CHAIR
Joining Bridging the Gap’s board in December 2023, Andries was appointed to Chair in January 2025.
Andries has been involved in Community Services for over 25 years and brings over a decade of leadership experience in the Not-For-Profit sector, gained in Western Australia, and interstate.
With a strong background in driving transformational change, Andries has a proven track record of delivering sustainable growth in diverse sectors, including For Purpose, Commercial, and Government organisations.
A results-driven leader, Andries thrives in guiding teams through periods of unprecedented change, leveraging strategic vision and decisive leadership to navigate complexities and drive organisational success.
His passion lies in advocating for vulnerable Australians and their caregivers, and he is committed to creating a future with expanded opportunities and enhanced support systems.
Andries’ leadership philosophy is founded on collaboration, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. He strives to achieve meaningful, lasting change that positively impacts communities across Australia.
Academically, Andries holds a Bachelors Degree in Military Science (Management Sciences); an Honours Degree in Industrial Psychology; is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors; and a Certificate in Clinical Governance from the Australasian Institute of Clinical Governance.
DEPUTY CHAIR
Eileen is an accomplished Senior Executive who has enjoyed success with the Social Security, Commonwealth Employment Services and Not for Profit sectors including Bridging the Gap and Community First.
With extensive experience in operations and finance, it was a natural progression from Chief Operations Officer of Community First, to it’s CEO in 2016.
Eileen brings to our board over 30 years experience in both public and community services sectors in areas of Aged Care, Mental Health, Disability, and Employment Services.
Having previously worked at Bridging the Gap Eileen feels privileged to have been elected to the Board and she looks forward to contributing to a sustainable future as we celebrate our 40th year of providing services across communities, and making a difference to people’s lives.
TREASURER
Mike has spent over 25 years in Senior Management roles across Australia in Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Financial Planning, Stockbroking, Business Development and Hospitality.
His various industry expertise is complimented by experience across a variety of geographical areas including Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and the Goldfields.
Currently running his own consultancy firm, his clients range from Mining to Healthcare and a variety of Financial Services.
Mike utilises his experience in combination with an extensive professional network to drive exceptional outcomes for stakeholders.
Married to Wendy, with two children at university, Mike is a passionate Fremantle Dockers Football Club Member, a motorsport competitor at the Australian Title level, and an enthusiastic cyclist.
Having previously served on numerous advisory boards and committees, plus actively involved at a seed investment level for start-up companies, Mike brings broad commercial experience to our Board.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Matthew Lambert joined Bridging the Gap as Chief Executive Officer in early 2024.
With a rich background in operations, project management, and executive leadership, Matthew brings over two decades of dedicated service to communities from the not for profit sector; primarily focusing on empowering individuals living with disabilities.
His work has consistently aimed at breaking down barriers, boosting independence and championing the causes of those he serves.
Matthew is recognised for his sector experience in:
Matthew’s passion for community service drives his vision as CEO, guiding Bridging the Gap as we embark on a bold new chapter. Our core values – Caring, Innovation, Teamwork, Challenge and Empowerment – remain the pillars we strive to uphold in all our initiatives.
Originating from the same town as Bridging the Gap, Matthew grew up familiar with the organisation’s impactful presence. It is one of his greatest honours to lead an organisation that has done so much to shape the community and to contribute to its future work and success.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
For more than 20 years, Laureen Weyell has worked tirelessly to support and empower disadvantaged communities across Kwinana, Rockingham and Mandurah.
With advanced qualifications in employment services Laureen is particularly passionate about ensuring young women and at-risk youth are supported to become job ready, and secure sustainable employment.
Laureen says it’s important we acknowledge the intersecting barriers some communities face that contribute to lower workforce participation. Laureen believes we can harness social enterprise to create meaningful opportunities for marginalised people tackling big barriers to employment.
It’s with this in mind that Laureen has been particularly proud to lead Bridging the Gap’s Containers for Change initiative.
“As well as helping the environment, our specially designed program supports young people in the Kwinana, Rockingham and Peel area with training and employment pathways,” she said.
As well as expertise across a broad range of community services, Laureen is a qualified Indigenous mentor.
She says she is driven by an unrelenting commitment to opportunity for all. Laureen is proud to work alongside the Bridging the Gap community to ensure everyone – no matter their background – has access to secure, paid work.
In her spare time, Laureen enjoys walks on the Rockingham foreshore with her dog Gus and spending time with her husband and family.