Respite Retreats | Shoalhaven Superheroes

Monique Jeremiah

Monique is an ex-university Griffith University graduate, academic within both the RTO and university sector across Queensland, experienced homestay provider of 10 years, and current commercial model. Monique is the sole Director and entrepreneur behind Diversity Models, Australia’s first NDIS Registered Provider modelling agency which still specialises in managing disability models. With a passion for integrity and innovation, she is also Founder of Diversity Models Academy.

Monique is the property owner of the Supanova Superheroes Community Care Diversity Retreat located in the Gold Coast, Queensland.

Monique manages both NDIS and non-NDIS respite accommodation stays for disability models at the Retreat, which she has been doing for two years. She enjoys supporting the community and creating unique employment and educational experiences for disability models.

Daniel Zachariou

Daniel grew up, eventually in his estimation, and went to UNSW for his degree. Before that he spent his life accumulating copious amounts of pop culture information in the fields of comics, cartoons, sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, toys, anime and more! He was so good at it that in 2000 he was encouraged to create what eventually became, Supanova Comic Con & Gaming; an event that now tours Australia annually entertaining like-minded fans.

And it’s been since 2015, when Shoalhaven Superheroes Festival made its first appearance at Supanova in Sydney, that has compelled Daniel to increasingly team-up with the amazing crew at Superheroes Events Limited; in seeking to keep building on the legacy that’s already delivered so many wonderful events, recognition awards and fundraising.

David Arakie

Founding Director of Superheroes Events Ltd (SEL)
Founder and Organiser of the Shoalhaven Superheroes Festival (SSF)
Founder of Superheroes Community Care

David is an established business owner in Berry, NSW. David is married lives together with his wife Phillipa in the Shoalhaven.

In November 2014, David established Superheroes Events Ltd, and has volunteered his time to develop a vision that is the unique pop culture Shoalhaven Superheroes Festival, bringing it to the reality it is today.

SEL is the SSF organiser, with the Mission of making the Shoalhaven the Superheroes Capital of NSW/Australia, through creating fictional pop culture POP Worlds, and unique pop culture events and activities.

SEL has already pioneered not only Australian pop culture firsts, but also world-first achievements. SEL is a volunteer not-for-profit company, and David is a Volunteer Director.

Six years since inception, having previously fundraised for other charities and community causes, SEL has evolved and has now reached the exciting stage of applying to ASIC and ACNC to change its legal structure to becoming a Charity, Public Benevolent Institution with Deductible Gift Recipient Status.

This structure change will substantially enhance SEL’s own Charity plans, and the company’s Superheroes Community Care (SCC) and Shack Shoalhaven Superheroes River Retreat (River Retreat) with the opportunity to manage and provide short-stay accommodation for families with chronically ill kids and/or families requiring benevolent assistance. The River Retreat is situated on the beautiful Shoalhaven River at Shoalhaven Heads, NSW.

David’s experience includes;

Corporate and International Banking career with National Westminster Bank PLC and NatWest Australia Bank in London, UK, and Sydney, Australia
Senior Business Development Manager, CitiGold Priority Banking, Citibank Australia
Executive Manager, Strategic & Corporate Alliances, Citibank Australia
National Corporate Manager, Rotary Down Under Australia
National Corporate Manager, New Zealand Rotarians Corporate Alliance Program
CEO, Australian Rotarians Corporate Alliance Program (World First Rotary Corporate Alliance Program approved by Rotary International USA). Program later extended to New Zealand

David’s roles included being the sole negotiator for over 30 Corporate and Community Alliances, and raising over $5 million in sponsorship and securing Program Patrons;

Governor General of Australia
Governor General of New Zealand
Premiers of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia
Prime Minister of Australia
Prime Minister of New Zealand

David’s other achievements include;

Managing Director, AAA Alliances & Promotions Pty Ltd
Business Owner, It’s Berry Necessary, Berry, NSW
Originator & Organiser of Community and Charity Events, including;
- Rotary’s Great Australian Tie Auction
- Australian Rotarians Premier’s Cup National Golf Series
- Australian Rotarians Prime Minister’s Golf Cup Tournament
- New Zealand Rotarians Prime Minister’s Cup Golf Series
- Shoalhaven Superheroes Premier & Premier’s Cup Golf Charity Tournament
- Shoalhaven Superheroes Volunteer “Service & Beyond” Awards
- Shoalhaven Superheroes Schools “Capes for Community” Awards
- Shoalhaven Superheroes Speaker’s Garden Volunteers Recognition Reception
- Shoalhaven Superheroes Kidditch World Cup Tournament
- Shoalhaven Superheroes Bomo-lympics Galaxy Games
- Shoalhaven Superheroes ShoalPOP Pop Culture Charity Expo

Vicki Swift

Vicki was born in Sydney, but has spent the majority of her life living in Shoalhaven Heads. For 17 years, Vicki owned and operated Rebels Hair Design, Shoalhaven Heads.

During that time, Vicki has also continued to operate Rebels Personal Training & Group Fitness Studio in Shoalhaven Heads. Vicki has also worked as a Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Trainer at the following venues;

Fernwood Albion Park
Fernwood Wollongong
Warilla Bowling Club Gym
Fern Fitness Nowra
Genesis Albion Park
Kiama Leisure Centre

Vicki’s qualifications include both a Certificate III and Certificate IV in Fitness, FPT Level 1 Certification, Fitball Certified, Senior First Aid Certified, Les Mills Instructor in Combat, Step, Balance, Jam, and RPM.

Vicki’s personal philosophy is “I believe everyone can achieve what they want, as long as they believe in themselves”.

Vicki has been a volunteer and fundraiser for manu local Shoalhaven Heads causes, and has been a Volunteer Direct of Superheroes Events Limited since 2016. Vicki is an active member of both Shoalhaven Superheroes volunteer teams. She is also SEL’s Ambassador of Fun, and organiser of our team “superheroes” dress up arrangement at our fundraising events and activities. She also stages the very popular “superheroes” Zumba performances at SEL’s events and visits to schools in the Shoalhaven and Illawarra, with the PowerFM School Breakfast Shows.

David Landrigan

David has lived in the Shoalhaven area for 15 years, having moved from Penrith NSW. David both owned and ran Redback Automotive’s workshop for the last 30 years, and together with his wife Ellen, has also owned and operated a bus company in Penrith called Maxi Buses, with operations expanding with the introduction of Shoalhaven Maxi Buses 5 years ago.

David also has previous work experience with state government in transporting special needs children, and has always enjoyed helping others in need.

Soon after starting Shoalhaven Maxi Buses, David met some of the Superheroes Community Care volunteers, and subsequently became a corporate sponsor of the Superheroes Raffle Car, and got involved with helping to fundraise. David looks forward to continue being a sponsor of Superheroes Community Care and its’ charity work helping those that require benevolent assistance.

“I am proud to be associated with this fantastic volunteer charity, and am very honoured to contribute and be part of the Director team.”

Ellen Landrigan

Ellen has been in the workforce since she was 15, and has had many roles from owning her own Country Wares Store in Penrith to owning a car detailing business also in Penrith. Ellen also works for Maxi Buses in Penrith, doing special needs transport for school children as a driver and carer. She moved to the Shoalhaven with her husband David about 15 years ago and hasn’t looked back.

David and Ellen own Shoalhaven Maxi Buses in Worrigee, and Maxi Buses in Penrith, and is proud of their achievements over the past 25 years.

Ellen is very family oriented, with two beautiful children that blessed her and David with nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“We are honoured to be a part of Shoalhaven Superheroes, and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”

Kirra Poulos

Kalinya Cosplay is a passionate Australian cosplayer and community advocate who has been bringing beloved characters to life since 2015. With a special love for The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, and Disney, Kalinya loves creating detailed cosplays that inspire and bring happiness, using her craft as a way to give back and support the community.

As a two-time Best Craftsmanship winner at Supanova in 2023 and 2024, and the Canberra State Champion for the Australian National Cosplay Championships at Oz Comic-Con in 2023, Kalinya is recognised not only for her exceptional skills, but also for her dedication to uplifting the cosplay community. She also shares her experience as a cosplay judge and mentor to cosplayers, helping to foster new talent.

Beyond the spotlight, Kalinya is deeply committed to giving back, volunteering at charity events like Brickbuilt and Dreamnight at Taronga, where she brings joy and wonder to children and families through fun magical visits from beloved characters, creating unforgettable moments that brighten the community.

As a cosplay ambassador, Kalinya champions creativity, inclusivity, and kindness, using the power of fandom to make a positive impact and inspire others to embrace their unique stories.