Meet Our Committee Members
The Ashburton Community Centre is governed by a voluntary Committee of Management:
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Dr. Christine Millward, President Christine has been a research scientist for many years and served on several committees managing choirs. After being a Yoga and Pilates student at Ashburton Community Centre, she joined the Committee of Management in 2022. This year Christine has stepped up to take on the challenging role as President of the Committee. She continues to bring her unique passion to everything she does and uses her admirable organisational skills to facilitate catering at many of the Centre’s fundraising events. |
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Natallia Smith, Treasurer With over 30 years in financial services, including ING and Macquarie Bank, Natallia now runs her own advisory firm focused on empowering single pre-retiree women. She is an executive with The Boutique Financial Planning Principals Association Inc., a not-for-profit association championing client-focused financial guidance. As Treasurer of the Ashburton Community Centre, she is keen to utilise her expertise in strategic planning and governance to foster community growth. |
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Ben Chesler, Secretary Ben joined the Committee of Management in 2023. When he is not working for the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, you can find him volunteering with a range of community organisations, including Scouts, biodiversity groups, the ACT Red Cross, and local theatre. He already has experience serving on several boards for small organisations and hosts a radio show on PBS 106.7FM. His work with the Committee on the area of CyberSafety is invaluable and he has now also taken on the role of Committee of Management Secretary. |
| General Committee Members: | |
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Georgie Henzell Georgie spent 3 years as an office volunteer at the Ashburton Community Centre while completing her university degree. She graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Business and Arts, majoring in Banking and Finance and Psychology. Georgie currently has a graduate job in Finance at one of Australia’s leading retailers, while also studying to become a Chartered Accountant. Georgie is passionate about connecting with her local community and is thrilled to continue supporting the Centre in a different capacity. |
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Lynn Norman Following retirement from a 45-year career as a primary school teacher, Lynn joined the Ashburton Community Centre as a volunteer Digital Mentor in 2019, helping members build their skills and confidence in the use of technology. In 2020, she joined the Committee of Management and has just completed three terms as President. In her role as Policy Sub-Committee Co-ordinator, she is keen to continue as part of a dedicated and cohesive team, working together to ensure that the interests of the ACC and its members underpin all decision making. |
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Dr William Lee As a migrant educated in both Taiwan and Australia, with a successful 20-year career working alongside North American, European, East Asian and Australian small, medium and large corporations, William brings a wealth of practical knowledge in applied chemical engineering, management consulting, technical sales agency, and cross-border commercial law, exchanges and leadership to Ashburton Community Centre. William believes that, only with a good and connected community foundation, can individuals thrive supporting sound beliefs in diversity, inclusion and progression, for the overall wellbeing of individuals and the environment. |
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Michael Murray Michael brings 35 years of experience with a diverse career across visual arts administration, archives auctioneering and the environment. His volunteer work has involved a variety of roles in TAFE, Higher Education, Horticulture, Small Business Development, Community Centres, U3A, Festivals and Multicultural Communities over the past 40 years. He maintains a strong focus on the area of recruitment and induction for new Committee members. |
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Bill Ford Bill and his family have been Ashburton locals for many years. His experience spans across the private and not-for-profit sectors, including companies and organisations in Asia. He is now retired and has been volunteering with many community-based groups. He continues to share his financial knowledge with the committee to support the work of our Treasurer. Bill recently launched a Men’s Discussion group at the Centre, which is proving most popular and supports our goal of encouraging greater diversity in the Centre’s offerings. |