Our Board is made up of local women who bring a range of valuable experiences, knowledge and skills to WHG. Our Board members’ are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of women in the Grampians region, bringing drive and energy to progress the vision and work of WHG.
Shani Cain
Chairperson
Shani is a leader and strategist working in the social impact space, currently at Decade of Action. She is an advocate for youth, gender and intersectionality. Most recently, Shani was the CEO of the Oaktree Foundation, Australia's largest youth-led international development agency with over 250,000 supporters. She had worked across settlement, climate and development and brings a wealth of experience in leadership, advocacy and strategy.
Pauline Rogers
Deputy Chairperson
Pauline comes to the WHG Board with 25 years of experience across educational, Not for Profit, and member-driven organisations as a commercially focused educator and change agent with a solid track record of delivery. She is currently employed with Australian Institute of Company Directors as the Assessment and Education Operations National Manager and has utilised her interest in gender equality and diversity to ensure AICD courses are accessible and inclusive. Pauline believes that consultation, education, advocacy, resource and service development are all avenues to support women’s health and wellbeing issues.
Cobie McQueen
Treasurer
Cobie joined the Board in 2022. As an award winning pharmacist and woman living in the Wimmera, Cobie is aware of the unique challenges women face in access to healthcare, both for themselves and those they care for. Cobie's professional experience includes experience in designing and delivering innovative and strategic healthcare programs to be delivered across a network of pharmacies. Her commitment to the region extends beyond her professional and business interests demonstrated by her involvement in local initiatives such as Wimmera Drug Action Taskforce.
Jennie Courtney
Board Member
Jennie currently works as the Director of Community Engagement at Ballarat Health Services. Jennie has over 15 years of professional experience in strategic management across marketing, fundraising, leadership development and community engagement and has a range of experiences on committees and working with boards for a variety of organisations, from small member groups to University and Health Service governing bodies. Jennie joined the Board in 2019 and resides in Ballarat.
Sarah Jane Hall
Board Member
Sarah Jane is a proud Narungga woman with Celtic ancestorial ties. Sarah Jane is passionate about her Indigenous culture and investing back into community. She is a skilled artist who blends traditional cultural practices with modern art. Sarah Jane has over 25 years experience in business management, strategic planning, policy writing, governance, and project management. Sarah Jane has a heart for empowering individuals and is a strong advocate for mental health education and brings widespread knowledge to organizations, community groups, businesses and corporations. Sarah Jane joined the board in 2022 and lives on Wadawurrung Country.
Peta Maskell
Board Member
Peta joined the Board in 2022 and currently is a Director at BJT Legal. Peta brings her extensive legal knowledge and governance experience to the Board. Peta resides in the Ballarat area and is passionate about women’s access to health, information and resources in regional areas.
Dr. Ellie O'Connor
Board Member
As a General Practitioner, Dr O’Connor is passionate about all aspects of women’s health with experience in rural women’s health, sexual health, public health and mental health.
She has exceptional firsthand experience of caring for women in the Grampians region that gives important insight into strategic planning and care provision and will provide a unique and useful lens to the WHG board
Petra Croot
Board Observer
Petra is currently Manager of Governance and Human Services at Hindmarsh Shire Council, and has a keen professional and personal interest in women’s participation in further education, workplace advocacy and access to supportive and appropriate healthcare. Her current position involves implementation of the Gender Equality Act 2020 as it applies to local government. She holds a Master of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Arts.