FDS Board Members


Anne Carroll - Chair Anne has held Non-Executive Director roles in the Not-for-Profit Aged Care and Social Services sectors since 2009, including Uniting NSW.ACT, Arthritis NSW, Catholic Healthcare Ltd, and Centacare New England North West. Anne also has extensive experience as a Senior Executive in Hospitals. Anne first became involved with Family Drug Support in 2002 when supporting a family member. She has been a volunteer on the telephone line and a support group facilitator. Anne joined the Board in 2013, and has previously served as Treasurer and Deputy Chair
Raewyn Whiting - Secretary Raewyn was appointed a Board Member of Family Drug Support in 2022. Raewyn became a member of FDS in 2016, working as a volunteer on the Support Line and as a Group Facilitator. In 2017 she became FDS NSW Project Officer and where she created and strengthened partnerships with AOD services/agencies, liaised with drug treatment services and carers... Read more
Liz Wells - *Board Member* Liz was a volunteer on the Support Line from 2004-2021. Her initial contact with FDS came when she was supporting a family member who was using alcohol and drugs. She loved her time on the line over those 17 years, being able to provide a listening ear to people seeking support. Liz enjoyed her work with families as a Stepping Stones Leader from 2008-2020, and as a facilitator at many support meetings in Sydney. From 2002-2012 Liz was a volunteer at Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, working with profoundly disabled children. Liz attained her Bachelor of Counselling and Human Change after studying at the Jansen Newman Institute (2007).
Stephen Freeman - *Board Member* Stephen was for over 30 years senior partner in a Sydney commercial legal firm. He was President of the regional international chapter of his progressive religious community. He sings in a choir and teaches Ethics at the local school. He is now retired , living at Elizabeth Bay with Tilly, a miniature schnauzer. His involvement and commitment to FDS comes from personal experience with one of his sons needing continuing support
Lisa Reynolds - Board Member I’m proud to join the board of Family Drug Support Australia, an organisation that reflects my deep commitment to compassionate, evidence- based support for families and loved ones impacted by substance use. My involvement in this space is deeply personal. I have witnessed first-hand the complexity, stigma and systemic gaps that surround both individuals who use substances and the families and loved ones who care for them. This experience has shown me that substance use is rarely about the substances, it’s about trauma, disconnection, and a system that often fails to respond with the care and nuance that people need. I believe that real change begins when we shift our approach from blame and punishment to empathy and support. Harm minimisation must be central to how we respond as a society, and I’m passionate about advocating for systems and policies that treat substance use as a health and social issue, not a criminal one. In My role as a board member, I’m committed to helping FDS grow its reach and impact, ensuring that families and loved ones are no longer left in the dark, and that support, not isolation becomes the standard response. Together, I believe we can create a culture where no one has to walk this journey alone.
Michael Carson - Board Member Michael became a member of FDS in 2023 and soon after completed the Stepping Stones program; finding it hugely beneficial in learning valuable strategies for assisting others with a drug dependence. Michael has worked as an FDS support line volunteer, a role which has provided much satisfaction through being able to assist others navigate challenging situations. Previous career roles in special needs education helped Michael realise the benefit in giving back to the community and offering support to others in need. Currently working in the government sector, Michael has held positions in staff training and asset management. These roles have helped shape his approach to understanding individual needs in people, and the importance of effective two-way dialogue to overcome setbacks and work towards positive solutions to challenging situations. Michael has attained a Bachelor of Special Education, and a Masters in Global Studies.
Professor Robyn Jorgensen - Board Member Robyn Jorgensen is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Canberra. She had a distinguished career as a researcher in the areas of equity, mathematics education and more recently, in the area of infant aquatics. She is well published with many books and research papers. She has personal experience in the AOD space, has undertaken FDS workshops and works on the volunteer line.