About Stepwise
Stepwise Community Services supports people and diverse communities to address challenges, overcome barriers and work towards the outcomes that matter to them.
The name Stepwise reflects how we work. We stand alongside individuals, families and communities, providing practical support, advocacy, connection and pathways forward. We help people turn complex challenges into clear, manageable steps, creating clarity and supporting progress, one step at a time.
We believe that no-one – and no community – should have to navigate life alone.
98 Years
of combined community service
15,000+
people supported annually
100+
people serving you
One Purpose
helping people take the next step forward
Our mission
To advocate for, and partner with, people and communities, turning complex challenges into practical paths forward. We do this through deep listening, expert navigation and collective action.
Our Vision
Our vision is of a society where people and communities have the strength, support and connections to shape their own future
Our values
What guides our work
People First, Always
We put people at the centre of our work, leading with empathy, deep listening and respect for each person’s story, culture and dignity.
Safety at Every Step
We act with care and integrity to support people’s physical and emotional wellbeing, striving to ensure they feel informed and respected at every stage.
We See It Through
We take responsibility for the work we do, being clear about what we can offer and following through on our commitments,
Learning, Together
We stay curious and open — listening, learning and innovating to continually improve how we support our communities
Our history
Metro Assist and Community Action for Better Living (CABL) each have long histories of supporting people and communities across Western Sydney. Established in 1986 and 1968 respectively, both organisations built strong reputations for delivering practical support, advocacy and community services that help people thrive. Together, they represent 98 years of combined community service and a shared commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and opportunity.
In 2025, Metro Assist and CABL came together to create a stronger organisation with greater capacity to support individuals, families and communities. Stepwise Community Services was launched on the 25th August 2026, and builds on the legacy, experience and strengths of both organisations, bringing people, services and expertise together under one identity focused on helping people take the next step forward.
Our Journey
1968 - 1986
The foundations of Stepwise began with establishment of Burwood Aid Services and Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Resource Centre in 1968 and 1986.
Burwood Aid services began by a group of local community members joining forces with the then Mayor of Burwood, the late Alderman Keith Smith, and the Mayoress, Alderman Bonnie Smith, to establish ‘Burwood Aid Services’. Burwood Aid services, which would evolve over the decades into Burwood Community Welfare Services and later Community Action for Better Living (CABL). Through family support, Meals on Wheels, domestic and family violence services and community wellbeing programs, CABL became a trusted part of community life in Sydney's Inner West.
As the organisation expanded, it evolved into Metro Assist, delivering a broader range of services across Sydney, including settlement support, family services, tenancy advocacy, employment, and financial wellbeing support. For more than 40 years, Metro Assist supported migrants and humanitarian entrants arriving in Australia across generations of migration, becoming a trusted, place-based organisation recognised for its strong community connections and expertise in supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
2025
Recognising their shared values, complementary strengths and commitment to community, Metro Assist and CABL came together to create a stronger organisation. The merger became effective on 1 October 2025 and marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on delivering more connected support for individuals, families and communities.
2026
On the 25th August 2026, Stepwise Community Services was launched as the new identity for the merged organisation.The name Stepwise reflects how we work. We help people navigate complexity by turning challenges into clear, manageable steps forward. By bringing together the experience, expertise and community connections of Metro Assist and CABL, Stepwise continues a legacy of 98 years of combined community service while looking confidently towards the future.
Timeline
Burwood Aid Services established
Burwood Aid Services becomes the Burwood Information and Aid Centre (BIAC)
Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Resource Centre established
BIAC becomes Burwood Community Welfare Services (BCWS)
Canterbury Bankstown Migrant Resource Centre becomes Metro Migrant Resource Centre
Metro Migrant Resource Centre became Metro Assist
Burwood Community Welfare Services becomes Community Action for Better Living (CABL)
Metro Assist and CABL merge
Metro Migrant Resource Centre became Metro Assist
Our commitment to child safety
Stepwise is committed to the safety, wellbeing, participation and dignity of children and young people, and this commitment is embedded in our practice, governance and organisational culture.
Our team & board
Board of Directors
Richard Wonders
Director and Chair
Richard has extensive executive leadership experience in the private sector, having held CFO and CEO roles across service and consumer goods organisations operating internationally with annual turnovers exceeding $200 million. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, is a qualified CPA and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Richard has chaired Metro Assist since 2020 and played a key leadership role in the integration of Metro Assist and CABL to become Stepwise Community Services.
Tori Edwards
Director
Tori is Chief Operating Officer at Economic Justice Australia. She has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, particularly in legal services for people experiencing disadvantage, and has held leadership roles spanning strategy, financial oversight and people management. Tori holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws (Human Rights and Social Justice) and a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact. She is passionate about social justice and has worked in the sector for more than 15 years.
Emma Hearne
Director
Emma is a Principal Solicitor at the National Justice Project, a human rights law firm that uses strategic litigation to drive systemic change. She has 13 years' experience working with vulnerable individuals and minority groups across refugee rights, discrimination law, First Nations justice and criminal defence. Emma has served on a not-for-profit board for 12 years, including five as secretary. She holds degrees in Law (Honours) and Psychology and was a Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards finalist in 2021 and 2022.
Kristine De Guzman
Director
Kristine is a social impact and strategic partnerships leader with expertise in community engagement, governance, stakeholder relations and organisational strategy. She works in Uniting's Social Impact and Advocacy Directorate, leading partnerships that strengthen community outcomes. Kristine holds a Bachelor of Social Welfare and a Diploma in Community Services, with experience spanning disability, mental health, asylum seeker support, employment, housing and homelessness. She joined the Metro Assist Board in 2023 and is passionate about elevating the voices of people with lived experience.
Akash Aggarwal
Director
Akash is a risk professional with almost 20 years' experience in banking and financial services, specialising in risk, governance and lending. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Actuarial Studies and Finance) and is an Associate of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and a Senior Associate of FINSIA. Akash has led diversity and inclusion initiatives both professionally and in his local community, and previously served as a Director of Metro Assist.
Adam Quirk
Secretary/Director
Adam brings more than 20 years' experience in strategy, technology and digital transformation across the not-for-profit, education, government and corporate sectors. He is the founder of strategy and digital consultancy Zed7 and Program Manager with Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Lismore, where he established the Project Management Office. Adam previously served on the Board of CABL and is passionate about governance, innovation and strengthening community services.
Damian Kaushik
Treasurer/Director
Damian is a Chartered Accountant and Audit Supervisor at Modoras Financial Performance Solutions, with more than six years' audit experience and previous roles at Pitcher Partners. He has contributed over 15 years of voluntary service across community organisations, focusing on transparency, accountability and sustainable growth. Damian previously served on the Board of CABL and holds degrees in Accounting and Law from Macquarie University.
Vacancy
Position open
Executive Leadership Team
Nina Shahi
CEO
Nina Shahi is Chief Executive Officer of Stepwise Community Services and has more than 20 years' executive leadership experience in community services, social enterprise and not-for-profit organisations in Australia and internationally. She joined Metro Assist in 2009, held several senior leadership roles and was appointed CEO in 2023. Nina led the integration of Metro Assist and CABL and now leads the combined organisation as Stepwise. She holds an MBA, a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Matthew Stanley
Head of Operations and Technology
Matthew Stanley leads Operations and Technology at Stepwise Community Services, overseeing operations, technology, governance, risk, compliance and business systems. Before joining Metro Assist, he held executive leadership roles at WayAhead, including Interim CEO and General Manager, leading organisational transformation and digital innovation. Earlier, he held senior leadership positions with News Corp and the ABC. Matthew holds an MBA and a Master of Information Technology from the University of Technology Sydney and is passionate about using technology and innovation to strengthen community outcomes.
Shini Threemurty
Head of People and Culture
Shini Threemurty leads People and Culture at Stepwise Community Services, with responsibility for workforce strategy, organisational culture, leadership development, industrial relations and organisational capability. She is an experienced people and culture executive who has led workforce transformation initiatives across APAC and EMEA. Her career spans healthcare, aged care, disability, telecommunications, technology and legal services, including senior roles with JewishCare NSW, Catholic Healthcare, St Vincent's Health Australia and Optus. Shini is passionate about creating inclusive, high-performing workplaces.
Joanna Wong
Head of Finance
Joanna Wong is Head of Finance at Stepwise Community Services and leads the organisation's financial strategy, governance and sustainability. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, she provides strategic advice to the CEO and Board on financial performance, growth, risk and long-term resilience. A qualified CPA, Joanna holds qualifications in Statistics and Mathematics and a Master's degree in Professional Accounting. She brings more than 20 years' senior finance experience across the private, government and community sectors and is committed to supporting positive community outcomes.
Michelle Lazaris
Head of Family and Financial Inclusion Services
Michelle Lazaris leads Family and Financial Inclusion Services at Stepwise Community Services and is responsible for strategic service delivery, practice quality, safeguarding and program sustainability across a diverse portfolio of community services. Michelle joined Metro Assist in 2007 and brings almost 20 years' experience supporting children, families and culturally diverse communities. She has particular expertise in community partnerships, multidisciplinary leadership and culturally responsive service delivery. Michelle is passionate about strengthening community wellbeing and ensuring services remain accessible, inclusive and focused on achieving positive outcomes.
Joe Banno
Head of Multicultural and Essential Services
Joe Banno leads Multicultural and Essential Services at Stepwise Community Services and is responsible for strategic service delivery, community engagement, practice quality and program sustainability across a diverse portfolio including settlement and multicultural services, Meals on Wheels, WDVCAS and Tenancy Services. He brings more than 20 years' experience across government and community sectors, with expertise in social inclusion, partnerships, governance and program delivery. Prior to joining Stepwise, Joe led the City of Sydney's Social Programs portfolio and is passionate about creating strong, inclusive and connected communities.
Sophia
WDVCAS Manager
First name only — privacy
Governance & reports
Transparency & accountability
Annual Report 2024–25
Metro Assist
Past Annual Reports
Metro Assist + CABL historical reports
Strategic Plan
[Year range — TBC]
Funding & partnerships
Who supports our work
NSW Government
Legal Aid NSW
[Funding body 3 — TBC]
[Funding body 4 — TBC]
[Partner organisation — TBC]
ACNC registered charity
Stepwise Community Services is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). ABN: 97 196 216 086. · ACN: 615 565 869
