ABOUT US
Community is at the heart of who we are
BCR Communities began when local people came together to create a community-led, not-for-profit organisation, and that same community spirit is still at the heart of who we are today.
Our work now reaches across aged care, disability support, youth and community programs, employment and training, community activities and 92.7FM community radio — supporting people across the Shoalhaven and Illawarra
Over the years, our services have grown and our communities have changed, but what matters to us has always stayed the same: being there for local people and responding to what our community needs.
The BCR Difference
Proudly local. Genuinely connected.
BCR was created by local people who wanted to make their community better. That grassroots spirit continues to shape who we are today.
Community-led
We see the person, not just the service. We listen to what matters to people and support their individual choices, goals and aspirations.
People first
From young people building confidence and independence to older people wanting to remain living well at home, we're here through many different stages of life.
Here for every generation
Our communities change, and so do we. We continue to develop new programs, services and partnerships in response to local needs.
Always evolving
Our Story
It all started with a group of determined locals who wanted to make a difference.
In 1989, a group of local residents recognised that the Bay & Basin needed more services, opportunities and places for people to connect.
Rather than waiting for someone else to make it happen, they came together to create change.
Their efforts led to the formation of the Bay & Basin Community Resources Committee and, in 1991, the opening of the Sanctuary Point Youth and Community Centre.
From those grassroots beginnings, BCR has continued to grow alongside our community, introducing new services and programs as local needs have changed.
Today, BCR Communities has grown far beyond those early beginnings, supporting people of all ages across the Shoalhaven and Illawarra.
Much has changed in 35 years. What hasn't changed is why we're here — to strengthen our community and help people live happy, healthy, productive and meaningful lives.
Our mission...
We partner with our communities
to provide person-centred services for all.
Our vision...
Communities living happy, healthy,
productive and meaningful lives.
Our values...
Promote inclusion
We proudly work with and foster the diversity of individual and community needs.
Act with integrity
We are honest, fair, transparent and build trusting relationships.
Show empathy
We are partners in
your journey.
Encourage wellness
We value the health of each person by offering innovative lifestyle choices.
Meet our Board
Sharon O'Brien
Chairperson
Sharon has been a volunteer on the Board of BCR Communities for 10 years. She has 30 years of professional experience working in the Human Services Sector and holds a Bachelor of Welfare Studies, Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Leadership and Management, Diploma of Management and Adult Education Training and Assessment qualifications. Sharon's disability experience includes leading change and quality service improvements including a Workplace Trainer pilot to support continuous improvement and compliance, and an Aboriginal Traineeship Project leading to the expansion of the learning program and traineeships across NSW. Sharon is also volunteering in a Primary Ethics teaching role within the local community.
Rebekah Webb
Board Director
Rebekah has a background in Health, practicing as a Physiotherapist for the past seven years in the hospital and private sector, holds a Bachelor in Physiotherapy and is also the Owner/Director of Jervis Bay Physiotherapy. She also has experience as a Committee Member on the NSW Australia Physiotherapy Association Board, consulting with professional development for Physiotherapists in Australia. Rebekah is actively involved in the community through sporting clubs, Community Group Exercise classes for over 65s and ATSI Community Physiotherapy funding for our local community. Rebekah has also been involved in quality improvement projects across NSW Health, Shellharbour Private Hospital. Using her expertise in her role on the Board of Directors, Rebekah aims to continue supporting our local community with health, wellbeing, accessibility and improving resources.
Danny Bosevski
Board Director
Danny has over 20 years of experience in the technology sector and holds a Masters in IT Management. He is an experienced Manager and leader of technical and customer focused teams, driving key business initiatives and advocating technology improvements in business. Danny’s passion for driving technological innovation to support business strategies is evident through successfully implementing client management systems and developing highly responsive and reliable IT systems. He is adept at implementing strategic business plans, driving growth, and improving operations. Danny is familiar with the challenges that not-for-profit organisations face every day and is keen to contribute to providing better outcomes for all BCR participants. Danny joined the Board of BCR Communities in 2024.
John Harvey
Board Director
John holds a Bachelor Of Commerce (Marketing & Management) as well as being a qualified Electrical Supervisor. He is currently the General Manager of a specialised engineering company supplying bespoke equipment into the waste and recycling sectors. John has over 30 years of experience in management and sales including nine years as an Executive Manager in the disability sector overseeing the operation of one of Australia’s largest disability enterprises. He held a volunteer Board of Management role for over 20 years with Fresh Hope Venues and more recently was part of the People and Culture Committee for Fresh Hope Community Care that was tasked with overseeing the renewal process of the Board of Directors. The ability to give back has always been important to John and he welcomes the opportunity to contribute to BCR Communities through participation on the Board.
Claire Carson
Board Director
Claire holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy, and a Master of Health Industry Management. With over 19 years of experience in the health sector, she brings a wealth of clinical expertise and leadership to her role as Board Director for BCR. Claire's academic contributions include research presented at the 2011 Australian Occupational Therapy Conference, World Occupational Therapy Conference, and 2019 Australian Occupational Therapy Conference, and two publications in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. Claire has worked across diverse settings, including mental health, inpatient wards, community health, aged care, and rehabilitation, providing care across the lifespan. Claire is also the Secretary for the Shoalhaven Professional Business Association, where she advocates for the integration of health services into the broader business community. As Clinical Director of South Coast Therapy and Support Group Claire has demonstrated strategic and operational leadership. She is deeply committed to advancing the health industry through innovative service models, evidence-based practices, and collaboration with stakeholders to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Nathan Carson
Board Director
Nathan Carson is an experienced Business Manager, Project Manager, and strategic leader with a strong background in operations, financial oversight, and process optimisation. As the Director and Owner of South Coast Therapy and Support Group, Nathan’s leadership emphasises client satisfaction, quality assurance, and streamlined operations. Nathan’s experience includes managing complex projects, and his strategic planning, risk management, and leadership skills have been instrumental in driving process improvements and innovation resulting in South Coast Therapy and Support Group earning three Shoalhaven Business Chamber awards in 2024: Excellence in Innovation, Employer of Choice, and Business of the Year. These awards were reflective of Nathan’s dedication to fostering workplace culture, innovative practices, and overall business excellence. Nathan is currently studying towards his Master of Business Administration, holds a Graduate Certificate in Management, and is a Committee Member for the Shoalhaven Business Chamber. Nathan brings a collaborative, results-focused approach to Board governance, contributing strategic insight, financial acumen, project management expertise, and a passion for continuous improvement.
Meet our Leadership Team
Heather Marciano
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Heather has over 15 years of experience in the not for profit sector including key strategic leadership, innovation and business transformation roles within the Aged Care and Disability sectors. Heather co-authored a research paper on ageing people with disability and presented this research internationally resulting in the development of Kemira, a purpose built community which has received local, national and international awards as the first model of its kind in Australia. Heather’s experience includes executive roles in Human Resources, Strategic Planning, Operations Management, Media, Marketing and Communications, and Stakeholder Engagement.
Zanna Elliott
EXECUTIVE MANAGER
PEOPLE & CULTURE
Zanna holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources Management and has close to 20 years of professional HR experience. Having worked in small business through to large corporate, since joining BCR Communities 4 years ago Zanna finds the not for profit community sector the most rewarding and suited to her personal values. Zanna has worked across all areas of human resources, partnering with business leaders to help them achieve strategic and operational goals, while mitigating risk and leading cultural change. Along with a strong business acumen, Zanna’s extensive professional experience has resulted in strong and trusting relationships.
Kate Cash
EXECUTIVE MANAGER
AGED CARE SERVICES
Kate has over 25 years of healthcare experience, with a strong background in quality and safety, governance, service improvement, workforce development and clinical operations. She has held senior leadership roles across NSW Health and academic appointments with Australian universities. A clinician and experienced leader, Kate is known for her collaborative, authentic approach and commitment to supporting teams and improving services. She has contributed to national healthcare standards as an expert advisor to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Kate is passionate about delivering compassionate, person-centred care that supports older people to live with dignity, independence and choice.
Sean Cleary
EXECUTIVE MANAGER FINANCE, GOVERNANCE & SYSTEMS
Sean is a finance specialist with over 30 years’ experience managing finances for commercial and Not-for-Profit organisations. He holds a Degree in Business and is a member of the IPA (Institute of Public Accountants). He has worked in a variety of Community Services sector organisations. He has experience in a wide range of corporate services responsibilities. Enhancing business efficiencies is a strength of Sean’s, achieving improvements through system implementation, coaching/developing finance teams and working closely with all stakeholders. Sean believes a strong and efficient ‘back of house’ service compliments and supports frontline workers enabling them to provide quality services to our clients.
Michael Nurmi
EXECUTIVE MANAGER COMMUNITY & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Michael has many years of experience working in the community sector. He brings knowledge and expertise in the development of social enterprises, education and training programs, volunteer management, community development and fundraising. Michael advocates for those in the community requiring a helping hand to move forward and make change for the better. He is passionate about social inclusion opportunities and demonstrating a people-centered approach in the provision of quality services. Michael supports innovation and strives to collaborate with like-minded organisation’s to identify gaps in services and ensure that the needs of our local community are met. He encourages partnerships that see Not-For-Profit, Business and Govt groups working together.
Acknowledgement of Country
BCR Communities acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and celebrate their continuing culture, the world’s oldest living culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this region and our country.
Policy Documents
Our policy documents help guide how we work and ensure we provide safe, respectful and high-quality services. They outline our commitment to the people we support, our staff, volunteers and community, and provide clear information about your rights, responsibilities and what you can expect from BCR Communities. You can view and download our key policy documents below.