About / Our People
Our People
Be.Bendigo exists to provide a range of information, support and programs to assist, develop and grow our broader business community. We are member based organisation with a commitment to developing our business so that we can continue to add value for our members, partners and stakeholders.
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Nick Carter,
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
Nick has spent over 20 years in the Banking Industry with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. Leading in many parts of the sector, Nick has wide-ranging
experience in most disciplines of banking and leading large-scale businesses and transformation programs.
Nick led the bank’s Retail Banking division and Community Banking network for five and a half years, growing this business significantly as well as working through a large-scale productivity transformation during the COVID period.
It is from here, that in the early part of 2022, Nick stepped into the role of General Manager, Digital for the group. Much of the last 18 months have been spent on building a BEN Digital strategy, designing a new operating model that will take BEN on a path to a more modernised digital bank, and assisting Up/Ferocia in transitioning formally into BEN post the group acquisition in Sep 2021.
Nick is a passionate leader of people, and whilst customers and partnerships are the central vehicle to shared success, people create and enable this to happen. Nick believes with this formula, and the balance of a shared value profit and purpose-driven culture, organisations, businesses, and teams can be great!
Outside the banking arena, Nick has been involved in a number of private investments in the hotel industry and has successfully grown hospitality businesses in both Melbourne and regional centres. Alongside this, he has actively been involved in a number of community-based Boards and Councils and is currently the Chair of Be.Bendigo.
DEPUTY CHAIR
Eve Ritchens,
Eve Digital
Eve is a marketing and communications professional who has lived in Bendigo for 12 years, calling it home after moving here for university.
Backed with a degree in strategic communications, her background includes a digital marketing agency, a professional services firm, and most recently, marketing manager at Red Energy Arena until taking the leap into self-employment. In 2023, Eve started Eve Digital, a marketing and communications agency that works with businesses to elevate their brand in a professional yet creative way.
In addition to serving as Deputy Chair for Be.Bendigo, she serves as Director and Treasurer for The Skill Engineer, a not-for-profit running programs for young people to ensure equal education opportunities in regional areas including Wangaratta VIC, Central Coast NSW, and Broome WA. She has been involved with the Bendigo Young Professionals Network for some years now and encourages local businesses to get their younger team members involved.
DIRECTOR
Lachlan Edwards,
O’Farrell Robertson McMahon
Director
Michael McKern,
McKern Steel
My business, McKern Steel, is a family setup that has been located in Eaglehawk since 1976. In 1992, we changed the focus of the business to become more of a steel fabricator. Since then, we have become the largest supplier of structural steel to the biggest residential builders in Victoria. We are located across three sites in Eaglehawk and currently employ around 80 local people in various roles, including welding, production, transport, and administration.
Over the next few years, we are targeting further growth and increased employment as our sector expands across the state. We have also established our own Foundation, which supports various organizations, focusing on youth and healthy active programs. Our school fruit program is the largest in the region, supplying fresh fruit to most schools in the City of Greater Bendigo and supporting over 10,000 school kids weekly. Additionally, we sponsor numerous initiatives, including the Children’s Ward at the hospital, the junior golf program at Bendigo Golf Club, and provide scholarships for future athletes through the Bendigo Sports Star program.
Director
Damien Palmer,
AFS & Associates Chartered Accountants
Damien is a Partner at AFS Chartered Accountants, one of the largest accounting and advisory firms in regional Victoria. He has over 20 years of experience providing advice to businesses. Damien is a Chartered Accountant, Registered Tax Agent, and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
He joined AFS after working with EY (Ernst & Young) in Melbourne as a Senior Consultant in its Corporate Tax division, and prior to that, he worked with HLB Mann Judd in Melbourne as an Accountant in its Business Services division. Damien advises clients on various matters, including tax, business management, structuring and restructuring, business sales and purchases, valuations, and succession planning.
To support his community, Damien serves as a Director of Be.Bendigo and is also a Council Member and Treasurer of the School Council for Bendigo South East College, as well as a Council Member, President, and Treasurer of the School Council for Kennington Primary School.
Director
Lauren McLean,
Coliban Water
Lauren has over 25 years of experience in the communications and media sectors, with a strong focus on strategic corporate communications, media relations, incident communications, and customer, community, and stakeholder relations, including 19 years in the water industry.
Working as an Executive at Coliban Water, she leads responsibilities that include corporate communications, community relations, and customer support and experience—covering digital platforms, development services, and stakeholder initiatives.
Lauren is a passionate advocate for customers and communities, understanding the importance of building strong relationships and ensuring the best possible experience when engaging with Coliban Water. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Management (Marketing), a Diploma in Project Management, and a Certificate in Public Participation and Community Engagement (IAP2).
Director
Hayley Tibbett,
Indulge Chocolates
Hayley is the owner and founder of Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates, which she established in December 2008. She has previously worked in the fitness, finance, and insurance industries, providing her with a varied perspective on business.
With over 20 years of experience in the food manufacturing and retail sectors in Bendigo, combined with her passion for hospitality and tourism, Hayley brings unique insights to Be.Bendigo. She believes there is room for all types of businesses to network and collaborate in Bendigo and its surroundings, making the region stronger and offering a unique experience for everyone.
Casual Director
Cameron Olsen,
Bendigo Health
Cameron Olsen leads the Finance and Resources division of Bendigo Health. He has worked in the health sector for several years, holding executive roles in other health services within the Loddon Mallee region before joining Bendigo Health in 2021.
Cameron is a Chartered Accountant with significant experience in financial management, corporate services, and risk and compliance. He has led many large capital projects funded by both state and federal sources. Before entering the health industry, Cameron was an auditor responsible for various large-scale government audits, including public hospitals. He is currently completing a Master of Business Administration.
Cameron holds a Bachelor of Accounting, a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting (GradDipCA), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
MEET OUR BE.BENDIGO TEAM
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Rob Herbert
Rob commenced as CEO at Be.Bendigo in February 2022, after a 35-year career in senior business management roles within the finance sector. Well-known in the Greater Bendigo business community, he has supported thousands of business owners and operators through mainstream banking and specialist services for the pharmaceutical and aged accommodation sectors.
Rob has experienced significant changes while leading teams across local, regional, state, and national levels. He enjoys connecting with local businesses and stakeholders to understand their needs and how Be.Bendigo can advocate for better business outcomes, making the community a great place to live and work.
Outside of work, Rob has four adult children and has long been associated with various community and sporting groups across Regional Victoria. He is currently a Director of the Bendigo Junior Football League and a Life Member of the Strathfieldsaye Cricket Club.
MANAGER - BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS, COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS
Josh DeAraugo
Josh oversees the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards in collaboration with our external event partner, Tough Cookie Marketing/Lost Cause Events. He is also responsible for communication and marketing for Be.Bendigo, working with members, partners, and external stakeholders to promote local business activities and Be.Bendigo messaging.
As part of his communications role, Josh prepares our Annual Report and other internal documents. He also organizes and oversees our events, including After 5 gatherings, partner breakfasts, and other special events.
Outside of work, Josh is a musician who regularly performs on weekends.
Member Marketing Manager
Tiffany Gil
As a Member Marketing Coordinator at Be.Bendigo, Tiffany passionately oversees membership growth and executes dynamic marketing strategies across social media and our website.
Tiffany also works on various engaging projects, such as our Be.Bendigo podcast initiative, the Bendigo Business Stories podcast.
Tiffany thrives in enhancing brand visibility and fostering community engagement to expand our Bendigo Business Community reach and influence.
Outside of work, Tiffany volunteers with Zonta Bendigo an organisation close to her heart advocating for a better world for women and girls, teaches French once a week, listens to lots of podcasts and loves going away to discover new places on the weekend.
ADMINISTRATION & PROGRAMS OFFICER
Alisha Kent
Alisha takes care of all the administrative needs of Be.Bendigo including board and committee minutes, Payroll, Invoicing and general day-to-day tasks.
Alisha also oversees the Rob Hunt Leadership program and the Mentor/Mentee program.
Outside of work Alisha runs her own children’s party business, is involved in community groups and loves her indoor plant collection.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
These are what we focus on and aim for.
To Engage, Collaborate and Advocate.
HISTORY
The Bendigo Chamber of Commerce and Industry was constituted in 1886 with the vision to be the single voice of the business community for the City of Greater Bendigo.
OUR PEOPLE
Be.Bendigo drives connections, developing leadership and business capacity for a stronger community and more prosperous local economy.
REPORTS AND PLANNING
Each year Be.Bendigo publishes its Annual Report, outlining the organisation’s performance during the financial year in review.