Mike has worked with major banks and businesses across Australia, with a focus on small business credit, financial hardship, and supporting vulnerable customers. In 2013, he founded a specialist consulting firm that twice earned a place in the AFR Fast100, before merging into a global consultancy where he led high-performing teams. Mike is a strong advocate for early intervention and practical, person-centred support. Now based in Boolarra near Mirboo North, Mike is passionate about helping his local community and building strong, respectful relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

A third-generation farmer, Chris ran a 1200-acre mixed farm in south west Victoria before joining NEX in 2019. He holds Diplomas in Financial Counselling and Journalism, plus training in mental health and negotiation. Known for his calm, practical approach, Chris helps clients navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Outside work, he enjoys life on a small farm, prospecting, and spending quality time with his family, dogs and horses. 

With over 25 years in management and support roles across Gippsland, her background spans community services, mental health, leadership, and conflict resolution. Karen is passionate about supporting clients through change, providing practical, personalised guidance to help clients build sustainable futures. Outside work, Karen enjoys gardening, family time, and the natural beauty of the Gippsland Lakes, nurturing a balance in life and work passions. 

Trudi now runs a small Angus breeding operation. Trudi has worked in banking, water industry and IT support, and holds qualifications in Agriculture, Training and Assessment, and Rural Financial Counselling, and a Certified Professional Advisory. Currently completing a Certificate IV in Business Accounting, she is dedicated to lifelong learning. Based near Maffra, Trudi enjoys helping rural clients develop plans for recovery and growth, committed to community resilience and supporting sustainable futures. 

As a qualified Rural Financial Counsellor, he supports clients to understand their operations and develop sustainable strategies. Though not from a farming background, Wayne lives on a small acreage and has developed a strong appreciation for rural life. He has completed extensive training in mental health, communication, and business planning. A long-time CFA volunteer, Wayne is passionate about community and enjoys renovating, motorsports, and woodworking in his spare time. 

Based in Maffra, she is passionate about supporting farming families and driving meaningful conversations that lead to growth. With a background in small business, Kylie is a self-described “numbers nerd” who thrives on problem-solving and understanding her clients’ unique journeys. Currently studying a Diploma of Financial Counselling, she enjoys learning on the go—often with an audiobook in her ears while exploring the beautiful Gippsland region. Kylie’s dedication and curiosity make her a strong asset to the team. 

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Accounting and Commercial Law) and a Diploma of Financial Planning. After nearly a decade working in Melbourne’s finance sector, Steph relocated to the Bass Coast, where she and her young family run a commercial Angus breeding operation. She has spent the past five years working as a qualified tax accountant in South Gippsland. With a strong understanding of rural life and small business pressures, Steph is passionate about helping people build financial confidence by explaining complex concepts in everyday language and supporting sustainable growth across regional communities.

Formerly a Landcare Coordinator and horticulture lecturer, he worked with Agriculture Victoria supporting drought and bushfire recovery across Gippsland. Nick and his family run a small farm, giving him a deep connection to rural life. Passionate about supporting farming families through change, he helps clients build resilience and plan for the future. Nick joined the NEX team in 2023 and in 2025 moved into working for NEX on a casual basis. Nick values working closely with clients to strengthen both their businesses and wellbeing, fostering long-term sustainability. 

and a passion for personal growth. A former dairy farmer and proud mother of three, Amy understands the emotional and practical challenges of rural life intimately. She is currently studying a Diploma of Counselling with a focus on mental health and is passionate about helping others prioritise wellbeing.

Amy enjoys cooking, music, and spending time with her dogs and loved ones. She believes self-care is key to resilience and living a full, balanced life, inspiring others through her dedication. 

East Gippsland and holds Diplomas in Health and Wellbeing and Counselling. Melissa is passionate about supporting people through trauma and helps clients rebuild confidence and self-belief. Known for her warmth and thoughtful approach, she creates safe spaces for growth and healing.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time in nature, engaging in ongoing learning, and connecting with her local community to support wellbeing and resilience. 

A qualified CPA with an MBA and a AICD graduate she offers deep expertise in financial management, compliance, and IT, with strong ties to the rural sector. Kylie is passionate about financial wellbeing and has been instrumental in evolving the organisation into NEX Business Farming Wellness, broadening its impact across the region through strategy and collaboration. She previously held the position of Treasurer for Newhaven College, and is currently the Treasurer of Food & Fibre Gippsland.

Based on Phillip Island, Kylie enjoys life with her family and their local tourism business, staying closely connected to community and regional growth. Her leadership reflects a commitment to innovation, financial health, and sustainable outcomes. 

consulting business. Passionate about helping local businesses grow, Regan specialises in creating sustainable business strategies that drive growth and increase profitability. With a background in building and scaling successful companies, he brings expertise in strategic planning, project management, and business development to his role at NEX, supporting the team with process and growth strategies, while also thinking ‘outside the box’ with innovative approaches to client support.  

Regan moved to regional Victoria in 2021 and is passionate about empowering local businesses and supporting the growth and resilience of the Gippsland region. 

qualifications: Master of Business (Agribusiness); Graduate Diploma in Horticulture, and degrees in Agri-business, Accounting and Agribusiness. He is a recognised Professional Supervisor with Financial Counselling Victoria and is a Certified Professional Advisor. Marshall brings to his role a strong professional background in banking, insurance, and corporate recovery, and a deep financial insight paired with practical agricultural knowledge. Marshall specialises in succession planning and helping clients navigate financial stress, change, and developing long-term strategies. Passionate about building rural resilience, he delivers tailored, practical advice with a calm and compassionate approach.

Marshall is dedicated to helping farming families gain clarity & direction during uncertain times, fostering hope and sustainable futures. 

As Finance and Operations Coordinator at NEX, Kaila manages business systems and processes to improve efficiency and align operations with organisational goals. Based in Bairnsdale, Kaila combines her Certificate III in Agriculture with a deep understanding of rural life to support clients and internal teams effectively. She enjoys streamlining workflows and strengthening the vital connection between agriculture and operational success. Kaila values working in a collaborative environment that champions innovation and rural wellbeing. 

Her unique blend of empathy, leadership, and strategic thinking supports her specialisation in business transformation and stakeholder engagement. At NEX, Allison focuses on building strong community relationships and fostering success. With deep family roots in East Gippsland farming, she understands the challenges of rural life firsthand. Allison thrives on connecting people and ideas, helping individuals and teams grow through trust, creativity, and collaboration, empowering communities to overcome challenges and thrive. 

Her background spans graphic design, advertising, social media, and web development. Davina is passionate about visual storytelling and simplifying complex ideas into clear, impactful communications. She has a strong background in design, branding, and creative strategy. Known for her problem-solving mindset and love of ideation, she brings fresh ideas and a passion for storytelling to the team. Outside work, Davina loves being outdoors with her family and embracing rural life.