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NESAY Board of Governance

The NESAY Board is currently at full capacity. If you would like to learn more about our Board, or put forward an expression of interest please send us an email through our contact form here, or phone our office on (03) 5720 2201.

Meet our amazingly dedicated & diverse board members.

Alison Maclean, President

Joined: 2015

Why did you choose NESAY? 
NESAY is an important part of our community, and centred on young people, provides support and opportunities for people to have happy, safe and secure lives.  NESAY was born from our community and continues to adapt and evolve to deliver what our community asks of it. Young people and their families at NESAY are treated well, listened to, and valued. I chose to be part of the NESAY team to contribute my Board and Governance skills in a place that matches my professional value set.

What do you enjoy/look forward to, being a part of the NESAY Team?  
Being part of the NESAY team is great!  Working together we have a shared passion and commitment to push the boundaries and find better ways to enable young people and their families to achieve their goals.  Rarely, and on this occasion, you find a place where the team and its culture allow great things to occur.  The next 10 years at NESAY will be transformational! 

What’s the most useful piece of advice you have been given? 
The most useful piece of advice I have been given…. found it on Linkedin actually…. “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t”.  Thomas Edison

Caitlyn Walker, Vice President

Joined: 2022

Why did you choose NESAY? 
NESAY offers a wonderful and unique support service to the young people of North East Victoria. I jumped at the opportunity to contribute my skills and time to NESAY and to be involved in the amazing work that NESAY does.

What do you enjoy/look forward to, being a part of the NESAY Team? 
I’m looking forward to meeting new people, working with my fellow board members and NESAY staff and learning about how I can best support the work of NESAY within our community.

What’s the most useful piece of advice you have been given?
Listen more than you speak!

Trish Merlo,
Secretary of the Board of Governance & Secretary to the Association

Joined: 2021

Why did you choose NESAY? 
My respect for the dedicated service of NESAY to community, young people and their families span over 20 years within the education sector. As a community service, I have admired NESAY for their capacity to build compassionate and empowering relationships with young people to reach their potential and respond positively to meet life challenges. NESAY has always sought to work in innovatively and partnership with other organisations in the community to achieve their service endeavours. 

As a member of the NESAY board I believe I have the ability to use my skills and knowledge to contributing to that goal.

What do you enjoy/look forward to, being a part of the NESAY Team? 
I look forward to working collaboratively with a passionate and dedicated team to provide this service to our community for its young people and families.

What’s the most useful piece of advice you have been given? 
I have always admired the work of the late Sir Ken Robinson in thinking imaginatively to achieve human potential. Be courageous!

Sir Ken says ‘The role of a creative leader is not to have the ideas; it’s to create a culture where everyone can have ideas and feel they’re valued’.

Brian Hargreaves, Treasurer

Joined: 2023

Why did you choose NESAY?
I guess when I was invited to join the Board of Governance at NESAY, my eighteen years working in the community housing area with Beyond Housing which had ongoing connections with NESAY, it seemed like a natural fit and one where we might be able to make a productive contribution.

What do you enjoy/look forward to, being a part of the NESAY Team?
With the values and objectives of NESAY one always looks forward to the successful outcomes with NESAY assisting the young people achieve their goals and so supporting the NESAY Team in doing that and from my perspective ensuring that the organisation is financially viable in doing that are the outcomes that would be rewarding. 

What’s the most useful piece of advice you have been given?
Not sure what to say here, but I recall a Whorouly Cricket Club legend saying a long time ago, that if I could hold up one end, the runs would come at the other end. Which was good advice over the next forty five seasons, so patience and perseverance in work and life, I think have been worthy attributes if a little out of fashion and annoying to some in these hectic days of 24/7 non-stop news cycle / social media activity.

Donna Samon, board member

Joined: 2023

Why did you choose NESAY?
Having worked in the community sector in Wangaratta for many years I have been aware of the fantastic work NESAY does. I wanted to support this community service in a practical way. I think the focus of supporting youth through family and community is a wonderful ethos.

What do you enjoy/look forward to, being a part of the NESAY Team?
I get a sense of dynamic and creative programs and I am looking forward to being involved in further innovative developments. I enjoy the welcoming and collaborative team spirit I’ve experienced so far.

What’s the most useful piece of advice you have been given?
Don’t underestimate the impact of a kind word.

Kirsty Beecroft, board member

Joined: 2023

Why did you choose NESAY? 
I was keen to contribute back to the community, paying forward my skills and knowledge to support an organisation. I chose NESAY as I genuinely connect with and feel passionate about NESAY’s goals and vision. NESAY recognises the unique challenges that young people often face while navigating life, and the support they provide has a profound impact on both individuals and families. Being part of an organisation that makes such a positive difference in people’s lives aligns perfectly with my personal values and aspirations.

What do you enjoy/look forward to, being a part of the NESAY Team? 
I am thrilled to be a member of the NESAY team, and look forward to contributing to our collaborative efforts and the creativity that fuels NESAY’s ongoing growth and success. 

What’s the most useful piece of advice you have been given? 
A quote that has always resonated strongly with me. 
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” ― Robin Williams

Varun Joshi, board member

Joined: 2024

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