Fran Fogarty - Network Coordinator
Fran is the Network Coordinator for the Neighbourhood Houses in the Barwon region and she comes with a wealth of experience in the sector, including her most recent role as Manager of Community Life at Hepburn Shire Council. Her impressive portfolio included overseeing Community Care, Neighbourhood Houses, Diversity and Inclusion, and more.
Fran's role is to offer support, resources, advice, and professional development opportunities. She also leads strong and dynamic advocacy efforts on behalf of the members to all levels of government and the state peak body, Neighbourhood Houses Victoria
But there’s more to Fran than her professional achievements! Fran has a couple of delightful obsessions. First and foremost are her granddaughters, Zara and Willow, who are the absolute loves of her life. Her second passion? Nature, particularly Australian native plants, which she adores. You might also spot Fran around town in her mobile food and drinks van, Miss Zarlow—named after her cherished granddaughters!
Jodii Anderson - Chairperson
Jodii Anderson is the President of the Neighbourhood Houses Barwon Committee and has proudly served on the committee for over nine years. Deeply passionate about the community development and adult learning sectors, Jodii brings a strong commitment to fostering inclusive, empowered communities across the Barwon region.
With extensive experience in community engagement, Jodii currently works as a Community Services teacher at The Gordon TAFE. Her role allows her to support and inspire future community service professionals, sharing her practical knowledge and dedication to making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Jodii enjoys working collaboratively with individuals and organisations to build stronger, more resilient communities. Her leadership, combined with her grassroots experience, helps to guide the strategic direction of Neighbourhood Houses Barwon in its mission to support lifelong learning, social connection, and community wellbeing.
Julie Martin - Treasurer
Operations Coordinator - Anglesea Community House
Mellissa Hutchinson - Committee
Chair at Whittington Neighbourhood House
My name is Melissa I’m a wife and mother of 5, 4 children at home. I’m a passionate advocate for my community, a community Leader and I love to bring out the Gold in people, I especially love connecting and networking with others, I love to see people grow so they can be the best versions of themselves.
My roles have included being Vice Chair and now I’ve been Chair for the last year, at Whittington neighbourhood house, I’m also on my Children’s School Council.
In 2023 I completed a Leadership program that was ran by the City of Greater Geelong. This program taught me so much in Community Development and Networking making new Connections and learning all about social enterprises. I’m known to be a Dreamer and a Visionary, I see it as a blessing as I often can see bigger pictures and see ahead with solutions and Ideas that may help in the future.
The Leadership program opened up my eyes to Governance and planning and delivering projects. I never thought I would be where I’m today since then it opened up lots of opportunities such as becoming a Neighbourhood House Barwon network executive committee member for the past two years. I love being a part of this community and I can’t wait to learn more and grow more in my Governance journey.
Wendy Greaves - Committee
Manager, Winchelsea Community House
My name is Wendy Greaves and I am currently employed as the Manager at Winchelsea Community House. I have held this role for the past 13 years.
My area of expertise is Accounting/Finance and Management and I hold a Bachelor of Business Studies with majors in Accounting and Law and I am a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). In 2024 I advanced to Fellow Status of CPA Australia.
My career began in banking and finance and I worked at National Australia Bank in various roles for over 10 years including senior management roles in the bank’s Credit Bureau. From there I took up a position as Finance Manager for the student association at Deakin University in Geelong, which I held for 4 years. After some time out of the work force with children I returned to a part time role as Manager at the Geelong Food Relief Centre (now known as Geelong Foodshare). I held this position for 10 years before moving to my current position.
I am passionate about all things community and love helping to make a difference in people’s lives through various activities, programs and general assistance at the community house.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my two adult daughters (23 and 25) and their partners as well as travelling, gardening, cooking and spending time with friends.
Sandra Anderson - Secretary
Chairperson Norlane Community Centre
Having a passion for people and all communities. I have been involved with Norlane Community Centre for 36 years since it opened in 1986. My positions have varied from Committee Member to Secretary to Chairperson which is my current role.
I joined the Neighbourhood Houses Barwon in August 1997. I have enjoyed my position as Secretary and seen a great deal of changes to the Committee and specifically the Networkers that have been employed by us. Changes have continued to be exhilarating and stimulating to us as Committee members.
One of my dynamic periods was being on the Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (Previously the Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres) Board of Management for 6 years. After being a Board Member for 2 years I was elected on to the Executive as Treasurer and spent 4 stimulating years increasing my knowledge and awareness of funds, grants, assets, and resources. Being on this Board was both captivating and educational and has assisted me to be the person I am today.
Alan Davis - Committee
Treasurer, Leopold Community & Learning Centre
Alan recently retired as a Senior Education Improvement Leader in the Barwon Area of the Victorian Department of Education. Prior to this appointment Alan worked as a secondary school principal in Geelong, internationally and in Melbourne. Alan was awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal for his work in Maldives in 2005 following the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 and the Public Service Medal in 2006 for his contribution to education in Victoria.
Alan was an educational consultant with the Supreme Education Council of Qatar during 2008-2010. Alan has a deep commitment to community development and demonstrates strong governance, management and leadership qualities.
He is currently Treasurer of Leopold Community & Learning Centre, Deputy Chair of Geelong Region Local Learning & Employment Network, a Board member of Leopold Community Bank (Bendigo Bank), and a Ministerial appointment to the Southwest Victoria Adult, Community & Further Education Council. Alan's interests revolve around family, friends and travel. In 2024 he was awarded Life Membership of Lions Clubs International.