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 is employed by a federally funded education organization that supports young people re-engage with education, specialising in Vocational Education and Training in schools (VETiS) compliance and coaching. Neha holds qualifications in vocational education, management, and adult language, literacy, and numeracy.
Based on her personal experiences and realising that in regional places “it’s not about what you know but it’s about who you know”, she established The Flamingo Project which is a free program that connects women from all walks of life. Neha was the Victorian state finalist for Rural Women’s award 2023 and nominee for Greater Shepparton Women’s award 2023 for her work with The Flamingo Project.
Neha is a board of director for Greater Shepparton Foundation and on committees such as Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter and Victorian Regional Multicultural Advisory Committee for Hume region. She worked as a project coordinator for GMLLEN before joining the committee of management and is thrilled to continue her work with the LLEN in this capacity.
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 Tingay
Director Community and Planning – Strathbogie Shire Council
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Amanda Tingay is currently the Director Community and Planning at Strathbogie Shire Council leading the department areas of Capital Projects, Asset Planning, Tourism and Community Services, Economic Development and Planning and Investment.
Amanda is passionate about empowering community.
During her 17 years in the local government sector Amanda has overseen and collaborated with stakeholders on numerous community services programs, lead and delivered on strategy and managed infrastructure delivery projects.
Amanda is a past participant of the LGPro Emerging Leaders Program and is a recipient of the Local Government Professionals Young Achiever of the Year Award.
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.
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.
