Baptcare Affordable Housing Board
Baptcare Affordable Housing Board Members are a dedicated group of individuals who attend to the governance of our organisation. The Board Members meet on a monthly basis and together make decisions that are critical to the ongoing success of Baptcare Affordable Housing.
Carol Geyer
Board Chair
Board Chair. Baptcare Affordable Housing Board member since February 2021. Qualifications: Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution (Industry), Certificate IV Workplace Training and Assessment, Effective People Management (Australian Institute of Management), Juris Doctor (University of Melbourne), Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Women’s Health) (University of Melbourne), Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), (Lincoln Institute, Melbourne) Experience: Senior Lawyer, Court Services Victoria since 2018; Dispute Resolution Specialist, Manager Systemic Investigations (seconded position), Telecommunication Industry Ombudsman, 2014-2018; Special Counsel, Public Law, Litigation and Aged Care Team, Russell Kennedy Lawyers in 2013; Senior Legal Adviser - Victoria, AHPRA, 2010-2013. Director experience includes: Gospel Hall Trust since 2018; International Needs, 2013-2015; Church Council, NewHope Baptist Church, 1998-2004 and 2006-2012; Law Institute of Victoria, 2005 and 2007.
Matthew Hick
Baptcare Affordable Housing Board member since March 2019. Qualifications: Bachelor of Business (Accounting) (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology), Master of Business Administration (Monash University), Certified Practising Accountant, Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance (Governance Institute of Australia). Member of the AICD, Fellow of CPA Australia and Fellow of the Governance Institute. Experience: Chief Financial Officer of MEGT (Australia) Ltd. Over 20 years of financial and commercial management experience in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, publishing, FMCG, private equity and recruitment, education and training. Chief Financial Officer. Longstanding member of the Syndal Baptist Church for over 20 years. Baptcare Board member from March 2010.
Tony Bridge
Baptcare Affordable Housing Board member since February 2021. Qualifications: Bachelor of Business (Economics, Marketing) (Monash University), Graduate Diploma (Feasibility Analysis) (RMIT), Master of Business Administration (Monash University), AICD Financial Reports Course, FAICD (Fellow Australian Institute of Company Directors). Experience: Managing Director and Founder of Bridge Advisory Group 2013 to present; Sweett Group (Australia) Pty Ltd (formerly BurnsBridge Group) Chairman and Executive Director, 2008-2012; Founding Partner, Director, Burns Bridge Group, 1986-2008. Director experience includes: 2009-2019, Haven Home Safe (Loddon Mallee Housing Services), Haven is an integrated affordable rental housing and homelessness services provider; 2018-2020 Active Community Housing.
Ellen Matusko
Baptcare Affordable Housing Board member since February 2021. Qualifications: Graduate Diploma in Health Administration, Bachelor of Social Work (University of Melbourne), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology & Philosophy) (University of Melbourne), Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors. Undertaken professional development in governing quality for clients in community service organisations and community services quality governance framework. Experience: CEO at Doncare Community and Counselling services; Interim CEO of Refuge Victoria (March – May 2022); CEO of Safe Futures Foundation (Specialist Family Violence Services) 2017-2019; Manager of Development and Integration, Northern Melbourne Medicare Local, 2013-2014; General Manager of Health Independence Programs, Austin Health, 2010-2012; Austin Health, Program Manager SubAcute Ambulatory, Post-Acute Care, Home and Community Care and Rehabilitation In the Home, Austin Health, 2002-2009. Director experience includes: Irabina Autism and Behaviour Services, 2017-2018; Safe Futures Foundation, Specialist Family Violence & Housing (stepped down to take on role of CEO), 2016-2017; St John’s Primary School, 2003-2005.
Belinda Dale
Baptcare Affordable Housing Board member since November 2023. Qualifications: Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance (Securities Institute of Australia), Bachelor of Business (Property) (Valuations) (RMIT), Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, Member of Women on Boards. Experience: National Portfolio Manager Coles, responsible for the management and oversight of Coles freehold assets November 2022 to present, Director JLL 2013 – 2022.
Nemesia Kennett
Baptcare Affordable Housing Board member since November 2023. Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science, Construction Management (Hons, RMIT), Certified Practising Project Manager (AIPM). Experience: Executive Head of Development, Nightingale Housing (2022-current); Development Director, Gill Family Corp (2021-current); Committee Member - UDIA VIC Urban Renewal and Built Form Committee (2022-current); Development Director / SDM, Armitage Jones (2016-2020); Senior Development Manager, Deal Corporation (2014-2016); Various Project Management / Project Delivery Roles (2006-2013).
Kathryn Mitchell AM
Baptcare Affordable Housing Board member since November 2023. Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Planning) (University of South Australia), Graduate Diploma in Urban Sociology (Swinburne University), Master of Arts by Major Thesis (Victoria University). Awarded Member of the Order of Australia in 2021. Experience: Ministerial appointment as Chief Panel Member of Planning Panels Victoria (since 2004). Former Senior Panel Member of Planning Panels Victoria from 1996 – 2004. Previously worked in Local Government (City of Boorondara) and as a town planning consultant (Urban Environmental Planning Group in South Australia. Former President of the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA) (2004 – 2011) and recipient of significant honours from Urban Development Industry Association, Planning Institute of Australia and VPELA.