Kidsafe Victoria Board of Management and secretariat.
With degrees in law and labour relations/economics from University of Melbourne, as well as coaching certifications, post graduate qualifications in finance and accreditation in Genos Emotional Intelligence, Erica has 20 years business experience spanning law, professional services, government, banking, financial services and manufacturing.
Commencing her career as an EEO and Diversity Lawyer with Freehills, Erica later held Head of Human Resources roles with Comalco Smelting and Minter Ellison and was Associate Director of Australia’s leading work life and diversity consultancies, working within Australia and Asia. Erica is also an Associate Director of mental health at work (mh@work), a successful mental health education company.
A sought after facilitator, commentator and speaker on diversity, self leadership, mental health and resilience, Erica has appeared on ABC radio and television; written many opinion pieces for major newspapers and journals and is contributing author to published texts on mental health in the workplace and resilience. She has particular expertise in discrimination and harassment investigations, cultural workshops (harassment, bullying, discrimination), resilience and mental health.
As a mother of three young children, she also has a keen interest in child safety.
Mark is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at Deakin University.
Mark is a registered psychologist, and has been involved in Autism research since 1992; obtaining his PhD from La Trobe University in 1996 in circadian rhythms and sleep control. Following this, Mark was employed at La Trobe teaching human neuroanatomy, then at Monash University as an injury researcher, and then at Vanderbilt University.
In 2000 Mark was appointed Director of the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit at Monash University’s Accident Research Centre.
Mark has published over 140 peer reviewed publications and book chapters, and reports to government, more than 140 conference presentations, and supervised 30 doctoral and PhD completions. Mark actively supports research into autism through his role as former President of the Australasian Society for Autism Research.
Mark has been involved in child injury prevention research and intervention for 25 years. Mark has been a board member of Kidsafe since 2000, and is a life member and former President of Kidsafe Victoria and of Kidsafe Australia. Mark is currently Vice President of Kidsafe Victoria.
Justin’s career includes fifteen years at Michelin, based both in Australia and overseas. His roles included Business Controller for Asia Pacific for Earthmover, along with responsibility for Public Affairs for Oceania and prior to that Regional Manager of Two Wheel product line for Oceania. Justin was previously Chief Financial Officer for Michelin’s Oceania entities for six years.
He was also a Director, Chair of Finance and Audit Subcommittee of Tyre Stewardship Australia Ltd, a public not-for-profit, for five years from its inception.
Prior to this, Justin worked in several different companies and industries in both Finance and General Management roles, including starting his career in Big 4 Chartered in Business Recovery and Insolvency Management Division.
Justin has a Bachelor of Business from Queensland University of Technology and Masters Business Administration (Executive) from the Australian Graduate School of Management. He is a Fellow CPA, Chartered Accountant and Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Justin is the father of two young children.
Julia is a Group Account Director at Leo Burnett Melbourne, working across various categories namely retail and FMCG to produce advertising and communications.
Completing a Masters of Communication, Julia has enjoyed working with many client businesses over the span of her career including Telstra, Devondale, Don Smallgoods, 7-Eleven, Kraft, ahm Health Insurance and notably Kidsafe, where she led the Unconventional Oven campaign back in 2015.
She joined the Kidsafe board in 2017 and is also a member of its Marketing and Fundraising subcommittee.
Heather is an Associate Director at Spark Strategy, a social impact advisory firm. With experience in the not-for-profit, university and private sectors and qualifications in business management, economics, history and project management, Heather is committed to organisations and solutions that drive social and environmental impact and financial sustainability.
Heather has strong expertise and interest in: not-for-profit strategy; social enterprise and social business; health and mental health; gender equity; environmental sustainability; and primary prevention and early intervention.
In her role at Spark Strategy, Heather’s focus is on creating strategies and solutions that blend purpose, profit and pragmatism. While at Spark, Heather has worked with over 60 for-purpose organisations to develop strategic plans, business models, impact assessment frameworks and on other strategic projects that blend greater impact with financial resilience.
Collaboration is key to both Heather’s approach and the models she develops, taking into account that developing and maintaining authentic partnerships takes time, energy and consideration.
Anita’s career spans nearly 20 years in corporate affairs across the not for profit, government and private sector.
Currently the National Head of Pubic Affairs at Transurban, Anita leads teams along the eastern seaboard delivering community and stakeholder engagement, media and government relations, marketing campaigns and social investment partnerships.
Passionate about the importance of continuous listening to stakeholder expectations and the benefit of collaboration, Anita has strong expertise in building and maintaining trust in a brand as a critical factor in reputation management and social license.
Anita has a Bachelor of Communications and has completed the AICD Foundations of Directorship. She has experience working with Kidsafe as a corporate partner and more recently as a new mother.
Katrina Brigham is an accomplished legal and governance professional with two decades of experience in commercial law, corporate governance, and risk management. Currently serving as General Counsel at a technology consultancy, she brings a wealth of expertise across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and insurance.
A former non-executive director of Prahran Malvern Community Housing, Katrina is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. Passionate about promoting good corporate governance, she seeks to ensure accountability and alignment with organisational vision and strategy.
As a mother of three, she shares Kidsafe’s vision for a safer world for children.
Adrian is a leading employment lawyer and strategic advisor, with nearly 20 years’ experience in major law firms and at KPMG. He is currently a partner at Thomson Geer Lawyers in Melbourne.
He acts for organisations in a range of industries, including retail, financial services, higher education, and both Federal and State Government. Throughout his career, Adrian has held various leadership roles, and is passionate about leading engaged and high-performing teams. He is an experienced public speaker, and regularly conducts training and presentations for clients.
Adrian has a Bachelor of Arts/Law (Honours) and a Masters of Labour Relations. He has also completed the AICD Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors.
As a father of three young boys, Adrian is committed to child safety and Kidsafe’s vision to achieve this. Adrian joined the Kidsafe board in 2023.
Mel is passionate about the for-purpose sector and has been employed in varying roles within Kidsafe Victoria since 2006, taking on the CEO role in 2010.
She has a Bachelor of Arts/Health Science, an Honours degree in Psychology, a mini MBA in Marketing and Brand Management and is currently enrolled in an MBA.
She has experience in the disability and community sector, having worked as an integration aide, volunteered with organisations including Edmund Rice Camps, the Sudanese Integrated Learning Program (SAIL), and the National Burns Survivors Network. She was a director of the Board of GordonCare when they transitioned to Ten20, a venture philanthropy organisation.
With two active young children, Mel strongly believes that all children have the right to grow up in a safe but appropriately challenging environment.
Kathy is a qualified child restraint fitter and has successfully run her own business within the child and baby industry for the past 7 years.
She has also provided child car restraint education sessions as part of Kidsafe Victoria’s Outreach Program for the past 5 years and is a passionate advocate for child safety.
Prior to becoming a restraint fitter she has worked in various roles including Visual Merchandising, Sales and Marketing and Office Administration.
Kathy is a mum of 2 children and loves travelling and exploring new destinations with her family and friends.
After completing her Bachelor of Nursing, Sarah has worked for over 18 years in the not-for-profit sector across both acute health and community care services.
Sarah possesses extensive experience in operational management, dedicated to providing effective and efficient services with a primary focus on the well-being of the individuals and the communities we support.
Outside of her professional life Sarah is a mother of three children – two little ones at home keeping her on her toes, and her eldest son who passed away in 2017, with her love for him continuing to inspire her passion and dedication to the meaningful work of Kidsafe Victoria.
Courtney is the Fundraising Manager at Kidsafe Victoria.
After completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at RMIT University, she quickly realised her passion for the not-for-profit sector and for the past 10 years has worked across a range of causes from health to homelessness.
She brings a broad skill set and experience to the role and enjoys thinking outside the box to achieve goals.
Courtney is a mum of two young daughters who not only keep her on her toes but remind her daily why the work she’s doing at Kidsafe Victoria is so incredibly important.
Courtney is currently on parental leave.
Andrew is a veteran communications specialist with nearly 40 years of experience in print journalism and public relations.
A passionate shutterbug, Andrew takes pride in telling the many stories Kidsafe has to share in both video and written form.
Farm-raised, Andrew has previously worked in the not-for-profit space and is relishing the opportunity to use his skills to promote and enhance the Kidsafe Victoria brand.
When not working he enjoys relaxing in his native garden and playing with his two Cavoodles – Oskar and Ike.
Sarah has a passion for improving public health and wellbeing. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences and a Graduate Diploma of Health Promotion from Deakin University. She is particularly interested in how program planning can be used to improve child health.
Sarah is committed to identifying best practice ideas and aims to generate awareness of child safety within the Victorian community.
Sarah loves to keep active, is a passionate Richmond supporter and enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Shannon joined the team following the completion of her internship placement at Kidsafe Victoria in 2020.
With Bachelor’s Degrees in Media and Digital Design, Shannon is constantly looking to innovate and loves finding creative solutions to problems. New to the team and to the industry, Shannon is always eager to learn and apply herself to her role and give everything a go.
When not working Shannon likes to spend her time outdoors with friends and planning her next adventure holiday.
Kaitlyn has been with the Kidsafe Victoria team since August 2023, and brings over 10 year of administrative experience in the health sector and a passion for helping others and providing outstanding customer service.
With a knack to adapting to diverse scenarios and a love for trying new things, she thrives in a dynamic environment. Kaitlyn is currently working towards a degree in Public Health and Health Promotion, which will suitably pair with her role at Kidsafe Victoria.
In her spare time, Kaitlyn loves to keep active, catch up with friends, spend time outdoors with her husband, kids and dogs, as well to her favourite destination: Fiji!
Joan Adams
Mark Stokes
Robert Caulfield
Ron Smith
Erin Cassell
Marianna Wickert
Steve Reynolds
Martin Botros
Justin Siebert (Chair)
Steve Reynolds
Erica Edmands
Mark Stokes
David Mylonas
Stacey Price (Observer)
Melanie Courtney (Observer)
Established in 2020, the Kidsafe Victoria Advisory Committee was formed to inform, discuss, share and explore child injury issues and prevention strategies. Chaired by Kidsafe Victoria CEO, Melanie Courtney, the committee is composed of leading sector stakeholders across industries such as health, welfare, research and emergency services. The Coroners Court of Victoria also provides support to the Committee with updates on child fatal injury trends.
Bios on committee members are below.
A/Prof Warwick Teague is Director of Trauma, Clinical Lead for Burns, and Academic Paediatric Surgeon at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne.
Warwick is active in basic science and clinical research. He is Co-group Leader of the Surgical Research Group within the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, with research interests spanning developmental biology to trauma epidemiology.
Within the state of Victoria, Warwick is a member of various trauma-focused committees for the government, Kidsafe Victoria, WorkSafe Victoria, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and chairs the Victorian State Trauma Registry Monitoring (VSTORM) Steering Committee.
Warwick is an active teaching faculty member for both the Definitive Surgical Trauma Care (DSTC, IATSIC) and Emergency Management of Severe Burns (ANZBA) courses, and enjoys championing a nuanced approach to paediatric injury prevention, paediatric trauma and burns care.
Deb Tsorbaris is the CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare. The Centre is Victoria’s peak body for child and family services. Deb is a passionate advocate for Victoria’s vulnerable children, young people and families.
Deb has over 32 years’ experience in the Not for Profit and Public sector and has held executive positions in organisations working across youth services, disability, homelessness, drug and alcohol support services; and employment programs. Prior to joining the Centre, Deb held senior executive positions in State Government.
Deb provides policy leadership to state and federal governments and is a strong contributor to the child and family services sector. Deb has been instrumental in working collaboratively across department, government and community sectors to address long term strategic needs and community objectives.
Dr. Janneke Berecki-Gisolf is an Associate Professor at the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), and Director of the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit (VISU).
Janneke’s research interests include injury surveillance, Emergency Department data quality, injury data mapping and visualisation, and injury outcomes studies using a data linkage approach. She has previously designed and conducted several data linkage studies including The impact of prior physical and mental health on short and long term injury outcomes; this study was in collaboration with Worksafe Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission (Victoria).
Paul resides in regional Victoria with his wife and two young girls. He is a Superintendent within Victoria Police and currently works in the Capability Department.
His current role has been engaging with a number of State, Federal and Commonwealth Royal Commissions now leading into implementation of reforms. Paul’s background is predominately in regional policing with experience in developing strategies to address road trauma, responses to many major emergencies and engagement with local communities over the years.
Kim Howland is currently the Manager of Community Services at the Municipal Association of Victoria, the peak body for local government.
She is a Maternal and Child Health Nurse, with over 20 years of experience working across the sector, including as the MCH Policy Adviser for 4 years. Kim is passionate about maternal, child and family health and wellbeing and in particular how universal services can support families so that children can reach their optimal potential.
She is also passionate about using evidence informed strategies and practice to achieve child health and wellbeing outcomes and is currently undertaking her Professional Doctorate in Nursing.
Helen is a registered general nurse and midwife with post graduate qualifications in Management, Neonatal Intensive Care, Training and Assessment, Child, Family and Community Nursing and Master in Public Health.
Helen has worked as a MCH Nurse, in clinical and senior roles across local and state government for 20 years. In 2017 Helen commenced as Director of Nursing and Clinical Services at the Queen Elizabeth Centre (QEC), Victoria’s leading Early Parenting Centre (EPC).\
Since 2021, Helen has been QEC Director of Clinical Innovation and Development, leading the development of the Victorian EPC Outcomes Framework, Clinical Practice Guidance and Training and Development to support the rapidly expanding EPC sector.
Dani is currently the General Manager and Director of Nursing Monash Children’s Program and Monash Children Hospital (MCH).
With over 20 years’ experience across a major public paediatric hospital environment, Dani has completed the Company Directors Course, hold a Diploma of Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Clinical Nursing (Child Health) and a Bachelor of Nursing.
Her experience demonstrates success across operational delivery, service improvement, change management and working with both internal and external key stakeholders in a complex environment. Dani’s passion and focused on utilising my skills and abilities to enhance care and people’s lives as they journey within the health system with an emphasis on allowing them to spend time in a home environment rather than a hospital environment.
Dani is an active member on Girl Guides Victoria Board seem 2022 and joined RMHC VicTas as Board Director in 2023.
Ciara Millar has a Bachelor of Justice and Criminology (Honours) H1 and is the Manager of the Data and Analytics Team within the Coroners Prevention Unit (CPU) at the Coroners Court of Victoria (CCOV).
The CPU is a specialist service for coroners created to strengthen their prevention role by providing expert assistance and evidence-based advice. Ciara has worked in the CPU for 10 years and has extensive experience in managing and reporting on death datasets.
Trudy has a passion for working with for purpose organisation and has spent the past five years working in Disability, Community Services and Early Childhood sectors. Living in regional Victoria, Trudy is a strong advocate for access to critical services close to home.
Trudy Marr is Head of Strategy and Projects at are-able and is an experienced executive leader with a strong background in strategy, governance, and risk management. With a proven track record in senior leadership role, Trudy has been instrumental in overseeing critical functions such as Finance, Quality, Risk, People and Culture, Leadership Development and Mergers and Acquisitions.
Outside of work Trudy is the Deputy Chair of Leadership Great South Coast (LGSC) Board and Deputy Chair of her children’s School Council, and is currently undertaking a Batchelor of Law at Deakin University, leveraging these experiences to drive impactful change.
