The Central Highlands Women's Collective Incorporated is the management body that operates WRISC.

Read our CONSTITUTION here.

Board of Governance

Cora Wierenga - President
Elected 22/11/07
Qualifications
TPTC, Graduate Diploma of Teaching, Graduate Diploma of Special Education.
Graduate Diploma of Rural Social Welfare
Experience
Ballarat Community Health Centre (BCHC) Family violence counselor
Manager of refuge for women and children [high security] for 8½ years
WRISC inaugural manager for 9 months
Fourteen years experience teaching in special schools, with focus on working with children with physical and intellectual disabilities
Short term roles in other teaching and project work positions.

Vice-President (TBA)

Virginia Scanlon
Appointed Treasurer – March 2009
Qualifications:
Bacherlor of Commerce (acctg) CPA
Experience:
Auditor, Disability Services for DHS 5 years.

Lorraine Yeomans
Elected 22/11/07 – Secretary
Elected 13/11/08 - Public Officer
Experience
Collective member Melbourne Western Region Women’s refuge 1978-83
Management experience, University of Ballarat
Member University of Ballarat Board
Member CH ACFE Board

Liz Hayward Ordinary Board Member
Elected - 22/11/07
Qualifications
Diploma Librarianship BCAE
Graduate Certificate Education (tertiary)
Experience
Twelve years employment in the university sector.

Ingrid Harris Ordinary Board Member
Elected 13/11/08
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts, Law
Experience
Commercial Litigation Lawyer
Currently Family Violence Applicant Duty Lawyer
Member Law Institute of Victoria
Member of Ballarat District Law Association.
Member of Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council
Young Lawyers Association

Karen Monument Ordinary Board Member
Elected 13/11/08
Qualifications
Bachelor of Librarianship
Graduate Certificate in Management
Diploma in Community Business Management
Experience
Over 20 years working extensively in the community sector including disability, SAAP & family violence and community development.
Governance experience with community organisations
Member Grampians Family Violence Prevention Network
Member of the regional council for Adult Education
Committee member of various sporting organisations; tennis & football

Organisational Chart

Statement of Purpose

The name of the incorporated association is Central Highlands Women’s Collective Incorporated. The purposes for which the proposed incorporated association is established are:-

1. To improve the position and status of women in society
2. To establish a resource centre to provide information and support for women and children escaping intolerable domestic situations
3. To establish and operate a women’s refuge in the Central Highlands
4. To compile a resource file of accommodation places, solicitors, doctors etc. that provide a sympathetic service to women and are aware of the particular needs of women
5. To compile statistical data
6. To relate specific queries or problems to the wider context of women’s oppression
7. To co-operate with relevant organizations in ensuring adequate Government funding for women’s refuges and associated services for women
8. To develop communication networks with community groups and welfare related services for women
9. Generally, to work for, support and advocate the needs of women in this society.

Membership application forms are available from WRISC. Members are invited to attend general meetings of CHWC, such as the Annual General Meeting, and they elect the Board of Governance. Membership is free.