Our Network
Living Connected has been set up as a network of centres and partnerships. We run drop-in centres and provide home visit services in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and South Coast regions of New South Wales. But we’re continually growing and always interested in forming new partnerships, collaborating on new projects, and sharing information and resources. Please get in touch if you’d like to become part of our wider network or just want to say hi and exchange details.
Our Team
19.12.1938 - 24.10.2025
In Loving Memory of David Alan Proud
Living Connected says thank-you and goodbye to our Chairman of the Board and much-loved, long-time Digital Mentor, David Proud. We thank you for everything you did for our organisation and for our clients. We’ll miss your experience, your philosophy and the values you embodied and shared with us all.
19.12.1938 - 24.10.2025
In Loving Memory of David Alan Proud
Living Connected says thank-you and goodbye to our Chairman of the Board and much-loved, long-time Digital Mentor, David Proud. We thank you for everything you did for our organisation and for our clients. We’ll miss your experience, your philosophy and the values you embodied and shared with us all.
19.12.1938 - 24.10.2025
In Loving Memory of David Alan Proud
Living Connected says thank-you and goodbye to our Chairman of the Board and much-loved, long-time Digital Mentor, David Proud. We thank you for everything you did for our organisation and for our clients. We’ll miss your experience, your philosophy and the values you embodied and shared with us all.
Living Connected is a dynamic organization and our team is no different. We have a core group of management and long-term helpers, but we’re also lucky to have many students and other volunteers helping to deliver our services. You may see some of the faces below at a drop-in session or home visit, but you’ll likely see others too. Whoever you meet, we guarantee they’ll be friendly and helpful!
Helen Hasan
Helen established Living Connected based on research undertaken as Professor of Information Systems at the Australian Health Services Research Institute. She is currently Managing Director of Living Connected.
Kim Leach
Kim loves troubleshooting technical problems and seeing the difference digital literacy makes to people’s lives. She has a BA in Media Studies and is certified by COMPTIA, the Computer & Technical Industry Association.
Peter Samsa
Peter is committed to social justice and has extensive experience in not-for-profit, human service organisations and university research centres. His qualifications include Social Work and Information & Communications Technology
Helen Hasan
Helen established Living Connected based on research undertaken as Professor of Information Systems at the Australian Health Services Research Institute. She is currently Managing Director of Living Connected.
Kim Leach
Kim loves troubleshooting technical problems and seeing the difference digital literacy makes to people’s lives. She has a BA in Media Studies and is certified by COMPTIA, the Computer & Technical Industry Association.
Peter Samsa
Peter is committed to social justice and has extensive experience in not-for-profit, human service organisations and university research centres. His qualifications include Social Work and Information & Communications Technology
Helen Hasan
Helen established Living Connected based on research undertaken as Professor of Information Systems at the Australian Health Services Research Institute. She is currently Managing Director of Living Connected.
Kim Leach
Kim loves troubleshooting technical problems and seeing the difference digital literacy makes to people’s lives. She has a BA in Media Studies and is certified by COMPTIA, the Computer & Technical Industry Association.
Peter Samsa
Peter is committed to social justice and has extensive experience in not-for-profit, human service organisations and university research centres. His qualifications include Social Work and Information & Communications Technology
Brian Pinch
Brian manages our Woonona-Bulli RSL drop-in centre and is a tireless behind-the-scenes worker. He has qualifications in computer science and has spent a lifetime in IT. He does not like being photographed.
Jeff Gibson
Jeff Gibson is another valuable member of our Woonona-Bulli team. He has decades' experience with technology and is passionate about bridging the gap between digital technology and the people who use it.
Sue Rejske
Sue Rejske is a long-time digital mentor at our Woonona Bulli drop-in centre where she specialises in helping folks with Apple devices. She has also served on the Board of Living Connected.
Helen Lynch
Helen mentors at our Bundanoon and Goulburn centres. She's an educator and market gardener who loves information and communication technology and the benefits it can bring to all our lives, especially as we grow older.
Sheridan Mortlock
Sheridan studied International Relations and Arts at UOW. She started volunteering with Living Connected at the beginning of 2024 and finds it incredibly rewarding helping clients gain confidence in their technology skills.
Warren Mahoney
Warren's a former UOW administrator and no stranger to volunteering, having worked with the Volunteer Ski Patrol. When he's not helping out Living Connected, he's enjoying one of many outdoor pursuits or looking after his grandkids.
Mohammad Ali
With a background in finance and a love for meaningful connections, Ali enjoys helping others feel empowered and supported through life’s challenges—when he’s not playing sport or exploring new culinary adventures that is.
Steve Allen
With 40 years' experience teaching IT and Natural Therapies practice, Steve brings a unique depth of knowledge and empathy to his Living Connected work, allowing him to create a comfortable, safe and light-hearted learning environment.
Michael Webb
As a respite foster carer and the youngest of five children, Michael knows all about navigating the complex relationship between tech, teens, tweens and elder siblings. He believes patience is the greatest technical skill, and we agree!
Mija Crasnich
A Living Connected Board Member with a business, CX and client relationships background, Mija's passionate about adding value to the community. She's also passionate about the ocean, bush walking, reading and spending time with her family.
Naz Afran
Naz has been a part of Living Connected for many years. She was a much-loved helper at many of our Illawarra drop-in centres before taking on a fulltime position and remains connected to the Living Connected family as a member of our board.
Jack Reid
Jack studied law at the University of Wollongong and the ANU and currently practices at Maliganis Edwards Johnson in Canberra. He is a Living Connected Board Member and also spread the love to his Mum, who helps promote and bake goodies for our Bundanoon drop-in.
Phil Holleley
A long-term member of our South Coast team, Phil has a tonne of experience helping seniors with IT. He's been an integral part of Living Connected classes at IRT Sarah Claydon in Milton and the Tech Savvy Seniors program. He is also a Living Connected Board Member
Brian Pinch
Brian manages our Woonona-Bulli RSL drop-in centre and is a tireless behind-the-scenes worker. He has qualifications in computer science and has spent a lifetime in IT. He does not like being photographed.
Sue Rejske
Sue Rejske is a long-time digital mentor at our Woonona Bulli drop-in centre where she specialises in helping folks with Apple devices. She has also served on the Board of Living Connected.
Brian Pinch
Brian manages our Woonona-Bulli RSL drop-in centre and is a tireless behind-the-scenes worker. He has qualifications in computer science and has spent a lifetime in IT. He does not like being photographed.
Sue Rejske
Sue Rejske is a long-time digital mentor at our Woonona Bulli drop-in centre where she specialises in helping folks with Apple devices. She has also served on the Board of Living Connected.
Jeff Gibson
Jeff Gibson is another valuable member of our Woonona-Bulli team. He has decades’ experience with technology and is passionate about bridging the gap between digital technology and the people who use it.
Sheridan Mortlock
Jeff Gibson
Jeff Gibson is another valuable member of our Woonona-Bulli team. He has decades’ experience with technology and is passionate about bridging the gap between digital technology and the people who use it.
Sheridan Mortlock
Benjamin Tauaalo
Currently studying and working in Wollongong, Ben’s a regular at many of our Northern Illawarra sessions. He loves watching films and volunteering in his spare time, and finds that our clients teach him as much as he teaches them!
Mohammad Ali
With a background in finance and a love for meaningful connections, Ali enjoys helping others feel empowered and supported through life’s challenges—when he’s not playing sport or exploring new culinary adventures that is.
Warren Mahoney
Warren’s a former UOW administrator and no stranger to volunteering, having worked with the Volunteer Ski Patrol. When he’s not helping out Living Connected, he’s enjoying one of many outdoor pursuits or looking after his grandkids.
Helen Lynch
Helen mentors at our Bundanoon and Goulburn centres. She’s an educator and market gardener who loves information and communication technology and the benefits it can bring to all our lives, especially as we grow older.
Steve Allen
With 40 years’ experience teaching IT and Natural Therapies practice, Steve brings a unique depth of knowledge and empathy to his Living Connected work, allowing him to create a comfortable, safe and light-hearted learning environment.
Michael Webb
As a respite foster carer and the youngest of five children, Michael knows all about navigating the complex relationship between tech, tweens, teens and elder siblings. He believes patience is the greatest technical skill, and we agree!
Mija Crasnich
A Living Connected Board Member with a business, CX and client relationships background, Mija’s passionate about adding value to the community. She’s also passionate about the ocean, bush walking, reading and spending time with her family.
Naz Afra
Naz has been a part of Living Connected for many years. She was a much-loved helper at many of our Illawarra drop-in centres before taking on a fulltime position and remains connected to the Living Connected family as a member of our board.
Jack Reid
Jack studied law at the University of Wollongong and the ANU and currently practices at Maliganis Edwards Johnson in Canberra. He is a Living Connected Board Member and also spread the love to his Mum, who helps promote and bake goodies for our Bundanoon drop-in.
Phil Holleley
A long-term member of our South Coast team, Phil has a tonne of experience helping seniors with IT. He’s been an integral part of Living Connected classes at IRT Sarah Claydon in Milton and the Tech Savvy Seniors program. He is also a Living Connected Board Member
Jack Reid
Jack studied law at the University of Wollongong and the ANU and currently practices at Maliganis Edwards Johnson in Canberra. He is a Living Connected Board Member and also spread the love to his Mum, who helps promote and bake goodies for our Bundanoon drop-in.
Phil Holleley
A long-term member of our South Coast team, Phil has a tonne of experience helping seniors with IT. He's been an integral part of Living Connected classes at IRT Sarah Claydon in Milton and the Tech Savvy Seniors program. He is also a Living Connected Board Member
Naz Afran
Naz has been a part of Living Connected for many years. She was a much-loved helper at many of our Illawarra drop-in centres before taking on a fulltime position and remains connected to the Living Connected family as a member of our board.
Mohammad Ali
With a background in finance and a love for meaningful connections, Ali enjoys helping others feel empowered and supported through life’s challenges—when he’s not playing sport or exploring new culinary adventures that is.
Warren Mahoney
Warren’s a former UOW administrator and no stranger to volunteering, having worked with the Volunteer Ski Patrol. When he’s not helping out Living Connected, he’s enjoying one of many outdoor pursuits or looking after his grandkids.
Helen Lynch
Helen mentors at our Bundanoon and Goulburn centres. She’s an educator and market gardener who loves information and communication technology and the benefits it can bring to all our lives, especially as we grow older.
Steve Allen
With 40 years’ experience teaching IT and Natural Therapies practice, Steve brings a unique depth of knowledge and empathy to his Living Connected work, allowing him to create a comfortable, safe and light-hearted learning environment.
Michael Webb
As a respite foster carer and the youngest of five children, Michael knows all about navigating the complex relationship between tech, tweens, teens and elder siblings. He believes patience is the greatest technical skill, and we agree!
Mija Crasnich
Naz Afran
Naz has been a part of Living Connected for many years. She was a much-loved helper at many of our Illawarra drop-in centres before taking on a fulltime position and remains connected to the Living Connected family as a member of our board.
Jack Reid
Phil Holleley
A long-term member of our South Coast team, Phil has a tonne of experience helping seniors with IT. He’s been an integral part of Living Connected classes at IRT Sarah Claydon in Milton and the Tech Savvy Seniors program. He is also a Living Connected Board Member
Our Founders
Academics Helen Hasan, Kate Crawford, Corina Ionescu and Alanah Kazlauskas followed the digital revolution for decades before creating Living Connected. They helped many residents in aged-care facilities, learning what works and doesn’t work when it comes to seniors and technology. Their review of the international research showed the importance of four factors in the quality of an elder’s life and social well-being — staying connected with family and community, spending time on meaningful activities, being independent and in control of everyday affairs, and having a dignified life.
With their own research showing how much better able to achieve these things seniors are when they can use computers and digital technology, they founded Living Connected with its unique program of putting wellbeing before technology, customizing learning to individual needs, and ensuring ongoing assistance is available.
In 2017, the program and its founders were awarded a place in the iAccelerate Business Incubator at the University of Wollongong, where they took advantage of business training and mentoring to turn Living Connected into what it is today, a thriving non-profit company that has helped thousands of Australians live better, more enriching lives.
Helen Hasan
Kate Crawford
Alanah Kazlauskas
Corina Ionescu
Helen Hasan
Kate Crawford
Alanah Kazlauskas
Corina Ionescu
Helen Hasan
Kate Crawford
Alanah Kazlauskas