Board Members
dAVID POST - President
What’s your background?
I’m a trained professional – bush born and bred with a massive passion for regional Australia. I’ve worked for many years in the field of relationship and family counselling so I have a deep understanding of how mental ill-health manifests in the bush.
What year did you join as a board member?
A founder of ROC along with David Post and Patrick Tripodi and so an initial start-up executive director.
What has inspired you to be a part of the mental health sector?
I saw the funding for rural mental health services dry up after ten years of drought – when the rain began, all the problems were not washed away – and the lack of recognition of the need for ongoing outreach counselling since then is taking a huge toll on rural families and communities.
Andrew Pryor - Treasurer
What’s your background?
Originally from South Australia, I commenced an Accounting Cadetship with Tubemakers of Australia in 1970 and was fortunate enough to live in almost every State and Territory of Australia whilst working in a number of varying roles.
Started building 30 ft yachts in Sydney in 1981, had a great time, didn’t make any money, got married to Bonnie so had to go out and get a real job (that actually paid wages).
Worked as Financial Controller for a farming group who had substantial properties in Young, Harden and Jugiong and moved to Cootamundra in mid 1980’s until properties were sold.
Then worked for Masling Aviation Group in Cootamundra as Financial Controller until moving to Twomeys (in Cootamundra) in 1991 as first Partner outside the Twomey family. When I joined Twomeys there were 2 Partners and about 8 staff. Following some major expansions, Bonnie and I moved to Wagga in 2001 and I finally left Twomeys due to cancer and subsequent side-effects in 2015. At that stage I was Managing Partner with 10 Partners and about 70 staff spread over 7 locations.
What year did you join as a board member?
I joined the Board of ROC in about 2017.
What has inspired you to be a part of the mental health sector?
After having lived in both Cootamundra and Wagga for the last 40 years and having been involved with farming activities in SA earlier in life I was aware of the strains that are often put on members of rural communities, not just during the tough times but for a variety of reasons at all times. Whilst not having any skills in the counselling or Matekeeper area, I thought that I could help in some of the financial and management areas that ROC needed to progress forward to provide the services that were so desperately needed in rural communities.
tracy taylor- Secretary
What’s your background?
I’m a born and bred country girl. Married with 5 kids and 11 grandkids (all of whom keep me young!). I’ve worked with the Dept of Education, as part of the wonderful office staff, for 31 years. I am also a registered woolclasser and rousey as well as all the other bits and pieces that go with having a family…. Accountant, nurse, cook, taxi driver, etc. I’ve lived all my married life on a farm, so I’ve been through the droughts, floods, lack of finance and some pretty hopeless times as well as the good times. Hard, dirty work is no stranger to me. I have learnt to make time for me so my hobbies are: martial arts, creative arts, reading, gardening, water skiing and heaps more…. Doesn’t mean that I get to do them all though.
What year did you join as a board member?
Joined the ROC board in 2019.
What has inspired you to be a part of the mental health sector?
Why take an interest into mental health? I once thought that suicide had never touched my life, but then I thought about it. A local family died because of suicide, our neighbour, my nephew… it made me realise that in one way or another, everybody is touched by mental health outcomes. Whether it be just a friend being down and can’t find that way through, a rellie asking for a hand or an ear to listen. In these crazy times, we have to look out for each other, even that person you don’t really know, but give a smile to. I’ve been a board member with ROC for a year and a half. It has been an eye opener but has made me realise that there are some pretty awesome people out there in many situations that are happy to help and listen but sometimes you need to ask
Darren Sweeney - Committee Member
What’s your background?
Born and bred in Sydney, I moved to Wagga Wagga seven years ago seeking the “country change” and entered the world of solar and renewables. My new-found industry has taken me all over the Riverina, and I quickly fell in love with the people and the country.
I’m now Director of my own solar installation company, still travelling the Riverina and connecting with the farmers, families and businesses of this beautiful region.
I have two amazing fully-grown children, and I can often be found on the golf course in my spare time!
What year did you join as a board member?
2023
What has inspired you to be a part of the mental health sector?
I’ve been touched by the effects of mental illness through my own experiences and witnessing those close to me live the experience as well. One of my greatest passions is the mission to reduce the stigma around mental health and get the important conversations started, and keep them going, to prevent the most vulnerable people in our communities suffering needlessly.
LANCE BREEN - Vice President
What’s your background?
I’m getting close to becoming a Riverina local… having moved to the Wagga Wagga area 15 years ago. Professionally, I am the Operations Manager and Mental Health First Aider for a large engineering/civil construction organisation that directly employees over 500 staff across Southern NSW. I have an Engineering degree specialising in Infrastructure Asset Management, along with degrees in Human Factors and Safety Management Systems.
What year did you join as a board member?
October 2022.
What has inspired you to be part of the mental health sector?
I’m passionate about helping staff in the community, as issues of mental health and suicide can take a huge toll on rural families. There can be a tendency in the bush and the male dominated industries where I work to say “it’ll be alright” instead of seeking help. In my work I’m privileged to be able to travel and meet with a diverse range of people in rural NSW. Its humbling and inspiring to hear the support we can gain from one another when people are struggling. After working with John Harper and Rural Outreach Counselling to improve the health and wellbeing of our workers, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to support ROC and it’s Matekeeper Program. I maintain my mental health by undertaking physical activity and encouraging a laugh with some mates for weekly self-care.
Deb Sturt - Committee Member
What’s your background?
I am from Tumut NSW and my background is in management of programs in homelessness, domestic violence and women’s refuge; targeted and early intervention child protection programs and Aboriginal programs.
What year did you join as a board member?
I joined as a board member in November 2021.
What has inspired you to be a part of the mental health sector?
The Mental Health field has always been an interest of mine and have worked closely with many in this arena throughout my working career.
Through my interest in mental health and AOD for many years now, I see a correlation between the two in some instances. I believe when alcohol and other drugs are used by people who suffer from depression, they should have a dual diagnosis completed and the two programs work together to better assist the client.
I have also been involved with raising awareness around suicide and was part of a team of women in Tumut who did fundraising to bring suicide awareness and prevention training through ASIST to our Tumut community many years ago.
Wayne Lewis - Committee Member
Details to come