SENVIC Local Lead
Gippsland Region
Gippsland Social Enterprise Collective
As one of the largest regions in Victoria we decided to work together – as a collective – to represent the six shires of Gippsland.
We represent small business; education, creative, and community organisations and local government. We have a breadth of experience in Social Enterprise, great networks, a deep knowledge of our communities – and a burning desire to see them prosper.
We have a vision for a Gippsland that will nurture emerging and established social enterprises. We can’t wait to help grow viable businesses, doing good. With purpose.
Meet the team
Joh Lyons was the founder of The VRI a creative community space. Her work at The VRI included Digital Shed (digital literacy project), Alt_Art (emerging artist collective) and Serving the Valley (hospitality training course) as well as a number of community building activities. Joh is co-director of ReActivate and has worked on transition for Latrobe Valley through events, farmers markets, #GetSunflowered art installations and the Impact Boom x ReActivate Masterclass for Social Enterprises.
Alyson Skinner is the Manager of the Venus Bay Community Centre, one of 400+ Neighbourhood Houses in Victoria. She represents the South Gippsland district with membership on a number of committees and boards including Neighbourhood Houses Gippsland and Koonwarra Village School and has strong ties with local council and networks across the Gippsland region.
Sarah Dowell is based on Phillip Island in Bass Coast shire and is the founder of her own startup Asanti.com.au. Asanti is an online store for everyday products from grass-roots social enterprises. Sarah has worked across Africa for charities fighting extreme poverty, and believes turning everyday business into a way to give back to charities, is the future of positive change in our world. She is excited about being a part of the social enterprise movement growing in Gippsland and across Victoria.
Meg Capurso is representing Wellington Shire Council where she works as the Youth Liaison Coordinator. Wellington Shire Council is excited to be a part of this Gippsland Consortium; exploring, learning, and working towards our shared vision.
Natasha Wright is the Innovation Program Coordinator for GippsTech. Natasha likes to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty. With a soft spot for Mental Health and Animal Welfare, she is passionate about getting involved & and supporting aspiring social entrepreneurs to get their enterprises off the ground. Tasha comes from an Administration background, within some of the leading FMCG companies in Australia, and after living & working in the South East suburbs all her life, she has recently made the tree change to the beautiful Baw Baw Shire, and is now happy to call herself a proud Gippslandian.
Andrea Lane is a long time member of the Centre for Rural Communities and co-founder of (f)route and FLOAT – social enterprise pioneers in East Gippsland. Passionate about the economics of art, environment and regenerative action in regional communities.
Sarah Tate heads up the Concierge team for the Business Support Service and is based at the Latrobe Valley Authority. She is passionate about contributing to a strong and sustainable future for Gippsland by supporting the local business community to grow and thrive.
Stephen Angus grew up in East Gippsland and recently returned to live in the region after a career in aviation operations and management. Stephen grew up on a family farm and has a strong sense of grass roots connections and the importance of local resilience and community spirit. He has a background in encouraging innovation, mentoring entrepreneurs and start up ventures and has extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, program coordination and business design and planning. Stephen has joined SENVIC to make a contribution to social enterprises that help communities, businesses and individuals to thrive.
