OUR BOARD/STAFF

The Cooinda Board of Management is responsible for the governance of the organisation.

It is made up of family members or carers, professionals and community members with a range of skills who contribute greatly to the mission and the ongoing stability and growth of Cooinda.

Our board meets monthly to review program reports, our financial position, to monitor risk and quality and make strategic decisions that guide the future direction of Cooinda.

The Risk and Finance Committee is a Board subcommittee that meets monthly and delegated Board members join the monthly Cooinda Quality meeting.

Our Board regularly reviews the Cooinda strategic plan and risk register to ensure strong and competent leadership and to address the changing needs of the organisation.

Board Members

Chris O’Connor

Chris is in his second year on the Cooinda Board and has previously been the Corangamite Shire mayor. Chris has a farming background and is closely involved with the aged care sector and is very supportive of local community events and sporting organisations such as the Terang Mortlake Football Netball League and the Noorat to Terang Fun run.

Caroline Nash

Caroline is coming to the end of her second year on the Cooinda board as a family Representative. Previously she has been on the Board of the Hampden Specialists School. She has also served on the board at St. Patricks Primary School in Camperdown. Caroline has a daughter that attends Cooinda for Programs and working at the Little Acorn café since finishing School in 2016. Caroline is really enjoying the opportunity to help shape the future direction of the Cooinda Community.

Phillippa Dee

Phillipa joined the Board in 2017 and has a background in accounting. Phillipa is currently teaching at South West TAFE. Phillipa lives in Terang and is very interested in learning more about Governance and Strategy to support local community organisations. Phillipa enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Pam Dolley

Pam brings her experience in healthcare education, standards and governance to the Board Room. In earlier years, Pam taught at the Steven Racz Ballet Academy and the Geelong Ballet Centre.  Pam has always been impressed with the wonderful caring connection between                participants of Cooinda and the community. Pam intends to assist in developing services which create joy and support for participants and their families.

Edward Conheady

Edward and his wife Geraldine are local farmers from Noorat who have seven children. Edward has expanded his farming business over the years and now has 5 operational dairies. Edward completed his tertiary education at the Glenormiston College and has been the past President of the Noorat Show Committee and a previous board member of the Demo Dairy.

Sarah Cole

Sarah joined the board in 2019 and is a family representative and has a brother that receives supports from Cooinda. Sarah is a qualified hairdresser and runs her business from home. Sarah also milks cows and enjoys being busy. Sarah joined the Board as she wished to learn more about the disability sector and the strategic direction for Cooinda and feels as a younger person she may have a different perspective  and ideas that can add value to diversity of the Board.

Jillian O’Connor

Jillian joined the board in 2019 and is a family representative having a son that receives supports from Cooinda. Jillian lives on a farm at Scotts Creek and is actively involved in local community sports activities with her children. Jillian joined the Board to be a voice on behalf of other parents and carers; to ensure that the Strategic direction and policies and procedures always align to the Cooinda purpose and the future needs of people with a disability.


Executive Team

Janice Harris CEO

Helen Conheady Business Manager

Phil Hose General Manager

Tanya Jackson Quality and Systems Manager

Caroline Smith HR Officer

Team Leaders and Coordinators provide the critical day to day management in each of our respective sites.