tracey Peace, Kathrin Meehan and Diane Jarden. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Mrs Gillman said Community Gro’s primary focus for 2025 will be on strengthening community partnerships and securing crucial sponsorships to ensure the continuation of their essential programs.

“For businesses looking to make a meaningful impact, Community Gro offers the opportunity to contribute to a stronger, more connected community,” she said.

“These partnerships will be essential to ensuring we can sustain and grow the initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.

“Amid the current cost of living crisis, Community Gro’s mission is more critical than ever, and I am confident that, with our dedicated team, board, and community partners, we can make a meaningful impact.”

Community Gro chief executive Kathrin Meehan said she is excited for the organisation’s future under Mrs Gillman’s leadership, saying demand for their services has reached unprecedented levels this year.

“We’re excited for the future under Stephanie’s presidency. Her experience, combined with the dedication of our board and staff, positions us well to navigate the challenges ahead and continue delivering vital programs,” Ms Meehan said.

Townsville's LNP candidate Adam Baillie has announced $1.8m for the Community Gro program as part of the party's 'gold standard' early intervention program. He shares the news to Townsville mother Christie Rice, whose family benefits from the program.

“The demand for emergency relief has never been greater. Over the past six to twelve months, we’ve seen a significant rise in people being forced to choose between rent, fuel and food.

“Through initiatives like the Purposeful Pantry and meals made onsite, supported by weekly donations from OzHarvest, we’ve been able to provide critical assistance. However, much of this work remains unfunded, and we rely on community and corporate support to continue helping those in need.”

During the 2024 state election now-elected Townsville MP Adam Baillie revealed the LNP’s $1.8m funding announcement to the mothers who interacted with Community Gro’s early intervention program.

The groups Upper Ross Family Support Hub provides early intervention and support for families with children up to the age of eight, with programs including Playgroup, the CrossRoads Parenting Program and the Tuning into Kids Parenting Program.

“We’ve toured a lot of these early intervention type programs and Community Gro was a standout for me in its results, in a number of the kids here,” Mr Baillie said.

Originally published as Stephanie Gillman named as new board president for Townsville’s Community Gro