Our Board

Libby brings to Leisure Networks a strong commitment to the organisation’s vison of capable, healthy people and inclusive communities. With a Masters Degree in health sciences Libby has held senior roles with state government, Barwon Health and the TAC along with eight years as an elected local councillor and Mayor. Under Libby’s leadership, Leisure Networks is going through significant NDIS driven growth. Libby has excellent skills in developing strategic insights into leadership in times of change, stakeholder management, building strategic alliances and developing  new business and service models.

In the early 1980s, Bryan joined the Spastic Society of Victoria (now Scope Victoria), rising to the position of Deputy Chief Executive.  Bryan also served as CEO of the ACT Koomarri Association and Managing Director of Yooralla.

Following his 2008 retirement, Bryan was appointed Chairman of the Victorian National Disability Insurance Scheme Implementation Taskforce in 2011 and in 2013 was a Ministerial appointment to the Board of the Victorian Disability Services Commission.

A Board Member with NDS for 14 years and its National President for three, Bryan was awarded Life Membership of the organisation in 2010.  He was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2003 and an Order of Australia Medal in 2011.  Both awards were for services to people with a disability.

Having served on a number of Boards over the last thirty years, Bryan brings a strong governance background and understanding of not-for-profit management to Leisure Networks.  His knowledge of disability services in Australia has been particularly useful, as Leisure Networks has adapted to meet the challenges of being a National Disability Insurance Scheme service provider.

Gavin has over 30 years of senior leadership experience within financial services, consulting and the not for profit sector and is currently the Chief Operating Officer at The National Heart Foundation.

He brings extensive experience in the following areas:
• Strategy and organisational transformation
• Financial and commercial judgement
• Governance and risk management
• Leadership and culture

Gavin is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors course (GAICD) as well as the Not for Profit Directors course, holds a Bachelor of Business Degree from Monash University and is an alumni with Leadership Victoria.

An experienced senior executive, large project manager and consultant, Adrian brings a diverse commercial and not for profit background to the Director role.

Adrian has experience and expertise in business strategy, program/project management, operational performance, risk management and procurement across a range industries including Health, Financial Services and Retail

Adrian holds a Master in Business Administration and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Simone Is the Women’s Football Strategy and Pathways Manager for the Geelong Cats Football Club, responsible for leading and cohesively integrating Women’s Football Programs in line with club values across the organisation.

This includes leading the execution of the AFLW preparation strategy across the club, with the Cats set to enter the AFLW in 2019. Prior to this, Simone utilised her knowledge and previous experience working in the community sector to provide leadership in the establishment of the Cats’ community programs. Simone has held senior roles at Give Where you Live; Karingal and Bethany Community Support and has the personal belief that sport is a great conduit for young people to connect to community.

VANESSA Schernickau is the chief executive officer of the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC).

She brings a wealth of business, local government, human resources, community development and Crown land management experience.

Ms Schernickau holds a Masters in Business Management, an Associate Degree in Business Studies, a Graduate Diploma of Human Resource Development and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

A resident of Aireys Inlet, her previous positions include manager of Vibrant and Creative City at the City of Port Phillip; manager of Corporate and Customer Services, Geelong Regional Library Corporation; and manager of Organisational Support and Development at the Colac Otway Shire.

She was also a GORCC committee member from 2007 to 2010, and chair of its coastal reserves subcommittee.

Kate is Director and co-founder of Russell Resources and Russell Services Group supporting efficiencies in the health and philanthropic sectors.

Her expertise comes from over 30 years of diverse business/functional experience, building a consulting company and managing comprehensive client relationships delivering complex safety, health, leadership and culture interventions. Kate initially specialized in health, completing General and Oncology Nursing and post-graduate qualifications in Occupational Health.

More recently, Kate has focused on executive and non-executive leadership, gaining experience as a member of the Board of Russell Consulting International. She is currently on the Board Development Committee of Menzies School of Health Research and is an Ambassador for Bridging The Gap Foundation and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors program.

Damian is the Head of the Supported Recovery Division at the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). He is an experienced senior executive who has led significant organizational change focused on adding maximum value for clients and the community. Damian has previously worked in the Disability field as both a practitioner and leader. He holds degrees in Arts, Speech Pathology and a Master of Business Administration. He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Melanie is a founder of Mast Lawyers, a business focused law firm which works closely with its clients and strives to have a positive impact on our community.

She has extensive experience in business structuring, commercial contracts and transactions, governance issues and not-for-profit entities.

Melanie is also a current board member of the Cherished Pets Foundation.

Nadia specialises in accounting, holding a Chartered Accountants membership with backgrounds in both external audit and business tax.

In previous years Nadia has been a treasurer for Business Professional Women; volunteered as a manager for an opportunity store with United Care Australia and various other community voluntary roles relating to under 18’s with disabilities.

Nadia has a special connection to Leisure Networks as her younger brother has been a customer of Leisure Networks for a number of years.  Through her personal experiences in growing up and assisting her parents in her brothers growth and development has placed her in a position of wanting to help other youths with disabilities grow and develop into the best version of themselves.

Shannon is a Company Lawyer for the Cotton On group, a global fashion retailer with over 1,300 stores trading in 18 countries.

Shannon previously worked in private practice at Harwood Andrews lawyers in Geelong and specialises in corporate/commercial, structuring and tax, property and not-for-profit law.

Shannon loves sport and being physically active, in particular running and netball.

Shannon has always been heavily involved in her local community and also serves as on the board of the Barwon Region Special Olympics.