ABOUT US
Our Story
Embracing the future, acknowledging the past
In 2015, Wimmera Volunteers (Volunteering Western Victoria) and the Wimmera HUB made the decision to come together and become one entity known as ‘the Centre for Participation’. Through this partnership, we’ve been able to strengthen our offering and better support the communities we serve.
Strengthening communities through connection, opportunity and active participation.
OUR MISSION
Our Vision
Strengthening communities through connection, opportunity and active participation.
Our Purpose
To create inclusive, lasting community connections where vulnerable people are supported, empowered through learning, and inspired to shape their own future.
Our guiding principles
Unlock potential
We trust, respect and communicate clearly so that people stretch their abilities, take on new challenges, and step outside their comfort zones.
Connect people
We help people better understand others – their motivations, desires and feelings – so they can build meaningful connection, contribute authentically, and add value to relationships.
Transform lives
We will reduce barriers and hold ourselves accountable to ensure people connect, learn, develop and grow, to experience positive personal and social change.
Our strategic plan 2025-2029
At the Centre for Participation, we are proud to launch our Strategic Plan 2025–2029, setting a bold course for the next five years as we continue to empower communities across the Wimmera Southern Mallee.
Rooted in deep community consultation and aligned with national and state policy directions, our new plan outlines a renewed focus on connection, opportunity, and active participation—ensuring every person has the chance to belong, contribute and thrive.
Our strategic priorities
1. Enhance community engagement and social participation
This means creating deeper, more meaningful connections across our community where every person feels welcomed, valued and empowered to contribute.
2. Expand learning opportunities
This means creating more accessible pathways for people to build skills, confidence and leadership through hands-on experiences, training and education.
3. Revolutionise volunteering and workforce development
This means reimagining how people connect, contribute and build their future careers through community engagement.
4. Strengthen environmental, social and governance (ESG) sustainability and impact
This means embedding responsible, ethical and future-focused practices into everything we do.
Our people
With wide-ranging skills, experience and expertise, each person brings unique insights and perspectives that help shape and guide the Centre for Participation.
OUR BOARD
Bernadette O’Shannessy | Chair
Bernie is an experienced advocate and educator with a diverse career spanning over two decades. She has worked as a Disability Advocate, Equality Advocate, and Sessional Teacher, contributing significantly to the Wimmera Region. Bernie is passionate about adult education, disability awareness, and promoting equality through her extensive volunteer and professional work.
Emily Dalkin | Deputy Chair
Emily Dalkin is a dedicated educator and leader from the Wimmera, with extensive experience as a school principal and a passion for fostering thriving regional communities. Based in Rupanyup, her expertise spans inclusive education, curriculum design, stakeholder engagement, and governance. Emily’s career highlights include leading Marnoo Primary School, founding DRAMA UP! workshops for children, and contributing to social enterprise initiatives such as Good2Go in Melbourne. Emily is eager to bring her strategic leadership skills, community connections, and advocacy for accessibility and improvement to the Centre for Participation's Board.
John Martin
John is an agricultural engineer by training and has been the Infrastructure Director at Horsham Rural City Council since 2012, after many years previously at GWMWater. John enjoys working with the community, and was a long-serving member of the Horsham Apex Club, and board member of schools his children attended.
Venetia Maria Kardogeros
Multi-lingual Early Child Educator and Room Assistant at Emerge Early Years Services, Dimboola, with strong governance experience. Certified Community Director and volunteer for various community organisations. Known for exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills, energetic teamwork, and dedication to creating positive learning environments. Currently undertaking a Bachelor of Social Science at Federation University.
Raghavendra Vasudeva Upadhyaya
Raghavendra is a qualified Engineer with over 12 years of project management experience, holding a Ph.D. in Engineering and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors GAICD. As the Director of Infrastructure Services at Upper Hunter Shire Council, they manage a $60M+ budget and oversee 100+ staff. Their expertise includes strategic planning, financial oversight, risk management, and securing substantial state and federal grants.
Grant Hollaway
Dr. Grant Hollaway brings over three decades of experience in leadership, research, and community engagement. Based in Horsham, Victoria, he has held senior roles at Agriculture Victoria and Astute Ag, demonstrating expertise in project management, budget oversight, and strategic planning for large-scale initiatives. Dr. Hollaway's governance credentials include completing the Australian Institute of Company Directors' course and chairing or serving on committees in agriculture and local community sectors. His accolades, such as the GRDC Recognising Excellence Award, reflect his impact in supporting regional industries. Passionate about community development, he seeks to leverage his skills to benefit the Centre for Participation.
Arun Thomas
Arun Thomas is a dynamic healthcare leader with a passion for innovation, governance, and aged care. A Registered Nurse, he became one of Victoria's youngest public hospital board directors at 27, providing strategic direction and clinical governance at Stawell Regional Health. Arun's dedication has earned accolades, including the 2018 Victorian Aged Care Leadership Award and 2019 Channel 7 Victorian Young Achiever of the Year. He holds prestigious roles across healthcare organisations, serves as a mentor, and advocates for vulnerable communities. Arun’s visionary leadership and deep expertise continue to drive excellence in healthcare and aged care, inspiring future leaders in the sector.
Meredith Knoop
Meredith has a Masters of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Nursing and a Diploma of Community Services.
Sally Marcroft
Sally has a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Diploma in Business Governance. Founder of Training on Track.
OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Robbie Millar MICDA, FICDA, Dip.Bus. (Gov) | Chief Executive Officer
Robbie is a highly experienced and effective leader in the community and social services sector, with over 20 years of expertise in the for-purpose industry. With a range of diplomas including Business Governance, Vocational Education and Training, Training Design and Development, and Business Management, he has honed his skills in leadership, social enterprise, coaching, conflict resolution, public speaking, and facilitation. Driven by a strong passion for improving the lives and outcomes of disadvantaged people residing in the Wimmera Southern Mallee, Robbie is continually seeking opportunities to make a positive impact. He is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our region and strives to create a better environment for individuals and families to live, work, study, and grow.
Helen Hawken | Finance Manager
Helen began her career as an Officer in the Australian Army then gained experience in several industries including Mining and Property after which she joined the Australian National Audit Office in Canberra as an Auditor for Business Processes. Moving to Horsham she worked for Uniting (Vic-Tas) as Financial Analyst for the Wimmera and Tasmanian Uniting Branches.
With a Bachelor of Economics and a Masters of Accounting Helen brings over 20 years exposure to financial procedures and processes.
Having had the opportunity with the Australian Army to visit Southeast Asia, Helen thoroughly enjoys working for the various multicultural groups at the Centre for Participation. Helen sees her role as a way of ‘giving back’ in appreciation for the wonderful experiences she has received from those cultures.
Pablo Alfredo Gimenez | Social Enterprise Advisor
Pablo has a strong commitment to social justice focusing his efforts with small community groups delivering big impacts.
He has over 30 years experience working across the community legal, self help, advocacy, refugee, homelessness, health, disability and social enterprise sectors.
In 2001 Pablo was awarded a Commonwealth Centenary Medal in recognition of his work with some of the most disadvantaged members of our community.