Our Team

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’ experience in management and consulting roles across Gippsland and Eastern Victoria, Karen specialises in community services leadership, program management, financial analysis, tender and grant writing, coaching and mentoring, and strategic planning. She is dedicated to delivering practical, sustainable outcomes, supported by additional training in mental health, work health and safety, conflict resolution, and facilitation.

Karen is passionate about supporting individuals and organisations through change, providing tailored, practical guidance to build resilient futures.

A long-time Gippsland local, she enjoys caring for her three-acre garden, spending time with family, and appreciating the beauty of the Gippsland Lakes.

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. 

Steph 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.

Whilst working for Agriculture Victoria and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Nick held many and varied roles within disaster recovery, managing water, stock and land projects and teams. Formerly a Local Landcare Coordinator and horticulture lecturer, he continues to be active and passionate about land and farm management.

Nick holds the following qualifications: Bachelor of Science, Dip. Ed., Grad Dip App Sci (Horticulture), Grad Cert (Climate Change).

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. 

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. 

Marshal has held the roles of Senior Financial Counsellor, Project Manager, Team Leader and more recently, Counselling Coordinator. over his 20-year tenure. With a strong professional background in banking, insurance, and corporate recovery, he brings 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 has Degrees in Agriculture, Accounting and Agribusiness, a Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and a Masters Degree in Agribusiness. He holds a Diploma of Financial Counselling and is a recognised Professional Supervisor for financial counsellors. Marshall has completed Tier 1 and Tier 2 General and Personal Advice (Insurance) and is a Certified Practising Agriculturalist (CPAg) and more recently a Certified Professional Business Advisor (CPBA). Marshall has extensive agriculture and farm management experience. In his spare time, he actively manages his own sheep & cattle farm.

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

In her current role of Finance and Operations Coordinator, 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. 

Davina's background spans graphic design, advertising, social media, and web development. Davina is passionate about digital design 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. 

Damian has held leadership roles with United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, Australian Dairy Farmers, and the Victorian Agricultural Advisory Council. A 2012 Nuffield Scholar, his study on young farmer finance continues to inform his sector contributions, including his current role as Chair of Nuffield Victoria and more recently Chair of Elevate Dairy Industry Advisory Committee. Damian’s strong industry networks and practical insight help shape NEX’s impact and relevance to farming communities.

Dean's background spans risk management, strategy, financial analysis, and performance accountability across business, product, and people. Dean has worked closely with small business, commercial, and farming clients throughout his career. He holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Fellow of the Australian & New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance. A long-time South Gippsland resident, Dean combines professional insight with a deep local connection, supporting the region’s resilience and prosperity through his governance role at NEX.

Ken is a qualified CPA, and has lectured in economics and served as a director and treasurer for multiple regional organisations, including Gippsland Grammar. As a generational farmer and advisor to rural businesses, he understands the financial, operational, and personal challenges faced by the farming community. Ken’s balanced approach and commitment to sustainable outcomes help guide NEX’s financial oversight and strategic direction.

Clare has held roles across education and aged care, with a focus on finance, audit, and accountability. Clare previously contributed to the Regional Victorian Small Business Partnership and has maintained active involvement in her local Sale community. She recently stepped down from her service as a Victorian State Bail Justice. Clare’s commercial expertise, governance acumen, and grassroots knowledge enhance NEX’s support for small business and farming clients across the region. Clare is retiring from the Board in at the end of 2026. Her contributions, calm approach and strategic focus will be greatly missed.

Heather has held executive roles with United Dairyfarmers (leading $1.6b dairy deregulation adjustment), Fonterra Australia, and other major agricultural organisations in Australia and New Zealand. Her board service includes ProTen, Agricultural Innovation Australia, AgriFutures, WorkSafe Victoria, and West Gippsland Healthcare Group. A graduate of the AICD and Australian Rural Leadership Program, Heather also holds an MBA and qualifications in Agricultural Science. Named a Member of the Order of Australia, she brings sharp strategic insight and a deep commitment to rural resilience to her role with NEX.

Raelene has 40-years of dairy farming experience in the Macalister Irrigation District. She has held leadership and volunteer roles within local community, sport, health, water management, and the dairy industry. Raelene currently serves as Chair of the Heyfield Hospital Board of Management, and Macalister Irrigation District, a member of the GippsDairy Board as well as a member and past Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia (Gippsland) Committee. Raelene is a Graduate of AICD and brings strength in governance, risk, strategy, and compliance, underpinned by deep regional insight and a commitment to supporting farmers and rural communities.

Mark holds credentials in governance, negotiation, succession planning, and HR. He leads ‘The Milk Road’, helping producers build team culture and capability to improve welfare, productivity, and profitability. His work includes national programs on milk quality and biosecurity. With a lifelong commitment to learning and rural success, Mark brings strategic thinking, empathy, and strong networks to his governance role at NEX, helping guide the organisation’s future.