Cynthia Gebert - Chair

Qualifications: GAICD, B Economics (Social Sciences), LLB (Hons), Grad Dip Law and MDR

Cynthia was appointed as Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman in May 2022. Prior to this, Cynthia was Victoria’s Energy and Water Ombudsman from February 2012 and worked at the Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV) for 15 years. Cynthia is the Chair of the Australian and New Zealand Ombudsman Association (ANZOA) and is alumni of Leadership Victoria’s Williamson Community Leadership Program (2011). Cynthia has a Masters’ degree in Dispute Resolution and Bachelor’s degrees in Law and Political Science. 

Pat McCafferty - Director

Pat was the Managing Director of Yarra Valley Water between 2014 and 2025 and was the inaugural Chair of TCA. He was also Chair of the Water Services Association of Australia between 2016 and 2020. His current roles include serving as a Director on the Boards of Taswater and WaterAid Australia, and as Board Trustee of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. He brings extensive experience across the essential services sector. He has held strategic leadership roles and guided collaborations that support people in vulnerability. At TCA, Pat provides leadership and oversight as we grow and strengthen our impact.

Catie Moore - Director

Qualifications: LLB (Hons)

Catie is an accomplished legal professional and current partner at law firm Hall & Wilcox in Melbourne. She has previously held partner positions across a variety of law firms in Australia. Catie brings with her a wealth of experience in providing expert legal counsel to many leading Australian corporations. Catie is an alumni of the University of Queensland, holding a Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

Ciara Sterling - Director & Chief Executive Officer

Ciara has over 20 years’ experience working across government, corporate and the community sector addressing issues around hardship, vulnerability and inequality. Through her experience, extensive network and vision for a better future for people experiencing vulnerability; Ciara has catalysed the Thriving Communities Australia, a national cross-sector platform, to forge deeper understanding of vulnerability and drive ecosystem change through collaboration and social design innovation. Ciara is also a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC).
 

Tim Costello - Chief Advocate

The Rev Tim Costello is well known for his tireless work with organisations that stand up for the voiceless and vulnerable. During his time as CEO of World Vision Australia he changed the lives of millions of people around the globe for the better. Tim has been a high-profile advocate for poverty alleviation and gambling regulation through his roles as chair of the Community Council of Australia, the Australian Churches Gambling Taskforce and the National Australia Bank’s Social Responsibility Advisory Council.