Enabling Pathways is a not-for-profit community organisation in Far North Queensland that empowers young people, families, and people with disabilities.
We provide compassionate, culturally informed, and client centered support across our Youth, Care, and Community programs. Our mission is to create safe and inclusive environments that foster healing, connection, wellbeing, and growth so every individual can realise their potential and contribute to a stronger community.
"Empowering Lives, Enabling Futures"
At Enabling Pathways, we are committed to carving out empowering pathways in life for all our participants. Through our dedicated divisions - Youth, Care, and Community - we strive to provide safe, nurturing environments, equal opportunities, and holistic support, enabling every individual to realise their goals and positively contribute to society.
Luke Haupapa is the Managing Director of Enabling Pathways and has built a career of more than a decade in community services across Far North Queensland. Over the last five years, he has led organisations as both an executive and CEO, gaining extensive experience in managing child protection, NDIS, and community-based programs. His leadership has focused on strengthening services, building sustainable teams, and ensuring meaningful outcomes for children, families, and communities.
With roots in New Zealand and proud heritage as a member of the Ngāti Mutunga tribe, Luke brings a strong cultural perspective to his leadership. He believes that trust, accountability, health, family, and loyalty are the cornerstones of effective leadership, and these values continue to guide his decision-making and organisational vision.
At Enabling Pathways, Luke is passionate about building partnerships, driving community-led initiatives, and delivering programs that create long-term impact across Far North Queensland. Colleagues and stakeholders value his integrity, cultural insight, and ability to find practical solutions to complex challenges.
Outside of work, Luke enjoys keeping active and spending time with his family, friends, and animals, as well as exploring the outdoors. A guiding philosophy he lives by is to lead with purpose and always leave communities stronger than when he found them.
Justin Ericson is a Director at Enabling Pathways, bringing more than 18 years of expertise in finance, tax, and corporate advisory. A Certified Practicing Accountant and graduate of James Cook University Cairns, Justin has built a career spanning corporate recovery, asset protection, and business strategy. His work has supported sectors ranging from property and rural enterprise to international business.
Known for his strategic insights and ability to guide organisations through complex financial landscapes, Justin has also served as a Partner at a leading accounting firm in the Cairns Tablelands. At Enabling Pathways, he contributes not only as a Director but also as a trusted advisor, often working in capacities similar to a Virtual CFO, Chairman, and CEO for various entities.
Justin is passionate about social justice and fairness and provides pro bono services to a significant number of churches and community groups across Queensland. Colleagues can always count on him for sound judgment, rational thinking and practical solutions.
Outside of work, Justin enjoys family, friends and social activities, particularly travel. A fun fact about him is he and his wife are proud parents of an adorable but spoilt rotten cat named Fatty that even has his own social media profile.
Pietro Girgenti is the Director of Enabling Pathways’ Community Division and a highly respected Solicitor with extensive experience in Queensland and Victoria. Founder of Girgenti Lawyers in 2009, he expanded the firm to three offices before its sale in 2019. Since re-entering private practice in 2021, Pietro has adopted a referral-only model, specialising in providing tailored legal guidance to businesses and family groups.
At Enabling Pathways, Pietro serves as both Director and Legal Advisor, offering invaluable insight into governance, compliance, and complex legal matters. His leadership extends beyond the Organisation, with roles such as Non-Executive Director at Forever Wild (Global), where he contributes to innovative global conservation efforts, as well as directorships in technology, development and environmental sectors.
Pietro is passionate helping his clients achieve their goals, growing their businesses participating in and benefiting their communities. His colleagues can always count on him for calm strategic thinking, and finding solutions to difficult and unique problems.
Outside of work, Pietro enjoys all things food related, including cooking.
Jess Rea brings a strong background in business development, strategic growth and community impact, with experience spanning agribusiness, logistics, community events, not-for-profit organisations and charities.
Born and raised in Cairns and now based on the Gold Coast, Jess developed a passion for community-focused work and giving back from an early age through her involvement with her mother’s charity. A formative trip to Kenya in 2007 further shaped her commitment to sustainable development, community-led change and creating opportunities that deliver lasting impact.
After completing a Bachelor of Business in 2012, Jess began her career in the not-for-profit sector and has since started, grown and supported businesses and organisations across a range of industries. She is passionate about identifying the root causes of challenges, building strong community and industry connections, and developing practical solutions that help organisations grow and thrive.
At Enabling Pathways, Jess is the Program Manager for Community Cart, where she combines her passion for community with a commercially minded and strategic approach. She is committed to strengthening connections, creating meaningful opportunities and delivering positive outcomes for the people and communities Enabling Pathways serves.
Outside of work, Jess enjoys travelling and spending time with her husband, their three boys and their dog, Thena.
Juliana Farelo is the Chief People & Operations Officer at Enabling Pathways, leading key functions within the Business Hub including People and HR, Governance and Compliance, Payroll, IT, Systems and Development, and operational improvement.
With qualifications in Business Administration, Tourism Management and Human Resources, Juliana brings more than a decade of experience across business operations, HR and leadership. She is passionate about building practical systems, improving processes and using technology, automation and artificial intelligence to make work simpler, more efficient and more reliable.
Juliana believes strong operations should support both people and service delivery. She is focused on creating the right systems, placing people in roles where they can excel and ensuring teams have the support they need to deliver personalised, high quality service.
She leads with honesty, accountability and reliability, guided by her motto, “Walk the talk.”
Outside of work, Juliana enjoys pickleball, reformer Pilates, board games and exploring Far North Queensland with her husband and Australian Shepherd.
Naomi serves as the Chief Operations Officer of Enabling Pathways’ Youth Division, where she oversees the strategic and operational management of our Therapeutic Residential Care Services. With over 20 years of experience in the Youth and Community Services Sector, Naomi brings extensive expertise shaped by a career that includes various executive management appointments. Her professional background is supported by formal qualifications in Community Sector Management and Child, Youth, and Family Intervention.
A strong advocate for trauma-informed care, youth empowerment, and staff development, Naomi believes that safe, supportive environments are essential for young people to heal and thrive. At Enabling Pathways, she plays a pivotal role in leading a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality, transformative care for young people in Out of Home Care.
Naomi is known for her collaborative and values-driven leadership style. She builds trusted relationships with staff, stakeholders, and government agencies always representing the organisation’s mission with integrity and confidence. Colleagues value her for her consistency, strategic vision, and unwavering advocacy for both young people and the teams who support them.
Her motivation comes from witnessing young people overcome adversity, mentoring the next generation of sector leaders, and contributing to the development of a skilled, compassionate workforce in the care sector.
Outside of work, Naomi enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, taking day trips, and planning her next holiday adventure.