WGCMA - Key Persons
Belinda, is a primary producer involved in the family's wagyu beef enterprise in Gippsland and the vice chair of our board. She holds qualifications in Environmental and Marine Science and has extensive experience in NRM including managing on-ground environmental projects, strategic coastal projects, heritage projects and complex environmental assessments. Belinda has worked in the public and private sectors in Gippsland and Melbourne. She has proven experience in engaging with stakeholders at the State, local government and community levels. Belinda is passionate about improving the family farm through revegetation and protection of waterways and is an active volunteer in her local community.
Brian is a proud Gunai man, originating from East Gippsland with a deep understanding and strong connection to his cultural heritage, identity and community. He has worked to support Aboriginal people and communities by leading and shaping government policy and strategies that focus on Aboriginal health, leadership and economic development.
With over 30 years' experience in various Aboriginal leadership roles, Brian has contributed to the development of government policy and systems as well as corporate and business planning, change management, program design, evaluation and reporting.
Brian is an experienced board member, he has led the development of community organisations, and is currently the Chairperson for the Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Health in East Gippsland and a member of the Bass Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee. He is an Alumni of the Melbourne Business School, MURRA Indigenous Business program, a qualified and accredited coach and facilitator, trained in conflict management, adult education and training and completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Training.
Jenny and her husband run a 664ha (1500des) beef and sheep property in south Gippsland. She has worked in rural communities and industries to build the capacity of people, build resilience and enhance wellbeing and embrace innovation and best practice in agriculture and natural resource management.
Jenny is passionate about sustainable agriculture, rural communities, the environment and the red meat industry, and is a member of The Australian Beef Sustainability Steering Group.
Jenny's contribution to agriculture, the environment and community has been recognised with numerous awards over the years including the WGCMA Lyrebird award.
Jodie has over 25 years' professional experience in forest management, environmental auditing, research program management and industry engagement and has worked in operational and consulting roles across the public and private sectors.
Jodie holds a forest science degree and post-graduate business management qualifications (MBA), is a past board member of Australian Forestry Standard Ltd. and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Chairman of Our Board
Mikaela is the chair of our board and holds qualifications in arts, education, business and company directorship. She has worked in the public and private sectors in Gippsland, Melbourne and internationally and now works at Federation University. Mikaela was a Baw Baw Shire Councillor from 2012-2020, serving as Mayor and Deputy Mayor during this time. She was Deputy Chair of the Periurban Group of Rural Councils and chaired the West Gippsland Library Board for four years. Her community involvement includes Landcare, education, sport and the arts.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Board
- Chairman of the Regional Tourism Board
Nick holds an undergraduate degree in education, post graduate qualifications in Management and Occupational Health and Safety, and is a graduate of the AICD. He has worked in the public and private sectors and has extensive Board experience with for-profit, not-for-profit, and member-based entities.
Nick is currently Chair of the Regional Tourism Board, Destination Gippsland Ltd, a member of the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee and former member of the Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee. He is also currently principal of a boutique consultancy practice providing services to a range of public and private sector clients.
Nick is an experienced Chief Executive Officer and, prior to retirement from full time work, was CEO of Gippsland Ports from 2008 to 2018.
He has a strong belief that positive conservation outcomes can be achieved through, and in conjunction with, sustainable regional development.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Member of Landcare Victoria 's Members' Council of the Koo Wee Rup Flood Protection District Advisory Committee
Susan is a primary producer of beef cattle in Bunyip and has conservation qualifications and experience in beef and dairy farm renovation and management.
From 2015 to 2021 Susan was a board member of the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and was deputy chair from 2018. She has extensive Landcare and community contacts in the Westernport catchment and is a life member and president of the Bunyip Landcare Group.
Susan is a member of Landcare Victoria's Members' Council of the Koo Wee Rup Flood Protection District Advisory Committee and a committee member of the Cardinia Environment Coalition and of the Environmental Farmers' Network.