Our Board

Graham Lancaster AM

PRESIDENT

Graham started his legal career in 1984 as a law clerk. He was admitted to the Law Society of NSW in 1990, and has since practiced in most areas of law and has appeared in Federal Courts and State Courts both instructing Barristers and as a Solicitor Advocate, without a Barrister. Since 1997, Graham’s practice has focussed more particularly on Commercial Law and Insolvency, of which he is an Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation (Insolvency), and he has developed specialised knowledge and  experience in Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution. Graham has since attained National Mediation Accreditation.

Professional Affiliations:

  • Director and founding member of the Leadership Development Forum. He is a Solicitor member of the Law Society of NSW

  • Director of Barstools Brothers Limited

  • Director of Apex Foundation and is a Life Member of the Association of Apex Clubs, was a former Board Member of the Specialist Accreditation Board of the Law Society of New South Wales for 12 years and is now President of The Illawarra Connection

  • Graham was made on Honorary Member of the Golden Key Society in 2011, has been a director of the Wollongong Hawks, and was the Company Secretary of Basketball Illawarra

  • Graham was awarded Member of Australia in 2022 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list

Jessie Pill

TREASURER

Jessie is an experienced Finance Manager and Director with over 17 years professional experience in financial accounting, management and director positions.

Jessie is a Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce (Deans Scholars) majoring in Accounting and Finance. She is working at BlueScope as Finance Manager - IT. Her team provide finance and commercial support to the IT team and also IT finance support to the broader BSL finance team. 

Jessie grew up in The Illawarra and is passionate about giving back to the NFP and business community. She also holds the position of Director of Finance with Surf Lifesaving Illawarra, Chair of Illawarra South Coast Chartered Accountants Committee and Chairs The Illawarra Bean Counters Ball.

Jessie was recognised as NSW Young CA of the Year in 2021 and admitted to Fellowship with CAANZ in 2022. She is currently in her second year of the Leadership Illawarra Program and loving it!

Jessie loves connecting with people and helping them to grow their networks. 

Grace McCarthy

BOARD MEMBER

I am the Dean of Business in the Faculty of Business and Law at the University of Wollongong, Australia, working with wonderful people who want to share their knowledge and experience to help students learn and grow and to help our partners and alumni to thrive.

I believe that together we can make a difference and tackle the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

I am passionate about coaching and mentoring, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and facilitating learning. My book Coaching and Mentoring for Business was published by Sage.

Wendy Gee

BOARD MEMBER | LIFE MEMBER

Wendy has recently retired from her position of Executive Regional General Manager for NSW with ARN (Australian Radio Network) the audio division of worldwide co. HT&E. Her role encompassed oversight of the company’s commercial radio stations in NSW including WAVE FM where she started out when she first moved to Australia back in 1997. Wendy was also responsible for training all staff across the network.

Wendy holds a Degree in Communications and has many years’ experience as a business owner, in senior management and executive positions. Wendy is a Director of Breast Aware Australia and a Director and Life Member of The Illawarra Connection. With a passion for all things community, Wendy likes to support as many local charities as she can. She has had a long association with the Breast Cancer Foundation, CEO Sleepout, The Disability Trust, Youth Achievement Awards and the Miss World Australia Charity where she assisted young women from all walks of life improve their education, social awareness and fundraising abilities.

Yvonne Walker

VICE PRESIDENT

Yvonne is the Director and Principal of HR with ease, a bespoke HR consultancy supporting SMEs across the Illawarra and beyond with simple, straightforward solutions to people problems.

The business also provides staples such as contract and policy development to suit individual business needs, and recruitment.

Yvonne has been a member of The Illawarra Connection since 2013 and served as its Executive Officer for four years. Yvonne has been a Board member since 2019, holding the position of Secretary for two terms and the role of Vice President for a year. In line with her passion for equity, Yvonne is part of the management committee for the local branch of Dress for Success.

Thomas Quinn

SECRETARY

Thomas Quinn (Tom) is the Senior Coordinator for International Engagement and Coordination within UOW’s Global Strategy Division. His primary task is to facilitate outcomes by establishing and managing the Universities growing network of international partners.

Tom loves connecting with people and helping others succeed. He is a proud Illawarra local who is passionate about driving economic opportunities for the growing community and TIC Members.

Behind Tom’s passion is a deep and broad commercial acumen built by working across a wide range of industries including retail, banking and financial services, higher education and government regulation.

Julz Najjar

BOARD MEMBER

Julia is an experienced business management consultant with particular expertise in leadership, business development, strategy and innovation.

She brings a wide range of sector experience from healthcare, banking and higher education. She has Master of Business Administration, as well as qualifications in B. Media and Communications, B. Arts (Hons), M. Strategic Communication.

Her love for the Illawarra, is seen through her continued dedication to support as much as possible. When she is not wearing her professional hat, she is trying to learn new skills and trying to match the energy of her young family.