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, Dhurrung Wunggurrwil (Aboriginal) Family Violence Program, Van Go Therapies Program and WRISC Groups Program. These programs are supported by the WRISC Board, the Executive Team, the Corporate Team and Volunteers.
Michelle is a social worker with experience in women’s health, domestic family violence and the prevention of violence against women. Her areas of expertise include project design and management, training development and delivery, and feminist and participatory research. Michelle is committed to contributing to collaborative community driven social change and is currently a Lecturer in Social Work at Deakin University.
Kesh Manton’s strong work ethic and passion for food was ignited growing up in the family catering business. After completing university, she undertook administrative roles with a large food business before enjoying a stint with a Federal Member of Parliament.
Post Graduate studies in Hospitality and Tourism led to hotel management roles, firstly in Cairns then back to Melbourne.
She moved to Ballarat to undertake Conferencing, Sales and Marketing roles at major venues before starting up her own business, MESH, as a Marketing and Events Specialist. This opened up opportunities to work with Kryal Castle, The George Hotel, Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival, Plate Up Ballarat, Eat Drink West and Peter Ford Catering.
Today Kesh can be found at Quest Ballarat Station working in Business Development.
I was invited to join the Wrisc Board by a previous member and felt that, after first getting to know the organisation through my voluntary work with the Fundraising Working Group, I could contribute to a real area of need. I am fortunate not to have experienced Family Violence myself, although I have a strong sense of the affect of it from my father’s childhood experiences and his mother’s enduring trauma from it.
Meegan is one of the directors of M & B Accountants, which officially commenced operating in April, 2016. Prior to commencing her own business, she worked as a Senior Accountant with SFG Spencers for over 20 years. Over this time she has built many long term business relationships with her clients and their families. Meegan’s qualifications include Bachelor of Commerce (with Distinction) – University of Ballarat, CPA Public Practice – CPA Australia, and Tax Agents License – Tax Agents Board.
Meegan has lived in the Ballarat region for most of her life, and outside of work Meegan enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. She loves heading to the beach on the weekends, and enjoys a relaxing coffee by the beach and eating out at the amazing places we have here in regional Victoria.
Meegan has recently joined the Board of WRISC (Women’s Resource Information Support Centre) and is very proud to be part of an organisation that supports women and children against violence. She is also on the Board of Ballarat Business Women, a not for profit organisation that provides opportunities for networking with like-minded women, educating and empowering women to achieve both professionally and personally.
Yvette joined the Board of WRISC in December 2021. She moved to Ballarat from Melbourne 20 years ago, and hasn’t looked back. It has been a wonderful place to call home, raise a family, and really connect with the community, which she has had the privilege of doing through her career. After spending 8+ years working for a local community health centre, Yvette missed being involved in social services, and through her role on the Board of WRISC, Yvette feels as though she can contribute to the community, using her professional skills in Business Management, Human Resources, Governance, Quality and Compliance. She has a strong interest in Equality and Human Rights, and helping people and businesses be the very best they can be.
Elizabeth (Libby) holds a Bachelor of Education, a Masters in Exercise Rehabilitation and a Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Management. She is also an accredited Partnership Broker (Partnership Brokers Association). Libby has had over 30 years’ experience in a broad range of professional settings in education, community rehabilitation, community health, primary health and service system reform through the primary care partnership sector. She has held leadership and management positions for the last 16 years.
Libby has published various journal articles and presented at a number of national conferences relating to chronic disease management.
Libby began in the role of Executive Officer at WRISC family Violence Support Inc in August 2014.
Libby brings to this role a thorough knowledge and expertise in multi sector and multi organisational partnerships. Libby is passionate about partnerships and this passion has been the common link throughout her broad professional career. She believes that partnerships and working together is a key element to address inequity, support human rights and address gender-based violence against women.
She is humbled by the opportunity to work with a team of very dedicated staff and volunteers in the specialist family violence sector in the Central Highlands region.
