Victorias East

RICHARD RIJS, Board Chairman

Richard provides great leadership to the East Gippsland Marketing Board and has lived in the East Gippsland region his entire life.

A member of Patties Foods founding family, he was also its Managing Director for over 25 years.

Richard has been on several private company boards and co-operatives over the years. Current commitments include:

• Director Patties Foods Ltd. (Listed company)
• Director Davies Bakery (Private Company)
• Representative of Champions of the Bush, an organisation established to promote Regional and Rural Australia, as well as improve conditions for country residents.

RUSSELL NEEDHAM, Board Treasurer

Following the completion of a Diploma of Business Studies, Russell became a partner in the accounting firm known as Downie Thomson & Robb (now WHK Armitage Downie). Since then, his 35+ year career has seen him head numerous firms including the Phillipson Fletcher Team, and Stockford – in which he also headed their East Gippsland Office Network.

In 2003, Russell joined with Scott Ashley to open their own accounting practice - Needham Ashley & Associates Pty Ltd. This soon grew and merged five years later with WHK Armitage Downie.

In 2006, Russell and partners purchased Jayco Gippsland. Out of hours, Russell enjoys cycling, golf and exploring our stunning region in his Jayco caravan.

ADRIAN BROMAGE, Board Member

Adrian was raised in East Gippsland. After a short time in Melbourne, he returned to the region for good in 1999 and has been involved in its Tourism ever since. Recently he developed a 5 star boutique accommodation complex in Metung called 5 Knots Apartments. He also operates Director Boat charters from an adjacent marina. He's currently project managing a new 40 berth marina and 9 house development – Beaches @ Kings Cove, Metung.

Adrian was recently the Chairperson of East Gippsland Region Business and Tourism Association and the Shire's Tourism Advisory Board. He's also been on the East Gippsland Economic Development Advisory board for the past 4 years. In his free time, Adrian does what he does for a living – spending time on boats and enjoying the views from Metung's luxurious waterfront.

JOHN HARTLEY, Board Member

John has been the Chief Executive Officer of Workways since 2007. John’s background is in Human Resource Management and he holds a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Management. John is currently completing a Masters of Business Administration. 

Born and raised in a small country town, John understands the needs of regional communities and is proud that Workways services regional communities that previously had little or no local access to employment services. John is passionate about the services Workways delivers to disadvantaged people and communities.

John is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), the Latrobe Regional Hospital Foundation Board, and the Australian Human Resources Institute (MAHRI). John is also a founding Convenor of the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) Gippsland Network Committee.

KAREN COX, Board Member

Karen is Business Development Manager for Gippsland Secured Investments (GSI), a regionally based, independent non-bank financial institution.  Since 1970, GSI has with the support of the people of Gippsland, encouraged primarily Gippsland businesses to grow and develop new opportunities whilst being a significant contributor to a host of community events and activities throughout the region.

As a resident of East Gippsland for 26 years, Karen has been involved in the local community through various educational, health and sporting committees.   As well as sitting on the EGM Board, Karen is a Board member of Community College East Gippsland and an active member of the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Karen’s 20 years of business experience has focused mainly in business development and marketing, having spent 6 years in banking, 11 years in the Financial Planning industry and the last 3 years with GSI

BOB CARTER, Board Member

Bob Carter is the Managing Director and founder of Connexion PR, an integrated consultancy based in South Melbourne with a national client base spread through Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. In addition to Bob's long standing reputation and experience as a marketing professional, he also specialises in marketing and promotion within the marine industry.

Bob and his wife Brenda have a commitment to the East Gippsland region with a waterfront home on the Gippsland Lakes. This allows Bob and his family to enjoy their passion for boating.

IAN HARRISON, Board Member

A former resident of Melbourne, Ian and his wife, Gail came for a holiday, and stayed for good. They now call Metung home, and run a successful Accommodation and Tourist Information business. Ian is an active member of the Metung Business and Tourism Association and is Chairman of the East Gippsland Regional Business and Tourism Association, as well as this board. Keen sailors, Ian and Gail were first attracted to the region by its fantastic waterways. Now Ian often sails to work.

ANTHONY LAKE, Board Member

Anthony has been a resident of East Gippsland for over 30 years and director of SLAP Architects since 1982. Anthony is a committed East Gippslander and has served on a number of boards over the years including a role as chairperson of Victorian Eastern Development Association and Arts Network. He is currently on Clifton Waters Village Board, The Pelicans Committee and The Better Outcome for Children in East Gippsland Committee.

ANDREW CRUICKSHANK, Board Member

Andrew Cruickshank is COO of Dennis Family Corporation, a large residential and retail property development firm in Melbourne. Andrew has extensive knowledge and experience in strategic town planning and economic development, and also brings a robust understanding of state and federal political structures.

Andrew and his wife Kim have a holiday home in Metung that they frequent with their family on a regular basis.