The Daring to Dream, the Passion to Inspire and the Grace to Care
Xavier King- Manager
Xavier King is the Manager of Dungog Shire Community Centre and a long-standing practitioner in mental health, domestic and family violence support, psychosocial care, and youth and family work. With extensive experience both on the front line and in leadership roles, Xavier brings a practical, steady, and community-driven approach to managing DSCC’s diverse programs.
His background spans counselling, crisis support, community engagement, program development, and small-business ownership. Over many years, Xavier has built a reputation for being organised, responsive, and deeply committed to supporting people through complex life situations. His ability to hold both the operational and human layers of the work makes him a strong fit for leading a busy regional community centre.
At DSCC, Xavier oversees programs that support children, young people, families, and older residents, while strengthening partnerships with local schools, services, and community organisations. He is highly focused on improving systems, building team capacity, ensuring compliance, and making sure DSCC remains a safe, inclusive, and reliable place for the community.
Xavier’s leadership is grounded in clarity, calm, and genuine care for the people of Dungog. His work is guided by a belief in accessible support, collaboration, and creating practical pathways that help individuals and families feel connected, empowered, and supported.
nina williams
Dungog Agency for Services Australia
Nina is the familiar, welcoming face that many people first encounter when they walk through the doors of Dungog Shire Community Centre. Since joining the Centre in 2004, she has been at the heart of the Dungog Agency for Services Australia, bringing humanity, patience, and clarity to what can often be a complicated system to navigate.
With a natural ability to make people feel at ease, Nina supports community members through Centrelink, Medicare, MyGov and other Services Australia processes, offering guidance that is both knowledgeable and genuinely compassionate. Her commitment to helping others and her long-standing connection to the community make her an invaluable part of DSCC’s daily operations.
Nina holds a Diploma of Community Services Work and a Diploma of Counselling, and she is a Justice of the Peace (available during office hours, 9am–1pm). Her combination of skill, experience, and personal warmth ensures that every person who comes into the Centre feels supported, respected, and heard.
Tiahni Blades-Family worker
Tiahni is a dedicated family and community practitioner with strong formal training and a deeply grounded commitment to supporting the wellbeing of people across the Dungog Shire. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development and a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management, supported by extensive professional development in trauma-informed practice, therapeutic crisis intervention, quality family contact, restorative frameworks, visible safety leadership, aged care assessment, and person-centred support.
At DSCC, Tiahni plays a key role in programs for children, young people, families, and older residents. She brings a calm, steady, and relational presence to her work, creating safe environments where individuals and families feel genuinely supported and understood. Her practice is strengths-based, trauma-aware, and grounded in dignity, empowerment, and practical support.
Known for her thoughtful approach and strong ethical practice, Tiahni contributes to DSCC’s broader community initiatives, wellbeing events, and collaborative programs. Her blend of professional skill, compassion, and clear communication strengthens the Centre’s commitment to inclusive, holistic, and high-quality community care.
Matthew Coxhill- Family Worker
Matthew is a qualified counsellor and mediator with a strong foundation in family support, youth wellbeing, and conflict resolution. As DSCC’s Family Worker, he provides practical, therapeutic, and strengths-based support to families across the Dungog Shire, helping them navigate challenges, improve communication, and build healthier relationships.
With specialist training in counselling, mediation, and peace and conflict studies, Matthew brings a calm, grounded presence to his work. He has a particular interest in supporting men and young men, recognising the unique pressures they face in expressing emotion and accessing help. Matthew creates a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their experiences, develop coping strategies, and build confidence in their own resilience.
In his role at DSCC, Matthew works closely with children, parents, carers, and partner services to ensure families feel supported, connected, and able to access the resources they need. He is also involved in the development and delivery of programs for older residents, community events, and collaborative initiatives with local organisations.
Matthew holds a Diploma of Counselling, a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Peace and Conflict Studies, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and he is a casual academic at the University of Newcastle. He brings a thoughtful, relational, and community-minded approach to his work, contributing to DSCC’s commitment to accessible, inclusive, and holistic support for all families in the Shire.
Max Grieve
Family worker
Max brings over 40 years of experience working with people in a wide range of community, education, and support settings — often quite literally wearing many hats. As a long-time practitioner of Choice Theory, he helps individuals and families understand what drives their behaviour, improve communication, and strengthen the relationships that matter most.
Max has a gentle, practical way of guiding people toward what he calls “real treasure” — the ability to build healthier connections, make empowered choices, and create more of the good life we all want. His work is grounded in respect, curiosity, and a deep belief in each person’s capacity to grow.
With decades of experience helping people navigate change, conflict, and life transitions, Max brings wisdom, patience, and a steady presence to the DSCC team. Whether he’s supporting individuals one-on-one or contributing to broader community programs, his focus is always on helping people find clarity, connection, and meaningful pathways forward.
Doug the reading bug
Doug pops up all over the district. He particularly loves hosting pyjama parties at local libraries. Children bring their teddy bears, their parents and grandparents to the library for a hot chocolate, stories and craft with Doug.
Doug the Reading Bug is the mascot of the Born to Read project which encourages all parents to read to children from birth.
The power of reading to children should never be underestimated. Brain research has shown that a person’s learning pathways are established in the brain by the age of three. Reading and sharing stories with young children is vital in helping children develop lifelong skills for learning.
Doug's message is simple. 10 minutes a day - talk, sing, play, share a book today.
daisy
mascot, RunDungog
Daisy is our mascot for RunDungog. She’s not much into running but a celeb who likes having her photo taken.
RunDungog is a great cross country running festival held in the stunning Dungog Common.
This event helps raise much needed funds for the Dungog Shire Community Centre. Unfortunately, the 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled due to Covid, but RunDungog returned, bigger and better than ever in August 2022 and even bigger again in 2023.
2025 management Committee
Jess Watkins- President
Ann Mooney- Vice President
Michael Hindhaugh- Treasurer
Anne Higgins- Secretary
Committee Members:
Clare Donnellan
Rachel Stokes
Ivan Skaines