The Council of the organisation is an elective, representative, and collective body.
The Council consists of 9 Council members with various skills who have an interest in mental health area and volunteer their time and expertise to the organisation. Length of Term Tenure of Council members is two years. Outgoing Council members may stand for re-election to vacant positions at the Annual General Meeting each year.
Council members take ultimate responsibility for the governance of the organisation. The function of the Council of the organisation is to collectively ensure the delivery of its objects, to set its strategic direction, and to uphold its values. The Council is collectively responsible and accountable for ensuring and monitoring that the organisation is performing well, is solvent, and is complying with all its legal, financial, and ethical obligations.
Chairperson:
Graeme Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary of Vicdeaf (Victorian Deaf Society). Prior to his appointment as CEO at Vicdeaf, Graeme had over 20 years experience in health and emergency services in Victoria in a broad range of corporate roles with a strong emphasis on strategic and operational planning, human resources management, corporate communications, and operational general management. He has a strong commitment to the not for profit sector that supports the Victorian community. In addition to his Vicdeaf responsibilities he is Chairman of Out Doors Inc., and also a Board member of the Andrew Dean Fildes Foundation for children with language and learning disabilities. Graeme has a Master of Business (Organisation Dynamics) and is a member of the Institute of Company Directors, Australian Institute of Management, Australian Human Resources Institute, Australian College of Health Services Executives and is an alumnus of Leadership Victoria having completed the inaugural ExperienceBank Program in 2006.
Deputy Chairperson and Treasurer:
John Marshall is a retired Finance Director with over 50 years experience in accounting, finance & general management. He has a diverse background working with a number of large companies such as Toyota Australia, Hersfield Developments and Murray Goulbourn. John has been the Treasurer of the Council since 2007.
Secretary:
Claudia Moratto is a social worker with a Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts from The University of Melbourne. Claudia has several years experience working in the community health sector. She has a long-standing interest in mental health and brings with her extensive professional experience and understanding of carer issues, particularly issues relating to caring for a person with a mental health condition. Claudia’s strengths are in developing and maintaining stakeholder relationships and partnerships in the region. Her commitment is to advocate for improved services that are responsive to carers and family members of people with a mental illness.
Member:
Chris Dixon has been a regular participant with Out Doors since 2004. He has enjoyed several activities including rock climbing, caving, rafting, snow day, bush walking, camping, high ropes course and more relaxed beach holidays. Chris is currently studying in the Arts field. He strongly encourages other participants to be involved and challenge themselves through difficulties relating to mental health conditions.
Member:
John Hanrahan is the Associate Director with Jones Lang LaSalle and General Manger of Melbourne Central Tower. He has extensive experience in the management of commercial, healthcare and hotel properties throughout Australia and abroad. John has a strong strategic and operational planning focus and is keen to share his skills and knowledge to support better mental health outcomes for people from disadvantaged communities. John has a Masters in Facility Management, Adv. Dip. Business Management and Dip. Project Management.
Member:
Amanda Ratnam is a Workplace Relations Lawyer working in the legal department for the Spotless group of companies. Prior to her in-house role, Amanda worked in private practice for a national law firm and a specialist employment law firm. Amanda has experience with all aspects of employment law and employee relations as well as corporate compliance. A particular focus of Amanda’s practice is in discrimination and equal opportunity matters.
Member:
Bridget Sebire has nearly 20 years experience across all facets of marketing, communication and change management in Australia and Asia. She has held both in-house and consulting roles and is currently a senior consultant at Mercer.
Member:
Reginald (Reg) Shields is a retired Senior Risk Manager and Insurance consultant with over 35 years in these sectors. He has a diverse background working with a number of government, community and private sectors in continuing business growth and retention of business, development of staff. For over 18 years, Reg was a board member of Bailey House Brighton, a disability and mental health community service. Reg is a new member of Out Doors Inc.
Member:
Shelley Wright has a Bachelor and a Masters degree in Education. She has extensive knowledge and skill in facilitating experiential programs in the outdoors. Currently working as a tutor at Deakin University, she has teaching experience in a variety of settings. Shelley was a staff member of Out Doors from 2004 until early 2007 and she is currently serving in her second term as a member of the Council.