Graeme Bird
Position/Occupation Manager Corporate Services
Qualifications Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Fellow of FINSIA (Finance and Securities Institute of Australia)
Company Directors Diploma
Associated Diploma – Business (Banking and Finance)
Relevant experience
Over 30 years Director and Corporate Executive experience across a variety of health, education and finance industry. Currently Past Treasurer of COTA Victoria and Deputy Chairman of Interchange Incorporated Victoria. I have held a variety of roles as chair, Company Secretary, treasurer and audit and risk committee roles across a wide range of commercial, health and education sectors.
Statement of reasons for nomination
I have been actively involved with COTA Victoria and its objectives as Treasurer over four years and look forward to continuing to contribute in the audit and risk committee and with the development of the OM:NI program. The executive and Board are insightful and take a considered approach to the issues confronting COTA. I would like to continue assisting with the contribution COTA makes to policy development for older people in the Victorian community.
Dr Mary Rosanna Downie
Position/Occupation Retired Teacher
Qualifications Bachelor of Teaching Primary
Bachelor of Education
Masters of Educational Studies
Doctor of Education
Relevant experience
A career in education, retail and early childhood, many subject to regulatory compliance. I am currently a member of a Committee of Management. I owned and operated an early learning centre and an antique collectible shop in Melbourne and on the Mornington Peninsula and volunteer in aged care facilities.
Statement of reasons for nomination
I wish to be part of a national organisation that has the expertise to lobby for action on issues affecting older Australians. I see COTA’s vision, purpose and values as providing a positive forward direction for older Australians. COTA’s continued desire to improve quality of life through innovative projects and services demonstrates to me that ageing can be a time of growth and wellbeing. I am continually impressed with COTA’s ability to provide legal aid, support and advice that helps protect older Australians. I want to be a part of COTA’s advocacy for overcoming prejudice and discrimination of a person’s age.
Minh Nguyen
Position/Occupation Senior Manager (south-east), Centre for Multicultural Youth
Qualifications Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Social Work, Advanced Diploma Community Sector Management
Relevant experience
I am a company Secretary and founding member of a charitable organisation providing financial support to Vietnamese invalid veterans residing in Viet Nam. I am also currently a Board Member of Wellsprings for Women. I was previously a Board Member of the Weight Management Council of Australia. I have experience in social and welfare policy, community organisation management and sector-based research and evaluation with a strong understanding of the social and policy issues impacting vulnerable populations.
Statement of reasons for nomination
I am passionate about social justice, representation and respecting people as experts in their own lives. Since joining the Board, I have appreciated the significant work that COTA Victoria has done in engaging with members; amplifying their voice, and working with other organisations to improve outcomes for all older Victorians.
Robert Gregg Nicholls
Position/Occupation Retired Health and Community Services Executive
Qualifications Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Adelaide University
Bachelor of Social Admin (Flinders University)
Relevant experience
I have extensive experience on Boards and Committees including roles as Treasurer and Chair. This included QICSA, Uniting Care Community Options and Bendigo Loddon and Inner East Primary Care Partnerships among others.
I am currently Chair of Enliven Victoria, a member of the Mornington and District Historical Society and Balcombe Estuary Reserves Group (BERG).
Statement of reasons for nomination
Passionate about social justice and older persons rights, Gregg has extensive experience in public policy and planning, and managing health and community services. He is chair of COTA Victoria’s Policy Development Committee, a member of COTA Australia’s National Policy Council and represents COTA Australia on the National Aged Care Alliance.
