Our people
Meet the people behind Macedon Ranges Community Enterprises Ltd – the community-owned social enterprise that operates Community Bank Gisborne & District.
Our volunteer Board of Directors
Our volunteer Board of Directors plays a critical governance and decision-making role, overseeing the financial, human resources and community investment activities of our organisation.
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Mal Carter
Chair
Board member since 2023
Mal brings leadership and financial expertise to his role as Board Chair. A former bank risk executive and senior manager with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, he also volunteers with Gisborne SES and Lifeblood. Mal enjoys gardening, DIY, fitness, reading, and travel.
Qualifications: B.Bus
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Dominic Andreacchio
Director
Board member since 2018
Dominic brings public and private sector experience to our Board, and enjoys championing local wellbeing projects. He has served on many non-profit and clubs boards, and lectures in the Australian Institute of Management’s MBA Program. He enjoys gardening, travel, and time with loved ones.
Qualifications: MBM, Post Grad. Dip. BM, Dip HR, AHRI
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David Gormley-O'Brien
Director
Board member since 2024
David is passionate about environmental and social impact projects. A former President of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group and lecturer, he’s now an author and researcher of historical fiction. He also enjoys gardening and languages, having taught ancient Greek and studied French and modern Greek.
Qualifications: PhD – Oxford University 2005
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Rachel Kemmis
Director
Board member since 2024
Rachel brings over 20 years’ experience as a leadership advisor across the private, public and non-profit sectors. Also A Life Again Foundation Board Member, she has a deep commitment to building community connectedness. Rachel also loves travel and the great outdoors
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Andrew Kincaid
Director
Board member since 2023
Andrew is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and a Member of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. He brings strong legal expertise and a passion for community to the Board, supporting local groups and grassroots initiatives.
Qualifications: LLB
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Liz O'Connell
Director
Board member since 2026
Liz is a former consultant and small business owner with expertise in marketing, sponsorships, fundraising, PR and events. She is actively involved in her local community as President of the Macedon Tennis Club and member of the Shared Table Mount Macedon Committee. A keen tennis player and mother of three active teens, Liz also enjoys local food, wine and outdoor activities.
Qualifications: BSc (Nutrition and Food Science) and Post Graduate Certificate (Nutrition)
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Sina Smale
Director
Board member since 2024
Sina has a diverse background in the education sector and small business management. She has worked as an academic services manager at Swinburne University and RMIT and ran a successful doggy daycare/grooming business. She also brings experience from secondary school administration and TAFE teaching, contributing valuable insights to our board.
Qualifications: BBus (Management) – Monash University), MBA (Executive) – RMIT University
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David Thomas
Director
Board member since 2022
David brings a wealth of experience from his career in banking, finance, and accounting. He oversees MRCE’s financial management and has been an active Gisborne SES member for 15+ years. David enjoys hiking, cycling, travel, and time with his grandchildren.
Qualifications: BComm Accounting, CPA, GAICD
Our staff
Our staff provide operational and governance support to the board, including community engagement, marketing, event planning and shareholder communications. They work closely with Bendigo Bank, our board of directors and branch staff at Community Bank Gisborne & District.
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Jo-Ann Irwin
Chief Executive Officer
Jo brings heart and vision to her leadership role. Since joining as a director in 2021, she has championed effective governance, strengthened human resources, and prioritised long-term sustainability. With over 20 years’ experience living and working in the Macedon Ranges, Jo draws on a diverse background in corporate hospitality, small business management, and early years education to foster a strong and connected community. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, gardening, and travel.
Qualifications: MBA, AAGM
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Katrina Buttigieg
Community Engagement Lead
Katrina has a strong passion for the Macedon Ranges, having developed many relationships across the region through her work as an educator and small‑business operator. She uses her knowledge of the area and community connections to assist locals in getting their passion projects up and running. Katrina also has a love of words and enjoys learning other languages. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, walks in nature, yoga and reading.
Qualifications: BA, PostGradDipEd
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Gemma Gamble
Communications & Company Support Lead
Gemma plays a vital role supporting our board and CEO with her expertise in communications, marketing, and administration. She’s passionate about community wellbeing, youth, and lifelong learning. Outside work, Gemma spends time with her young family and enjoys running, yoga, cooking, gardening and music.
Qualifications: BA, MA (Communications)
