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.
SENVIC Local Lead
Gippsland Region
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.
Stephanie Thoo is the Head of Innovation at social enterprise, GippsTech. She is passionate about helping established enterprises innovate to scale their impact, as well as support aspiring social entrepreneurs to get their enterprises off the ground.
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.
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.
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.
