About / People and Careers
our People
If you are looking to grow your business, enhance your career, or draw inspiration from local entrepreneurs, you are in the right place. The desire you have to reach your full potential, to accelerate your business growth – is echoed throughout Be.Bendigo.
Our Board
CHAIR
Nick Carter,
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
What do I bring to Be.Bendigo?
Growing up in business, in a small business with my parents, and subsequently with my sister has given me a great appreciation for the challenges, and opportunities in running a business. In addition, my professional role as Head of Consumer Banking at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank gives me a look at business from a different angle, particularly around the regulatory challenges that will impact our business community, and the power of communities working together via our partnership model Community Bank®
DEPUTY CHAIR
Eve Ritchens,
Bendigo Stadium Ltd.
What do I bring to Be.Bendigo?
As a committee member for the Bendigo Young Professionals I am passionate about the opportunities that living regionally presents for young people and believe that Be.Bendigo plays an important role in connecting like-minded people and businesses. I bring my background in marketing and strategic communications to the board for B2B relationships, serving on the Engagement Committee to ensure the best member experience, and the Business Excellence Awards Committee to help deliver the business awards in Bendigo.
Director
Damien Palmer,
AFS & Associates
Chartered Accountants
What do I bring to Be.Bendigo?
I’m lucky to be the accountant and advisor for many Bendigo businesses, and in that role, I gain a valuable insight into what’s on their mind, good and bad. I bring this broad-based business insight to Be.Bendigo, which enables me to make a valuable strategic contribution to Be.Bendigo and support our members.
Director
Lauren McLean,
Coliban Water
What do I bring to Be.Bendigo?
I have worked in the essential services industry for a large part of my career, as I am committed to supporting community benefit and delivering services that helps people and businesses to survive and thrive. I am an advocate for diversity and inclusion as everybody should feel welcome, valued and safe every day and everywhere. My strategic communications, stakeholder management and engagement background supports my drive in making sure our communities have the best possible experience where they live and work, which is also fundamental to role of Be Bendigo in our region.
Director
Hayley Tibbett,
Indulge Chocolates
What do I bring to Be.Bendigo?
I bring the unique perspective of a small business owner with ten years experience in retail and hospitality; managing staff, manufacturing and maintaining strong commercial relationships. My background includes fitness, hospitality, and administration. My commitment is to ensure that Bendigo and our region fulfill our potential to be a leading force in business in Australia.
DIRECTOR
Marika McMahon,
O’Farrell Robertson McMahon
What do I bring to Be.Bendigo?
I have now been involved with Be.Bendigo for a very long time, so some of what I bring is that history and knowledge of the organisation and how it has supported business in Bendigo. What I hope to bring to Be.Bendigo though is my passion for Bendigo being the best place to live and work which drives me to support others to be their best in Bendigo.
Director
Michael McKern,
McKern Steel
What do I bring to Be.Bendigo?
As a long-term business owner in Eaglehawk, we have steadily grown the business over the years by employing the people who live in the area. We have a strong ethic around supporting local, buying local and assisting organizations that our staff are passionate about and involved with. We have our own Company foundation that has an agenda to provide kids with an improved healthy active lifestyle and future. I am also involved with an Eaglehawk foundation to support groups in the 3556 area and am the current Chair of Bendigo Sports star. Be.Bendigo has a great challenge over the next few years as the COGB grows with more people moving out of Metropolitan areas due to the pandemic, and I look forward to being part of that ongoing discussion and solution.
Current Opportunities
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Rob Herbert
Rob commenced as CEO at Be.Bendigo in February 2022 having previously held Senior Management roles in Business and Specialist Banking for more than 20 years.
Rob enjoys connecting with local Greater Bendigo businesses and stakeholders to best understand how Be.Bendigo can support and advocate for the key needs of the business community.
MANAGER - PARTNERS, COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS
Josh DeAraugo
Josh takes care of all our Partners as well as the communication and marketing for Be.Bendigo.
Along with this, Josh also organises and oversees our events.
MEMBEr marketing coordinator
Tiffany Gil
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ADVOCACY LEAD
Rob Stephenson
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ADMINISTRATION & PROGRAMS OFFICER
Alisha Kent
Alisha looks after all our administration needs, whilst overseeing
our Leadership and mentoring programs.