Amanda’s work is about looking at the context in which an organisation operates and creating a plan to achieve the organisation’s vision. She works within a community context where human rights are upheld, the underprivileged are nourished, asylum seekers are provided with a haven and minorities find a voice. She sees this as a place where creativity thrives and much is made out of very little.

Dr Debra Parkinson has worked in the women’s health sector since 1997, undertaking a diverse range of health promotion, research and evaluation work. Her work during the past decade has focused on environmental justice and gendered experiences of Black Saturday and other disasters.

Rachael is a social worker, committed to gender equality and social justice. As a Gender and Disaster POD member and specialist in the prevention of violence against women, she has developed and facilitated training to a range of emergency management organisations, police, justice and human services agencies. 

Bernadette Fraser has worked with young people, professionals and community members in health, education and community sectors. Her work with Women’s Health Goulburn North East and partners focuses on achieving the rights of all girls and women to optimal sexual and reproductive health.

Melissa is a health promotion practitioner with experience working in local government, community health and the sport and recreation sector. She is passionate about transforming the settings where our community live, work and play to be safe and inclusive spaces for all women; providing equitable opportunities for them to thrive. Melissa has a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Health Sciences.

With a background in health and international and community development, Teresa has a wealth of experience in international aid, health and development programs. She enjoys working in cross cultural settings and has worked overseas and on refugee settlement programs in rural and remote Australia. Most recently she has worked with Local Government with a focus on addressing family violence. When not in the workspace you can find her walking in nature or doing yoga, often at the same time!

Irene is a training professional who has worked in a variety of education and professional settings including disengaged youth. She has an interest in wellness and climate action. Her vision is to see that vulnerable and remote rural communities have education and access to the full range of health and wellness services as well as being educated on the importance of climate action. Irene is determined to see that all girls and women live in an inclusive Australia.

Sarah is a social worker with experience in the family violence sector, delivering programs aimed at reducing violence and creating safety for women and children. She has worked extensively in crisis response, and with men who have used violence towards their families. Sarah believes that structural and social changes are foundational to reducing violence against women and children and working towards gender equity. 

Lorri is a knowledge translation professional with more than a decade of experience in federal and state governments. With a background in advocacy for women, education and home learning, she is passionate about creating spaces for people to learn and grow, that are accessible and easy to understand. When she’s not translating knowledge, you’ll find her enjoying motherhood in regional Victoria, collecting vintage magazines and growing fruit and veggies in her home garden.

Lauren brings to WHGNE more than a decade’s journalism and editing experience with organisations ranging from regional newspapers to international environmental bodies. A values-driven communications professional, her passion for correctly used punctuation is only surpassed by her interest in climate justice movements and her determination to grow the perfect Brussels sprout.

Katherine works as a workplace mediator and workplace investigator and has a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology/Behavioural studies), Graduate Diploma Family Dispute Resolution and Graduate Diploma in Psychology. She is currently studying for her honours in psychology.

Jacqueline is a registered nurse and has a Graduate Certificate in Nursing (General Practice), Graduate Diploma Population Health, as well as qualifications in Flinders Model Chronic Disease Management and as a Nurse Immuniser.

Emma has extensive experience in the finance industry, working at Lend Lease Corporation Sydney and Melbourne.  She has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Commercial Law) and a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacology – Advanced).

Sara has extensive experience with the United Nations, International Organisation for Migration and Australian Red Cross, working in the fields of community development, settlement of refugees and support for asylum seekers. She currently leads the settlement network of Greater Shepparton region and is a member of the Regional Advisory Committee of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. She has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Honours) and a Diploma in Community Development.

Bek works as the Coordinator of the Grit and Resilience Program across the Rural City of Wangaratta. As a qualified social worker for 18 years, Bek is passionate about social justice and working with communities to find their own place-based solutions to “wicked” complex problems.