WHG has a passionate and committed team with a proud history of collaboration and achievement. Staff members bring a range of skills and experience across public health and health promotion, social work, education, government and administration.

Jennie Courtney

Chief Executive Officer

Jennie Courtney leads Women’s Health Grampians with a strong commitment to inclusion and social justice. Jennie leads a dedicated team working to advance gender equality and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for women across regional Victoria. With decades of experience in public health, community engagement, workforce development, and higher education, she brings strategic insight and sector expertise to her role. Before becoming CEO, Jennie served five years on the WHG Board and held senior leadership positions including at HumanAbility, Grampians Health, the Committee for Ballarat and Oxford and Melbourne Universities. Passionate about creating opportunities for women and regional communities, Jennie represents WHG on key advisory groups and collaborates widely to influence systemic reform. She holds qualifications in education and leadership and is committed to fostering innovation and collaboration to achieve lasting impact.

Jane de Valle

Business Operations Manager

Jane has over 25 years’ experience working in not-for-profit organisations in regional Victoria, covering the environment, disability and community & social services sectors, with a focus on governance, compliance and financial sustainability for organisations providing benefit to the community. Completing a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Applied Economics) as a mature aged student Jane attained Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) status via a scholarship for women working in the NFP sector in regional areas. Jane is passionate about women in leadership and decision-making roles in both NFP and commercial enterprises.

Renae Scholte

Operations Lead

Renae commenced with WHG in 2022. Renae has a Bachelor of Management and a Cert IV in fitness and is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing outcomes of all women. Renae has a wealth of experience in administration and has worked for a diverse range of industries including public health, the community sector, accounting and retail and even ran her own VA business. Renae is a passionate volunteer who is committed to serving her community.

Sarah Hart

Communications Manager

Sarah joined the team in 2021 and brings many years of communications and policy development experience across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. As an artist, academic, and staunch feminist, Sarah is currently working on a creative PhD around the importance of collaboration between women in contemporary interpretations of classic fairy tales.

Health Promotion Team

Kate Diamond-Keith

Regional Manager - Central Highlands

Upon joining the team in 2017, Kate brings over 14 years of experience in community development and health and wellbeing planning to WHG. She has previously developed public health plans, social policy, strategy development and community engagement. Kate has a Bachelor of Media Studies and a Masters of Business Administration and is passionate about working with organisations and communities to improve the health and wellbeing of women in the region.

Deb Harris

Prevention Advisor

Deb joined the WHG team in 2018. Deb commenced her career as a registered nurse and has lived and worked both interstate and overseas including third world countries. She has also worked in the primary care, corporate and education sectors. Deb has a passion for improving the lives of those in her community with a particular focus on those in marginalised communities. When she is not at work Deb loves spending time with her family, gardening, reading and exploring the region.

Katrina Baraquiel

Prevention Advisor

Katrina joined WHG in 2022 and uses her background in international relations and community development to make impactful contributions. She completed her Masters in Development Studies from the University of Melbourne in 2017 and has since been raising awareness about structural and systemic barriers to access for women from diverse backgrounds. Having completed the Future Shapers Leadership Development Program in 2024, she is even more committed in shaping cultures and environments that benefit everyone.

Ange van den Berg

Senior Prevention Advisor (Respect Ballarat)

Ange has worked in various community, sporting and not-for-profit organisations in Australia and the UK, and has experience in project management, community engagement, event management, fundraising and partnerships. Ange has previously studied a Bachelor of Arts/Education and Bachelor of Social Sciences and completed her Master of Arts (Sociology) in 2024.

Carly-Anne Myers

Gender & Disability Advisor (Respect Ballarat)

Carly joined joined WHG as Gender & Disability Advisor after serving on the board for 12 months. 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.

Jesse Park

Men's Engagement Advisor (Respect Ballarat)

Jesse brings over a decade of experience working across youth mental health, suicide prevention, and community engagement in regional Victoria. In his previous role as the Youth Suicide Prevention Community Engagement Officer at headspace Ballarat, he led collaborative, place-based initiatives that centred the voices of young people and families to improve service access and mental health outcomes. Jesse is deeply committed to advancing gender equality, challenging harmful gender norms, and promoting respectful, safe communities for all. He brings a strong prevention lens to his work and is passionate about engaging men and boys as allies in creating a more just and equitable community.

Melissa Morris

Regional Manager - Wimmera

Melissa has worked for local government and community sectors for over 25 years. She has extensive experience in community development, community engagement, strategic planning, policy development and partnerships. Melissa has worked in the Wimmera region for 13 years and joined WHG in 2016.

Claire Evans

Prevention Advisor

Claire has worked for both state government agencies and private industry in a variety of roles from land management to web design. She has extensive experience in project management, strategic planning and community engagement. She has lived and worked in Gariwerd / Grampians for the last 10 years and has worked with the great team at Women’s Health Grampians since 2021.

Katja Fiedler

Prevention Advisor

Katja joined the WHG team in 2022, and brings 10 years of professional experience in the community development sector including in youth, arts and intercultural settings. Holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social and Cultural Studies, Katja migrated to Australia in 2012 from Berlin, Germany. She is a passionate advocate for gender equality, access and inclusion, and increased leadership opportunities for women.

Luke Baker

Prevention Advisor

Luke has an extensive work history across health and welfare sectors including time as the Mens’s Health Co-ordinator for Nganampa Health on the remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands of central Australia. More recently Luke was the Manager of Family Services at Goolum Goolum Aboriginal co-operative in Horsham. Luke has a strong commitment to addressing gender inequality and building healthy communities.

Vernetta Taylor

Prevention Advisor

WHG added Vernetta to their team in August 2023. Her previous employment focused on community and leadership development in Wimmera Southern Mallee. Vernetta also has experience in event management, primary health, recruitment, and training. Vernetta is passionate about educating regional businesses, organisations, sporting groups, and community groups about gender equality. She is dedicated to improving outcomes for women and children in the Grampians region and making it a great place for everyone to live and thrive.