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Centre Against Violence is led by a Board of Directors who contribute a diverse range of skills, experience, and interests for ensuring the efficient, effective and accountable governance of the Centre Against Violence.

CEO/Secretary

Jaime Chubb is a skilled executive leader with 18 years of experience in the community and government sectors in the field of regional and community planning and was the Director of Community Services at the Rural City of Wangaratta for 7 years.   Jaime has a strong and diverse understanding of the complexities and challenges facing the sexual assault and family violence sectors and recognises the necessity of early intervention and primary prevention work to change the impact of family violence and sexual assault on individuals, families, and community.   Jaime has a Bachelor of Behavioural Science – Psychology and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Jamie is a Board member of SASVic.

Board Chair

Mary Reid retired in 2021 after a 40 year career in the Health and Welfare sector in Victoria. A tertiary qualified senior executive Mary has experience in the fields of Child Protection, Youth Justice, Housing, Disability, Emergency Management and Family Violence. Most recently Mary was the Director Child Protection East Division and the Statewide Child Protection Emergency After Hours Service in the Department Health & Human Services. Mary is committed to the provision of high-quality services through collaborative leadership and brings to the board a wealth of experience in operational service provision for vulnerable community members, strategic planning and policy development, financial planning and workforce management

Vice Chair

With a strong background in integrity, governance, regulatory compliance, risk management and professional standards, Melinda Edwards is now a Director Workplace Relations in the Education sector. Melinda has over 28 years policing experience in Victoria and Northern Territory, where she developed a program to support Aboriginal women and children, as victims and witnesses, through the criminal justice system.   Through her policing experience Melinda has worked extensively with vulnerable communities preventing and responding to Family and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and created and delivered a capacity building program on gender-based violence for the Mauritian Government. Melinda has proven experience delivering strategic governance to International, National, and local not-for-profit organisations, including LGBTIQ+ and women focused boards and committees.   Melinda is presently the Chair of Ethics Committee for the International Association of Women Police. Melinda holds a Master of Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Corruption, and Integrity Management and Graduate Certificates in Applied and Strategic Management.

Board Director

Tanya Lowes is the Manager of Regional Children’s Service at Merri Health, Wangaratta. Tanya has 22 years’ experience in the Disability and Community Services sectors and has held a range of clinical and management roles. Tanya is highly skilled in project management and policy development with a strong commitment to ensuring that vulnerable members of the local community and their families are supported and receive the supports they require.   Tanya has a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy, a Vocation Graduate Certificate in Community Services Practice, and a Vocational Graduate Diploma of Community Sector Management.

Board Director

David is the Clinical Safety & Quality advisor at Albury Wodonga Health with clinical experience and qualifications in Master of Public Health, Master of Health Management and Certified Health Informatician Australaisia (CHIA). With clinical experience in both public and private health sectors including community and public health management and leadership experience at operational and executive levels. He is a Winston Churchill Fellowship fellow (2018) - exploring health care delivery frameworks for older people in the USA - Age Friendly Health Systems.    David has previous experience in men's health project and innovation work, men and family violence prevention program development and implementation, drought and bushfire recovery (well being), well-being and performance coaching, age friendly healthcare and community innovations and health service management. 

Treasurer

Adrian Johnstone has 13 years’ experience in the aged care not-for-profit sector holding senior roles including Business Finance Manager and is currently the CEO of St. Catherine’s, Wangaratta. Adrian was formerly the Business Manager in Commercial Finance at National Australia Bank, Wangaratta for 22 years and has actively participated in numerous voluntary community and sporting not-for-profit committees.   Adrian is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has governance experience with not-for-profits.

Board Director

Graeme Simpfendorfer, former President of the Blue Ribbon Foundation North East Victoria Branch and a seasoned City of Wodonga Councillor, joins CAV with a robust skill set encompassing leadership, advocacy, strategic planning, empathy, collaboration, and public relations.   Drawing from his law enforcement background, Graeme brings a unique perspective to the board, navigating policy and legal matters. His passionate advocacy for survivors, combined with a strategic vision, makes Graeme a valuable addition to the board, ensuring CAV's continued positive impact on the lives of those affected by violence.

Board Director

Cherie Holland, Operations Director of the Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit, brings a wealth of experience in health sector leadership, governance, and financial management.   With a master's in health administration and a commitment to community well-being, Cherie's return to the region after 15 years aligns with her desire to give back. Her expertise in operations management, strategic planning, and board governance makes her a valuable asset to CAV, ensuring effective leadership and impactful community programs.

Board Director

Karen Rourke, Manager of Media & Marketing for Northeast Health Wangaratta, possesses a broad range of experience in communications and public policy.   Karen's understanding of the complex issues surrounding community safety and social services, coupled with her strong marketing and communication skills, positions her as a strategic advocate for CAV. With a deep commitment to creating cultural change and preventing violence, Karen's skills will strengthen CAV's community profile and advocacy efforts.

Board Director

Sarah Treloar, a Chartered Accountant with a rich history of serving on non-profit boards, brings a unique blend of financial expertise and a personal commitment to preventing violence.   Her financial acumen, combined with a strategic mindset, positions her to make meaningful contributions to CAV's financial sustainability and strategic decision-making.
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Centre Against Violence (CAV) was formerly known as Upper Murray Centre Against Sexual Assault (UMCASA) and was established in the early 1990s by a group of people from North East Victoria.

 

In 1992, the organisation was incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act and since that date has been managed by a community-based Board of Directors. In 2012 the organisation was renamed Centre Against Violence (CAV) to incorporate the diversity of programs operating under the auspice of the organisation.

 

CAV receives core funding through the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services, Children and Family Services branch. Some funding is also provided from the Federal Government to support family violence services. From time-to-time special project funding is sought from other sources.

 

CAV operates within a intersectional feminist framework with respect to our understanding and analysis of sexual assault and family violence.

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VACCA: The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is a state-wide Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) servicing children, young people, families, and community members. The largest of its kind in Australia.  vacca.org

 

GATEWAY HEALTH: Gateway Health is a community health service providing health and welfare services to individuals, families and communities across northeast Victoria and parts of southern New South Wales.  gatewayhealth.org.au

 

MUNGABAREENA ABORIGINAL CORPORATION: Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation is a focal point for Australian Indigenous people living within our service area.  mungabareena.org.au

 

UMFC: Upper Murray Family Care is a vibrant and diverse organisation, with a primary goal of strengthening, nurturing, and caring for children and families throughout Northeast Victoria and the Upper Murray.  umfc.com.au

 

DFFH: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is a community based child protection team. dffh.vic.gov.au

Centre Against Violence (CAV) is managed by a community-based, skilled Board of Directors.

 

We receive core funding through the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and often receive special project funding to compliment our work in the community.

 

CAV is a not-for-profit organisation that is funded to deliver both family violence crisis services and sexual assault support services (Centre Against Sexual Assault). We provide family violence crisis care and case management for people who are experiencing family violence, and we also provide advocacy and counselling support to adults, children and young people who have experienced sexual assault. This support extends to other family members and friends who have been impacted by sexual assault. CAV also operates a Harmful Sexual Behaviour treatment service for children and young people aged 5-17 who are exhibiting harmful or problematic sexual behaviours.

 

CAV is incredibly focused on being an inclusive and accessible organisation – committed to helping people of all gender identities, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, ages, and physical abilities. This includes trans, gender diverse and non-binary people of all gender identities and expressions as well as cisgender women and men.

 

We have key offices in Wangaratta and Wodonga but provide services to the whole Ovens Murray region. We are currently working on expanding our outreach service provision to rural communities throughout the region.

 

We have strong partnerships with organisations and services throughout the region and are one of the key partners in The Orange Door.

 

Family Violence and Sexual Assault service have grown significantly over the last several years following the Royal Commission in Family Violence and increased demand for service.

We have key offices in Wangaratta and Wodonga, along with an outreach service in Benalla. We are committed to providing support to the entire Ovens Murray region.

 

We maintain key offices in both Wangaratta and Wodonga, with an outreach service based in Benalla, and proudly offer our services to the entire Ovens Murray region.  From Corryong to Mansfield, Rutherglen to Bright, and all points in between, we strive to serve the needs of every community within our reach. As part of our commitment to expanding our outreach services, we are actively working to extend our assistance to the rural communities throughout the region.

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