Meet the Team
Deb Smith - Director
With a background in paediatric nursing, I have experienced a lot of the highs and lows that families experience when an illness is diagnosed. On a personal level, my 28 year old sister-in-law lost her battle with renal failure. My now 17 year old niece is a survivor of cancer after she was diagnosed with a tumour of the eye at the age of six.
Prior to having children, a lot of my time was spent fundraising when I was involved with the Crippled Children’s Association in South Australia. I raised over $70,000 in one year.
After chatting with a friend four years ago, we discussed how blessed our lives are. We felt that we would like to do something to help others that weren’t as lucky as ourselves. This was the first seed of an idea. One year later, Dream Workers started with a small group of like minded people.
Since the time of our first fundraiser, which was a car rally, with Paradise Kids being the recipient of funds raised, Dream Workers is now my big passion in life. I have met so many fantastic people since we began, and seen the difference we are making in so many lives.
It’s a great feeling to know that in a small way, you are helping others. My dream for Dream Workers is to raise $1 million to help out our community. Imagine how many lives this money would make a huge difference to.
Kathy Jones - Founding Member
Originally from Albury, NSW, my family moved to the Gold Coast in 2002.
I have a corporate background, In Administration and Information Technology with a global, family owned American Corporation.
In 2003, my partner David, and I started our own business, Arundel Ultra Shine Carwash on Brisbane Road at Labrador. We have two children, Mitchell and Georgia.
As well as running a business and raising children, my personal passion is playing hockey and I have recently being chosen to represent Australia in the Women’s 40+ division.
As Dream Workers, we started out as like minded people in the similar situation of being busy with our families and our businesses but feeling the need to do more in the face of so many needy causes, both individuals and organizations, in our society! The satisfaction of working towards providing others with assistance and changing lives is my motivation for being involved in this group.
Rose Matulin - Founding Member
Having been married for over 20 years, and the mother of three teenage children, I thought it would be great to put something back into the community at this stage in my life.
I work at Pindara Hospital and love to play tennis whenever I can. There is a fierce rivalry between my husband and I.
I became involved with Dream Workers when we first began in 2005, so that I could be involved in raising funds and making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, specifically Gold Coast charities and individuals.
This year has really been a great year in watching Dream Workers come together in the direction that we have wanted to be heading. It gives me a great deal of pleasure in watching this culminate into making such a difference in the lives of others.
Marina Ruyssenaers - Member
I was fortunate to see the team of Dream Workers in action when I attended a fundraiser for a family that I knew was in need. They made such a difference in this family’s life.
I think it is so important to be able to answer the needs in our own community and the ripple effect goes out to the needs of the world.
I have had some humbling experiences in my life where the support of people I did not even know helped me to find my inner strength. One such experience was a contest with breast cancer and chemotherapy, a battle that was fought and won.
I have two teenagers who amaze, inspire and challenge me and a wonderful husband who nourishes and humours me. It is with the gratitude of these great gifts that I feel inspired to try to help others.
I am looking forward to working with the team of Dream Workers because “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”
Graham Colman - Dream Workers Accountant/ Director
I grew up in Adelaide’s northern suburbs and left school after completing year 10. I studied Accounting at night school at TAFE and then completed a Bachelor of Business at Deakin University by distance learning. In 1985 I became a Certified Practising Accountant and Registered Tax Agent.
Deb and her family have had an association with my practice for 25 years. On occasions we would be invited to Fund Raising Events in support of Children’s Charities. When Dream Workers was being established I offered to attend to the Taxation and Audit requirements. It is great to help out such a worthy cause.
My role is strictly back office and I leave the ‘front of house’ work to the rest of the Dream Workers Team.
Marc Renai - Director
I was born on the Gold Coast in 1974 with a passion for life, people, business and sport.
I have been very lucky to be a part of very successful Companies and events. This has led me to start up my own business Healthy Lifestyle Clinic.
HLC has been running for 5 years and deals with the health of corporate companies, people and events. As a part of our business vision, giving back to the Gold Coast is a chance to invest into the lives of less fortunate people and the future of the Gold Coast.
Liz Bettles - Member
I met Dreamworkers co-ordinator Deb Smith in 2009 at a Networking Function and she told me of their appeal for Jessica Dunne who at 20 years old was struck down with Meningococcal Meningitis leaving her unable to walk, talk, feed herself, the list goes on. As a result of the fundraising efforts of Deb, the Dreamworkers team and many Gold Coast business $44 000 in cash and approximately $100 000 in donations in the form of building materials, furniture, landscaping & time by professionals like myself was raised for much needed renovations to Jessica's family home to accommodate her as well as equipment and the full time care she now requires by her mother Karen.
As a mother of an 11 year daughter and a strong advocate for community it was impossible for me ignore the work of Dream Workers and the plight of Jessica, it's an honour and a pleasure to be associated with Dream Workers.
Professional Organiser, Liz Bettles is the founder and principle of Natural Order and is the Gold Coast's leading name in Home and Business Organisation and Lifestyle Management.
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