John Hart

CHAIRPERSON

John has over 30-years’ experience working in the Mental Health, Disability, Youth, Aged Care, Nursing, and Indigenous sectors. Both as a front-line service provider and the former CEO of a large NFP community organisation, John is passionate about breaking down barriers to empower clients to realise their aspirations. John’s qualifications include Masters in Mental Health/Disability, Grad Cert in Disability Education-Rehab, Diplomas in Nursing, Community Services, Counselling, Exercise Science (Fitness & Recreation), Sport and Business-Frontline Management. He also has Cert 4s in Training and Assessment and Allied Health (Physio-rehab).

John has directed and produced several social justice films screened on both the ABC and SBS Networks, winning an Inside Film (IF Award) for his Documentary, “Unlikely Travellers” and Winner of Best Documentary in the New York Film festival for his film on Suicide in Indigenous communities: “9 in 10” Loss and Suicide in Aboriginal Australia. When he’s not working, John loves cooking, exploring places to eat, keeping fit – weights & walking – playing with his Labs and spending time with his wife.

Kellie Ward

Kellie Ward has over 15-years’ experience in community and health, working in Mental Health/Disability/Youth/Aged Care & Nursing. Kellie has previously worked in operational service delivery, team lead, program coordination and facility management. Kellie has a particular interest in trauma informed practices and intergenerational trauma.

Serving her community in this area, Kellie established the first bulk billed school based paediatric clinic in the Latrobe Valley and was awarded a Service Excellence award for design and implementation of an education program for children in out of home care. Kellie has also been recognised locally for her part in the Gippsland Mental Health Alliance and her coordination of Multidisciplinary Team clinic for children in out of home care in the Latrobe Valley. In her personal time, Kellie likes reading, playing and recording music and spending time with her family.

David Unwin

David Unwin founded his Accountancy practice in 1999. He holds a Bachelor of Business, is a Fellow Certified Practicing Accountant and is also a Registered Tax Agent. David has over 30 years’ experience as a tax agent and has particular interests in small business accounting, taxation and incorporated associations.

Giving back to the community is very much a personal focus that has seen David serve on the board of various community organisations in the Not-for-Profit sector and to also perform the roles of a Commissioner of Declarations. David enjoys running and hiking and regularly can be found on weekends exploring the trails around the Glasshouse Mountains in his home state of Queensland.

Sharon Hanley-Hart

Sharon was a Primary School Teacher before moving to the corporate sector. Over 18-years Sharon held a variety of operational and leadership positions in the HR department at BP, including the last 4-years as the Director – Human Resources, Australasia. Since leaving the corporate sector, Sharon has held positions as the General Manager for a NFP organisation in Qld., providing services to people with disabilities and Corporate Services and HR Manager with Aboriginal corporations in the Kimberley region of WA.

Sharon now works as an HR and Management Consultant in a range of sectors including local and state government, NFP, SMEs and Indigenous Corporations. Sharon’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Education, Advanced Diplomas in Business and Human Resources and Diploma of Teaching. Sharon is a Carlton tragic (AFL) and spends her spare time keeping fit, playing with her 2 crazy Labs, and with her husband exploring the attractions of South Gippsland.

Vinita Raymond

Vi has an extensive administration, communications and personal assistant work history having supported numerous department heads at Telstra. Throughout her working life Vi has received a variety of awards in recognition of the positive impact of her interpersonal skills and her drive to get things done. Most recently, spent time in Dili, Timor-Leste contributing to the capacity building of staff located at the St John of God Health Care office at Guido Valadares National Hospital.
Vi completed her B.Sc/B.A at the University of Melbourne and has also done studies in Public Relations at R.M.I.T. In her spare time, Vi is very involved with her family, neighbours and friends – and their pets. Her hobbies include going to the movies, travelling, going for walks along the beach, watching and participating (sometimes!) in sports and she has also done volunteer work at her local library, teaching Seniors how to use their iPads and connect with their families.

Dr. Nikoloz Chanturia

Dr. Nikoloz Chanturia is a General Practitioner and is currently practising in Wonthaggi in South Gippsland. Originally, Nik is from Georgia, migrating to Australia in 2008 with his wife and two children.

Dr Nik’s medical interests include Mental Health, Men’s Health, Paediatrics, and minor surgical procedures. Nik is passionate about medicine and people. In his spare time, Nik enjoys producing documentary movies and spending time with his family.

Liz Hurley

Elizabeth (Liz) has over 30-years’ extensive experience working in Banking/Finance and the Administration sector for both Australian based and global corporations. She has also been responsible for collating and gathering information for a mortgage broker working on behalf of clients to secure the best rate for loans from various institutions.

In recent years she has taken on the role of managing a B&B for an indigenous corporation. She is also advising and assisting aboriginal corporations in being the best they can in operating and administrating their small business enterprises. Her role as a consultant with these corporations is to: manage their facilities, managing bookings, linking with various trades and consultants, and to help manage the finances of the organisation by keeping track of their income, expenses, controlling organisational spending and organising short-term investment strategies. When she is not working, Liz loves exploring new and exciting destinations seeking her next adventure, keeping fit, & walking.

David Minihan

David Minihan, is a seasoned registered social worker, and brings a wealth of expertise with over 35 years of experience in disability, aged care, youth, and Indigenous services. His extensive background spans across both the UK and Australia, showcasing a diverse range of skills and insights. David holds qualifications in social work, training and assessment, auditing, and quality assurance, demonstrating a commitment to professional development.

His specialized knowledge includes navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), further emphasizing his dedication to making a positive impact in the field of social work.

David has also been involved in documentary film making in the area of social justice, including “Unlikley Travellers” which won an IF film award .