Whitehorse Business Group
Candidates
2014 Board Member
Kathy Collier
Kathy Collier is a Director of Watermans Collision Repair Centre located in Blackburn.
Kathy joined the Board of Whitehorse Business Group in late 2009 after becoming involved
in the awards process and winning a Business award in the 2008/2009.
Kathy is committed to representing small business on the board and raising the profile of the
WBG so that more people can access the resources available and help build their business,
large or small.
Peter Grierson
Peter Grierson is the treasurer of the Whitehorse Business Group. He currently manages the
Blackburn South Community Bank which is located in Canterbury Rd Blackburn South. He
brings 20 years of commercial and business banking experience to the WBG and has lived
in the City of Whitehorse all his life Peter looks forward to assisting the Whitehorse Business
Group becoming a key ally of local business.
Ruth Lee
I came to Australia to further my education in commerce and music. I also raised 4 children.
All of whom are very successful in their professional careers. At the same time I achieved an
interpreting/translating qualification to work as an interpreter. Then, I managed various
businesses, for example: 7Eleven, liquor store and introduced the first Chinese grocery store
in local shopping centres. But, the most interesting business was the lease of Lake Pedder
Chalet which got me involved in the international and environmental furore regarding the
conservation of the Lake.
Having diverse interests and experience, I currently head the Louise Multicultural Community
Centre as their President. The centre encourages cultural diversity whilst performing its
vision of supporting migrants and refugees by promoting cross-cultural communication.
I am delighted to have been invited to join the Whitehorse Business Group and I look forward
to a prosperous future."
Level 1 Kenneth McIntyre Room, Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, 3128
Phone: 9275 6910 Fax: 9899 4507 Email: info@whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
www.whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
Amanda Paterson
Amanda is one of the newer members of the Whitehorse Business Group Board, joining in
November last year. She is a manager at BBQs-R-US in Mitcham, a family business started
by her father over 30 years ago. Amanda has experience working for large government
organisations as well as small business, and has a degree in Media and Communications
from the University of Melbourne. She believes the Whitehorse Business Group is a really
important forum for the business community, and finds it interesting to hear the viewpoints of
other group members who come from such varied business backgrounds – from her fellow
small business owners to larger corporations and everything in-between. There is such a
depth of experience and knowledge held by the Whitehorse Business Group membership
base, and Amanda feels it is very important for these businesses to continually network with
one another and to learn from the experience of others. When she isn’t working, Amanda
enjoys various sporting activities such as tennis, horse-riding or walking her dogs. She also
loves to travel, and has visited many countries – including a year spent in China teaching
English. Most of all she loves helping her family business grow and develop, and this year
has enjoyed developing a new e-commerce site and witnessing the continued growth and
importance of the internet and e-commerce in business.
Robert Bonifacio
Robert has been involved in the financial services industry since 1986. With 15 years’
experience in senior management roles and a qualified financial planner Robert began
Essential Financial Services in 2004.
Essential Financial Services specialises in providing advice to individuals and business
owners on how to protect their income and their assets.
For business owners Essential Financial Services also helps them to protect the asset they
have work so hard to create and develop.
It can be difficult for some to understanding the plethora of options in the marketplace when
it comes to personal protection. However Essential Financial Services prides itself on being
able to assist and explain to you those alternatives and provide the solutions tailored to each
individual’s needs.
Level 1 Kenneth McIntyre Room, Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, 3128
Phone: 9275 6910 Fax: 9899 4507 Email: info@whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
www.whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
Tanya Anderson
Tanya Anderson has over 30 years' experience in the recruitment and consulting sectors,
having worked with the Adecco Group for this entire time. Tanya commenced her career with
Jon & Associates - a Recruitment Agency that specialised in Engineering, Architectural and
Office Staff. Jon and Associates was later purchased by Adia which merged with Ecco in the
90's to become the Adecco Group today. Tanya has worked in a variety of different roles for
the Group ranging from Administration Manager, Executive Assistant, Permanent
Recruitment Consultant, Temporary Recruitment Consultant, National Operations, Project
Management, Regional Sales Management and Branch Management. Tanya's is proud to be
part of a Company that truly cares about their clients, candidates, colleagues and associates
and to be part of a team at Adecco Blackburn that works hard to provide the very best
service they can.
Tanya has held a number of voluntary positions which have included - Play-Group Coordinator, Secretary, Payroll Officer for Rowen Street Kindergarten, Class Co-ordinator for
Ashgrove Calisthenics Club, has held various voluntary roles with Ashburton Primary School
and has held the roles of Fundraising Co-ordinator, Communications Co-ordinator and Vice
President for Kingswood College PFA. Of recent years, Tanya has been a supporter and
has enjoyed her involvement with the Blackburn Chamber of Commerce and Whitehorse
Business Group.
David Thompson
David is the co-owner of the free monthly parent’s magazine Your Child in Whitehorse. He
has been a passionate and enthusiastic Whitehorse Business Group member since
September 2012. David and Your Child in Whitehorse have also been in kind – media
sponsors of the Whitehorse Business group since March 2013.
David enjoys meeting and engaging with new and existing members and learning about their
businesses in order to share, grow and develop greater business networks. Operating a
business that engages almost exclusively with local Whitehorse businesses, he is eager to
see the continuing growth and strengthening of the local business community.
David holds a Bachelor of International Relations and a diploma in Sales and Marketing and
offers approximately twenty years of sales and customer service experience.
Level 1 Kenneth McIntyre Room, Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, 3128
Phone: 9275 6910 Fax: 9899 4507 Email: info@whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
www.whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
Nick Kyritsis
I have been employed at Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre as Retail Manager since June
2013, having been employed in the Retail and Finance sector for more than 25years. I have
completed a Bachelor of Business (Human Resources) and other business courses during
my career. My current role has enabled me to work with business owners in improving their
business profitability by providing advice on customer service and providing retail support.
Forest Hill Chase is a vibrant, exciting, family orientated shopping centre which caters for
people from all different demographics. I value the opportunity this role provides, to meet
people on a daily basis and learn valuable consumer trends and practices.
Growing up, I was always involved in the family businesses working in Cafe’s, Delicatessens
and restaurants through my Secondary School and University years. It taught me that
running your own business is not easy task and requires dedication and hard work. I learnt
to appreciate small business owners and the hard work required to be successful.
Once I completed my University degree I worked for numerous Financial Services
Companies such as AMP and Zinc Financial whereby I specialised in customer service and
human resources.
I believe I can add value to the board by providing the following:
•
An insight to how various businesses are dealing with economic conditions.
•
What are some of the key practices that make some businesses more successful
than others
•
Various issues that may impact retailers
•
A good understanding of community and customer needs by dealing with various
groups of residents daily
•
A varied business acumen by working in varied roles and companies over the years
•
Empathy to retailers and looking at ways to assist with their success
•
Proved new ideas and enthusiasm to the group
•
Work well in teams and very diplomatic
•
Enjoy sharing useful information to assist others
•
Enthusiastic about promoting networking opportunities for business owners.
At Forest Hill Chase, I am currently working with Paula Jones who was previously a board
member and recently a judge for the Whitehorse Business Group awards. Paula is a
fantastic mentor and gave me the opportunity this year to visit and interview applicants for
the medium business award which I thoroughly enjoyed and grateful to be part of. If
successful, I would like to continue the same enthusiasm as Paula in supporting and
recognising Whitehorse businesses.
Level 1 Kenneth McIntyre Room, Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, 3128
Phone: 9275 6910 Fax: 9899 4507 Email: info@whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
www.whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
Geoff Iles
Initially I spent 7 years undertaking a cadetship which led to a sales representative position
with AV Jennings Ltd. In 1973, I together with my father established a business which has
grown and developed over the past 40 years. With my father’s departure from the business
in 1983, I have developed solid business management knowledge and skills.
Our product Pebble Mix, which we commenced manufacturing and marketing at this time, is
still part of our company’s product range today.
Décor Stone, which we commenced marketing in the mid 1990’s, is now the leading supplier
of decorative stone wall cladding and flooring products to the retail tile and landscaping
industries, with 350 plus resellers serviced by logistic warehouses in Sydney and Brisbane,
with our head office located in Burwood.
During this time I have served on a number of sporting committees including Victorian Junior
Rugby Union (4 years) and Vermont South Club (11 years). I served as President of the VSC
for 7 years from 1989 – 1996, during which time we changed the club from a Tennis Club to
a sporting club including the construction of an all-weather synthetic green and additional
club rooms for the bowlers. The planning was well founded as today the club has added an
additional green and has approximately 300 bowler members with 7 Saturday pennant
teams, whilst the tennis members have dropped from 650 to approx. 200.
Our company has continued to plan for changing demands in the building industry with a
number of new products added to our product range, particularly over the past 10 years.
I believe that as an ideal person I could add to the marketing area of the Whitehorse
Business Group.
As I am now able to work “on” our business rather than “in” the business I believe I can
devote time and my experience in helping the Whitehorse Business Group to expand its
membership base and marketing activities.
I am actively involved in the Rotary Club of Box Hill, currently Membership and Marketing
Director.
Level 1 Kenneth McIntyre Room, Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, 3128
Phone: 9275 6910 Fax: 9899 4507 Email: info@whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
www.whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
Abbie Allen
Abbie is a marketing projects professional with a strong customer focus. In her role as
Program Manager at Yarra Valley Water Abbie has been responsible for developing and
delivering innovative community engagement campaigns to highlight the value of Yarra
Valley Water’s service.
Her strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills have enabled her to
manage the Schools Water Efficiency Program on behalf of the Victorian Government, a
state wide program that has seen various accolades including a finalist in the 2013 Banksia
Sustainability Awards, Premier’s Sustainability Awards and the winner of 2012 Australian
Water Association’s Victoria Branch, Program Innovation Award. It was in the same year
Abbie was recognised for her dedication to the water industry by being awarded Yarra Valley
Water’s employee of the month for November.
Abbie’s integrated campaign approach has enabled her to identify best practice engagement
strategies in the community programs she is responsible for at Yarra Valley Water. This
coupled with her understanding of award submission processes, event management skills
and industry contacts, position her as a great addition to the Awards subcommittee.
Abbie’s Whitehorse Business Group board nomination is fully supported by the Yarra Valley
Water management team.
Skills profile
- ability to negotiate and influence.
Level 1 Kenneth McIntyre Room, Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, 3128
Phone: 9275 6910 Fax: 9899 4507 Email: info@whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
www.whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
Dror Cohen
I was born in Padova, Italy in 1979 and lived there until I was 7 years old, my family moved
back to Israel where I attended School. In 1997 I joined the IDF (Israeli Defence Force) and
completed 4 years as a recruitment and placement officer (released at a rank of 1st
lieutenant). In 2004 I completed my double Bachelor degree in Political Science and History
at the University of Ben Gurion in the Negev.
I came to Australia in 2005 to start my PHD at Melbourne University, but due to different
circumstances I completed my Master’s Degree and didn’t proceed to PHD. Since 2005 I
have been working in the travel industry as a travel agent for Flight Centre, wholesaler with
APT (Australian Pacific Tours), corporate agent for Corporate Traveller, luxury travel
manager with FBI Travel (Freeway Balaclava International Travel) and in my current role I
am a Business Development Executive for the Quest Serviced Apartments in Mont Albert.
I have been married to my beautiful wife, Natalie since 2006 and we have 2 amazing kids:
Ariel – 5 years old and Maya – 5 months. During the last 6 years I lived in Bentleigh,
Victoria, but I do spend approx. 50 hours of my week in Mont Albert. In the future I am
looking to stay with the Quest group and possibly become a franchisee with the group.
Why do I wish to join the Board of the Whitehorse Business Group?
As a Business Development Executive for the Quest in Mont Albert, I can understand the
importance of being involved with the local business community. The Quest in Mont Albert
has been and will continue to be a sponsor of the Whitehorse Business Group, and we are
looking to further the connection with the Whitehorse Business Community.
I have been in Australia since 2005 and involved in the Tourism and Hospitality industry
since 2006, in my previous roles I managed a basketball team and several retail businesses.
Coming to Australia I started from the bottom up to get understanding of the market and the
business community. I believe that I can contribute from my experience and also from my
success to the Whitehorse business group. I would be interested to help and assist business
in the area and also to be a point of contact for the business community.
Kris Sinclair Marinakis
I wish to be granted the honour to join the Board of the Whitehorse Business Group to work
in conjunction with the existing highly experienced members with the common goal to grow
the quantity of members and quality of events.
I understand that before considering my application you need to ask yourselves the question,
“What value will Kris Marinakis be able to contribute in this role?” I wish to answer that
question in a clear and concise manner: Acquisition of a passionate brand ambassador - I
believe in The Whitehorse Business Group. I can see the infinite value it brings to the
community and business owners. I will do whatever I can to increase the member’s base and
add as much value to the networking events as possible.
Level 1 Kenneth McIntyre Room, Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, 3128
Phone: 9275 6910 Fax: 9899 4507 Email: info@whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
www.whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
Growth in members – I’m confident I can vastly grow the membership numbers of the WBG
as I’m extremely well connected within Whitehorse City on both a personal and professional
level. As the Director of Quest Mont Albert, my businesses key focus is the corporate market
which positions me shaking hands with local businesses on a daily basis. To date, I’ve
already extended many invitations to the business owners I’ve met with because I believe in
the value the WBG can bring to their business.
Connections and Commitment – During my time in Whitehorse City, I’ve shown immense
dedication and commitment to the WBG and our local community. Being a regular sponsor of
the WBG and events, I also support and sponsor:
- Box Hill Tafe (Holding a table at their networking functions
- The Box Hill Rotary Club
- Box Hill Hawks
- Our Lady of Sion College
- Mitcham Community House
- Epworth Eastern (Sponsor and raised $2,500 for their new cancer treatment center through
doing an 80km walk)
- Box Hill Hospital
- Variety
- The Cancer Foundation
Experience – The core strength I can bring is that I have experience running my own small
and mid-sized business. Having previously done a Bachelor’s Degree in Business (Finance)
and soon to complete a Master’s Degree in Business (Entrepreneurialism and Innovation),
I’ve run and operated a highly successful The Coffee Club franchise for 5 years which saw
high growth during a declining economy. I currently still own this business and manage it
externally. In 2012, I made the leap to buy Quest Mont Albert and happy to report that we’ve
seen exponential growth. With this experience, I feel I can relate well to the target audience
of the WBG by sharing the success and challenges I’ve experienced in running businesses.
Malcolm Wells
Malcolm Wells is currently the Acting Executive Director for the Epworth Eastern, a 193 bed
acute private hospital located in Box Hill. Malcolm has had over 20 years’ experience
working in the Health Industry throughout New South Wales and Victoria, predominantly in
large teaching and research facilities. Initially starting in Human Resources and
subsequently moving into General Management, Malcolm has extensive experience in
leading and managing large organisations to achieve their objectives. Throughout his career
the motivation of “making a difference” to the patients of the hospital has been a constant.
Malcolm has a Bachelor of Business and also an MBA from La Trobe Graduate School of
Management.
Level 1 Kenneth McIntyre Room, Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill, 3128
Phone: 9275 6910 Fax: 9899 4507 Email: info@whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au
www.whitehorsebusinessgroup.com.au