Mentoring
The Barwon Network is pleased to announce the 2023 launch of an exciting new initiative -the Governance Mentor Team- which will provide support to our member Houses. This Mentor program has been designed especially for Neighbourhood House Chairs and Committees and will operate as an additional resource and support for Houses in the Barwon Network.
The volunteer run program will see interested committees matched with skilled mentors for a time limited period. Mentors will be able to work with Chairs and Committees to develop particular aspects of their governance role.
Governance can be a challenge for us all at different times and we know from experience that common areas for focus may include:
- committee structure and meetings
- accountability requirements
- financial planning and management
- policy development
- community engagement and consultation
- strategic and business planning
- human resource management
However, this list is not exhaustive and the Mentor Team will be available to provide information and support to Chairs and their committees on any other issues they have identified and would like to work on.
Early enquiries can be directed to: Deb Kearney email: deb.kearney@outlook.com
Name: Austin
Austin Paterson has been involved in the Neighbourhood House sector, on and off, for 30 years having a variety of roles such as Networker for the Barwon Network and many years ago as a House Coordinator.
Austin has a background and experience in Community Development, Community Health, Health Promotion, Aged Care and Philanthropy and is particularly interested in supporting and developing good governance in the areas of HR, Strategic Planning, Chair and Board responsibilities/accountabilities and managing effective and enjoyable Board meetings.
Name: Deb
Deb Kearney has been involved in the Neighbourhood House sector for 20 years having a variety of roles such as Chair of the Barwon Network, House Coordinator, Neighbourhood House portfolio holder for State government, and sector Consultant.
Deb has a background and experience in training and education, community services and state government and is particularly interested in supporting and developing good governance in the areas of HR, strategic planning and effective meetings.
Contact: president@nhbarwon.org.au
Name: Jill
Jill’s Evans governance experience includes being a chairperson of a not-for-profit organisation in Geelong for 6 years, competition of the Company Directors Course, along with a comprehensive understanding of the Neighbourhood House sector.
Jill has a strong interest in, and commitment to, supporting volunteer community Committee members. She understands the complexity of governance and appreciates the tensions that can arise. Jill has the time to assist a committee develop their own methods of operating.
Name: Beth
Beth Davidson has been involved in the Neighbourhood House sector for longer than she wants to remember (30 + years) having a variety of operational roles such as community worker, coordinator/manager as well as governance roles including President of NHVic and NHBarwon and Anglesea Community House.
Beth has a background and experience in community development, leadership and community governance at local, regional and state level. She is particularly interested in supporting and developing good governance in the areas of HR ( eg clarity re roles and responsibilities, relationships), policy development (including Position Descriptions) and staff management (eg recruitment, performance and development).
Name: Marg
Marg White has been involved in the Neighbourhood House sector for 14+ years having a variety of roles such as support and development, advocacy and management in an auspice agency.
Marg has a background and experience in community development, board roles, leadership and management. Marg is currently a councillor on the Colac Otway Shire and is particularly interested in supporting and developing good governance in the areas of policy, people and relationships, partnerships, HR and budget build and management.
Name: Jenny
Jenny Speed has been involved in the Neighbourhood House sector for 15 years having a variety of roles such as Executive member of NHB’s Governance Committee, Chair of Bellarine Living and Learning Centre, participant, volunteer and employee of 3 NH’s in the Barwon region.
Jen has a background and experience in community development and engagement, grants management, local government and is particularly interested in supporting and developing good governance in the areas of strategic planning, annual planning, effective meetings, policies, staff supervision, while ensuring a strengths based approach to all matters.