Retired CEO Disability Services – MBA, GAICD, FCHSM, BHA, BAppSc

Prior to retirement, Paul held CEO and senior management positions in health and human services organisations, and now enjoys active service with many community organisations.

Paul is an active JP in the Bendigo region and is Deputy Chair of Bendigo UFS Pharmacies, (a not for profit community entity). He is also Deputy Chair of Rotary Youth Camp Inc, [Camp Getaway (Rotary D9800)], a $1.2m project of the 70 Rotary Clubs in Rotary District carers and others who have worked together to redevelop a former youth camp at Axedale Victoria, as a state of the art recreation camp for people of all abilities, and as a respite resource for carers and others

Volunteer Coordinator – Intereach

Sue works with Intereach in the capacity of Volunteer Coordinator after previously working in a similar role at Bendigo Health with Home and Community Care Program for Younger People and also with the Bendigo Health Foundation as Community Relationship Lead. She is also Chair of Food Fossickers Central Victoria Inc. and Secretary of Bendigo Community Farmers Market committee.

Sue has been involved with community groups for over 20 years, mostly in Community Development roles and has spent a number of years developing community based projects for Local Government. Sue holds a Graduate Diploma in Business- Professional Practice as well as an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management and Marketing.

Board Director and Consultant

Mandy has a keen interest in giving back to her community that has been her home for over 40 years, and holds a number of volunteer roles in various Bendigo organisations including Treasurer of the Bendigo Youth Choir and Committee member of Women in Figures, and is also a Board director with a number of Bendigo organisations.

She is an experienced senior executive with over 30 years’ working in local government, tourism and IT & telecommunications sectors, and over the last decade was employed by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank as CEO to the Australian Friendly Society. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, holds a Bachelor Business (Accounting) and is a member of CPA Australia.

Mandy joined BVRC in 2022 and brings a wide breadth of community engagement, governance, financial and general management experience in various disciplines.

Manager, Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre

Helen is a founding member and manager of the Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre since its inception in June 2002. She has extensive experience and knowledge in all things volunteering, and is the Treasurer of Victorian Volunteer Support Network.

She is also currently a Director and Board Secretary of the Bendigo Trust, Company Secretary for the Board of Management Interchange Loddon Mallee Inc., Life member and Vice-President of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society, Trustee of Bendigo Community Theatre & Arts Public Fund, Justice of the Peace, and Secretary of the Bendigo Branch of Honorary Justices. Helen was previously an Executive Assistant at the Bendigo Trust.

Community Development Officer – Golden City Support Services

John works as a Community Development Officer with Golden City Support Services – a non-government organisation providing disability, mental health and dementia supports, based in Bendigo. He has worked in the field of disability support for the last 20 years. In 2002 John co founded CreateAbility, an arts organisation providing opportunities for people of all abilities to express themselves and connect with others.

CreateAbility produces workshops, projects, and events across a range of visual and performing arts forms. In 2013 John completed a Masters in Community Cultural Development with the Victorian College of the Arts (University of Melbourne)

Program Coordinator-Court Network

In 2004 Loretta began her volunteering journey with Court Network based at the Bendigo Law courts although prior to that she actively volunteered with several community organisations. In 2019 she moved into a part time role with Court Network as a Program Co-coordinator covering the three regional Loddon Courts of Bendigo, Echuca & Castlemaine with a team of 25 volunteer “Networkers”. Court Networkers support people accessing and navigating court systems.

They empower and increase the confidence of court users in managing the requirements of the courts. She has a strong commitment to social justice and supporting those that are marginalised in our community. She is passionate about advocacy in all its forms, assisting individuals, families and carers to link in with available services. Prior to moving to Court Network Loretta has worked in Disability Advocacy and the Early Childhood Early Intervention space. Loretta’s involvement with the BVRC began in 2002 often making use of their resources and training courses. She is delighted to be able to contribute now in a professional capacity. Loretta holds an Associate Diploma in Business Studies (Travel & Tourism) from William Angliss and has undertaken some post graduate studies at Latrobe University in Business Management.

Manager Community Partnerships, City of Greater Bendigo Representative

Andie has been with the City of Greater Bendigo for 3 years as both the Manager of Community Wellbeing and as Manager Community Partnerships. In her current role she is responsible for the development of a range of Policies and Strategies which focus on promoting positive community outcomes, and guides the work of the City. Before moving to the City, Andie held the role of Director, Children Youth and Families at Bendigo Community Health Services. Andie holds a number of Board positions which contribute to outcomes for our local community. As a passionate feminist and humanist, Andie works tirelessly to ensure an access and equity, gender and trauma informed lens is incorporated in all that she is involved in (professionally and personally) which means that she is comfortable advocating for those in our community who may have experienced disadvantage and require support and empowerment.

(Pronouns: He/Him)
Youth Representative

Bailey J Dolan is 18 years old and lives in Greater Bendigo, he has just completed his first year on the Youth Council. ( 2024) for the City of Greater Bendigo

Bailey is a large theatre and arts supporter having participated in a few himself. He supports the LGBTQIA+ community. He hopes to give more opportunities to disadvantaged youth who cannot get fair and equal opportunities.

He has completed his year 12 studies and very invested in his studies to prepare him for university, where he aspires to study law. Bailey is passionate about giving new experiences a try and involving his community. He hopes to provide the same opportunities for many who are a part of Greater Bendigo.

Bailey hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders and give opportunities many may not have considered. He hopes that people will reach out to him so he can help be a voice for many who don’t have a loud enough voice.