Simon comes to the Albury Wodonga Connected Communities board with over 25 years of Information Communications & Technology (ICT) and business experience, having worked all over the world in a number of different roles. Currently, Simon is the Principal Consultant at ArchiTech Network & Communications Solutions, a regional Victorian ICT provider that currently supports a number of customers in the Albury Wodonga and surrounds region, many of which are in the Health Care industry.

After a long stint living in Melbourne, Simon relocated back to the Albury Wodonga region with his family (wife and two daughters) back in May 2022 as he sought to provide his family with the same rich experiences he had whilst growing
up in Wodonga area. Simon is passionate about the local area and continually strives to find ways to contribute positively to the local community, whether that is in a formal capacity or an informal one.

From an informal perspective, Simon is deeply engaged with the local Craft Beer community, as well as supporting other key producer industries, most notably the wine, spirits and fresh produce industries as he believes that the North East region
of Victoria has some of the best offerings in the world! When he’s not involved with these industries, Simon enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, camping, fishing, taking the kids behind the boat in the biscuit, watching motor sports & local/ Australian football and of course tinkering with IT and electrical equipment.

Qualifications: Certificate III in Information Technology

Allison is the Principal of Bruce Law. She is an experienced lawyer and practises in wills and estate planning, estate litigation, business and property transactions and leasing.

Allison has contributed to a number of local boards and committees. She has been a Director of Albury Northside Chamber of Commerce, President of Albury & District Law Society and Board Member of Age Concern Inc.

When Allison takes a break from work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, practising yoga, cycling, and walking her highly energetic Jack Russell terrier.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Laws, Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution, Bachelor of Business (Marketing)

Vanessa is a Risk Adviser at Adroit Insurance & Risk in  Albury.

Vanessa has worked within the insurance industry for the past 27 years in both the metropolitan and regional areas.  Vanessa is extremely experienced in dealing with SME business owners in particular and over many years has built strong relationships with insurers to seek solutions for her clients specific insurance needs.

Vanessa has recently joined the Board of AWCC as she would like to contribute to the local community that she has grown up in.

Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys early morning boxing sessions, walking her Labrador and has two active young boys who keep her very busy.

Nicho has 25+ years’ experience of working with young people in a variety of roles. He started out in outdoor education working at Outward Bound Australia for 4 years; he has worked at 4 Summer Camps in Michigan (U.S.A) including taking his family there in 2019; he has worked at the YMCA in Palmerston (N.T); as well as a role at City of Wodonga for 13 years as the Youth Services Officer; most recently he spent 5 years at Wodonga Middle Years College as the Defence Transition Mentor.

Now he works full time with his wife running their own business (The Mandala Project) where they run leadership and personal development programs for young people form 12 – 27 years of age, as well as father/son and mother/daughter programs amongst other things.

Nicho loves to travel both internationally and in Australia and has a passion for hiking and camping with the family. Now that he is past playing sport he loves to watch it when he has time. And he is a massive Bruce Springsteen fan.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Applied Science in Parks, Recreation and Heritage; Diploma of Youth Work; Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation; Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

David has worked as a manager in the government and not for profit sectors, as well as publicly listed companies throughout the Western and Riverina areas of New South Wales, delivering quality services in education, health, aged care and disabilities.

He also has extensive real estate experience in both sales and property management. Sharing his change management skills is a way forward for business and customers to navigate a rapidly changing world. One of his skills is the ability to train staff and community volunteers in changing policies and procedures and to successfully implement such changes.

David is committed and experienced in voluntary service for community organisations and believes that the strength in any community lies in transparency and communication where ‘many hands make light work’.

David is passionate about classic cars (Holdens), gardening, cooking and travel to odd places across Australia, Africa, Europe, New Zealand and Japan. I am also a collector of antiques, clocks and art works.

Qualifications: B.A. Dip. Ed. Cert. IV Real Estate Sales

Having just finished a degree in marketing, Tom has a bright outlook on how useful social media and other online platforms can be used to increase engagement and hopes to convert ideas into fun exciting realities as he believes marketing can more than just bright colours and catchy phrases.

Tom currently is the online administrator for several other social network sites, with the highest having a following of plus 5000. Tom joins us having over 8 years’ experience being a part of community boards and community groups.

Tom is a sports fanatic, music explorer, travelling enthusiast and enjoy making fun memories for others.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Business Management (Marketing)