WHO WE ARE
OUR STORY
Coast and Country Community Services (CCCS) is a community service provider dedicated to fostering community connections and ensuring access to essential services. Established in 2014 through the merger of Shoalhaven and Young Community Transport (CT) Services, CCCS has grown significantly over the past decade. We have integrated Boorowa, Weddin Shire, Bega Valley, Kiama and Wollongong-Shellharbour CT Services, creating a network of integrated support across southern NSW. CCCS has recently taken over a commercial taxi service in Weddin Shire to better support the broader community. Our offices are located on the lands of the Yuin, Dharawal, and Wiradjuri peoples. We honour and pay our respects to First Nations peoples, their elders past, present, and emerging. Transportation is at the heart of CCCS, providing residents with reliable access across various Local Government Areas (LGAs). This service is crucial for connecting individuals who might otherwise face mobility barriers, promoting inclusivity and community engagement. At CCCS, we do more than just transport people; we provide vital links to essential services and social connections within their communities. Community Transport is the backbone of our organization, ensuring reliable mobility for all. As the needs of our communities evolve, CCCS is broadening its scope to include NDIS support, Meals on Wheels, and various social support programs, aiming to meet wider community needs and improve the quality of life for individuals. Our diverse team of volunteers and paid staff enables us to effectively serve the community while fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. This growth allows us to better meet the diverse and changing needs of our communities. With plans for further expansion into additional care support services, CCCS remains committed to its mission of enabling people to connect with and participate in their communities. We strive to build capacity that promotes independence and enhances quality of life, bridging gaps and overcoming disadvantages.
our history
A timeline
Where it all began
Shoalhaven & Young
Shoalhaven & Young
Community Transports
merged to create CCCS 2014
WEDDIN
Weddin Community Transport
joined CCCS 2015
BOOROWA
Boorowa Community
Transport joined 2016
BEGA
Bega Valley Community
Transport joined 2019
KIAMA
Kiama Community
Transport joined 2024
Young
Young Community
Meals on Wheels joined Feb 2025
Wollongong-Shellharbour
Wollongong-Shellharbour Community
Transport joined 2025
Where to next?
Where to next?
INCLUSIVE DESIGN
Building a Community for Everyone
Our society has been built around the idea that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. But as our communities grow more diverse, we’re beginning to understand that barriers to access affect everyone—at some point, in some way. Whether it’s a wheelchair user navigating narrow doorways, someone with limited English reading signage, or a shorter person reaching high shelves, these everyday challenges reveal a deeper truth: our systems, spaces, and services were not designed for the majority—they were designed for a narrow norm. Inclusive design challenges this. It’s not about making special allowances for specific groups.
It’s about rethinking how we build our environments, institutions, and services so that everyone—regardless of age, ability, language, or circumstance—can participate fully and equally. At Coast and Country Community Services, this philosophy is at the heart of what we do. From community transport to broader service delivery, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and creating access for all. Embracing inclusive design honours our roots in supporting vulnerable people and guides our future as a community service provider for everyone—from birth to end of life. Let’s build a society that works for all of us.
OUR PURPOSE
CCCS serves to enable people to connect with and participate in their community, and beyond, building capacity that promotes independence and quality of life. Through our work we can “bridge the gaps” and overcome disadvantage.
OUR VALUES
CARE
We aim to serve you with compassion and be a service that you can count on to "go the extra mile".
inclusion
We know that everyone is unique and we strive to personalise our services to best meet your individual needs and experience.
respect
We listen to you and seek to respond to your needs with respect.
reliability
We endeavour to be reliable and do what we say we will do.
quality
Our priority is to provide quality and inter-action through consultation and continual improvement.
integrity
Acting with integrity and being trusted by the community we serve is one of our fundamental objectives.
CCCS EXEC TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
JAMES GOULD
Chief Executive Officer
James is an experienced executive leader in the community service space, with a focus on training, change management, and business development. He holds qualifications in Disability, Vocational Training, and a Master's in Business Administration. Additionally, James has a Certificate in Transport Management and NSW Bus and Coach Operator Accreditation.
Shane Baker
Operations Manager
Shane started life in the Aged and Disability Care sector as a direct care worker in 2004 and has progressed through several roles and levels of management, most recently his passion for human rights has resulted in the implementation of an organisational and systemic human rights framework to promote continuous improvement and quality care. Shane has a Diploma in Community Services and Diploma in Management and Leadership.
Jamie Barnes
Senior Manager Service Delivery and Performance
Jamie has spent her adult life in numerous roles focused on people services starting in Early Childhood Care moving into Disability and Mental health/welfare and then joining CCCSL in the Aged Care and Transport sector. Jamie has attained her Diploma in Community Services. Her passion is improving and innovating systems/processes to ensure frontline workers are able to focus on quality customer service provision. She received the Excellence in Practice, Quality and Safety – Chairs award during her time with one of Australia’s largest Disability service providers.
Jennifer Freeman
Manager Service Delivery and Planning
Jenn joined the Coast & Country Community Services team in 2023, bringing a strong background in Nursing and a genuine passion for Aged Care and Community Services. With over 10 years’ experience in customer service, Jenn delivers a high level of care, compassion, and professionalism in every interaction with clients and the wider community. In her role as Coordinator for the Northeastern region, Jenn contributes valuable experience and a broad understanding of Coast & Country Community Services, supporting positive outcomes across all aspects of service delivery.
Charlotte Martin
Service Planning and Allocation Leader
Charlotte joined Coast and Country Community Services in 2022 as an Administrative Assistant and has since progressed into the role of Allocations and Scheduling Team Leader. With a background in customer service and a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Charlotte brings a strong foundation in communication, organisation, and client-focused support. Committed to continuous learning, Charlotte has completed additional studies in business as well as specialised training in NDIS Support Coordination since joining CCCSL. She is passionate about applying her growing knowledge to improve service delivery and ensure participants receive timely, high-quality support. Charlotte is dedicated to supporting her team, strengthening processes, and contributing to positive outcomes for the people and communities we serve
Lydia Sabitzer
Customer Experience and Access Leader
Lydia Sabitzer has been a valued member of the CCCS team for over nine years, bringing a strong passion for community support and customer care. As the Team Leader for the Customer Journey across the Shoalhaven and Illawarra regions, Lydia is widely recognised for her ability to thrive under pressure, respond effectively to on-the-day demands, and support her team in delivering positive outcomes for the community. With extensive experience in customer service roles, Lydia has supported clients through both phone-based and face-to-face interactions, consistently demonstrating a genuine commitment to high-quality service. She takes pride in her strong communication skills and her ability to foster positive, supportive connections that are tailored to meet the individual needs of each customer.
Cath James
Senior Manager Customer Experience and Access
Cath is new to the Community Transport Sector but has over 15 years’ experience in customer service roles. Cath is keen to make a difference in her community and is committed to providing quality, reliable transport services in the Bega Valley. Cath has a Certificate 3 in Business Administration.
Janelle Eastlake
Manager Customer Experience and Engagement
Originally from Melbourne, Janelle relocated to Young in 2008 and has since embraced the country lifestyle. Her career has spanned various roles in administration and management, including owning and operating a cherry farm. Janelle joined the team in 2025, when Young Meals on Wheels merged with CCCS and was quickly promoted to Coordinator across our region and has taken a leading role in delivering exceptional service to our clients, ensuring they have the best experience regardless of the services they require.
Georgina O’Kane
Business Administration, Systems and Projects Manager
Originally from Dubbo, Carlie is a proud Wiradjuri woman who values culture, inclusion and creating environments where people feel safe, supported, and empowered. She is passionate about encouraging cultural learning and contributing to strong, inclusive workplace cultures. With more than a decade of experience across the disability and complex mental health sectors, Carlie has built a diverse career spanning frontline support and operational leadership roles. Her experience has provided her with a strong understanding of the importance of structure, communication, compliance and effective operational systems. Carlie is passionate about strengthening the behind-the-scenes foundations that support teams to work efficiently, collaboratively and consistently.
Torey Mita
Business Administration and Systems Coordinator
Originally from New Zealand, Torey relocated to Nowra in 2025 with her family and brings more than 15 years of combined experience to her role as Coordinator, Business Operations at CCCSL. Drawing on a revenue-focused career in local government and more than a decade in customer service, Torey has built a strong foundation in financial accountability, compliance, process-improvement and people-centred service delivery. Currently completing her Certificate IV in Accounting & Bookeeping to deepen her financial acumen and complement her hands-on experience, Torey is proud to be contributing to the communities CCCSL serves and is committed to creating meaningful connections with anyone she meets along the way.
