Our Committee

Meet the passionate and talented volunteers who provide strategic guidance and governance for Jika Jika, a wholly community-owned and run neighbourhood house.

  • This is a photo of Julie O'brien, a committee member at Jika Jika Community Centre in Northcote

    Julie O'Brien (She/Her)

    CHAIR

    Julie brings 20+ years of passion and experience driving sustainability initiatives across community, university, government and private sectors. A previous Community Development Coordinator at another Darebin neighbourhood house, she has a direct understanding of our importance in the local community. Her current work focuses on embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goal framework in a tertiary institution. In her free time, you can find Julie planning her next advocacy campaign, exploring the outdoors or enjoying live music.

  • This is a photo of Kim Le Cerf, chair of Jika Jika's committee

    Kim Le Cerf (She/Her)

    DEPUTY CHAIR

    With deep community roots as a former mayor and councillor, Kim brings really valuable experience across local and state government, including various project, management and executive roles. She’s spent her career tackling climate change and is passionate about local solutions that support fair and equitable community climate action. When she's not spending time with family, Kim loves getting her hands dirty gardening or hitting the books to study horticulture.

  • This is a photo of Emmanual Cumbo, a committee member at Jika Jika Community Centre in Northcote

    Emmanuel Cumbo (He/Him)

    SECRETARY

    Born in Malta and now retired after a successful career in software development and IT, Emmanuel is enjoying his time focused on family, volunteering and the Darebin community he's called home since migrating in 1961. As a grandfather and avid traveller, you'll often find him riding Darebin's trails, bushwalking or planning his next international adventure.

  • This is a photo of Heam Elasmar, a committee member at Jika Jika Community Centre in Northcote

    Heam Elasmar (She/Her)

    DEPUTY SECRETARY

    After two decades assisting thousands of locals as an electorate officer in Cooper, Heam knows our local community better than most. Since retiring in 2021, she brings this wealth of experience and community connections to support Jika Jika's work.

  • This is a photo of Judy Longbottom, part of the Jika Jika committee

    Judy Longbottom (She/Her)

    TREASURER

    As a freelance researcher and editor, Judy has delved into diverse fields from agriculture to anthropology, working with NGOs and universities across the globe to drive change. But her heart remains grounded locally through years of rolling up her sleeves in community groups. With a deep commitment to the environment, Judy loves getting her hands dirty growing veggies, along with swimming and singing

Did you know?

As a Jika Jika member, you can nominate yourself for our committee and vote at our Annual General Meetings. Membership is free and open to all - simply complete the membership form to join our community.
We value our members and want your voice heard!