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There are seven Aboriginal community elected Directors who form the Board and at VACCA the role of the Board is one of governance. The Board works with the CEO to oversee the longer term strategic goals (as set out in our strategic plan), set aims and objectives and establish policies.
The Board has overall responsibility for:
- Authorising all major decisions
- Setting long-term goals
- Appointment of the CEO
- Seeking information from the CEO as to whether its major decisions and long-term goals are being met
- Ensuring legal compliance and financial accountability standards are met
Board Rules
VACCA was established in 1977 as a Cooperative under the Victorian Cooperatives Act. In 2014 the Co-operatives Act was replaced in Victoria by the Co-operatives National Law. In accordance with the Co-operatives National Law, only members of VACCA can nominate for vacant positions on the Board. To become a member of VACCA you must be of Aboriginal descent, over 18 years of age and comply with the Code of Conduct. The Board are elected by members at the Annual General Meeting.
The Directors meet bi-monthly and their role is to govern, not manage, the Agency. Therefore the Directors address ends and delegates the means to the CEO. The CEO is responsible for the good management, direction, co-ordination and future development of the organisation and all its services.
The CEO is appointed by and is accountable to the Board of Directors.
Members can receive the model rules on request.
James Atkinson - Chairperson
Yorta Yorta / Bangerang
James is employed as the CEO of the Aboriginal Community Elders Service. James’ previous employment was as CEO of the Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative and as Manager, Koorie Education with the Department of Education and Training. James has a great deal of organisational experience and has served on Boards at a state and national level. James has been a VACCA Board Member for 21 years. He was one of the founding members of the first Victorian Aboriginal Youth Advisory Committee and a participant in the Koorie Leadership Program.
Jason Kanoa - Vice Chairperson
Gunditjmara / Bunitj
Jason is employed as the CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young Peoples Alliance. Prior to this Jason was the Executive Manager with the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op, CEO at the Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation and CEO of the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative. Jason has been a VACCA Board Member for 12 years. He has a Diploma in Business Management and has completed governance training and the Indigenous Leadership Network Victoria course.
Matthew Burns - Treasurer
Taungurung
Matt is employed as the CEO of the Taungurung Land and Waters Council. Prior to this Matt has worked in the banking and financial sector. He is an elected member of the First Peoples Assembly as the Taungurung representative. Matt has been a VACCA Board Member for 2 years and holds an Advanced Diploma in Financial Services.
Bindi James - Secretary
Yorta Yorta (Moira Clan) / Barapa Barapa / Boon Wurrung / Palawa
Bindi has been employed at Services Australia as a Service Officer for the past 17 years. Bindi has over 34 years of experience working in the following areas – Yappera Children’s Services, VACCA and the former Department of Human Services. Bindi has a long family connection with VACCA and has a passion for child welfare and early childhood education. Bindi has been a VACCA Board Member for 12 months and holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and a Certificate in Business.
Aunty Deidre King - Director
Gunditjmara
Aunty Deidre was employed as CEO of the Aboriginal Community Elders Service (ACES). Prior to this, Aunty Deidre worked at the Aborigines Advancement League (AAL) for 17 years and at VACCA. Aunty Deidre is a Life Member of VACCA and has been a Board Member for 9 years and was previously on the Board for 14 years. She has completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Management and completed Governance training.
Aunty Margaret Atkinson - Director
Yorta Yorta / Taungurung / Wurundjeri
Aunty Marg was employed as a Wurreker Broker with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc. (VAEAI). She is actively involved in the Gippsland Aboriginal community, having previously worked at the Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-op and at VACCA. Aunty Marg has been a VACCA Board Member for 13 years and has completed Governance training.
Aunty Debra Swindle - Director
Wiradjuri
Aunty Debra is an active advocate for the Aboriginal community and Aboriginal community controlled and managed organisations. Aunty Debra is actively involved in the Healesville Aboriginal community. Aunty Debra has been a VACCA Board Member for 2 years.