Our Team

David O’Loughlin

Non-Executive Director & Board Chair

David brings more than 35 years’ experience across the construction industry in both the private and public sectors, complemented by two decades in local government. As former Mayor of the City of Prospect, as well as past State President of the Local Government Association of SA and National President of the Australian Local Government Association, he has extensive leadership and governance experience.

His broader governance roles have included appointments to the State Planning Commission, Renewal SA Board, History Trust of South Australia and several advisory boards and committees.

David joined The Cottage Homes Board in July 2022 and is committed to helping guide the organisation’s continued growth and long-term impact for older South Australians.

Assoc. Prof. Damian Madigan

Non-Executive Director & Deputy Chair

Associate Professor Damian Madigan is an architect, academic and recognised leader in housing design whose work explores innovative low-rise housing solutions that respond to Australia’s changing demographic needs, including ageing-in-place. His award-winning housing projects and research have been recognised nationally and internationally.

A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, Damian is an Associate Professor of Architecture at Adelaide University and serves on several national and state advisory panels. In 2025 he was awarded the Sir James Irwin President’s Medal by the Australian Institute of Architects (SA) for his outstanding contribution to the profession.

Damian joined The Cottage Homes Board in June 2023, bringing valuable expertise in housing design, planning and the future of affordable communities.

Greg Adams

Non-Executive Director & Secretary

Greg brings extensive senior management experience from the South Australian manufacturing industry, where he developed strong leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively with people across a broad range of backgrounds and industries.

A member of the former Management Committee for three years, Greg also served on the inaugural Board of The Cottage Homes following the organisation’s governance transition. In retirement, he is proud to volunteer his time and experience to support an organisation that provides affordable housing and helps older South Australians continue living independently.

Dr Marie Wood

Non-Executive Director

Marie is an experienced marketing and communications consultant, business owner and educational leader with extensive experience across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Throughout her career she has led programs that support individuals and communities while building strong organisations through effective communication, education and strategic leadership.

She has served in numerous executive and governance roles spanning aged care, affordable housing, employment, education and private enterprise, bringing expertise in stakeholder engagement, governance, branding, policy development and strategic partnerships.

Marie joined The Cottage Homes Board in 2020 and is passionate about helping strengthen the organisation’s impact for older South Australians.

Kim Bigg

Non-Executive Director

Kim is a Director at Perks Accountants & Wealth Advisers and brings extensive experience supporting small and medium-sized businesses across a wide range of financial and business matters. He is an Associate Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

Since joining The Cottage Homes Board in 2021, Kim has been committed to using his financial expertise to support the organisation’s long-term sustainability and growth. He is passionate about helping older South Australians and believes everyone deserves access to affordable housing and the opportunity to live with freedom and independence.

Megan Papadopoulos

Non-Executive Director

Megan is a senior executive with more than 20 years’ experience across customer experience, operations, governance, digital service delivery and financial services. As Head of Virtual Business Servicing at Westpac, she leads customer servicing for small to medium-sized businesses while driving operational excellence, strategic transformation and improved customer outcomes.

Her career includes extensive leadership experience across business transformation, governance, financial performance and customer advocacy, complemented by previous board roles in the banking and education sectors. Megan also brings valuable insight into affordable housing through earlier leadership positions with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and HomeStart Finance.

She joined The Cottage Homes Board in 2026.

Alice Lawson

Non-Executive Director

Alice brings more than 30 years’ experience in affordable housing, housing policy and community development. Her career has focused on improving housing outcomes through strategic planning, sustainable design, tenant engagement and service delivery, helping shape better housing solutions for communities across South Australia.

During 23 years with the South Australian Housing Trust, Alice held executive leadership roles spanning housing policy, asset strategy, maintenance and business improvement, where she led major technology reforms to improve services for customers experiencing housing insecurity. Earlier in her career she worked in community housing in South Australia and with Habitat for Humanity in the United States.

Alice joined The Cottage Homes Board in November 2024.

Ben Sarre

Chief Executive Officer

Ben has served as The Cottage Homes’ inaugural Chief Executive Officer since October 2021, leading the organisation through a period of significant growth and renewed focus on providing affordable housing for older South Australians. An experienced executive and non-executive director, he brings extensive leadership experience across the not-for-profit and community sectors.

Before joining Cottage Homes, Ben led the South Australian arm of Habitat for Humanity and served on the Board of aged care provider Resthaven as Deputy President and Chair of the Property Committee.

Passionate about the belief that housing is a fundamental human right, Ben is committed to expanding Cottage Homes’ impact and creating more opportunities for older South Australians living on the Age Pension to enjoy secure, independent living.