FOUNDER AND CHAIR

Sandra spent over 30years in economic, business, community development and crisis management. Contracted by Murrindidi Shire Council Sandra was responsible for business recovery following the black Saturday fires. She was engaged by State Government to run disaster recovery workshops. assist businesses in crisis management and develop appropriate tools. She co authored, ‘ Are You Ready? – Surviving Disaster.’

Sandra has received numerous awards, including State & National Australian Government Resilience Australia state and national awards, Centenary Medal for her commitment to rural small business; & Victorian Premiers Volunteer Award for her commitment to community. Sandra is an Emeritus Member of the Small Business Mentoring Service and Fellow of the AIBEF Australasian Institute of Business & Enterprise Facilitators.

Her leadership and innovation qualities are displayed through her ability and actions to inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.

GOVERNANCE

Prof Irene Blackberry, is the John Richards Chair and Director of the Care Economy Research Institute at La Trobe University. Professor Blackberry is a health services and implementation science researcher of complex multifactorial care.

She has over 20 years of research experience across the care economy in Australia and abroad, predominantly in healthcare, aged care and informal care sectors. Her research examines access to care and models of care that are innovative, effective and sustainable, building skills in individuals and greater capacity of the whole-of-community to support people from diverse background and rural communities.

Most recently she focuses on addressing care crisis by breaking down the siloing of care sectors. She is the leading force behind Australian’s Care Economy research including developing an industry-led research partnership program on Care Economy, establishing the Care Economy Collaborative Network and becoming the Inaugural Director of Australia’s first Care Economy Research Institute at La Trobe University.

Irene is the Past President of Australian Association of Gerontology Victoria, member of the NHMRC Council and Principal Committees 2021-2024 Triennium, on the editorial board of several international journals and expert advisors to government and not-for-profit organisations. She has attracted over $50M in competitive research funding and published 150 reports and journal articles. She holds a bachelor’s degree and PhD in Medicine and a postgraduate study in Program and Economic Evaluation.

SECRETARY

Caitlin has a deep-rooted passion for community welfare and a commitment to enhancing the lives of others. She holds a Bachelors in Applied Management and is currently undertaking further study in completing a Masters of Business Administration.

Her professional experiences covers a variety of business development roles within the community services sector, working with disadvantaged and marginalised community groups. In her current role at La Trobe University, her focus is on fostering strong connections and collaborative partnerships that contribute to creating greater educational outcomes in the local regional community.

MEDIA & MARKETING

Janine is a seasoned business and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience. Currently serving as Regional Director of Rock Solid Marketing and a Board Member at Care Villas Australia, she holds a Marketing Degree from RMIT and is a member of the Australian Company Directors for Non-profit Organisations.

Janine's expertise extends beyond theory, with a focus on understanding the unique essence of each business she serves. She is also the owner of Overland Adventures, offering luxury tours in the Country and Outback NSW region. With a passion for local experiences and a dedication to helping organisations establish a commanding presence in today's competitive landscape, Janine brings extensive expertise and unwavering commitment to her work.

FINANCE

Taf is an investment professional with over 15 years of corporate experience. His formative training was in the institutional banking market where he structured debt transactions for private market ventures. He then transitioned to structure equity deals in preparation for bank funding. He has also had experience with his own ventures that span from healthcare, fintech and property development. He will bring a creative solution-based approached to commercialisation based on his strong networks, professional experience and drive to deliver impact.

STRATEGY

Daniel Pilbrow (a trained Physiotherapist) joins from Silver Chain Group, where he held the role of Executive Director of New South Wales with national responsibility for Mergers and Acquisitions. Prior to that he spent 3 years with AMP Capital in Sydney and London.

CLINICAL

Eugene is a former Registered General Nurse and Registered Psychiatric Nurse. His career in public mental health services in metropolitan and rural areas spans more than 40 years. He has worked in hospitals and the community from direct clinical service provision to program and management.

He is a previous Director of Heathcote Health and was awarded a Life Governorship