With Covid19 restrictions easing, we recently enjoyed catching up with our ten Volunteer Board Directors and Board Staff and invite you to share these ‘light’ insights.
RODNEY MCKAIL, CHAIR AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
Director since: 2006 to 2009 then 2017 to current
Home: Warburton
Motivation to join the UYCE Board: I just loved the Community Enterprise Model and the opportunities that it presented for our communities.
Outside of the Community Bank I enjoy being involved with: Warburton Bowls Club, Warburton Millgrove Football & Netball Club – Go Burras! Spending time with family particularly our beautiful grandchildren.
Three people I admire most past or present:
- Barak Obama
- Ita Buttrose
- A former work colleague (boss) who has had significant impact on my life, both professionally and personally (I won’t name him to save him the embarrassment)
Signature dish from Rod’s kitchen: Not a culinary wiz by any measure, so l will need to go for the old roast on the BBQ – Brad Pitt eat your heart out
ELIZABETH FOX, UYCE BOARD DIRECTOR
Director Since: 2006
Home: Warburton
Motivation to join the UYCE Board: I wanted an involvement with my community, and this was an opportunity that appealed to me as it allowed me to be involved in an institution that I valued highly. I absolutely believe in the Community Bank model.
Outside of the Community Bank I enjoy being involved with: My garden! I think I qualify as being a ‘constant gardener.’ Sharing time with family and friends
3 People I admire most past or present:
- Nelson Mandela for his courage, strength and capacity to forgive injustice
- Rosie Batty for her strength, resilience and advocacy
- My funny, caring, strong and supportive colleagues: Megan, Kalli and Tracey (possibly cheating on the 3 person limit!) They put some joy into every working day
Signature dish from Elizabeth’s kitchen: Lemon/lime tartlets with pomegranate (a rare occurrence however, as I infrequently appear in the kitchen!)
SALLY BRENNAN, UYCE BOARD DIRECTOR
Director since: 2015
Home: Gladysdale since I was born.
Motivation to join the UYCE Board: Keen to keep working in the community following my departure from UYCH (Cire Services) at the end of 2014, always had deep respect for UYCE and what it does and stands for.
Outside of the Community Bank I enjoy being involved with: local footy, my adorable granddaughter, my other Board roles in adult education and my chooks and vegie garden.
Three people I admire most past or present: Hatshepsut, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Bobby Kennedy
Signature dish from Sally’s kitchen: Warm potato salad
SUE CLARKE, UYCE BOARD DIRECTOR
Director since: 2018
Home: I moved to beautiful Launching Place 9 years ago and have made it my home. I have found that this move has enabled me to understand the different needs, priorities and demands of local businesses compared to suburban or city-based businesses.
Motivation to join the UYCE Board: I’ve been working with businesses in my profession as a local Accountant and welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the business decisions of the community enterprise.
Outside of the Community Bank I enjoy being involved with: I live an active life where I jog as well as walk the local trails, play netball with a Yarra Ranges Masters team and have participated successfully at three Masters’ Games. I also enjoy public speaking, being an active member of Toastmasters. So whether in work or play, I love local and I love community
Three people I admire most past or present
- Nelson Mandela
- Mother Theresa, Princess Diana. One picture which comes to mind is Princess Diana meeting Mother Theresa and the strength and compassion of these two women
- Barak Obama
Signature dish from Sue’s kitchen: I make a pretty ‘mean’ chicken and mushroom risotto
HAZEL CLOTHIER, UYCE BOARD DIRECTOR
NEIL JORGENSEN, UYCE BOARD DIRECTOR
Director Since: 2017
Home: East Warburton
Motivation to join the UYCE Board: I had long been aware of the great work UYCE was doing within the community and felt I would like to help contribute as well through serving on the board.
Outside of the Community Bank I enjoy being involved with: The Warburton Football Netball Club as a trainer, volunteering at the Redwood Centre, fly fishing and gardening.
Three people I admire most past or present: include Julia Gillard, Nelson Mandela and Jacinda Ardern.
Signature dish from Neil’s kitchen: Roast Vegies and lamb backstrap with a Greek yoghurt, tahini and lemon juice dressing.
DAVID SCHLOEFFEL, UYCE BOARD DIRECTOR
Director since: 2018
Home: East Malvern, but owner for 31 years of a weekender in Reefton, on Armstrong’s Creek.
Motivation to join the UYCE Board: To help the local community.
Outside of the Community Bank I enjoy being involved with: Helping Australian businesses be better businesses through the Australian Governments business improvement initiative, the Entrepreneurs’ Program
Three people I admire most past or present: Peter Singer, philosopher (and my Philosophy professor in first year uni many moons ago). Don’t always agree with him, but love that he puts challenging concepts out there.
Stephen Sondheim, American musical composer and lyricist – love his work
Simon Sinek, British-American business thinker who reintroduced to the business community the importance of being driven by purpose
Signature dish from David’s kitchen: I’m a meat and three veg kinda guy, so while my wife cooks up a storm with cuisines from Bangkok to Zurich, I’m known for my roasts with Jakealooh gravy (a recipe handed down the generations via the sheep stations of northern NSW)
RIC BUTLER, UYCE BOARD DIRECTOR
Director since: 2019
Home: Gladysdale
Motivation to join the UYCE Board: In joining the Board I saw a great opportunity to use my skills to see the bank grow and continue to offer financial assistance for projects that inspire and improve lives in the Yarra Valley.
Outside of the Community Bank I enjoy currently being involved with: Working with an amazing bunch of people at ECOSS an organisation interested in sharing knowledge and skills around improving our environment through experience and education to all age groups and abilities.
Three people I admire most past or present: Gough Whitlam, Bob Brown and Bill Gates.
Signature dish from Ric’s kitchen: Moussaka. Gets better every time I make it!
GARRY LEWIS, UYCE BOARD DIRECTOR
Director since: 2019
Home: East Warburton
Motivation to join the UYCE Board: To contribute positively towards the local community in a different environment than I am usually used to. Getting out of my comfort zone.
Outside of the Community Bank I enjoy being involved with: the Warburton Bowls Club, Warburton Millgrove Football Netball Club, Volunteer Tutor for “Aussie Helpers Volunteer Isolated Student Education” (AHVISE), Fishing, Camping and Caravanning and of course my wonderful family and grandchildren.
Three people I admire most past or present: My mother, Sheila (deceased); my brother, Brett; Neale Daniher – Football Legend.
Signature dish from Garry’s kitchen: Anything on the BBQ.
ANNE O’SHAUGHNESSY, UYCE BOARD DIRECTOR
Director since: 2019
Home: Warburton
Motivation to join the UYCE Board: I have always had an interest and involvement in Community groups and am aware of the need for support for all community groups and projects that benefit the community, the enterprise gives this opportunity.
Outside of the Community Bank I enjoy being involved with: U3A Upper Yarra and the Upper Yarra Probus Club.
Three people I admire most past or present: Mary Lee, a South Australian who worked for many years and in 1894 gained the right for women to vote and stand for parliament in SA; Grace Tame and Fred Hollows.
Signature dish from Anne’s kitchen: ANY Risotto dish.
JUNE PETRIE, UYCE BOARD ADMINISTRATION
Board Administration since: 2019
Home: Wesburn
Motivation to join the UYCE Board: I love where I live and my community and wanted to be part of an organisation that is so community orientated in everything they do.
Outside of the Community Bank I enjoy being involved with: Everything to do with travel near and far, cultural exchange and the ‘great outdoors’. An avid fan of most sports I continue to enjoy running competitively at club level these days and love spending outdoor time with my family and dogs. Frequent short break caravan trips and visiting cafes are high on my favourites list too.
Three people I admire most past or present
- Kipchoge Keino, Kenya’s first Olympic medallist who has and continues to make an invaluable contribution to his Country, his Village and his Family through his sport. True Kenyan royalty!
- Nelson Mandela, it was truly an honour to be in the presence of this Simply Amazing man
- Billy Connolly, Scottish Comedian
Signature dish from June’s kitchen: Spaghetti Marinara, Greek salad, crusty home baked sourdough and a glass of wine