The WRISC Organisation Chart shows just how much WRISC has grown from our beginnings in 1988 as the Central Highlands Women’s Collective. We now run specialised family violence support programs via the Family Violence Outreach Program, Aboriginal Family Violence Program, Van Go Children’s Creative Therapy Program and WRISC Groups Program. These programs are supported by the WRISC Board, the Executive Team, the Corporate Team and Volunteers.
Lisa holds a Masters of Business Administration and brings over 20 years of experience in organisational development, culture, governance, risk and leadership, across the not-for-profit, government and commercial sectors. She specialises in initiatives that align internal culture with strategic objectives and is passionate about building values-driven workplaces where individuals feel empowered to thrive.
Lisa is deeply committed to the prevention of family violence and believes that the work is not done until all women are safe. Joining the WRISC Board, Lisa is proud to support the organisation’s vital work in empowering women and children.
Jacinta is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years of experience across professional services and industry. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Master of Business Administration. Jacinta has worked for a national standard-setter and a big 4 accounting firm, as well having extensive experience across the not-for-profit, education, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
Jacinta has a deep knowledge of governance and financial stewardship, coupled with a strong commitment to ethical practice. Her experience enables her to provide practical insights that strengthen governance and empower organisations to deliver positive social impact.
Heeyoung Lim holds a Master of Social Work and brings over 30 years of experience in community capacity building, community engagement, training, counselling, journalist and broadcasting systems across Australia and Korea. She firmly believes in the power of collaboration to drive impactful and meaningful change.
As a dedicated and open-minded professional, Heeyoung values respect for individuals, teamwork, and effective communication. A committed multicultural leader, her mission is to ensure that community members receive equitable and effective services without experiencing isolation or discrimination. She works tirelessly to support individuals and families in maintaining active lives and accessing the resources they need to thrive.
Heeyoung currently serves as the Manager of Settlement Services and Family Violence Community Engagement at the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council. She is also the Chairperson of the Ballarat Refugee and Asylum Seekers Support Network and a Regional Advisory Council Member of the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Heeyoung’ s participation in the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program supported by the DFFH marks a significant step in her leadership journey, further enhancing her ability to support and advocate for those in need as an influential and skilled leader.
Yvette started at WRISC in 2021 as Board member and became the Business Operations Manager in 2024.
She has qualifications in Human Resources, Governance and Change Management and has been in senior leadership roles for the last 18 years. Yvette has experience in executive management, leadership development, strategic and business planning, and organisational development.
She has worked across the private and public sector, not for profit and community services, and is thrilled to have joined WRISC and to work alongside passionate, dedicated and inspiring women.
She has a strong interest in equality and human rights, and helping people and businesses be the very best they can be.
Ash grew up in a small country town just outside of Ballarat. Ash spent a few years in Melbourne after finishing school and then returned to complete her first degree Batchelor of Arts, Rural Social Welfare. Ash was fortunate enough to be placed at WRISC for her final placement in 2012. Ash has been working in the Family Violence Sector ever since!
Ash worked casually in the intake space before securing a Specialist Family Violence Practitioner working with Aboriginal families in the Aboriginal Program. It was in this space that Ash really cemented her passion for working with Aboriginal families, understanding history and culture and being strong advocate and ally. In 2016 Ash took a leap of faith and moved to Alice Springs and worked with a local Aboriginal Organisation supporting women and children impacted by Family Violence in remote communities of the NPY lands in the centre of Australia.
It was in this time that Ash completed her Master of Social Work and returned to Ballarat a couple of years later and with perfect timing she was able to complete her final Masters Placement in the Van Go Pilot program. She honed her therapeutic skills and rejoined WRISC within the Van Go Children’s Creative Therapy program as the Single Session Therapist once finishing her placement. Ash then moved into the Van Go Team Leader role and then took some time out from WRISC to have her babies. It was in this break that Ash became an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and engaged in private practice before returning to the Program Manager role. Ash’s drive and passion is to provide client led services and to provide the best practice and support for women and children.
