our Team
Paula Cobain
Executive Officer
Paula originates from Co. Antrim and relocated to Australia with her family in 2013. An experienced Pharmacist, she has worked in a variety of senior management roles in the health sectors, North & South of the border. Paula is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of our community and is excited to join the ISA team in Sydney.
kAterina Gillen
Outreach Worker
Katerina comes from Co. Tyrone and has been living in Sydney since 2015. She has significant experience in the not-for-profit sector at home and in Australia, most recently providing case management to those living with Younger Onset Dementia. Katerina is passionate about helping others and is enjoying the variety of the Outreach Worker role.
Una McCrossan
Project Officer
Una is originally from Co. Monaghan and has been living in Sydney since 2012. Una has diverse and extensive experience in the events industry, both in Ireland and Australia, having worked across sales, coordination and management roles. Una is committed to delivering successful projects and events for the Irish/Australian community and is excited to be part of the ISA team.
our Committee
ALAN HUMPHREYS
President
Alan, originally from Cork has been living in Sydney since 2012. He joined the committee in November 2021 having previously volunteered with some key fundraising initiatives for the ISA. Alan is a Senior Retail Executive having worked with major global retailers both here in Australia and abroad.
EOIN SCANNELL
Treasurer
Originally from Cork city, Eoin moved to Sydney 9 years ago. He joined our committee in October 2017. A Chartered Accountant, Eoin brings with him a wealth of experience having worked in large multinational companies in both Ireland and Sydney.
Ciara Walsh
Vice President
Ciara is originally from Cork and moved to Sydney in 2019. She joined the committee in October 2021. Ciara works as a Senior Manager with a top-tier strategy consulting firm and brings a wealth of experience having worked with c-suite clients all over the world.
Brigid Maher
Secretary
Brigid is originally from Co. Tipperary. Brigid moved to Sydney in 2008 for a 6 month holiday. She currently works as a Project Management Analyst in Clinical Research. Brigid is actively involved in the Irish Community, where she manages the Sydney Social Irish networking group.
Marian Schaffer
Committee Member
Marian comes from Cork City but has lived in Sydney with her family for many years. Marian has served on the committee since 2014 bringing a very human touch to our work.
MAIREAD O’CONNOR
Committee Member
Originally from Newmarket in Cork, Mairead relocated to Sydney in 2021 to join UNSW Business School as an Assistant Professor in Information Systems. She specialises in Inclusive Design for both existing and emerging technologies.
Mairead is actively involved with Australian social enterprises and NGOs, where her experience in securing grants has extended to both Ireland and Australia.
Beyond her academic and professional commitments, Mairead maintains a lifelong connection to the GAA and currently enjoys playing AFLW with a local Sydney club.
Siobhan Bryant
Committee Member
Siobhan, originally from Listowel, Co Kerry came to Australia in 1997. Siobhan is a Registered Nurse and has spent the last 15 years in Theatre Management roles. Siobhan has recently relocated back from New Zealand where she spent 3.5 years working alongside her husband. She is excited to be back in Sydney and is looking forward to being part of the Irish Support Agency.