Committee
of Management
Michael Carrafa Chair
Michael is currently employed at Greater Shepparton City Council as Team Leader Business & Industry Development which is within the Economic Development department. Michael is fortunate to have an effective and supporting team that enables them to work together in developing the local economy in industries/sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, retail, hospitality, transport, health and education. Council works towards attracting new investment to the municipality and which Michael says is an enjoyable component of his role as he’s able to witness first hand the creation of jobs and opportunities for locals.
Michael says “the creation of employment opportunities through the attraction of investment can often be the first job for a young person and therefore the start of their career. I find this motivating which has led to me taking up the exciting opportunity to have a position on the GMLLEN Board”.
Neha Samar Deputy Chair
Neha Samar is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Community Directors and has spent years working in education, particularly in leadership roles focused on vocational education and training (VET) for both adults and young learners.
Currently, she serves as a vocational specialist in youth mental health, where she helps young people navigate the complexities of the job market and overcome personal challenges to find sustainable employment, education, and career pathways. Neha also brings a wealth of experience as a board director, with a keen focus on governance, risk, and strategy. This background has honed her ability to make informed, strategic decisions that drive positive outcomes in organizational leadership.
In addition, Neha founded and currently runs The Flamingo Project, a mentorship program dedicated to uplifting women in the Goulburn Valley. This free initiative fosters a supportive community where women can connect, share experiences, and grow both personally and professionally.
Christine Osborne Treasurer
Christine is the Manager of Cobram Community House, a not-for-profit Neighbourhood House and registered training organisation. In this role Christine is charged with educating, supporting and providing opportunities for positive change in her community.
Christine has worked in the education sector for over 25 years. In addition to training in the Vocational Education and Training sector, she has taught in primary, secondary and special education schools.
Christine is passionate about educating, empowering and supporting her community.
Anita McCurdy
Anita McCurdy has had over 20 years experience for the non-for-profit community services field with various roles from ground youth work through to management. Her initial employment was with Berry Street supporting young people in statutory care which has advanced to leadership roles in 1-1 care support, onto leaving care and management work at the local crisis refuge. From there, Anita transitioned into the social housing space with Beyond Housing as the Client Services manager until the opportunity arose in 2016 to become the first manager of one of the three Education First Youth Foyers in Victoria.
Amanda Herezo
People and Culture Manager – CGC Group
In her role with CGC Group Amanda works across the 5 businesses within the construction industry which make up CGC Group. Amanda is passionate about nurturing careers and providing opportunities to both existing and new employees. Amanda works closely with local government, schools and other youth organisations to ensure we are bridging the gap between industry and youth to ensure they are aware of local employment opportunities.
Prior to working for CGC Group Amanda worked in the retail sector for 19 years in a variety of management positions. Starting as a 15-year-old employee and working her way up to senior management is where Amanda’s passion for providing career opportunity and personal growth was founded.
Larissa Falla
Larissa has extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, values driven leadership and cultural inclusion advocacy. In her role as Senior Koorie Education Advisor for the Shepparton Education Plan, she is passionate about reshaping systems to support improved access and participation in education and meaningful long term outcomes for the region’s First Nations young people.
Larissa has well established relationships across the sector, spanning early childhood, schools, higher education and training, and a strong track record in developing strong partnerships and collaborating for collective impact. Her governance experience includes membership on Greater Shepparton Secondary College’s school council, Ganbina Board, GOTAFE Board’s strategy and stakeholder engagement subcommittee, Shepparton Education Plan Koorie Engagement Group and La Trobe Rural Health School’s Aboriginal Governance Group.
“Competence breeds confidence and aspiration, achievement. If we encourage our kids to dream big and give them the tools, opportunities and supports to thrive, they are capable of anything.”
Kate Storer
Kate is currently employed as part of the industry engagement unit of the VSA and works with stakeholders to understand and support targeted workforce and skills development and develop regional solutions.
With an extensive background in the vocational education and training sector, Kate brings valuable insights into the dynamics of education and training, particularly the connection between secondary education, vocational pathways, and industry demands.
Kate works throughout the Goulburn region in industry engagement to facilitate bridging the divide between skills development and employment opportunities.
Kate says, “Through the development of close partnerships with employers, industry, local government, community and our education providers we can deliver the pathways to meaningful employment outcomes for our youth”
