The Hive’s work is led by a small team of people committed to creating lasting change in 2770 through collaboration and innovation with community voice at the centre.
Rubie joined the Hive as Director in 2020 and provides strategy and direction for all of The Hive’s work in Mt Druitt. Rubie has a background in community development, youth work and Collective Impact and has held various leadership roles. Rubie works alongside The Hive’s key collaborative partners to build relationships, advocate for system-level change and identify new opportunities to respond to community aspirations and priorities. Rubie is motivated by her belief that a person’s postcode should not be a barrier to their quality of life. She has a deep care for Mt Druitt, moving to Bidwill when she was 12 and completing her high schooling locally. She has continued to work in the Western Sydney area for many years.
“There is no power for change better or more powerful than a community discovering what it cares about and itself as its primary asset” – Margaret Wheatley
Jean joined the Hive team in 2020. With her Master of Education in Early Childhood Leadership, she is responsible for advising and guiding The Hive’s Early Years Strategy across the 2770 postcode. This includes advising on the Hive’s early years activities such as Linker and CUBS, as well as coordinating the Early Childhood Educators Network. Jean has worked locally as the Educational Leader at a local Preschool for many years ensuring high quality education and care.
With her own child having some challenges in speech, she is incredibly passionate about early intervention and support for children with additional needs.
Laura joined The Hive team in 2017 and is the Partnerships & Policy Lead. This includes designing and implementing The Hive’s advocacy strategy, providing guidance to the 2770 Collective regarding advocacy activities, participating in relevant government inquiries, and building relationships with key policy makers and stakeholders to result in equitable policy and system-change for Mt Druitt.
Laura has held multiple roles in her time at The Hive as the work has grown, including Community Development Officer, Child Health Linker & Child Health & Development Project Lead and has assisted in embedding place-based child health projects for Mt Druitt including the CUBS Program & Willmot Paediatrician Clinic. Laura enjoys reading and keeping active through running and short distance triathlons.
Steve joined The HIVE in 2024 as the Community Development Lead, following seven years of leading a partner organisation’s place-based initiative in Mount Druitt. He brings extensive experience in community development, team leadership, and social justice initiatives. Steve is passionate about community-led advocacy and works with teams to cultivate conditions that actualise capabilities and foster belonging — standing in solidarity with communities as the true catalysts for change.
Brigid joined The Hive in April 2023 as a Community Capacity Engagement Officer, bringing a passion to drive meaningful engagement and empowerment initiatives.
With a deep commitment to community development and collective impact, Brigid works to bridge gaps and cultivate connections that uplift the voices and aspirations of those we serve.
Brigid moved to Australia from the United States in August of 2018. She likes to spend her free time on the couch with a book, or spending time with friends.
Lacey joined The Hive as Child Health Linker in 2023 and brings with her years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Early Intervention. With a Diploma of Children’s Services and experience with the NDIA, Lacey is passionate about providing equal opportunity to all children in the early years, by supporting and advocating in the allied health space, including accessing NDIS funding and navigating supports to assist with building children’s health and development.
Lacey is a mother of two who can be found watching her boys play sport and being creative in her spare time.
Renee is a proud Gamilaraay woman with connection to Gunnedah, Moree and Tamworth in the North West of the state; Renee was born and grew up in Western Sydney.
She brings a deep passion for community, education, and empowering Indigenous people.
With over 10 years of experience in family services, youth justice, and education, she is committed to leveraging her skills and lived experience to make meaningful contributions within the community.
Emanuel, also known as Menny is a proud Gundungurra and Tongan man. Menny was raised in Mt Druitt all of his life and is very passionate about where he comes from. He believes Community voice is important for community growth and empowerment.
“Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs. Don’t ignore that longing to make a difference.”
Lana joined the Hive team in 2024, with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and over 7 years’ experience working with children and families across Early Childhood Education and Early Intervention Support.
She is passionate about creating spaces that promote children’s choice and control and actively seeks to capture children’s voices. Her role also involves providing families with 1:1 support to enrol and sustain enrolment in childcare and preschool.
Lana enjoys cups of tea, watching the Formula 1 or sitting down with a good book.
Cherry joined the Hive in 2025 to work on Dharawal Country in the Macquarie Fields team. She comes with experience in international development, having supported community work in Nepal, as well as local community development in the inner city in Sydney. She is passionate about listening to people’s stories and seeing community-led change. She also loves food, the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
