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
Amelie Boucher is a Project Manager for Gippsland East LLEN, one of 31 Local Learning and Employment Networks in Victoria. Gippsland East LLEN works collaboratively with key partners so people in Wellington and East Gippsland can develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to fulfil their personal aspirations and succeed in their pathway through education to work. Gippsland East LLEN manages the Higher Education Study Hub as well as The Hub as a place for learning, community, connection, creation, and innovation.
Arfa Khan, Engagement Lead at CRSE Group, has worked in academics, journalism, public relations, and the social welfare sector. She has expertise in project research, planning, and implementation. Arfa is President of the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley, member of the Latrobe Health Assembly, Latrobe City Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee, and the Victorian Police Multicultural Taskforce.
Rhonda Renwick is a transport industry proprietor, organisational psychologist, educator, mother and driver of positive change. As founder of Kindred Spirits Foundation, she strives to live in a world where acts of kindness help us reach for our dreams and care for our environment. KSF, through mentorship, education, employment and initiatives, drives social and environmental change.
Scott Douglas is an experienced teacher, lecturer and researcher in the employment, vocational and higher education sector. Scott is focused on supporting the development of the Victoria and Australian Regional Innovation Ecosystem, through a number of key regional initiatives that he is driving and supporting, to support the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs at Green Lab Futures.
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.
Carmel Riley: Founder of CRSE Group and passionate about all things social enterprise. Residing in Baw Baw Shire, Carmel is active in mentoring and supporting small business, government, and not-for-profits. She has a breadth of experience to contribute to the collective.
Sam Forbes is the lead Community Development Facilitator for Elbow Community Building based in Stratford. Elbow was founded by Sam as a small, local, agile and high-quality community building business in Gippsland. Elbow was founded as a social enterprise and Sam is passionate about the potential of social enterprise to promote wellbeing, especially in regional and rural communities.
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.
Coran Johnson grew up in a close-knit community in Gippsland and has a passion for thriving rural communities. She is the Learning Coordinator at the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship where she supports delivery of learning and development programs at the Social Enterprise Academy Australia, links with key industry and facilitates the growth of the social enterprise community.
Shaun Mallia, a life-long Gippslandian, has worked closely with the community across the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland. Shaun is the Executive Officer of Kindred Spirits Enterprises, a not-for-profit charity focused on supporting grassroots initiatives to grow and thrive.
Sarah Tate’s drive is collaborating on projects that build strong, resilient and connected communities. Sarah has a particular interest in supporting Gippsland transition to the next economy. A passionate weaver and connector of people has led her to the role of Community Convener for Regen Gippsland.
