Board of Management

Vigneswara (Vic) joined the Board in 2012 and was recruited for his expertise in legal and regulatory affairs, government relations and marketing and communications. Vic was the inaugural Chair of the Quality and Risk Committee and Chaired the Governance Committee for a number of years. He was appointed Deputy Chair in October 2015 and held this role until November 2022 when he commenced as Chair of the Board. Vic is a solicitor having practiced law for over 22 years and operates his own boutique family law firm. He worked as an advisor and project coordinator to a State Member of Parliament from 1996 to 2002. Vic maintains a keen community involvement and has been awarded a Centenary of Federation Medal for his contribution in youth affairs.

Rebecca joined the Board in May 2019 and held the position of Board Treasurer from April 2020 to November 2022. Rebecca commenced as Deputy Chair of the Board in November 2022 and is currently Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. Rebecca is a client director at Pitcher Partners where she provides the full range of business and tax advise and assistance to businesses of all sizes, from large private companies through to family owned enterprises. She has experience with a variety of technical and commercial issues affecting clients on a day-to-day basis and advises clients on the more strategic issues relating to their business such as structuring and growth.

Michael joined the Board in April 2021 and is passionate about education and what it brings to our communities. Michael commenced as Board Treasurer in November 2022. With over 15 years of experience in independent sector education and currently the Chief Operating Officer at Brighton Grammar School, Michael brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the running of an educational institution.

Michael joined the Board in
June 2018 after years of
supporting bestchance
programs. Michael
commenced as Board
Secretary in November
2019 and is currently Chair
of the Governance and Risk
Committee. He holds a Bachelor of
Commerce in Applied
Economics and Marketing
from Deakin University
and is an experienced executive
coach. Michael’s work has
seen him travel across the
globe as a consultant,
supporting growth
businesses and the
development of high
potential leadership.

Glenys has been associated with bestchance and other community organisations for over 40 years. During this time, she has contributed greatly to the lives of many children as a foster mother – a commitment she continues today. Glenys has been involved in many educational and research scientific activities both in Australia and overseas and in 2006 was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her exemplary services to medicine and the community.

Rachael joined the Board in November 2013 and has a keen interest in supporting the mental health of women and families. She is currently the Program Manager at cohealth, one of the largest community health organisations in Australia, servicing a broad area of high-growth communities across Melbourne’s northern, western and inner suburbs. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Victoria University.

Riaan joined the Board in November 2022. Riaan is an experienced operations and governance leader and director focussing on unlocking sustainable outcomes through effective collaboration, guidance and leadership in the areas of strategy; transformation and continuous improvement; social and community outcomes; probity and governance; project and program delivery; and corporate services. Riaan is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia (FGIA), a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD) and is currently an executive services manager supporting the national operations of YMCA Australia.

Neil joined the Board in March 2023 bringing strong commercial and financial management experience. Neil became the CFO of Pental Ltd in 2018 and has successfully led and contributed towards various major projects since joining Pental in 2013. Neil holds a CPA qualification as well as a Master of Accounting and Financial Management. Prior to Pental, Neil held financial management positions in wholesaling and manufacturing environments having previously worked for Mitre 10 Australia and Metalflex Pty Ltd (now Reece Group).

Executive Management Team

Chris joined bestchance in 2019. A senior finance executive with a strong track record of success in delivering business outcomes, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge to bestchance. Chris has functional expertise, developed within a broad range of industries. He brings a strategic focus and proven executive leadership, supported by a keen eye for detail.

Robbi has had over 25 years experience in training across both TAFE and the private sector. This includes management of RTO Scope of Registration, Skills First funding contracts and Learn Local funding contracts. Robbi has also over 25 years experience in quality assurance and is a qualified lead assessor. She has a Graduate Certificate in Business (Quality Management), Diploma of Vocational Education and Training and Diploma of Training and Assessing.

Nicci’s professional career has been based primarily in Western Australia, having moved from Victoria in her early twenties. Nicci has worked across Government and non-Government roles in both the Vocational Education and Training and Education (K-12) sector as a senior leader. She has significant experience and success working with schools and communities, with children and youth who face behavioural, social and emotional challenges and have additional needs. A transformational leader and change agent, Nicci promotes a positive workplace culture encouraging innovation, excellence, authenticity and team work.

Joy’s experience spans the not-for-profit, private and public sectors. She has held executive roles delivering a range of community services, predominantly with a child and family focus. She has worked in complex and multidisciplinary environments, including TRY Australia, Lentara UnitingCare and Hume City Council. Joy has lead constructive organisational change and transformation projects in challenging environments to deliver improved outcomes to stakeholders.

Ally is an experienced finance executive with in-depth knowledge in financial reporting, business process improvement and governance. Prior to Bestchance, she was the Audit Director with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, one of the Big 4 chartered accounting firms. In her previous role, she worked with not-for-profit organisations such as The Red Cross, Vision Australia and Yooralla. Ally has vast experience in statutory reporting, risk management and business improvement processes.

John leads the People and Culture team focused on ensuring bestchance is a great place to work. Having spent all his professional working life in “HR”, John is familiar with best practices in people management, wellbeing, health and safety, and maintaining a positive workplace culture. Previously, John led the People and Culture teams at Vision Australia, Central Gippsland Health Service and the Centre for Adult Education (CAE).

Acknowledgements

bestchance would like to acknowledge the support and contributions of former board members Geoff Milbourne (2007 – 2018), Des Dodds (1998 – 2013), Gary Edwards (1981 – 2013), Derek Cheah (2009 – 2015), Arden Joseph (1996 – 2013) and Denis Liubinas (2003 – 2015). The organisation thanks them for their years of hard work and commitment to changing the lives of bestchance children and families.

Board of Management

Vic Rajah

Rebecca Gagliardi

Michael Arceri

Michael Holmes

Glenys Grant O.A.M.

Rachael Scott

Riaan Visser

Neil Godara

Executive Management Team

Chris Chronis

Robbi Donaldson

Nicci Godsman

Joy Nunn

Ally Long

John Gow-Hills

Acknowledgements

Enquire
about Volunteering

Enquire about our Therapy Services

Board of Management

Vic Rajah

Rebecca Gagliardi

Michael Arceri

Michael Holmes

Glenys Grant O.A.M.

Rachael Scott

Riaan Visser

Neil Godara

Executive Management Team

Chris Chronis

Robbi Donaldson

Nicci Godsman

Joy Nunn

Ally Long

John Gow-Hills

Acknowledgements

Enquire about Volunteering

Enquire about our Therapy Services

Enquire
about Volunteering