Stephen Angus (Chair)
Stephen is an experienced Board director holding Board and Committee roles in regional development, agriculture and aviation. He has extensive experience as a senior executive in strategy, service operations, safety and risk management. He comes from a farming family in the Omeo Valley and is now active in the community in East Gippsland. Stephen has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Alex Aeschlimann
Alex was born in Leongatha, where his family has maintained a continuous farming presence since the 1890s. Following the completion of a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical & Computing) and a Master of Business Administration, he built a diverse career across Melbourne and international markets before returning to Gippsland to raise his family and contribute to the region’s development. Whilst running his own businesses, Alex developed extensive experience in corporate governance. Alex has served on many boards and held multiple leadership roles, including as Board President of Gippsland Southern Health Service. In 2021, he joined NBN Local in a Gippsland-focused capacity, supporting local residents, businesses and government in resolving connectivity challenges and enhancing digital infrastructure across the region.
Kate Commins
Kate is a director of a beef farming enterprise in Swifts Creek and Benambra. She is a retired secondary teacher who taught Science, Biology and Agriculture for many years. Kate has qualifications in Science, Education and Horticulture. She is heavily involved in community activities.
Michelle Dowsett
Michelle is the Executive Officer of the Gippsland Community Foundation, an organisation dedicated to advancing community-driven initiatives throughout the Gippsland region. With many years of experience serving on both public and private sector Boards and Committees, Michelle continues to play an active role in governance. She recently finished a nine year term as a Board Director at TAFE Gippsland and serves on the Regional Development Australia Gippsland Committee. A Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA), Michelle holds a Graduate Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). She is a Certified Affiliate of the Governance Institute of Australia (GAI Cert), has completed an IAP2 Certificate in Community Engagement, and holds a Diploma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges (DATSIK).
Rob Hescock
Rob and his family own and operate a farming enterprise in Jarrahmond, near the Snowy River. Rob has a strong focus on environmental enhancement and has been an active member of Jarrahmond Landcare Group for the past 25 years. A key project for the group is creating a bio link to encourage increased bird life. Rob is the Chief Operating Officer for HVP Plantations. Rob has held a series of operational roles across forestry and natural resource management. He has been on community and industry Boards as well as a previous Director for the North East Catchment Management Authority.
Jessica Knight
Jessica is the co-owner of a 700-cow irrigated dairy farm near Stratford in Gippsland. She is a non-executive director with experience across the dairy sector, regional development, and natural resource management. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Laws/Arts and a Graduate Diploma of Agribusiness, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has completed the National Farmers’ Federation’s Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.
Daniel Rodaughan
Daniel is a highly respected member of the Jaadwa community. Daniel is currently chair of Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation and on the Board of the Barengi Gadjin Land Council. He was previously appointed to the EGCMA Board as the Independent Aboriginal Delegate. Daniel has also held previous roles at Gippsland Water leading the development of Healthy Country partnerships with various indigenous community groups, helping to ensure that these critical relationships are nurtured and maintained. Daniel brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that is highly valued by his colleagues and peers alike.
Merrilyn Woodhouse
Merrilyn has over 30 years’ experience in finance and administration in both the public and private sector. She has undertaken a diverse range of roles/activities, including all aspects of finance, administration, and statutory/management reporting. She has many years of agricultural experience, both as a primary producer and as a Federal Government employee undertaking extensive farm surveys. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a Graduate Certificate in Management.
