About Us
About Umbrella Group Great Southern Inc.
Launched in 2023, Umbrella Group (UGGS) stands as a compassionate parent organisation to our not-for-profit, dedicated to uplifting the lives of marginalised and vulnerable individuals in the Great Southern region.
Through our core projects MIYAD, The Care Shuttle and Need a Lift embraces its mission of fostering a supportive community that empowers those in need. By providing strategic guidance, essential resources, and a shared vision, Umbrella Group enables us to design and implement programs that specifically address the challenges faced in education, employment, and healthcare access. Together, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Our community keeps us going
As a committed not-for-profit organisation, we depend on the generous contributions of our sponsors and the community to create meaningful change that enhances lives.
Our goal is to empower individuals by providing them with crucial resources and generating opportunities that promote freedom, independence, and a brighter future for everyone. By collaborating with local businesses, volunteers, and advocates, we design customised programs that tackle the specific challenges encountered by those we assist.
Together, we are dedicated to transforming lives by encouraging education, offering vocational training, and ensuring access to essential services. Your donations play an essential role in helping us fulfil this mission and in fostering a stronger, more resilient community.
We are Umbrella, and we are community.
As a committed not-for-profit organisation, we depend on the generous contributions of our sponsors and the community to create meaningful change that enhances lives. Your donations play an essential role in helping us fulfil this mission and in fostering a stronger, more resilient community.
Money may make the world go round, but it’s the support of individuals and groups, that truly drives our community forward. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for everyone's contributions. Your commitment to our mission has been essential in helping us raise awareness and strengthen our impact.
Together, we are making significant strides toward creating a better environment for everyone. We deeply appreciate your generosity and dedication, and we’re excited to continue this important work together.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the support of our community to thrive. Our team is fully aware of the importance of our mission, and it’s uplifting to see our community begin to recognise our name. With help, we will keep working to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey.
Community Connections
Albany Lions South Coast
Great Southern Bingo
Albany Migrant Resource Centre
Our Board
Noeline Rowsell
CHAIRPERSON | CARE SHUTTLE PROJECT COORDINATORThe Care Shuttle program provides cancer patients with free transport to and from treatment appointments. Coordinated by Noeline Rowsell, it operates daily with Noeline and a dedicated team of volunteer drivers. We collect clients from home, take them to appointments, and return them safely home again. Many patients can’t drive or don’t have other support, so we’re here for them. We work closely with GenesisCare and Cancer Services at Albany Health Campus. We always need volunteer drivers, even one day a month can help!
Contact:
careshuttle.gs@gmail.com
0431 775 649
Stephanie Northcott
FOUNDER | ADMINISTRATOR I am the founder of Umbrella Group Great Southern which was launched in 2023.
We stand as a compassionate parent organisation to our not-for-profit projects.
Our mission is to grow a community that supports and empowers those in need, from our young people to seniors.
Working with our people for our people.
My role is that of administrator, treasurer, advisor, coordinator, fundraiser, employer and more. I work closely with our project coordinators to do the very best we can for our community.
Contact:
admin@uggsinc.org.au
0434 022 687
Barb Jeremic
NEED A LIFT PROJECT COORDINATORNeed a Lift, founded by Barb Jeremic and delivered by Umbrella Group Great Southern, supports people who are housebound or socially isolated. Caring volunteers offer companionship and free transport to those who need it most. Friendly companions can visit at home or provide safe, reliable rides for outings, appointments, shopping, cafés, or simply a change of scenery. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from a friendly visit or a lift, reach out today. Donations and volunteers are warmly welcomed.
Contact:
careshuttle.gs@gmail.com
0431 775 649
Suzanne Thomas
MIYAD PROJECT MANAGERServing Migrants, Indigenous people, Youth, Adults and people with Disabilities. In May 2021, I began expanding a fledgling driver-support initiative, Wheels for Work. I noted a gap in community support for learner drivers who were required to meet increased supervised driving hours, without anyone to help them achieve this. I qualified as a Driving Instructor and with volunteers, helped more than 70 clients gain licences by April 2023.
The Wheels for Work program wound up and in November 2023 UGGS Inc advocated for the expansion of the State Government’s Driver Access and Equity Program into the Great Southern region. A 2024 grant launched the MIYAD Wheels Project & since then 19 learners have passed their driving exam.
Contact:
miyad@uggsinc.org.au
0466 633 169
Bec Pendlebury
BOARD MEMBERBec brings valuable experience as a support worker, where she has worked closely with young people living with disabilities. Her compassionate and practical approach ensures those she supports feel comfortable, respected, and empowered. As a volunteer with the Need a Lift program, Bec is passionate about helping people stay connected to their community and making everyday life that little bit easier.
Andy Wright
ADVISORAndy Wright (B For Sc – Hons, EMBA) runs a small company of forestry staff managing a 15,000 ha plantation estate in SW WA and western Victoria, producing wood for domestic plants and export, and planting millions of trees to replace those cut down. He develops environmental and carbon sequestration projects, values forests, acts as an expert witness for the Supreme Court, and consults on a wide range of tree-related issues. UGGS is happy to have Andy ex-offico, making light of a bunch of complex commercial stuff and robust cups of tea to keep us all going in the darker moments.
Volunteer
Volunteers play an important role at Umbrella Group, helping us support individuals and families across the Great Southern. By giving their time, skills and local knowledge, volunteers assist with programs that reduce isolation, improve access to services and strengthen community connection.
Whether supporting transport initiatives, events or day-to-day program delivery, our volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and help our services reach those who need them most.