Board chair

Joined Board of Directors on January 29, 2019

Melanie Eddy is the director at Tyndall Eddy Partners accounting firm in Bendigo and joined the BCHS board to further passions around equality, social justice, family, health and wellbeing. “The health, both physical and mental, of myself and my family has always been very important to me. Because of this I have always placed a high priority on putting effort into preventative health and wellbeing measures," Melanie said. "This includes utilising local health services, participating and being involved in local sporting communities, creating and fostering relationships within our school community and implementing healthy eating habits. "I have also always had a strong sense of social justice in the past. "I have tried to work out a way to utilise my finance expertise to help those that need it most. "Being a BCHS Board Director is a perfect way for me to act on my belief in equality for all by using my finance experience and also my passion for health and wellbeing.”

Board member

Joined Board of Directors in August 2016

Vicki is currently a director and committee member of a number of community organisations. Until recently, she enjoyed a long and distinguished career over 40 plus years in the banking finance industry with the last 26 years at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank where she held many senior management and corporate positions including roles of State Manager in Victoria and Western Australia for almost a decade.

She has been heavily involved in supporting the not-for-profit and community sector. Past appointments, advisory board member of the Curtin University School of Economics and Finance, director of Foundation Housing Ltd (Perth WA), committee for the Supported Accommodation Group and chair of the LeadOn Bendigo Youth Driving Program.

Vicki is currently a director of the Bendigo Art Gallery, a board member of The Ulumbarra Foundation and a Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria(NGV). She is also a committee member of the White Ribbon Foundation in Bendigo, a member of the NGV Audit and Compliance Committee and Victorian Foundation for living Artists Committee. Outside of this Vicki spends time with family and friends and looking after her two young Grandsons.

Board member

Joined Board of Directors in November 2020

Abhishek is passionate about embedding risk into governance to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements within the risk management framework. Being a member of the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) for Victorian Multicultural Commission since 2017 and a multicultural community leader in Bendigo for over ten years, he has a strong understanding of multicultural affairs as well as policies and programs. Abhishek strongly believes in the importance of education, life experiences, cultural diversity and community engagement for the conscious and inclusive development of any individual and consequently their community. He has a Master of Science with majors in Project Management, a Bachelor of Technology (Engineering) degree, a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, and a Master of Business (MBA) with majors in business modelling and financial management.

Board member

Joined Board of Directors in November 2020

Mark is passionate about family, community and the relentless hard work involved in delivering solid community health outcomes for all people – regardless of their personal circumstance or background.

As a strong marketing and management professional, Mark brings a deep experience in developing and delivering projects, policy, maintaining good governance and managing large budgets and teams. He has honed this through experience in government, the private sector, and in my personal capacity with various charities.

Mark has served as a senior Australian diplomat in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and India, and led teams across six posts in places with difficult operating environments. These operating environments required discretion, hard work, and a high level of personal integrity, conviction, and expertise in working with diverse communities.

He has previously worked at Telstra securing employment and accessibility for people with disability, Indigenous peoples, and linguistically-diverse communities in Victoria.

Mark has a Bachelor of Arts (Arabic), a Bachelor of Commerce, a Master of International Relations and a doctoral degree in law from Monash University regarding freedom of expression for vulnerable and marginalised peoples. I am also an author of a book on this subject. .

Board member

Joined Board of Directors in April 2021

With the challenges being faced by all healthcare workers continuing to rise, the work completed by Bendigo Community Health Services is becoming more and more vital.

With an extensive background in healthcare I am aware of the challenges faced across the sector and am committed to assisting Bendigo Community Health Services achieve their vision of better health and wellbeing across generations.

I have a young family and therefore a keen interest in developing the local community.

Commencing my work life as a physiotherapist I have held a range of roles in private practice, hospitals and sporting teams before entering the Aged Care sector.

Through this role I transitioned into a more operational focus around business development and staff management/support.

Over time I have also gained experience in occupational rehabilitation as well as educating in the health finance sector.

I believe I bring a diverse experience both from a clinical and business perspective and I am excited by the prospect of being involved and contributing to the fantastic work already being completed at Bendigo Community Health Services.

Board member

Joined Board of Directors in November 2021

Lauren possesses a wide range of skills gained from a variety of senior roles within broadcast media, finance, corporate affairs and health and community services.

Acknowledged by her peers as a strategic thinker with solid experience in governance, risk management and community development, Lauren has held a variety of board positions including Remembrance Parks Central Victoria, Community Sector Banking, Community 21 and Bendigo TAFE.

Lauren is currently the General Manager for the Community Bank National Council, acting on behalf of the Community Bank network in partnership with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. Council to manage the interests of Community Bank directors and independent community enterprises, united by the common goal of giving back to local communities.

Lauren prides herself on being an active listener, always open to new ideas and solutions and puts people at the heart of decision-making. She is also a skilled communicator, event manager and fundraiser with strong community connections and networks.