Supporting our local
community since 1979
Bondi Beach Cottage is a unique not-for-profit community organisation that supports women and their families, particularly those who are vulnerable. We work together to empower women and their families to take steps towards better social and personal wellbeing. Our focus is always on the welfare of our community and at the heart of everything we do.
Our mission
To provide quality occasional childcare and evidence-based family support services with a focus on domestic and family violence support. Our goal is to support individuals and families within our community, particularly those who are vulnerable, empowering them to make positive changes in their lives. Through our holistic service offerings, we can deliver improved outcomes for families.
Our vision
To be a unique community organisation that empowers the social and personal welfare of individuals and families, particularly vulnerable community members.
Our story
Commenced as a local tenancy service
The services at the cottage are expanded to include Family Support Services and Occasional Childcare
Bondi Beach Cottage as it’s known today was Incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act, 1984 as Bondi-Waverley Tenants and Welfare Association Incorporated
Change of Name to Bondi Beach Cottage Incorporated
Our partnership with Waverley Council continues with BBC receiving a rent reduction
Received renewable funding from NSW Human Services (Family & Community Services) to support Early Intervention and Placement Prevention and Children’s Services Program
Received the first round of renewable funding from the state government (Department of Education & Training and Department of Family & Community Services) to support both our services
Our Occasional Childcare Centre received approval for the Child Care Subsidy
Bondi Beach Cottage’s Occasional Childcare underwent the Assessment & Ratings process under the National Quality Framework
Our Family Support Services is renamed to Women’s Counselling & Support
Our board members
Bondi Beach Cottage operates under the guidance of a voluntary board with a diverse range of experience.
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Freddie Gollan
READ HIDE BIOBoard DirectorFreddie is a commercial lawyer with broad experience in private practice, ASX50 companies, and private enterprise. Currently, Freddie is General Counsel for a group of companies operating in Australia, North America, and Southeast Asia. Freddie has continuously sought to use his skills to help and advocate for at-risk groups, including providing pro bono legal advice to clients seeking compensation through NSW Government Victims Services, and as a volunteer solicitor at the Inner City Legal Centre in King’s Cross.
As a Bondi resident, Freddie is passionate about his strong and vibrant local community and is steadfast in his commitment to strengthening and preserving community service providers in the area for the benefit of local residents, and those commuting into the area to access them.
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Yan Zhao
READ HIDE BIOBoard DirectorWith a diverse background encompassing venture capital, finance, education, think tanks, arts, film, and real estate, Yan has deliberately transitioned into the for-purpose sector, seeking to dedicate her expertise where it can drive meaningful impact. Harnessing her extensive international marketing and business acumen, her focus lies in formulating and executing sustainable business strategies, fostering a philanthropic culture at all organisational levels, and enriching the communities we serve.
Yan holds a Masters in International Security (major in national and climate change security). She sits on a few board positions including the San Foundation.
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Jason Linke
READ HIDE BIOBoard DirectorJason Linke is a dynamic leader with 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Starting as a bartender down the coast to CEO of North Bondi RSL, his trajectory is marked by dedication and excellence.
Passionate about mental health advocacy, Jason’s impactful role as a lived experience speaker at Batyr expresses volumes about his devotion to making positive change. His influence extends beyond, including as Non-Executive Director at the RSL Club’s & Associations – Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge Board and membership at Club Managers Association Australia, now expanding to encompass his role at Bondi Beach Cottage.
Jason’s commitment to fairness shines through in his support for vulnerable communities. He is a four-year consecutive participant in the Vinnies CEO Sleep Out, raising over $55,000 to combat homelessness. Showcasing his fundraising prowess that will enrich his contributions to the Bondi Beach Cottage. With industry acumen and a heart for social change, Jason looks forward to the positive impact he will have on this organisation. -
Madeleine Church
READ HIDE BIOSecretaryMadeleine Church joined the Board in 2023, following nearly a decade of experience working in Government and advising state and federal Ministers, with a focus on domestic and family violence policy and reform. Outside the Board, Madeleine is a Senior Manager at Sydney-based consulting firm, C|T Group, advising clients on best outcomes for their industry group, not-for-profit and business. Madeleine brings experience in social, legal and domestic violence policy, coupled with extensive experience working with local, state and Federal Governments. Madeleine has a Bachelor of Laws and Public Relations from the University of South Australia.
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Susan Price
READ HIDE BIOBoard DirectorB.Comm/LLB/LLM GAICD
Susan has been on the Board since March 2017 and held the position of Chair 2018-2023. Susan has 30 years’ experience as a lawyer, with a focus on employment law. Susan teaches contemporary leadership and change management at the University of Sydney; advises organisations locally and globally on issues relating to diversity and inclusion. Susan is a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Associate of The University of Sydney Business School.
Susan has a wide range of experience in community organisations, both in advising them on employment issues, and in governance roles. She is currently Chair of Epilepsy Action Australia and a board member on Jessie Street National Women’s Library. She has previous experience as a board member of Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia and as a sub-committee member of Women Lawyers Association of NSW, Workplace Practices and Policy Sub-Committee.
Our team
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Eleanor
READ HIDE BIOSocial Worker & Coordinator of CounsellingBA, MA, MSW (Q)
Eleanor is a feminist social worker and trauma specialist counsellor. She is interested in anti-oppressive and critical approaches to social injustice. She is an experienced leader of teams providing responses to social injustices and organisations advocating for social justices.
Available for specialist DFV or generalist counselling.
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Denis Feltrin
READ HIDE BIOEducatorDiploma in Early Childhood Education
Children are connected to family, communities, their background cultures and places of belonging. Educators are part of this important chain where children’s are at the centre of their own learning. For my pedagogy, educators must support their learning which inevitably involves ourselves. It’s a journey together.
I like to dedicate my time for my body with healthy foods and gymnastics.
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Andrea
READ HIDE BIOCentre Coordinator & Nominated SupervisorDiploma in Early Childhood Education
Throughout my work, I aim to support children, families, and educators in achieving their goals, while providing a loving, caring, safe, and secure environment that is welcoming, warm, and inclusive of all cultures, abilities, and family situations.
I’ve been working at Bondi Beach Cottage for 4 years. It is rewarding to work here because we share the same interests, goals, values, and beliefs regarding teaching and caring for children and families.
Spending time with my family and friends, cycling, hiking, and traveling are some of my favorited things to do.
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Ania
READ HIDE BIO2IC & Early Childhood TeacherCurrently studying a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
I truly believe that a sense of belonging is crucial for each child’s development, healthy growth, and who they will become. Therefore, my aims are to build trustworthy relationships with the children, provide a safe environment, and support and understand their emotions. This will lead children to develop self-confidence, a strong sense of security and well-being, as it will enhance their learning capacity. I love spending time with friends, travelling, volleyball, trekking and sweets.
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Sally
READ HIDE BIORoom LeaderDiploma in Early Childhood Education
I believe that each child is unique and as an educator, I value and develop each child’s strengths, interests, and skills. It is our role to support, guide and encourage children, their families and the community in the journey that is early childhood education. I love to spend my spare time with my kids and exercising through swimming, tennis, cycling and badminton. I also love reading and watching movies.
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Carolina
READ HIDE BIOEducatorCertificate III in Early Childhood Education
I’ve worked at BBC for 18 years. I’m extremely dedicated to caring for our little ones while providing a fun and safe environment. It’s a wonder to see how their personalities develop day by day, one by one in different directions, knowing that I’m a part of their development. I like to ensure our cottage is spotless every morning. In my spare time, I enjoy the company of my family, especially my 2 little grandsons. I also like to go to the movies, attend literature talks, author presentations and fine dining. I also meditate and love snorkelling in the tropical reef of Southern Philippines island and the Algave-Portugal.
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Katrina
READ HIDE BIOEducational LeaderDiploma in Early Childhood Education
It was my childhood dream to become an educator. As I go on with my life, I have been learning that being an educator is a rewarding profession beyond the title and benefits it could give you, especially when you can see the children learning new things, having fun and building a good relationship with everyone. Back in my home country, I studies a Bachelors in Secondary Education to fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher and I would choose to become one all over again.
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Silvia
READ HIDE BIOEducatorCurrently studying a Diploma in Early Childhood Education
The children are the reflex of our teaching and the experiences we provide to them. Through play they learn skills for life! It is an educator’s role to create an environment where the children can feel the sense of
belonging, where they can display emotions, develop physical skills, feel confident. It’s also amazing how much the children learn from us, and we learn from them! I love going to the beach, meeting friends, coffee, chocolate, travelling and discovering new places!
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Sonya
READ HIDE BIOEducatorCurrently studying a Diploma in Early Childhood Education
I believe that children are our future. I want to inspire your children to follow their dreams and give them love and support. I hope to fill their days with laughter and memories. I’m happy to be a part of this team where everyone’s goal is to give the children a fun, loving and safe environment. I love travelling, cooking, bushwalking, and spending time with my friends.
