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

Graham can be contacted at president@illawarraconnection.com.au

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. 

Jessie can be contacted at treasurer@illawarraconnection.com.au

Fabio Santiago

DIRECTOR

Fabio Santiago is the General Manager of CC Facilities, an Illawarra-based facilities services business providing commercial cleaning, strata care, maintenance and associated facility services across the region.

With a strong focus on service, relationships and business growth, Fabio is passionate about delivering reliable solutions while building long-term partnerships with clients and the wider business community.

Fabio is an active member of the Illawarra business community and values the role that strong professional networks play in supporting collaboration, leadership and regional growth.

As a Director of The Illawarra Connection, Fabio looks forward to contributing his business experience, fresh perspective and commitment to the region, while helping strengthen the connections between local business and community leaders.

Jane Broadhead

DIRECTOR

Jane is a Financial Adviser with Esencia Wealth, bringing a strong background in financial services, business and relationship management, together with a genuine commitment to the Illawarra community.

Jane holds a Bachelor of Business and a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and is a member of the Financial Advice Association Australia. Her professional journey into financial advice has been driven by a passion for helping people better understand their finances and make confident, informed decisions about their future.

With experience across financial planning, business development, events and client engagement, Jane brings a broad and people-focused perspective to her role. She is also actively involved in the local community, including supporting Mentor Walks Wollongong, which connects women with experienced leaders through mentoring and meaningful conversation.

Jane is passionate about building genuine relationships, creating connections and contributing to a strong and collaborative local business community.

As a Director of The Illawarra Connection, Jane looks forward to bringing her experience, energy and community focus to the Board and contributing to TIC’s continued growth and impact across the region.

Wendy Gee

DIRECTOR & 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 and social justice, Yvonne took up a Board position with the Illawarra Legal Centre in 2024.

Yvonne can be contacted at vicepresident@illawarraconnection.com.au

Belinda Gibbons

DIRECTOR

Associate Professor Belinda Gibbons is the Interim Dean of the School of Business at the University of Wollongong, bringing more than 25 years of academic and corporate experience to her leadership role.

Belinda specialises in responsible management and sustainability, with a particular passion for embedding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals across education, industry and the wider community. Her work has seen her collaborate with universities, businesses, local councils, schools and community organisations to turn sustainability goals into meaningful action.

She is also an Expert in Residence with UOW’s iAccelerate, where she supports entrepreneurship and innovation, and has held leadership roles with the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).

Belinda brings to The Illawarra Connection Board extensive experience in leadership, education and collaboration, together with strong connections across the region. She is passionate about creating opportunities for business, education and community to work together and contribute to a thriving Illawarra.

Chantelle Jones

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Chantelle is the Executive Assistant to the Board of The Illawarra Connection, providing administrative, event and communications support to the Board and its members.

With experience across executive support, human resources, administration and event coordination, Chantelle also brings 10 years of small business ownership within the wedding and events industry. This experience has shaped her strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to bring people and events together, which she now brings to supporting The Illawarra Connection’s Board, members and signature dinner events.

A proud Kamilaroi woman, Chantelle has made Horsley home, where she is raising her family and developed strong connections within the local community. A lifelong lover of sport, she continues to play competitively into her 40s and is passionate about grassroots football and netball. Through her involvement in local sporting communities, Chantelle values the important role sport and fitness plays in bringing passionate people together, creating a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for the next generation.