At the heart of Positive Impact SA is Renee Hutchinson, whose unwavering commitment to creating positive change is evident in every aspect of her life journey and her passion for helping others. Renee’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep-seated desire to make a difference.

​Growing up below the poverty line in a challenging environment, Renee’s dream of becoming a lawyer or psychologist began at the tender age of seven. Even in the face of adversity—attending 13 schools, dealing with family health issues, and navigating financial instability—Renee’s determination to succeed never wavered. She was the first person in her family to graduate from high school and pursue higher education, entering Flinders University as a mature student at the age of 28.

Despite feeling on the back foot after a decade away from study, Renee excelled, earning a $1,000 mature entry scholarship in her first year. She pursued a degree in Behavioural Science (Psychology) with a minor in Criminal Justice, drawing inspiration from renowned figures such as Watson, Pavlov, Skinner, Bentham, and Beccaria. Their ground-breaking ideas in psychology, behaviourism, and criminology fuelled her passion for understanding human behaviour and developing solutions to help those in need.

Renee’s commitment to fostering positive change began with advocacy work, supporting individuals at risk of losing their tenancies by mediating relationships and negotiating outcomes to prevent evictions. This led to her role as a Specialist Support Coordinator with Bookyana Cultural and Community Services, where she rapidly advanced to Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner and eventually Behaviour Support Team Manager, overseeing a team that successfully reduced eviction rates by 30% in the first year.

​In this capacity, Renee led a team of skilled practitioners in delivering culturally appropriate, evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and trauma-informed care, to clients with complex needs and challenging behaviours. Her dedication extended beyond professional expertise; she actively sought guidance from Aboriginal Elders to ensure services were culturally sensitive and inclusive. This commitment was particularly vital when working with clients through the Aboriginal NDIS, Department of Child Protection, and Exceptional Needs Unit.

With over 2.5 years of direct experience in behaviour support and a strong background in forensic mental health and disability services, Renee combines her lived experiences, academic knowledge, and professional expertise to empower clients to achieve their goals, improve their quality of life, and reduce the risk of harm.

Her passion for fostering an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for participants and employees is at the core of Positive Impact SA. Renee believes in the power of diversity and collaboration, striving to ensure her team thrives in an environment where they can learn, grow, and support one another in making a real difference.