Lifeline Gippsland board members
Michelle Blackburn
Chair
Michelle has practiced as a planning and environmental lawyer for over 20 years. She has also been a Director of Interchange Gippsland Inc since 2010 and Director of Latrobe Magnesium Ltd since 2022. Michelle has a Masters of Social Science (Planning and Environment), a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), a Bachelor of Arts and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Michelle has a Masters of Social Science (Planning and Environment), a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), a Bachelor of Arts and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Justin Brook
Treasurer
Just is a recognised business professional who has significant experience with boards and audit & risk committees. He has a thorough understanding of the health sector through his previous roles as
external auditor and internal auditor on a numerous public hospitals in Gippsland, combined with providing external audit services to numerous community health service and aged care organisations. Justin has held the role as board director and chair of the audit committee for Quantum Support Services and is currently a director of West Gippsland Healtcare Group. Justin has a Bachelor of Commerce degree, is a chartered accountant, registered company auditor and a member of the AICD.
Georgia Pentifallo
Board Member
Georgia is a seasoned leader with over nine years of financial leadership experience across both CBA and National Bank. She is a passionate learner, having completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting, Economics and Finance, a Master of Business Administration and is a graduate of the Australian Insitute of Company Directors. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking up a storm on the weekends and is a busy mum of two, which keeps her on her toes.
Belinda Bywaters
Board Member
With over 25 years of experience in HR and Organisational Development, Belinda is the Principal Consultant at Harp Coaching & Consulting, where she helps clients achieve their strategic goals and enhance their performance and culture. Belinda holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Service Management. Belinda is passionate about supporting people, organisations, and the community to grow, learn, and adapt in a dynamic and uncertain environment. In particular, she is interested in the “space in between” relevant to transitions, where she can apply her expertise in action research and systems thinking to address complex organisational challenges and opportunities. Belinda is a proud Gippslander, and Nannybelle to her 3 grandchildren.
Mark Johnson
Board Member
Mark Is a skilled leader with over 20 years experience in the role Chief Executive Officer of Victorian public health services. Mark’s interest lie in governance, community and leadership development. Mark holds a Bachelor of Economics (Economics & accounting) Master, Public Policy and Management. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of CompanyDirectors (GAICD).
Mary Manescu
Board Member
Mary is the CEO of Omeo District Health. Prior to her appointment at ODH, she held a range of clinical nursing and senior leadership roles in the private and public health sector. She also worked extensively for the Department of Health (Victoria) in various areas including regulation, major capital works, performance and information management. Mary holds a Master of Health Services Management and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Beyond her substantive role, Mary is an accreditation surveyor with the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards and is a board member of a number of not-for-profit organisations.
Lauren Carey
Board Member
Lauren Is an experienced communications professional who has demonstrated proven success in the implementation of communication strategies, along with the delivery of innovative community consultation and stakeholder engagement activities in a diverse and challenging environment. Lauren’s expertise is in strategic thinking and positioning, issues management and working with communities and stakeholders in complex circumstances. Lauren specialises in proactive media, issues management and crisis communications, and is an experienced and certified International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) engagement practitioner. Lauren has strong ties to Gippsland having been born and educated in Sale, before completing a Bachelor in Public Relations, Majoring in Journalism at Deakin University.
