Meet the committee

Graeme Charles

President

Graeme brings extensive leadership and governance experience, having served as Executive Officer of the Co-operative Federation of Victoria and as a Director of the Community Energy Co-operative and North East Telecommunications Co-operative.

A qualified accountant and former rural financial counsellor, he successfully established his own accountancy practice and has strong strategic and financial management expertise. A qualified teacher and adult educator, Graeme is a people-focused leader with a long history of community involvement, including founding and chairing Save Skeleton Hill Inc. and the Henry Handel Richardson Society of Australia.

Diana Holmberg

Vice President

Diana is retired from full time employment but keen to continue contributing in areas that make a positive difference to peoples’ lives. Since retiring she has been on Committees in the Health, Community Service and Arts sectors focussing on improved community experience and outcomes.

Her career spans government organisations including Department of Human Services Victoria and Holmesglen Institute; major corporates such as Coles Myer, Telstra, ANZ and NAB; consulting firms including PricewaterhouseCoopers; and the not-for-profit sector with Anglicare Victoria. She has held senior roles from technology practitioner through to Program Director, General Manager, Director and Chief Information Officer (CIO).

Diana brings expertise in executive leadership, business and technology strategy, governance, large-scale program delivery, financial oversight, stakeholder negotiation and board-level IT governance. She has also served as a non-executive director and IT committee chair, with a strong focus on effective governance and consumer representation.

Tim Herring

Treasurer

Tim is an experienced finance and governance professional with over 20 years in executive and board roles. Currently Treasurer of BCAL and Marketing Director of OAK Telecom, he was previously CEO and Finance Director of SmartTrans, a listed technology company, and played a key role in launching Telstra’s GSM network on time and within budget. With extensive board experience, including 16 years with the Telecommunications Society of Australia and 12 years as Treasurer of Peninsula Cat Rescue, Tim brings strong financial, analytical, and strategic expertise to the organisation.

Mike Bladen

Wonthaggi Woodcrafters Representative

Mike Bladen joined the Board in 2021 as the Woodcrafters Representative, bringing extensive leadership and governance experience from the not-for-profit sector. He previously managed a welfare agency supporting people with acquired brain injury, overseeing budgeting, staff supervision, and program development in partnership with the Victorian Department of Human

Mike joined the Board in 2021 as the Woodcrafters Representative, bringing strong not-for-profit leadership experience. He previously managed a welfare agency supporting people with acquired brain injury, overseeing budgeting, staff and program development in partnership with the Victorian Department of Human Services.

A dedicated Woodcrafters Committee member for over 15 years — including roles as Treasurer, Secretary and Vice President — Mike has helped grow the club from a single workshop to more than 100 members. Collaborative and community-focused, he is committed to seeing the ‘Woodies’ continue to thrive across Bass Coast.

David Leslie

Executive Officer

David has been with BCAL for three years, bringing extensive leadership experience from his 17 years as a Catholic school principal. Passionate about education, he works closely with the Board and staff to deliver impactful programs. A VIT-registered teacher, he holds multiple qualifications in education and leadership.

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Claudine Evans

Staff Representative

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Peter Jones

South Coast FM Representative