Community Gro is governed by a volunteer Board of Management made up of professional people from a mix of legal, financial, marketing and development industries. The Board is responsible for determining all matters relating to governance, including, ensuring an appropriate policy framework is in place to manage the organisations operational procedures.
Community Gro Board
Amanpreet Singh-Bargri
President
Aman is a Partner at wilson/ryan/grose Lawyers. Aman is an experienced commercial Lawyer and Chartered Accountant who has a passion in assisting not-for-profit organisations. Aman enjoys combining his technical legal and accounting skills together with his business acumen to provide guidance and support to the Community Gro Board and Executive Team. Aman has been involved with Community Gro for over 12 years through the Community Gro Legal Clinic. Aman is currently serving as Community Gro’s President and formerly held the position of Treasurer for more than 6 years.
Lesley Thorne
Treasurer
Lesley commenced working in the not-for-profit sector in 1997 when she successfully gained the position of Accountant with the Blue Nursing Service in Rockhampton. Two and a half years later she moved to Townsville to take up the position of Regional Accountant with the newly formed Bluecare North Queensland. In 2000 she transferred to Lifeline, moving from Aged Care into various Community & Disability Service Programs. In 2010 she took up the position of Corporate Services Manager with Centacare NQ as Lifeline had moved to centralise all financial functions into a central office in Brisbane. In 2018 Lesley took up the role of Finance & HR Manager with Althea Projects Inc., retiring in 2022. Since then she has returned to Althea Projects for a 6 month stint, followed by a 6 month casual position with NQDVRS. Lesley is also on the Board of Townsville’s Friendlies Pharmacy (Deputy Chair & Finance Manager) a not-for-profit organisation. Lesley is an Authorised Marriage Celebrant with her own business. Lesley found her niche when she moved into the not-for-profit sector and is very passionate about assisting those who are struggling with life circumstances. She highly values transparency, honesty, and integrity.
Karl McKenzie
Board Member
Karl is a dedicated community leader in Townsville with key focus areas in legal processes, first nations culture, defence and domestic and family violence. He spent over 20 years working across the community and not-for-profit sectors, championing social inclusion, grassroots initiatives, and equitable access to services. With a strong track record in community development, program management, and stakeholder engagement, Karl has led numerous initiatives that have strengthened local networks and improved outcomes for vulnerable populations. Karl is excited to return to the Community Gro Board.
Marnie Hodgson
Vice President
A strategic marketing and communications leader with more than a decade of experience spanning the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. She brings a strong commercial lens, deep community focus, and a passion for purpose-led leadership to her role as a volunteer Board Member with Community Gro.
Marnie currently serves as Head of Marketing at Queensland Country Bank, where she leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for brand strategy, digital marketing, community engagement, and product promotion. Prior to this, she held senior roles with Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, leading community relations, communications, and partnerships to strengthen support for regional families.
Holding a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business, Marnie combines strategic thinking and governance expertise with creativity and empathy. She is deeply aligned with Community Gro’s mission to empower individuals and strengthen local communities, contributing her skills in brand strategy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning to support sustainable growth and impact.
Zammi Rohan
Board Member
Zammi grew up in a small regional city in a low-income family, where he gained firsthand insight into the challenges of making ends meet and the resilience required to overcome financial hardship. These experiences have shaped his perspective and values as he moved forward in life.
In 2016, Zammi joined the Community Gro Board of Directors, driven by his desire to make a meaningful difference. As an experienced architect, he brings valuable professional expertise and insights to the team. Over the years, Zammi has also worked on numerous projects with First Nations communities, including initiatives on Palm Island, reflecting his deep respect for people, culture, and country.
In early 2024, Zammi founded BES•Tville, an organization dedicated to making Townsville the best it can be through community-driven initiatives and collaboration. His passion for community extends to sport, where he has been a member of the Uni Hawks AFL team for over 20 years, serving as a player, coach, and committee member.
With his unique blend of lived experience, professional skills, and a genuine commitment to community, Zammi is a strong advocate for building a brighter, more inclusive, and equitable future for the region.
Jennifer Faithful
Secretary
Jennifer is a registered Chartered Accountant and has over 7 years of experience working in tax and accounting.
This is Jennifer’s first board role and as a young professional she brings an enthusiasm to learn and is eager to contribute new ideas and perspectives.
Jennifer’s professional role provides extensive knowledge in taxation, accounting compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and compensation restructuring.
Jennifer is passionate about helping the community and building strong relationships.
Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Chartered Accountant – Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Gurmit Singh
Board Member
Gurmit has supported Boards in NPF’s for past ten years and have served as Chairman of The Rotary Club of Townsville Art Union Committee since 2020.
In Gurmit’s past and current roles, delivering on strategic objectives has been a key focus point. This has been achieved through empowering people and teamwork.
In Gurmit’s professional role as a corporate banker for past 40+ years he has had wide exposure to diversified SME’s including NFP’s generating annual revenues up to $500M.
His qualifications include a Bachelor of Business (Honours), Fellow member of CPA Australia and Commissioner of Declarations.