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

Elizabeth Clarke AM

Elizabeth joined the Cooinda Board in 2021. Elizabeth has substantial experience working with Government and the local community, primarily focusing on governance, integrity, finance and senior management. Elizabeth has also been a Director of Terang Mortlake Health Service for seven years. Elizabeth is currently Deputy Chair of the Victorian Racing Integrity Board and Chair of the Integrity Education Program Steering Committee. Cooinda has long been a very significant organisation within her family involvement in the 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.

Don Skene

Don joined the Cooinda Board in 2020. Don was a retired Accountant who had a long career in the Dairy Industry and has recently taken up a part-time position with Sunnyside in Camperdown. He has a background in Management Accounting, Finance Management and Operations Planning. Don has lived in Camperdown for most of his life and has a strong commitment to his community through various organisations. When offered to join the Cooinda Board he jumped at the chance to be involved in such an important local organisation and to add to the skill set of the Board.

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.

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.

Kate Justin

Kate is the granddaughter of two of our Life Governors, Alan and Beryl Harvey. She joined the board in 2021 and brings with her experience in administration in the Health sector. Kate currently works at Terang & Mortlake Health Service as the Policy and Document Control Coordinator. Within this role Kate is responsible for ensuring all current health service policies and documents are reviewed in a timely manner, including the coordination of new policies and documents to be presented to the appropriate meetings in preparation for Health Service accreditation reviews.

Kate values her opportunity to contribute as a member of the Cooinda Board of Directors as she understands that Cooinda is an integral part of our local community.

Marg Dillon

Marg has completed her first year as a member of the Cooinda Board. Having a son who receives supports from Cooinda she fills our third family member position. Marg and husband Wayne have raised seven children at Kolora and now find themselves as empty nesters with the opportunity to travel with their son recently moving into Independent Living. Marg has qualifications in Early Childhood and most recently works at South West TAFE.

Kristy Crawley

Kristy joined the board of Cooinda in 2024. Kristy is currently employed at Kirrae Health Service located on the Aboriginal mission in Purmin as part of our SEWB team as our Youth Worker. I am passionate about empowering young people and helping them achieve their best potential.

I am a community minded person who is involved in the local footy and basketball competitions. I live locally with my husband and 4 children. You will often see me following them around with a camera in my hand.