About Sydney Shade Sails

Leonard Collins

Director and Operations Manager

Leonard is the co-founder, owner and operations manager for Sydney Shade Sails. He has decades of experience including a background in sail making. 

He loves to ensure there is a steady and certain push for high quality production, and is also involved in materials ordering and assisting on sales visits where he brings his wealth of experience to ensure customers are confident and delighted with their shade structure design and proposal. 

Leonard loves nothing better than getting out on the water in his spare time, but at work, he is all about helping clients get a shade solution they love.  If you ever find Leonard relaxing in the shade it will be to cool down and rest before tackling the next project or challenge.

Serena Collins

General Manager

Serena is in charge of the day-to-day operations at Sydney Shade Sails and balances leadership with client relationships. As General Manager, she oversees staff planning and coordination while staying closely connected to clients. Her role is critical in guiding projects from initial enquiry through to design, estimation, and final sale.

Her strength lies in communication and connection. Serena thrives on building strong relationships with staff, clients, prospects, and suppliers, ensuring every project runs smoothly and delivers a high-quality outcome. She also brings a creative and practical eye to designing shade solutions that are both functional and visually appealing.

Outside of work, Serena enjoys spending time in her local National Park – whether it is to read, hike, kayak, swim, or unwind with a picnic in nature. Her perfect moment in the shade? Sitting down with a good book.

Mustafa Vahanvaty

Design and Sales Consultant

Mustafa Vahanvaty combines technical precision with creative vision in his role as a Design and Sales Consultant. He is responsible for preparing detailed shop drawings, measuring and interpreting architectural plans, and identifying new project opportunities using tender platforms.

Passionate about the design process, Mustafa thrives on creating shade sail solutions in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours. He finds it especially rewarding to see his concepts come to life—enhancing outdoor spaces while providing practical protection from harsh UV exposure. Mustafa values being part of a collaborative and supportive team, where shared expertise and positive energy make each project both productive and enjoyable.

Outside of work, he enjoys exploring Australia’s coastline and scenic trails, travelling to experience new cultures and architecture, and maintaining an active lifestyle through swimming and gym training. In quieter moments, you’ll often find him practising yoga or relaxing with a good book in the shade.

Matthew Barker

Sales Administration Assistant

Matthew plays a central role in supporting the sales process, ensuring a smooth experience for both clients and the team. His day-to-day responsibilities include booking site visits, managing and generating leads, and working closely with the General Manager to prepare quotations and respond to client enquiries. Known for his reliability and attention to detail, Matt enjoys the dynamic nature of his role and the opportunity to tackle new challenges alongside a close-knit team.

Outside of work, Matt has a passion for motorsport and enjoys spending time immersed in the fast-paced world of racing. When it’s time to slow down, you’ll often find him relaxing in the shade with a classic novel by Tim Winton.

Ofelia Go

Accounting Manager

Ofelia duties include bookkeeping, tax compliance reporting and collections. Her role is crucial to the smooth operation of the business, and her expertise in collections is highly valued. 

She enjoys being a part of a collaborative environment and values working as part of a friendly team at Sydney Shade Sails.  Outside of work, Ofelia enjoys dancing

Terry Newman

Lead Installer

Terry leads the installation team with a strong focus on quality, precision, and structural integrity. His role includes steel installation, taking accurate measurements for the sail-making team, and carefully planning each project to ensure every installation is both safe and built-to-last.

A skilled tradesman, Terry takes pride in delivering work to the highest standard and enjoys seeing both clients and management satisfied with the result. His hands-on expertise and commitment to excellence make him a key part of the delivery team.

Outside of work, Terry keeps active at the gym and out on the boat. When it comes to relaxing, his favourite place to be is in the shade, spending quality time with his family.

William Collins

Operations Executive Assistant

William Collins plays a role in keeping operations running smoothly, supporting both production and logistics across the business. His work covers structure installation, sail fabrication, and material coordination.

With a strong eye for detail and a practical mindset, William enjoys bringing products to life, with a particular focus on aesthetics and usability within the spaces they’re designed for. His ability to balance functionality with visual appeal makes him a valuable part of the team.

Outside of work, William stays active at the gym and volunteers with his church. He also appreciates the simple things, especially sitting down to enjoy a great meal.

Iqra Batool

Textile Fabrication

Iqra is a member of the production team, specialising in textile fabrication. Her role focuses on cutting fabric, sewing shade sails, and stitching components together with precision and care to ensure a high-quality finished product. She takes pride in her craftsmanship and enjoys the hands-on nature of her work, particularly seeing materials transform into functional, well-designed shade solutions. Iqra values being part of a supportive and collaborative team environment, where everyone contributes to achieving strong results.

Outside of work, she has a creative side and enjoys designing dresses and garments. In her downtime, she also enjoys working with sewing machines and fabrics, continuing her passion for textile creation both professionally and personally.