commitee of management

Dr. Joe McGirr mp

Patron

“Sunflower House Provides an outstanding service to some of the most vulnerable in our community and I am proud to be their patron”

Mark J. Horton

Chief Executive Officer

Mark has been a long-standing advocate for community-based mental health recovery, bringing more than four decades of leadership across corporate, consulting and not-for-profit sectors.

His early career included senior executive roles with Southern Pacific Hotel Corporation, Campbell’s Soup Australia, and Arnott’s Biscuits. While at Arnott’s, he played a key role in the merger between Campbell Soup Company (USA) and Arnott’s Biscuits (Australia), helping guide the integration of the two iconic companies.

Following his corporate career, Mark authored Power to Choose – Challenge to Change, which led to the establishment of his consultancy specialising in change management and organisational transformation. Over the next two decades he worked internationally as a keynote speaker, performance coach and adviser, working with organisations including Qantas, Commonwealth Bank, Nestlé, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and DHL.

Mark has also maintained a strong commitment to community leadership and governance, serving as Director of MS Australia, Vice President of ParaQuad NSW, Director of Great Community Transport, and Chairman of Wagga Wagga Community Media Inc.

As CEO of Sunflower House, Mark has helped stabilise and develop the organisation since its incorporation in 2019. Under his leadership, Sunflower House has evolved into a critical centre-based psychosocial recovery support service, working in partnership with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) and Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) to strengthen the mental health recovery pathway across Wagga Wagga and the broader Riverina region.

Mark has received several honours in recognition of his leadership and community contribution. He was named Young Citizen of the Year for Queanbeyan and was also awarded a vocal scholarship with the Australian National University School of Music. He later served as an Australia Day Ambassador for the NSW Australia Day Council, received the Campbell Soup Company International Merit Award, and, although not a Rotarian, was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International, an honour awarded for significant service to the community and humanitarian causes.

Mark remains deeply committed to strengthening community-based mental health recovery and ensuring that people experiencing mental illness have access to safe, supportive environments where recovery and connection are possible.

Mark’s guiding philosophy “No one is anyone, without someone.”

Kerein Mullens

President

Kerein has lived in Wagga Wagga for over 40 years and has raised three daughters in this wonderful community. One of her daughters has a disability so has lived experience as a carer, and this has led her to a career in the disability sector with Intereach, seven years ago. In this role, Kerein  has gained substantial experience working in the disability sector specialising in accessibility and inclusion for everyone within Wagga Wagga and surrounds. She has worked to link people to community and mainstream services and worked alongside organisations to highlight the need for our community to be accessible and inclusive for all people. As a professional in the disability sector, Kerein has worked closely with relevant stakeholders, and as such, she has a broad understanding of the challenges associated with people with lived experience of disability. In many ways, Kerein sees her role as a Committee Member with Sunflower House an extension to her passion working for inclusion and access towards a time when every member of the community can access our town, and all it has to offer.

Kerein is committed to contributing her personal and professional knowledge to Sunflower House, and in turn continues to assist and improve the lives of participating members to live their best lives.

Peter Keith

VICE PRESIDENT

Peter is a retired general practitioner who was principal GP in the one practice in Wagga for 32 years (1981 to 2013). For 4 years he was (1993 to 1997) the part time Coordinator of the Wagga Wagga and District Division of General Practice, one of the precursors of the now Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network. Peter retired 12 years ago, and he served on the Friends of Sunflower House fundraising Committee for 4 years prior to Sunflower House being incorporated . Peter has a broad community focus and commitment and has previously held executive positions in Rotary, the Anglican Church, and Community Radio for many years. In the 1970’s Peter and his family served for 6 years in rural Tanzania in Anglican medical and missionary work. Peter is passionate about serving in community organisations like Sunflower House which supports people living with mental health challenges.

Damon Smith

Treasurer

Damon is a Wagga Wagga local who commenced work as a trainee accountant in 2002 at Selby Watson & Co (to present). He graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and was appointed as a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand in 2009. Over the past 10 years Damon has completed the Committee for Wagga’s Emerging Leaders Program (2014) and began volunteering as treasurer for Friends of Sunflower House fundraiser in 2013. He was married in 2006 and is raising 4 boys. He is passionate about our local community and is honored to be able to support community organisations such as Sunflower house.

Michael Cummins

SECRETARY

Michael Cummins has been the Director of Hospital at Home in Wagga Wagga for the past 14 years, where he has led with a people-centred approach to healthcare operations. His leadership has focused on the timely and efficient delivery of critical medical products to hospitals, nursing homes, and the public. Under his guidance, Hospital at Home has excelled in strategic planning, logistics, and building trusted partnerships with healthcare providers and suppliers. Now part of the European-based Linet Group, a global leader in acute care hospital beds and healthcare solutions, the organisation continues to make a significant impact on patient care.

In addition to his private sector achievements, Michael is deeply committed to public service. He has been a dedicated volunteer with the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) and currently serves as the Unit Commander for the Murrumbidgee Capability Unit. In this role, Michael has been instrumental in coordinating emergency response efforts across the Riverina region, managing teams during critical incidents, and advancing community preparedness and resilience initiatives. His leadership reflects a calm, decisive, and compassionate approach in high-pressure situations.

Michael’s dual professional and volunteer roles demonstrate his unwavering commitment to improving lives. His healthcare leadership experience, particularly in navigating complex challenges, reflects a deep understanding of the human impact of healthcare decisions, especially for individuals living with mental illness. His advocacy for accessible, quality care aligns with his broader dedication to community safety and wellbeing. Michael’s career is a testament to his belief in the power of compassionate leadership and service in creating healthier, more resilient communities.

RAY BERRY

COM MEMBER

Ray Berry is a dedicated mental health advocate with more than 15 years of experience supporting individuals, carers, and communities across regional New South Wales. His career is marked by consistent commitment to peer-led support, collaboration, and community-driven recovery initiatives.

Ray first joined Sunflower House in 2008 as a member and quickly became an active volunteer. That same year, he commenced formal training with the Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) program, solidifying his passion for peer support work. In February 2009, he began his role as a Peer Support Worker with PHaMs, supporting individuals in their mental health recovery journeys through empathy, lived experience, and practical guidance.

In 2010, Ray joined Catholic Healthcare as part of the Mental Health Carer Support Program, working closely with families and carers to help them navigate the challenges associated with mental health conditions. The following year, in 2011, he contributed to NSW Carers and SFNSW, expanding his reach within the carer and support community.

Since 2014, Ray has served as a Peer Support Worker for the Mental Health Recovery Program within the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD). His longstanding dedication has made him a trusted and respected presence in the region’s recovery-oriented mental health services. In 2022, he expanded his role by becoming the Peer Lead Facilitator for the Hearing Voices Program (“In My Backyard”) with MLHD, guiding participants through innovative and compassionate approaches to managing lived experiences.

From 2014 to 2025, Ray has also collaborated with various MLHD initiatives and partnered with Charles Sturt University on multiple programs, contributing valuable lived-experience insight to research, training, and service development.

Outside of his professional commitments, Ray enjoys a variety of hobbies that keep him grounded and connected to his community. His favourite activities include gardening, fishing, cooking, travelling, and gold prospecting.

PAUL TEMPLETON

COM MEMBER

Paul Templeton is a Registered Psychologist and Registered Nurse with a Master of Healthcare Leadership, bringing extensive experience across both clinical practice and senior health service leadership. Over the course of his career, Paul has worked across a broad range of public and private mental health services, holding roles at both clinical and executive levels, including senior leadership positions within NSW Health.

Paul currently operates in private practice at Templeton Psychology & Consulting, where he provides psychological services, clinical supervision, and leadership support to health professionals and managers working across the mental health sector. His work focuses on supporting practitioners and organisations to deliver safe, effective, and person-centred mental health care.

Throughout his career Paul has developed significant expertise in service governance, workforce leadership, and the development and oversight of complex mental health programs. His experience spans clinical care, service design, and system-level leadership within the health sector.

Paul is pleased to rejoin the Committee of Management at Sunflower House, where he brings valuable insight into mental health service delivery, governance, and strategic leadership, supporting the organisation’s role in strengthening psychosocial recovery services within the community.