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.
Jennie Courtney
Deputy Chairperson
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.
Onella Cooray
Treasurer
Onella currently works with the Champions of Change Coalition as a Program Associate. Onella is interested in improving access and awareness around sexual and reproductive health. Onella also has lived experience as an intersectional minority being a queer, immigrant, woman of colour previously working in the STEM field. Her commitment to equity, increasing awareness and removing discrimination is supported by her volunteer contributions and engagement within her community. Onella joined the Board in 2021 and resides in Horsham.
Frances Salenga
Board Member
Frances joined the Board in 2017 and currently works at The City of Ballarat as Coordinator Cultural Diversity. A graduate from the University of the Philippines in Sociology and Anthropology, she is passionate about intercultural affairs. Frances also brings with her experience from being a member of the Regional Advisory Committee and was Deputy Chair of the Victorian Local Government Multicultural Issues Network and lives in Ballarat.
Di Thomson
Board Member
Di is an Inspector of Police with Victoria Police and joined the Board in 2019. Di brings with her extensive governance and committee experience from across a range of positions within Victoria Police. Di is passionate about all women being able to reach their full potential in life. Di resides in Horsham.
Carly-Anne Myers
Board Member
Carly joined the Board in 2021 and is the Experts by Experience and Promotions Coordinator, Workforce Development Program at Women with Disabilities Victoria. Carly has recently been accepted into the Master of Public Health course at Deakin University which has a focus on health promotion with a stream on disability and ethics which is of key interest for her. Carly has experience serving on various Board and Committees including Government Liaison Officer, Short Statured People of Australia; and President, Genetic Support Network of Victoria. Carly currently resides in Ballan.
Cobie McQueen
Board Member
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.
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.
April Clarke
Board Member
Pauline Rogers
Board Observer
Peta Maskell
Board Observer