Cana transitions to a new CEO

As many of you are aware, Julie Sneddon has transitioned from her day-to-day role as CEO of Cana Communities. Julie has whole heartedly supported the people in our community for over 20 years, helping countless individuals and saving countless lives. Her tireless commitment, and on-call dedication twenty-four seven, to mission-based care have undoubtedly left an incredible impact on our community. 

Reflecting on Julie’s journey

Looking forward, I would like to introduce to you our new CEO, but first, please indulge me by reflecting on Julie’s journey with our organisation.

Julie began her journey with Cana as a volunteer around 2005. Following the passing of Fr Brian Stoney in 2008, she became Sr Anne Jordan’s second in charge and eventually took over the running of the whole community in 2017.

Building community connections

Her initial engagement within the community involved running the Cana Café in Redfern, a welcoming space for all the community and homeless to come together for a meal and a chat. She then became the inspiration behind the Farm at Orchard Hills (2010), a space where our city community could learn valuable employment skills, now a thriving social enterprise.

Supporting Sr Anne Jordan, they travelled together, representing Cana Communities at international conferences, culminating in accepting the Opus Prize (2016) in the USA – an annual international award recognising individuals or organisations who champion faith-filled change.

Ongoing commitment

Julie went on to develop relationships with the Parramatta Drug Court and the Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Program at Parklea Prison, where she spent many days and hours each week walking in the prison yard, forging connections with the inmates. Expanding Cana’s footprint, Julie developed relationships with other service providers, introducing programs such as “Work for the Dole” and TAFE courses at the Farm.

As CEO, Julie continued her hands-on, mission-based approach, supporting initiatives from Nagle House and de Porres to Cana WA, the Farm at Orchard Hills, Calder Road, and the recent reopening of St Francis Shelter. This includes educating and supporting our volunteers, and Julie spearheaded the establishment of the Education Committee to offer specialised training for those giving their time to the community.

Her legacy has been integral in advocating for personalised lifestyle and health programs. She sought support from St Vincent’s and Mater Health to provide a nurse one day a week, to lessen the divide and fear of health care among our community. Recently, in conjunction with Professor Maria Singh and her volunteer team at Sydney University, Julie established access for our community to one-on-one lifestyle and health programs.

Julie has spoken at countless school and corporate events to raise awareness. She has offered reflective spaces to create an awareness of those in our community who may never have had the same advantages and to help understand that through building relationships, change can happen.

Continuing the journey

While Julie steps back from her CEO role, her journey with Cana is not over. She will remain on the Board and working in the community, continuing to be a creative dreamer dedicated to helping those with the least options. We offer our heartfelt thanks to Julie for her unwavering commitment.

Transitioning to the CEO

Looking forward, Cana is delighted to announce that David Ballhausen will be taking on the role of CEO in February. David has been involved with Cana for well over 25 years as a volunteer and, more recently, a Board member. He is a seasoned NFP leader with a background in leadership roles with organisations such as The Smith Family, Life Education Australia, and the Disability and Community Housing sector. In recent times, he was the inaugural CEO of Street Side Medics. Prior to his involvement in the NFP sector, David spent 15 years in a variety of investment banking roles.

The path ahead

David’s background, connections, knowledge of, and standing within the NFP sector will underpin Cana’s continued progression and reputation as an organisation that creates inclusive communities and nurtures dignity, hope and belonging for those most in need.

I, as I hope you all, look forward to a new chapter in the progression of Cana – to help those in front of us with least options.  

Warm regards,

Ian Dardis
Chair, Cana Communities Inc.