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.

TAMARA ABRAHAM

SECRETARY

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.

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.

KAREN WEST

Committee member.

TANIA PATSTON

Tania is a professional fundraiser with extensive experience in public health, for-purpose organisations and the education sector. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia, with strong project management, data analysis, communication and relationship management skills. Tania is inspired by the way the Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre creates transformational change for people facing disadvantage, brings people together and uplifts the community.

SANDRA BUTH

Sandra brings a wealth of consulting experience to the table, having worked with both Australian and international companies to boost their business performance and support their people. She’s passionate about helping organisations – and the individuals within them – to not only thrive but also to stay on top of their compliance responsibilities.

To keep up-to-date, Sandra is an active member of several professional associations in the tax, accounting, and legal fields, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She’s also enjoyed sharing her knowledge as an educator and mentor, guiding the next generation of advisors.

A longtime resident of Carlton, Sandra first moved to the area to study at the University of Melbourne. Now, she’s excited about giving back to the community and getting more involved through the 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.

WESS JACKSON

Wess has an extensive background in public health, with over 10-years’ experience in leadership, contributing to clinical governance and helping organisations achieve continuous improvement. She has a Master of Public Health and Health Administration and a track record of developing high-performing teams, often in dynamic and challenging environments. Wess is passionate about community engagement. Outside of her role at CNLC, Wess is a proud supporter of youth and community sport, assisting local clubs with team management, event management and social inclusion.

LEELA DARVALL

Leela has lived in Princes Hill since 1974 and has a long-standing connection to the neighbourhood. She brings extensive experience in education, having worked as a secondary school teacher before moving into policy and program roles with the Victorian Department of Education, including in career education. Leela has also contributed to her local community through fundraising at Princes Hill Primary School. Now retired from full-time work, she is keen to contribute her experience, skills and local knowledge to Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre.