GOULBURN OPTIONS

Tony joined the Board in 2021. He has been in Seymour since 1982 and has worked across the Goulburn and North East Area with the Department of Education and Training. Having retired after 40 years' service, he is looking to use experience gained as a teacher, principal and administrator to assist the Board in its work within a culture that focuses on the people and seeks out opportunities to learn, adapt and improve. Tony has previously served as Chair of the Goulburn Options Risk and Policy Committee. 

Trevor became a member of the GO Board in 2019. In 2020, Trevor was appointed Board Chair and then had a year's respite from the Board in 2021. Trevor is keenly enthusiastic to the Arts, skills and learning of our participants.

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A career in hospitality and service is the base from which Trevor brings care and support to Goulburn Options. His profession, property development and facilities management, offers support to contemporary business development and asset management. 

Louise was educated here in Seymour, then moved away for many years. As her family continued to reside in Seymour, she was involved in the community from a distance. Louise returned to Seymour late in 2017.

When Louise was invited to consider joining the Goulburn Options Board, she saw an opportunity to contribute to the future success of this organisation as well as the wider Seymour and Mitchell Shire communities. 

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Louise began as a Goulburn Options Board Director at the Annual General Meeting of 2019. She is currently the Board Secretary and Public Officer as well as a member of both the Clinical Governance and Finance Risk & Audit Committees. 

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Louise's background is in Information Technology, as it is used by the Community Services Sector. She has worked both in Service Provision and Project Management of software management tools necessary to support the provision of great service. 

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As a member of the Goulburn Options Board, Louise enjoys contributing to the current and future success of the organisation, and therefore our participants. 

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"We're a large employer, supporting both local and not-so-local clients in a diverse community; it's a pleasure to add my life and career experience to the governance of Goulburn Options."

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Helen joined the Goulburn Options Board in 2022.  She has wide-ranging experience in public sector and not-for-profit management and in disability advocacy.

Helen was previously General Manager of Women with Disabilities Victoria, a Disabled People’s Organisation which advocates for the rights of women with disabilities to safety and respect, equity of access to health services, and leadership opportunities.

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Helen also worked for many years in the Victorian Public Service in the commercial, tourism and recreational uses of public lands and in land use planning and building legislation.

Helen holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Graduate Diploma in Journalism and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Helen has also held board positions at Seymour Health, the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee and 3CR Community Radio. Helen is a person with disability and an NDIS participant.

Kevin Ekendahl is a nationally recognised expert in internal auditing, compliance, and quality assurance, with extensive experience across the education, government, and community sectors. As CEO of Audit Express, Kevin has led hundreds of internal audits, supporting organisations to strengthen governance, manage risk, and achieve compliance with complex regulatory frameworks. His work spans vocational and higher education, workforce development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), where he has been instrumental in guiding the development and implementation of national standards and self-assurance models.

Kevin brings a strategic and systems-based approach to auditing, drawing on over fifteen years in senior leadership roles. He is also a respected presenter and advisor, frequently engaged to share insights on internal audit practice, regulatory trends, and inclusive education. Kevin holds formal qualifications in internal auditing, business, quality auditing, and training and assessment.

Jane Challis is a recently appointed member of the Goulburn Options Board, bringing with her over 47 years of experience as a passionate and dedicated primary school teacher. Throughout her long career in education, Jane has championed inclusive learning and supported the development of all students, with a particular interest in the needs of those living with disability.

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Jane is an active member and board member of the Rotary Club of Seymour, where she has contributed to numerous community initiatives focused on service, equity, and engagement. She is committed to supporting people with disabilities and believes strongly in the power of community inclusion and empowerment.

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Now enjoying retirement, Jane lives on a property in the local area and values the opportunity to remain connected and involved in the community. She is a proud parent of three and grandparent of four and looks forward to learning and contributing as part of the Goulburn Options Board.

Akshay Arya is an Engineering Director with over a decade of experience in the Utilities and Telecommunications sectors, deeply committed to driving positive change through strategic leadership and inclusive community engagement. Akshay has lived experience of disability, and Akshay is inspired by the opportunity to contribute to the Seymour and Mitchell Shire region, supporting Goulburn Options in delivering high-quality, person-centered supports for people with disabilities.

Akshay led major infrastructure projects and developed business partnerships in complex and fast-moving environments. Akshay brings a wealth of practical project and risk management expertise to the Board. Akshay is an active advocate for diversity and empowerment, drawing on personal family experience in disability advocacy to guide their work.

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A lifelong learner dedicated to continuous adaptation, Akshay holds an Executive MBA and a Master of Business degree from Monash Business School, as well as a Master of Electrical Engineering from Swinburne University. He is passionate about advancing professional practice through collaboration and innovation. Akshay looks forward to contributing to committees related to business development and risk and values the chance to work in partnership with fellow board members and the broader community.

Liz McCoy is a passionate and values-driven board director who loves helping organisations and communities thrive. With more than ten years of governance experience across for-purpose and community organisations, Liz brings a strong mix of skills in information technology, financial management, and creating positive, people-centred cultures. She’s known for her inclusive leadership style and her ability to inspire meaningful change.

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Before stepping into governance, Liz spent over 15 years in executive healthcare management, leading strategic leadership programs and championing healthy workplace cultures. She has a real knack for turning ideas into practical solutions that improve collaboration, efficiency, and impact.

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Warm, thoughtful, and deeply people-focused, Liz specialises in leadership development, change facilitation, and building strong, resilient teams. She holds a Diploma of Governance (Institute of Community Directors Australia), a Certificate in NFP Governance, and advanced qualifications in coaching and facilitation. As a board director, Liz is committed to encouraging innovation, sustainable growth, and inclusive governance that delivers real and lasting benefits for communities.