
Our Board

Chair
Tony Gooden
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.

Vice Chair
Tracy Hynam
Tracy has now completed two terms on the Goulburn Options Board, both in the position of Vice Chair. She has also served on the Goulburn Options Risk and Policy Sub-Committee, Business Development Sub-Committee, and was member of the CEO recruitment, interview, and appointment panel.
Tracy has been a Registered Nurse (RN) for nearly 35 years, and is currently working as a Remote Area Nurse (RAN). Empathy, compassion, inclusiveness, adaptability, and the ability to think clearly and rationally are all skills that are interchangeable between nursing and being an effective member of the Goulburn Options Board.
"Being part of the GO community is a great fit for me, as I enjoy working with likeminded people who are committed to helping our participants live their biggest life possible."

Treasurer
Louisa Munro
For the past 20 years, Louisa has been an Accountant and Financial Advisor, and in 2021 began as Treasurer on the Goulburn Options Board.
Louisa's interest in joining the Goulburn Options Board stems from growing up in the area where she now raises her family, and wanting to give back to the local community. She has a particular interest in preserving the many excellent services in the region, as well as the promotion of women in business.
Louisa brings her vast knowledge and experience of finance to her role as Treasurer, and with these skills hopes to ensure that every Goulburn Options participant is given as many opportunities to reach their goals as possible.
So far she has greatly enjoyed meeting so many new people -- Board Members, Goulburn Options staff, and participants -- as well as the challenge being on the Board has presented.

Secretary/Public Officer
Louise Byrne
Louise was educated here in Seymour, before moving away for more than 35 years. She returned to the area in late 2017, having witnessed many changes. When she was invited to consider joining the Goulburn Options Board, she saw an opportunity to contribute to the future success of both this organisation and the wider Seymour and Mitchell Shire communities.
Louise began as a Goulburn Options Board Director at the Annual General Meeting of 2019. She is currently the Board Secretary and a member of the Organisational Resilience Committee.
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.
As a member of the Goulburn Options Board, Louise enjoys contributing to the current and future success of the organisation, and therefore participants.
"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."

Board Member
Bob Edwards
Robert 'Bob' Edwards had an early association with Goulburn Options as a Board Member (1988-91), then took on the role of instructor from 1991-1995 when it was the "Seymour ATSS". Bob, with Pam Schivo, started G.A.T.E. in February 1995.
Rejoining the Goulburn Options Board in 2003, Robert has held many executive roles (President of the Board for 4 years, Vice President for 2 years, Secretary for 5 years, Treasurer for 7 years, and 4 years as Director.)
Robert received Life Membership in 2008.
In 2015, at the opening of the Goulburn Options Respite Units, unit Number 3 was named 'Barry's B&B' in loving memory of Barry Knippel, a former member of Goulburn Options who was Robert's brother-in-law.
Robert served 26 years in the Defence Force, serving in several management positions. Bob owned a sports and toy shop, and joined the Seymour Council in 1988. Whilst on the council he held the position of Deputy for 1 year, and President for 2, and took on the role of Mayor for a period when the Seymour gained status as a Rural City.
Robert has an Advanced Certificate in Training Development and an Associated Diploma of Road Transport Management.
Over a long period, Robert has seen a number of changes all for the benefit of the participants.
"It is a privilege to serve, having a wonderful relationship with Board Members, staff, and participants."

Board Member
Ewan McDonald
Ewan has a lifelong interest in the impact disability has upon the lives of individuals, families and carers. He has a background in public safety, risk management, and strategic planning. He strongly believes that communities where everyone gets a fair go are measurably happier and safer places to live.
Ewan has been a member of the Goulburn Options Board since 2019.

Board Member
Helen Gwilliam
Helen joined the Goulburn Options Board at the end of 2022.
Helen grew up in the United Kingdom and migrated to Australia in 1991. She has worked in disability advocacy, community radio, the trade union movement, the Victorian and Tasmanian public services and as a university lecturer.
Helen has also been a board director in coastal land management, community media and regional health organisations. She has a Bachelor of Laws, a Graduate Diploma in Journalism and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Helen has a physical disability and is an NDIS participant. She is committed to progressing the rights of people with disabilities to social and economic equality, safety and respect.
Helen lives near near Avenel. In her spare time she does a lot of weeding and volunteers with Avenel Active and the Euroa Arboretum.

Board Member
Sarah Coombs
Sarah joined the Goulburn Options Board in early 2022. She is a Seymour native, growing up on a farm just out of town. After completing her Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University in 2018, she returned to the region to begin her legal career. Sarah is now a partner in a local law firm, practising primarily in family and property law. In her spare time, Sarah likes to read as many books as possible, perfect her choc-chip cookie recipe, and spend time with her young family.
She looks forward to bringing her legal experience and perspective to the Goulburn Options Board.