COMMITTEE OF GOVERNANCE

DENISE PATIENCE
CHAIR
Denise has been teaching English to international students at RMIT REW since 2015. Prior to this, she owned and operated a small retail business for 17 years. Going back even further, she worked as a producer in the film and television industry, with her own production company. Although these jobs may at first seem quite disparate, they share the common threads of communication and creativity, and provide the wealth of experience that she brings to the Committee.
KAREN WEST
SECRETARY

CARLO ZABOTTO
TREASURER
Carlo was born in Melbourne to Italian migrants, and has lived in the Carlton/Fitzroy area for over 30 years. He studied at the University of Melbourne obtaining a degree in Electrical Engineering and a MBA, and has extensive corporate experience with a number of multinational companies and has expertise in the areas of Strategy, Business Planning and Business Development. He loves the community spirit of inner Melbourne and has two children, both raised in the local community.

LEANNE O’DONNELL
Leanne joined the Committee in June 2020. She is a non-practising lawyer, working in the telecommunications sector with a focus on regulatory affairs. She has a long-standing interest in matters where human rights, technology, law & policy intersect.
Leanne is a long-term resident of Carlton. In the non-profit sector, she has been a member of a board which provides services for women experiencing homelessness and has been actively involved in digital rights organisations.

CAMPBELL JONES
Campbell joined the Committee in 2021. He has worked in senior management roles for leading ASX healthcare companies for over 12 years, and brings a wealth of knowledge in Business Administration and Project Management. He is highly experienced in delivering training to both large and small audiences as part of his day to day work. He looks forward to connecting with the community at CNLC, and hopes to provide a unique insight to the Commitee of Governance.

TAMARA ABRAHAM
Tamara works in philanthropy focussing on medicine, science and education programs. She has over a decade of experience in the not for profit sector in dispute resolution and energy regulation, and also sits on a University of Melbourne Human Ethics Committee. She holds a University of Melbourne Bachelor or Arts degree, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Institute of Community Directors, and holds a Certified Associate in Project Management. A long term resident of the neighbourhood, Tamara appreciates the importance of supporting the diverse needs of our communities. She joined the Committee in 2021.

STEPHANUS HIERONYMUS
Stephanus joined the Committee in 2021. He has extensive corporate experience, particularly in the areas of strategy, planning and product management; and is keen to use those skills to help CNLC achieve its missions. Stephanus holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from the University of Melbourne.

JOSHUA PARROTT
Josh is employed as a financial services professional with a well-established boutique planning practice. He actively volunteers for community development charities and has held various board positions. He is completing a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce degree at Deakin University, as well as a Diploma of Counselling. He has also completed a course on the specific needs of the elderly and those with disabilities. Josh joined the Committee in 2021 and hopes to make a valuable contribution to CNLC.

JEREMY BERESFORD
Jeremy joined the Committee in 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and works in strategy at a major bank, with previous experience in finance. He is passionate about increasing access to education and cohesion in the community. He hopes to use his skillset and experience to assist CNLC in achieving its mission.

ALYS GAGNON
Alys is a media consultant with more than 15 years experience in media, strategy and political advocacy. She has a strong background in developing, implementing and evaluating communications strategies and campaigns for not-for-profit and political organisations and has provided strategic advice and media management for politicians, unions and advocacy organisations. Alys has a passion for social justice, equity and care for vulnerable communities. She has a strong commitment to working towards a society that values every person for their contribution to our community.