About Us

A graduate of our 2018–19 Annual Program, Sophie joined the Board in April 2022 and currently serves as Deputy Chair. In addition, Sophie leads the Alumni Subcommittee, supporting connections and ongoing development among program graduates.

Sophie holds a Bachelor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology from La Trobe University, and has a strong focus on environmental sustainability and community engagement. She has contributed her expertise to various organisations, including Swamps, Rivers & Ranges Inc., Charles Sturt University, and the Moyhu and District Gymnastics Club, reflecting her commitment to both environmental and community initiatives.

Sophie lives in Wangaratta and enjoys Gymnastics, outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.

Madeline brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to leadership, regional development, and community capacity building in her role as Executive Officer.

Having held key roles across various sectors, Madeline has utilised her experience in stakeholder engagement, financial management, business development, and strategic projects as a springboard to further AVCL’s mission.

Madeline holds qualifications in business management and is deeply committed to the stewardship of local leadership development and capacity building within communities across North East Victoria, Border, and Southern regions of NSW.

She has taken measured and agile steps toward growing AVCL’s impact, enhancing its ability to strengthen regional resilience and empower individuals and groups to lead with confidence, ensuring the long-term vitality and sustainability of the communities she serves.

Contact Madeline: eo@avclp.org.au

Irene is a graduate of our 2023 Annual Program and brings with her a raft of experience in facilitation and training, having worked across the education, health prevention and hospitality sectors.

Irene has local knowledge and connectedness to the community, as she grew up in Lima South and attended school in Benalla, and now resides in Wangaratta with her family. She conveys a deep sense of care and authenticity, exudes a natural spark for curiosity, and is committed to contributing to the broader betterment of our region. Through Irene’s recent experience as a participant of the Annual Program, she has a working knowledge of the multifaceted nature of the program, and invaluable insights that will lend to a strengthened offering in 2024.

Contact Irene: leaders@avclp.org.au

Billie provides support to programs and across all facets of the organisation, in addition to undertaking specialist projects. She has experience working and volunteering in the NFP sector, in fundraising, advocacy and awareness and has previously worked in an administrative role for the University of Melbourne.

Billie was born and raised in North-East Victoria. She is passionate about the area in which she grew up and is glad to be part of an organisation like AVCL, enabling the facilitation of community growth, connection, and leadership in the area.

Contact Billie: data@avclp.org.au

Steve is a dedicated community member and entrepreneur based in Dinner Plain, Victoria. First joining the Board in 2023, he was appointed Chair in late 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience in regional development, business, and community resilience.

Steve is deeply embedded in the Alpine region, where he operates several businesses in Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain. His commitment to local communities is reflected in his ongoing voluntary involvement with the Alpine Community Recovery Committee, Alpine Resilience Partnership, and the Alpine Resorts Industry Advisory Group.

A graduate of the 2022 Annual Program, Steve brings a practical understanding of regional leadership. His combined business acumen and community experience shape his contribution to AVCL’s work in supporting local leadership and sustainable development across North East Victoria.

Ameer joined the Board in October 2023.

Ameer is a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience. He is a Director Logicca Chartered Accountant and specialises in audit and assurance, and financial reporting of a diverse range of organisations from private companies, public companies, and not-for profit organisations.

Ameer is a Registered Company Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner and a CA Forensic Accounting Specialist.

Ameer looks forward to applying his professional skills to support the community focused endeavours of AVCL.

Megan joined the Board in 2024.
Megan comes from a background in education, government, place-based philanthropy, and health. She graduated from Alpine Valley’s Community Leadership Program in 2022.

She is a passionate advocate for our region and holds a deep appreciation for community and regional development. Having moved to the region from New Zealand over a decade ago, she values the importance of community, connection and diverse opportunity.

Megan has joined the AVCL Board as she believes the organisation offers something very unique for the future prosperity of the region and our people.

Elise is a graduate of the 2022 Annual Program and joined the Board in October 2023.

Elise lives in Cudgewa, where she works alongside her husband on their Holstein Friesian dairy stud. With a background in the health sector and a strong interest in agriculture, she brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to community leadership. She is actively involved in local initiatives, including the annual Corryong Spirit event, which supports wellbeing and connection in the Upper Murray.

Elise is committed to strengthening regional communities and sees her role on the Board as an opportunity to contribute to long-term, locally driven outcomes across the North East and Border regions.

David is the Executive Principal of Wangaratta High School, with extensive experience in educational leadership, both in Australia and internationally. David holds an MBA and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). His focus is on fostering excellence in education through innovative programs, supporting leadership, and building strong communities. David is passionate about developing young people and staff, ensuring they have opportunities to grow and succeed.

Konrad brings a 20-year financial services careers having worked at a number of banks including within superannuation. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce and is a lean six sigma black belt. Konrad is also a Chartered Accountant and a certified product owner. Konrad has a strong interest in the growth and prosperity of regional Victoria and is looking forward to giving back to the community.

Susan has dedicated her life to helping shape people and communities and created a unique approach to personal and leadership development, and community facilitation and development. She specialises in mentoring, facilitating, training and speaking and is skilled in identifying opportunities for personal and group growth, strategic planning and leadership development.

https://susanbenedyka.com/

More than 20 years of experience as an executive leader with active research and education portfolios has equipped Mary Hoodless director of Karoo Consultancy, with an array of skills as an organisational development consultant. Mary enjoys working with not-for-profit, private, community and public sector organisations to facilitate positive change and increase capability both within the organisation and the broader community.

https://www.karooconsultancy.com.au/

Chris is an experienced facilitator with a special interest in resilient farming systems, adapting to a more variable climate, community leadership and the adoption of new technologies. I have an extensive national network of experts in the fields of agriculture, leadership, climate change and crisis management.

Gary trained in applied mathematics and has a doctorate in astrophysics. He worked as an astrophysicist with the governments of Australia and the USA before moving into public administration. He is a business coach and mentor, with specialist skills in designing and facilitating workshops dealing in complex and uncertain environments. He is renowned for his work in complex adaptive systems, change management and leadership program design and theory.

https://www.strategicjourneys.com

Tammy has a talent for turning ambitious ideas into tangible results. She excels at bringing people together and driving meaningful action. She's a natural networker, adept at stakeholder engagement, runs meetings that yield real outcomes, and mentors effectively across various digital platforms. As an experienced Board Director and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Tammy brings valuable governance expertise to the table. Her diverse background in community, non-profit, and government sectors equips her to navigate complex challenges and drive results across various organisational contexts. www.linkedin.com/in/tammylatkins

www.linkedin.com/in/tammylatkins

The Mandala Project is a 'for purpose' company founded in 2018 by Anthony (Nicho) & Mel Nicholson to deliver personal development training with impact. Their mission is to motivate and inspire participants to achieve personal and professional success. They empower, connect and further develop the personal and community leadership skills of individuals through meaningful hands-on learning experiences.

https://www.themandalaproject.com.au/

The Mandala Project is a 'for purpose' company founded in 2018 by Anthony (Nicho) & Mel Nicholson to deliver personal development training with impact. Their mission is to motivate and inspire participants to achieve personal and professional success. They empower, connect and further develop the personal and community leadership skills of individuals through meaningful hands-on learning experiences.

https://www.themandalaproject.com.au/

Suz brings over 25 years of experience in facilitation, leadership development, and community capacity building across North East Victoria. Based in the King Valley, she holds qualifications in education and community development and is known for her inclusive and relational facilitation style. Suz led AVCL’s flagship Annual Program for several years, previously facilitated Greater Shepparton City Council’s Community Leadership Program, and is currently co-facilitating AVCL’s Amplify Myrtleford Program.

Just before the turn of the 21st century a few of us from North East Victoria attended a seminar which envisioned the future. Massive change resulting from the rapid expansion of information technologies was predicted. We came home thinking that people usually resist change and, if we want a strong future for our region, we need local people to lead the way, people with strong leadership skills, leaders who can facilitate change.

That simple insight was the beginning of this organisation.

It started with the belief that leadership potential was plentiful in the region but it needed to be developed. Potential leaders needed to be given the confidence and encouragement to step forward with a clear vision and purpose to bring others along with them.

Since then, I’ve seen that belief play out in real and lasting ways. I’ve seen individuals grow in confidence, step into community roles, and lead the necessary changes. And I’ve seen how deeply our region benefits when local people are supported to lead.

The strength of our region has always been our people and when we back them, we’re not just preparing for the future – we’re shaping it.

“The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths to it are not found but made, and the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination.” Anon

John G. Brown AO
Patron