Stephen Bennett
Merbein
Works
Self-employed dried fruit horticulturist
Scholarship Recipient
Dried Fruits Australia
Life Summary
Stephen is a qualified mechanical engineer and worked for six years in design and project engineering roles in Melbourne and Mildura before returning to the family dried fruit property in 2000. He is responsible for all aspects of management of the property and aims to maximise the profitability of the horticultural business through the use of current and emerging technologies. Stephen is a playing member of the Kenny Park tennis club and enjoys electronics and model aircraft flying.
Current Community Roles
Stephen is a board member of Dried Fruits Australia having recently been elected for a further two years. He is a committee member of the Merbein Branch of Dried Fruits Australia having previously been secretary and he is a member of the Merbein Customer Services Advisory Committee of the Lower Murray water Authority. Stephen is also a member of the Mildura Young Professional Network.
Heleana Burridge
Mildura
Works
Consumer Affairs Regional Officer – Department of Justice
Scholarship Recipient
The Rotary Club of Mildura Deakin
Life Summary
Heleana recently moved to Mildura from Melbourne to take on her Consumer Affairs role having previously worked for Kildonan Uniting Care in Broadmeadows as a kinship care case manager, at Berry Street as a home based care worker and at the Department of Human Services as a disability and development support officer. Her current role covers the Loddon Mallee region and comprises supporting and educating businesses and consumers to understand their rights under consumer law. Heleana has travelled extensively and notes her hobbies include reading and staying fit.
Current Community Roles
Heleana is a member of the Mildura Young Professionals Network and will be an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Mildura Deakin.
Filomena (Phyllis) Chirchiglia
Euston NSW
Works
Office Manager – O’Connor Harvesting
Scholarship Recipient
Northern Mallee Leaders Robinvale\Euston
Life Summary
Born and bred in the Robinvale area Phyllis is an active volunteer in her community. She runs the office for the O’Connor wine grape harvesting business which sees her travel to wine grape growing regions in South Australia and in New South Wales during the harvest season. She also works on a casual basis in hospitality at the Robinvale Golf Club and notes her hobby as being a Body Shop consultant. Phyllis plans to gain qualifications in businesses.
Current Community Roles
Phyllis is the treasurer and president elect of the Robinvale/Euston Rotary Club. She volunteers at the monthly Robinvale markets and other school and community events and assists in the organisation of the annual fundraising pink breakfast.
Indi Clarke
Mildura
Works
Community Engagement Facilitator – Mildura District Aboriginal Services
Scholarship Recipient
bankmecu
Life Summary
Indi works at Mildura District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) having previously worked at Optus Mildura in sales. He has just taken on a new role as a Community Engagement Facilitator His previous role was as a Corporate Services Trainee where he worked with accounts receivable and payable. He has assisted in the planning and implementation of various events including the 2014 Naidoc Ball, MDAS community forums and the MDAS relay for life team. He has participated in the Indigenous performance at the 2006 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, he also participated in the MASP 2009 Kokoka Youth program and recently attended the 2014 Koorie Youth Summit in Melbourne. Indi notes that this event was one of the most inspiring he had attended and provided a greater understanding of how important youth initiatives can be on a young person’s life.
Current Community Roles
Indi has been appointed as a member of the Victorian Koorie Youth Council whose mission is “the voice of young Koories, shaping tomorrow.” Indi was also a member of the 2014 Naidoc committee.
Matthew Cook
Mildura
Works
Webmaster – Sunraysia Institute of TAFE
Employer Sponsored
Sunraysia Institute of TAFE
Life Summary
Matthew grew up in Red Cliffs and completed a multimedia degree in Melbourne before returning to the Northern Mallee in 2003. He now works full time at SuniTAFE developing and maintaining various web services and provides general marketing and business development assistance. He has travelled extensively and has helped a local Afghani refugee to learn English. His hobbies include playing squash and acting.
Current Community Roles
Matthew is the treasurer of the Mildura Squash Club, the training officer of the Mildura Rostrum Club, the chairman of the Red Cliffs Church of Christ and a committee member of the Red Cliffs Players.
Jackie Heaysman
Irymple
Works
Education Projects Officer – Sunraysia Institute of TAFE
Life Summary
Jackie returned to Mildura in 2013 after travelling around Australia in a caravan for 5 ½ years during which time she worked in many different communities in numerous roles. Prior to 2008 Jackie operated a small business. She has had a long association with SuniTAFE and has worked there several times over the last 16 years. She now identifies new program opportunities to support business growth and professional development opportunities for staff at SuniTAFE. Jackie has Diploma’s in Vocational Education and Training, Training Design and Development, Training and Assessment, Business (Administration) and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She enjoys music, travel and reading and plans to assess opportunities for further community contributions as part of the Northern Mallee Leaders program.
Current Community Roles
Jackie is a member of the Going Blue for Stroke fundraising committee and the SuniTAFE Girls Night In committee.
Michelle Lobley
Mildura
Works
Acting Governance Co-ordinator (Corporate Administration Officer) – Mildura Rural City Council
Employer Sponsored
Mildura Rural City Council
Life Summary
Michelle moved to Mildura in 2012 from Serpentine having lived most of her life in Bendigo. She has recently completed a Diploma in Business Management having previously competed Certificates in Business Administration and Human Resource Management. Michelle has worked at the Mildura Rural City Council for two years in a diverse role and she has enjoyed opportunities such as co-ordinating Citizenship ceremonies and providing administration for Council meetings. Michelle has previously worked at the Loddon Shire Council and various other private companies. She has had the opportunity to travel overseas a number of times with much of her extended family living in Scotland. Michelle values living in a regional area and the lifestyle it provides.
Current Community Roles
Michelle is in the process of applying to become a volunteer with the Make a Wish Foundation in Mildura and has recently become a member of the Rotary Club of South Mildura.
Catherine McNabb
Carwarp/Mildura
Works
Project Manager and Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director – Tristar Medical Group
Employer Sponsored
Tristar Medical Group
Life Summary
Catherine grew up in Carwarp on a dry land farm and has a natural affinity with rural areas. Catherine has a diverse career history having been a professional banker for nine years with NAB across four states before focussing on her current role at Tristar Medical Group. Catherine now establishes and manages all new clinics across Australia, negotiates lease terms, oversees all repairs and maintenance for 46 clinics, as well as but not limited to managing all advertising, marketing, procurement, room hire and other projects as required. She has a Bachelor of International Business Management and is looking to commence her Masters in 2016. Catherine loves to travel overseas each year with a focus on third world countries. In the past she was an exchange student to Italy and a volunteer co-ordinator for International Exchange. She completed her first half marathon and Tough Mudder events in 2014 and has a keen interest in renovating.
Current Community Roles
Catherine is a member of the Mildura Young Professionals Network and is keen to join Rotary in 2015.
Reece McNally
Mildura
Works
Sales and Marketing Manager- Jamesprint
Employer Sponsored
Jamesprint
Life Summary
Reece is responsible for new business development, marketing and supporting the existing client base at Jamesprint having worked there for five years. He is a talented sportsperson playing both basketball and football at a high standard. He has coached junior basketball teams and captained senior basketball teams. He enjoys the river and lifestyle the region offers and when time permits will go water skiing.
Current Community Roles
Reece is a member of the Imperials Football and Netball Club and the Mildura Basketball Association. He is also associated with Mildura Wines – the “Crafted by Mildura” brand organisation.
Ryan Maddox
Mildura
Works
Lawyer – Maloney Anderson Legal
Life Summary
Ryan grew up in Tasmania and graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws in 2002. He spent 6 years working with the National Australia Bank in business banking. He moved to Mildura in 2008 to practice law and was admitted as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of Victoria in May 2009. He has worked with Maloney Anderson Legal for three years focussing on commercial law. He has volunteered his time to present information to various consumer groups and support groups for legal issues of importance to the older members of the region. Ryan has a passion for the environmental health of the Murray River and ensuring equitable access to legal services. He enjoys walking his labradors along the river.
Current Community Roles
Ryan is a member of the North West Young Lawyers Association and is a volunteer lawyer at the Murray Mallee Community Legal Service.
Ealasaid Manson
Mildura
Works
Veterinarian – Benetook Vet Clinic
Life Summary
Ealasaid was born in Scotland and graduated from Edinburgh University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2012. Growing up she enjoyed rural Scotland through visiting her relations. In Scotland she was a keen rower at school and university and coached at school level while also travelling extensively. She moved to Mildura to practice as a veterinarian and has a keen interest in animal care education and disease prevention and working with the younger members of the community.
Current Community Roles
Being a relatively new member to the Northern Mallee, Ealasaid is assessing her interest in community activities to expand her local involvement.
Elvira Mazza
Mildura
Works
Owner and Administration Manager – Sunraysia Security Protective Services
Life Summary
Elvira owns and manages a small business, Sunraysia Security Protective Services having been a medical clerk previously. She has completed a Diploma of Business Management. Elvira networks with other office professionals monthly as part of her role at the Australian Institute of Office Professionals. She enjoys being fit and has participated in the Mothers Day fun run and True Grit. Elvira has in the past been involved with school boards and 2015 will be the first year she does not have a child at school having raised four children. She is planning to volunteer at Vision Australia and values the opportunity to mentor young adults.
Current Community Roles
Elvira is the President of the Mildura Australian Institute of Office Professionals, a volunteer for the Sacred Heart Parish and a mentor for the Mallee Family Care youth e-mentoring program.
Amy Mulcahy
Mildura
Works
Remedial Massage Therapist
Life Summary
Amy moved to Mildura two years ago from Melbourne having previously grown up in Shepparton. She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Remedial Massage. She currently works at Endota Spa in Mildura providing chronic pain management and injury treatment. She previously had a career in graphic design. Amy is a foundation member of the Australian Sex Party which was established in 2009 and has been a candidate in both the upper and lower house in the Mallee. She has a specific interest in women’s health and family planning, sexual health and access for all to physical therapies. She has travelled extensively to over 30 countries and notes one of her hobbies as maintaining her classic mini car.
Current Community Roles
Amy is a member of the Mildura Roller Derby League.
Amy Nash
Mildura
Works
Employment Consultant – MADEC
Employer Sponsored
MADEC
Life Summary
Amy has grown up in the region and currently supports clients to transition into education or employment in her role at MADEC. She previously worked at Tristar Medical Group in a variety of roles. She has completed a Certificate IV in Training and Assessing and a Diploma of Management and plans to study the Bachelor of Applied Management. Amy has raised her family including an autistic daughter and understands the challenges of linking services and families to provide the best outcomes for autistic children.
Current Community Roles
Amy is an annual volunteer with the Merbein Vanilla Slice event.
Kate Roberts
Ouyen
Works
Mallee Track Health and Community Service – Occupational Therapist
Scholarship Recipient
Northern Mallee Leaders Ouyen
Life Summary
Kate moved to Ouyen 12 months ago from Gunbower, a small dairy farming community near Echuca. She was born and bred in Bendigo and, as a mature age student with a young child, completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) at Charles Sturt University. Kate has a special interest in farmer health, health literacy, community aged care, and vocational education & training for the rural health sector. She is an experienced trainer and assessor for a number of VET Community Services and Health qualifications. Over the past 16 years, Kate has worked in many small agricultural communities throughout Victoria. Currently, as the sole occupational therapist for Mallee Track, she covers a catchment of 18,000 square kilometres, servicing Ouyen, Murrayville, Underbool, Patchewollock, Sea Lake and surrounding districts. Much of her work is about enabling older people to ‘stay put’ in the homes and communities they love – even when physical or cognitive impairments pose a challenge. In 2014, Kate received a scholarship from the National Centre for Farmer Health to study the Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Health and Medicine through Deakin University. Her goal is to make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of people living in the Mallee. Outside of work, Kate enjoys camping on the Murray River, catching up with family and friends, music festivals, singing and live theatre.
Current Community Roles
Kate is a member of Ouyen Inc., the Roxy Theatre Committee of Management, Ouyen Lions Club and Ouyen Singers.
Kylie Sergi
Mildura
Works
Acting Asset Management Team Leader – Mildura Rural City Council
Employer Sponsored
Mildura Rural City Council
Life Summary
Kylie was born and raised in Mildura and completed a Degree in Computer Science and a Diploma in Business Management at RMIT in Melbourne. She has also completed a Diploma in Project Management. Kylie now manages information and assists with strategic planning for the future for Mildura Rural City Council’s infrastructure assets. She has travelled extensively most recently having spent a full year in China studying the Mandarin language and has completed a 21 day trek to Gokyo Ri and the Mount Everest base camp in Nepal. Her next challenge is to complete a half marathon. Kylie enjoys the unique cultural diversity of the Mildura region.
Current Community Roles
Having recently returned to the Northern Mallee after a year away, Kylie is assessing her interest in community activities to expand her local involvement.
Andrea Soebardi
Mildura
Works
Self-employed singing teacher and at Nichols Point Primary School
Scholarship Recipient
The Hugh DT Williamson Foundation
Life Summary
Andrea moved to Mildura five years ago from Numurkah and has established her own business as a singing teacher. She teaches school children at the Nichols Point Primary School and runs the choir. She also teaches other students ranging from school age to middle age privately. With her husband she performs music across the district. Before arriving in Mildura she organized a Freeza youth event and was part of a committee for a large car show event. Her past career history has included both administrative and hospitality roles. Andrea has an interest in youth and mental wellbeing in the community.
Current Community Roles
Andrea is a performing musician.
Anna Sullivan
MIldura
Works
At home raising children.
Life Summary
Anna was born in New Zealand and moved to Mildura in 2009. Prior to coming to Mildura she had worked as a solicitor and a support specialist for employment programs. She has been involved in various fundraising efforts on pre-school committees and has been the secretary for the Sacred Heart Primary School Parent and Friends committee. With busy active children she supports their football and cricket club commitments and still takes the time to support her own fitness through being a gym member. Anna has a keen interest in town planning and community development.
Current Community Roles
Anna is a member of the Mildura Rowing Club and as part of their social committee organises a number of activities. She is also a member of the St Margaret Pre-School and is President of the Sacred Heart Primary School Parents and Friends committee.
Ross Taylor
Mildura
Works
Assistant Accountant – Tandou Limited
Employer Sponsored
Tandou Limited
Life Summary
Ross attended school in Mildura before completing a double degree of a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Information Technology at Flinders University in Adelaide. He worked as a tax accountant in a family business before taking on the role as assistant accountant at Tandou where he uses both his financial and information technology skills. Ross plays the piano, has studied martial arts and enjoys a game of badminton. Ross is assessing which areas of the community he would like to contribute to and has an interest in supporting the Filipino community.s.
Current Community Roles
Ross is a member of the Mildura Young Professionals Network.
Eric Tomlinson
Mildura
Works
Electrician/Service Technician – Foreman–Sheean Electrical and Communications
Life Summary
Eric repairs, maintains and services equipment in domestic, commercial and industrial electrical installations. He successfully completed the Rotary Youth Leadership Award course in 1986 and was awarded the Young Mildura Citizen of the Year in 1988 for service to youth, particularly the Navy Cadets. He has held various executive positions in a number of organisations including Jaycees, the Freemasonry Lodge, Training Ship Mildura – Australian Navy Cadets, the Mildura Speedway Drivers Club and the Sunraysia Motor Sports Club. Eric enjoys photography, camping and travelling and collecting memorabilia, with his current passion being hat pins.
Current Community Roles
Eric is a member of Training Ship Mildura – Australian Navy cadets, the Sunraysia Gang Show (scouts and guides) and the Mildura Freemasonry Lodge.
Susan (Sue) Watson
Buronga NSW
Works
Mental Health Clinician – Ramsay Health
Scholarship Recipient
Wentworth and District Community Bank Branch of the Bendigo Bank
Life Summary
Sue is a mental health clinician at the Mildura Base Hospital. She provides case management for individuals with mental health illness. She has completed both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work and is currently completing a Master of Business Administration at La Trobe University. Whilst working for Robinvale District Health Services, Sue worked as a Social Worker at Robinvale and also provided outreach services to Balranald and Ouyen. Prior to receiving her degrees, Sue successfully lobbied for vacation care in the Wentworth Shire and was involved in a steering committee to enhance the literacy collection at the Mildura Rural City Council libraries. She enjoys watching her children play soccer for the Nichols Point Soccer Club.
Current Community Roles
Sue is a board member of the Mallee Accommodation Support Program (MASP) and a community member of Sunraysia Cancer Resources
Tegan Watson
Mildura
Works
Sales Officer – Elders Insurance Mildura
Life Summary
Tegan grew up in Coomealla on a horticultural block and completed her schooling at Coomealla High School. She worked at the Cooomealla Club for four years. She has completed a Diploma of General Insurances and now sells various business, farm and personal insurances to a wide variety of Elders Insurance clients. She assists clients through the process when an insurance claim is made. Tegan plays netball for the Wentworth District Football and Netball club and enjoys travelling. Tegan has a keen interest in supporting youth in the community and is a volunteer with Mallee Family Care.
Current Community Roles
Tegan is a member of the Mildura Young Professionals Network and is a mentor for the Mallee Family Care youth e-mentoring program.
Tara Williams
Red Cliffs
Works
Benetook Veterinary Clinic and Animal Hospital – Veterinary Nurse
Employer Sponsored
La Trobe University
Life Summary
Tara undertakes curriculum development and teaching and assessment within the Bachelor of Nursing in Mildura and represents the campus within the wider University system. She is a Registered Nurse and has a Bachelor of Public Health, Graduate Diploma of Health Service Management and is completing her Master in Public Health where her thesis will explore community participation as an ingredient in building healthy communities. Before joining La Trobe University, Tara worked as a registered nurse at Mildura’s hospitals and local health organisations in the Mallee region.
She has experience in developing a wine grape property and the financial administration of the family construction business. She has completed Certificate III and IV in Fitness to gain a greater understanding and skill level in health and wellbeing. Tara has an interest in improving educational opportunities for school leavers and mature aged students.
Current Community Roles
Tara is a parent member of the Mildura Senior College Council.
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