President - Angela Stathopoulos Angela is the Principal Executive Officer at Prahran Community Learning Centre. Expand Angela is the Principal Executive Officer at Prahran Community Learning Centre. She holds qualifications in Education and Training, TESOL, Student Welfare, Business Management and Styling Certification qualifications, and has a strong interest in accessible community education options for vulnerable people. She has over 20 years experience on various boards and committees, including her current role as the President of the Community House Network Southern Region. "I am an out of the box strategic thinker with excellent listening skills. I can challenge the status quo to the benefit of the organisation I am representing. I am always looking for better ways of doing things and I set the appropriate goals and can provide the right resources and direction to facilitate effective change. I believe I have the experience, skills and enthusiasm to effectively contribute to NHVic as it moves into the future."
Vice President - Greg Ferrington Greg is the Manager at Wyndham Park Community Centre. Expand Greg has been involved in the sector for over 25 years in Victoria and Queensland. He is the Manager of Wyndham Park Community Centre, a board member of Duke Street Community House, and is also the Chairperson of the ACFE Regional Council – North West Melbourne. He has previously worked in the disability employment and education sector and has managed social enterprises. He lives in the inner western suburbs of Melbourne with his partner of 20 years and enjoys travel and watching his favourite footy team – Western Bulldogs. Greg served as President of Neighbourhood Houses Victoria from 2017 to 2019 and as Vice President in 2020. “During my time as President I have had the opportunity to visit most regions in the state. I have steered the Board of governance through a period of change and worked closely with the CEO to ensure that we meet the needs of our members.”
Treasurer - Merial Clark Merial is a Board member at Noble Park Community Centre. Expand Merial was the Network Manager for Network Inner East Community Houses for seven years. She has had extensive experience in the neighbourhood house sector across Australia having been employed in the sector since 2000. “I am a passionate advocate for neighbourhood houses across Victoria. I understand the importance of strong leadership from a peak body and have an excellent understanding of good governance. I believe that non-profit organisations need to develop as a strong and vital “third sector” which can work in partnership with business and government to create a fair and equitable society.”
Secretary - David Pearce David is a Committee Member at West Footscray Neighbourhood House. Expand David has been a West Footscray Neighbourhood House committee member since 2014, serving as Treasurer and Vice Chair. He specialises in risk management and compliance. “I’m passionate about being involved with and developing the West Footscray community. I look forward to bringing my experience with risk management and insurance to the NHVic Board.”
Desmond Lavery Desmond is the Secretary at Castlemaine Community House. Expand Desmond has been secretary of the Castlemaine Community House for the last four years. As part of that role he represents the Community House on the Naldurun Upper Loddon Group which is the local indigenous advocacy and reconciliation organisation convened by the Dja Dja Warrung people. “Member organisations are looking for more open and accessible channels of communication and influence so that NHVic’s priorities can truly reflect the membership’s priorities. I believe the neighbourhood house sector can play a more active role in promoting Indigenous recognition and reconciliation initiatives within their communities.”
Jennifer Keerie Jennifer is the Manager at Milpara Community House. Expand Jennifer has worked in the neighbourhood house sector for eight years and is the Manager of Milpara Community House in South Gippsland. She also serves on the Board of the Neighbourhood Houses Gippsland Network where she held the role of Treasurer for four years. Her background involves nearly 50 years experience in business administration and community services coordination. "I really enjoy working collaboratively, sharing knowledge and skills to improve outcomes particularly around problem solving. I appreciate Dr Margaret Wheatley’s guidance for how to persevere through challenges and to ‘go with the energy of YES’ to keep alive the energy needed to generate creative solutions, visions and strategies. Other influences that drive my work include the framework of Social Role Valorisation – enhancing image and competency in the life of people with disability and crafting a coherent stance on the sanctity of life, as well as the poem by Max Ehrmann, ‘Desiderata’."
Julyne Ainsley Julyne is the Volunteer Coordinator at Duke Street Community House. Expand Julyne has been involved with Duke Street Community House since 2003 as a student, volunteer and committee member. She also recently served on the Advisory Committee for the Victoria Alive project, sharing her understanding of the barriers people with disability face in community organisations. "I am passionate about neighbourhood houses and their role in communities. If I didn't find a neighbourhood house, I would not be where I am today. They gave me support, encouragement and confidence. They give people a place to have their voices heard, a place for learning and a place for our communities to be strengthened."
Ramona Barry Ramona is the Programs, Office and Events Manager at Bridge Darebin. Expand Ramona has acted as Board member and Chair of the Crafts Council of Victoria for six years, with experience in overseeing financials, grant acquittals, risk assessment and business growth. She started at Bridge Darebin in 2018 overseeing programs, events and office management. “I hope to provide valuable insight into our vibrant and constantly evolving community from a hands-on perspective while serving to nurture and support the ongoing success of a sector that, at its heart, celebrates inclusivity and community.”
Sandra Joffe Sandra is the Network Manager at Network West. Expand Prior to working in neighbourhood houses, Sandra taught in a variety of settings in South Africa. Alongside her 18 years experience as a neighbourhood house coordinator and networker for Network West, she holds post graduate qualifications in Australian Social Policy and Evaluation. "I am passionate about community development and advocating for social justice. I recognise the essential role that neighbourhood houses play in building and connecting community through partnerships and supporting and amplifying community member's voices. I want to help ensure that our sector remains firmly place-based and responsive to local need. I am continually in awe of the commitment and creativity that our members bring to their work and am always interested in new ways of thinking and innovative approaches, so please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss your ideas, suggestions or concerns."
Tennille Hall Tennille is the Executive Officer of Pangerang Community House. Expand Tennille has been the Executive Officer of Pangerang Community House in Wangaratta for three and a half years. An active volunteer in her community, she has spent time on numerous school and sporting club committees and has coordinated many local events, markets and fundraisers. Tennille brings skills and experience from working in the corporate sector. “I’m a go-getter, inclusive and I love a challenge. I am passionate about supporting our peak body to provide support, advocacy and promotion of collaborative opportunities for our organisations – which will benefit the staff within our houses and the people in our communities well into the future.”
Information about the Board Expand How often is there an election? It varies. Each year in October we invite people to nominate to the Board. An election will only take place if the number of nominations outnumbers the number of vacancies. If required, the election is undertaken via an online ballot and only full member organisations can participate. The new Board members are announced at the Annual General Meeting. How long does a term on the Board last? Two years. A person can choose to re-nominate when they reach the end of their term, but can serve no longer than six consecutive years. How is the President elected? During the first Board meeting following the Annual General Meeting, the Board votes on who will occupy the roles of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. These positions are held for one year.