Meet Our Directors and Staff
At Mt Evelyn & Districts Financial Services Ltd (MEDFSL), our directors and staff are the driving force behind the strong community bonds that define our organisation. Each member of our team brings unique expertise, passion, and dedication to their role, contributing to the ongoing success of Community Bank Mt Evelyn and its positive impact on the Yarra Valley region.
Our directors provide strategic leadership, guiding MEDFSL with a vision that prioritises community empowerment, financial growth, and sustainable practices. Their decisions shape the way we operate, ensuring that we stay true to our mission of reinvesting profits back into the local community, creating opportunities and enhancing lives.
Our staff are the heartbeat of our daily operations, offering personalised service and building relationships that foster trust and loyalty. Their commitment extends beyond banking transactions; they play an essential role in supporting local initiatives, responding to community needs, and helping to turn ideas into action. Whether assisting with sponsorships and grants, coordinating community events, or providing tailored financial advice, our team is dedicated to serving our customers and the broader community.
Together, our directors and staff form an integral part of MEDFSL’s enduring commitment to building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community. Through their hard work, leadership, and collaboration, they help create a legacy that empowers local individuals, organisations, and the Yarra Valley as a whole.
Meet Our Directors
John Stroud
Title: Non-executive director
Experience and expertise: John has a Graduate Certificate of Management and Certificate in Electronics as well as extensive operational and business experience. John is semi-retired after working in the telecommunications industry for 45 years with 30 of those as an operations manager. He is a long-term member of the Mount Evelyn community and has been actively involved with numerous community groups over the years. He played football at Mount Evelyn Football Netball Club and served as president for six years.
Special responsibilities: Chair, marketing committee representative
Laura Lilley
Title: Non-executive director
Experience and expertise: Laura currently works as a Business Analyst with a Large Not for profit organisation. Laura has Bachelor of Business/Arts (Korean) and is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years experience. Laura has been a resident of Mt Evelyn since 2005. Born and raised in Lilydale (on the border of Mt Evelyn) where her parents still reside and has a strong sense of connection with the local area. Over the years has been involved in many community groups, from Tennis, Basketball and Scouts when growing up and continues this involvement now through her family’s activities
Special responsibilities: Treasurer and Company Secretary
Gai Williams
Title: Non-executive director
Experience and expertise: Bachelor of Pharmacy, A.F.A.I.P.M. Retired Pharmacist Owner and Operator for 26 years. Previously Chair of the Board of Guardian Pharmacies Australia.
Special responsibilities: Vice-Chairman
Lisa Glassborow
Title: Non-executive director
Experience and expertise: Lisa has over 20 years’ experience both in the corporate and not for profit (or ‘for purpose’) sectors working in strategy, marketing communications, fundraising, events and relationship management and now runs her own small business.
Lisa has lived in the local area all of her life (other than 2 years in sunny Darwin) and is grateful for her involvement with a number of local community groups over the years.
Lisa is the past President of Birmingham Primary School and Fernhill Pre-school, was the Assistant Principal of Yarra Valley Calisthenics College for 11 years and has worked with the committees of Coldstream and Silvan Football Clubs over the year. Her children play basketball for Mt Evelyn Meteors, netball for Mt Evelyn Netball Club and football for Mt Evelyn Junior Football Club.
Lisa believes strongly that good relationships make businesses and organisations great places to be part of and when we have lots of great places that people feel connected to, we have stronger, healthier communities. Lisa is also Company Secretary at Darlingford Wates Marina Pty Ltd and sits on the Advisory Board of Humphris Nursery
Steven Martin
Title: Non-executive director
Experience and expertise: Steve holds Diploma in Emergency Management (fire fighting) he is a Senior Station Officer working for FRV, a career he has enjoyed for over 13 years. Prior to joining the fire brigade, Steve was a carpenter holding a Certificate IV in Building and Construction. Steve worked in the industry for 8 years, starting as an apprentice for a local company and currently owns and manages a small building company, focused on property development.
Steve is a long time member of the Mount Evelyn Community, and has been active, particularly within the Mount Evelyn Junior Club, previously coaching Auskick and junior teams. Steve is a member of the Mt Evelyn Sports Community Hub committee who are responsible for the redevelopment of the Tramway road master plan. Steve has four young children who attend school and kindergarten in Mount Evelyn.
Malcolm Darke
Title: Non-executive director (appointed 28 June 2024)
Experience and expertise: Malcolm (Mal) has been employed in the Victorian Public Sector for over 30 years and for the last 10 years as a senior manager.
Mal has extensive Project Management, Emergency Management, OH&S and Risk Management experience. Mal is a long-term member of the Mt-Evelyn Community and has been extensively involved in Community and Corporate roles which include President of the Mt-Evelyn Junior Football Club (2015- 2017) and AFL Outer East Commissioner (2018-2020).
Mal is the current President of the Mt-Evelyn Sports & Recreation Hub (Redevelopment and continuing management of the Mt-Evelyn Sporting Pavilion) a project that Mal commenced as President of the Junior Football Club in 2015 and led to completion in 2023.
Tamara Scott
Title: Non-executive director (appointed 9 July 2024)
Experience and expertise: Tammy has a Bachelor of Applied Biology/Biotechnology (with Honours), an Advanced Diploma in Public Safety (Emergency Management), and numerous leadership courses. Tammy has worked in the Emergency Services sector for the past 25 years and is currently a Manager of Community Safety, for the Country Fire Authority’s North East Region. Tammy has lived in the local area for 30 years and enjoys interacting with local businesses, sporting clubs, and the general community spirit. Tammy is passionate about community development and resilience; and she is actively involved in supporting local community groups.
Prue Northey
Title: Non-executive director
Experience and expertise: Prue Northey is an accomplished Senior Community Relations and Stakeholder Advisor within an international engineering firm, known for her expertise in forging strong connections between organisations and communities. She previously held roles as the Manager of Membership and Programs for a national association and as an Event Coordinator at an iconic sports centre. With a Diploma of Business, and an ongoing pursuit of a Master of Business Administration, Prue combines academic knowledge with practical experience. Passionate about communities, Prue is committed to leveraging her expertise in community relations, strategic planning, and project management. Her strategic thinking and collaborative approach drive positive change and foster impactful partnerships.
Gareth Little-Hales
Title: Non-executive director (resigned 28 May 2024)
Experience and expertise: Bachelor of Science (Honours), Environmental Health, Dip. Business. Over 30 years experience in local government. Emigrated from the UK in 2002 where he was a Fellow of the Institute of Home Safety. Has served on a number of community boards in UK and Australia. Past President Montrose Township Group and prior Chair of Montrose Community Bank Branch Steering Committee, and an active member of various community organisations.
Meet Our Staff
At Community Bank Mt Evelyn, we’re proud to have a dedicated and passionate team at the heart of our operations. In August 2023, Ann Peters stepped into the role of Branch Manager, bringing her expertise and leadership to a year filled with change and opportunity. Ann’s appointment followed the retirement of our long-serving Senior Branch Manager, David Watt, whose legacy continues to inspire us.
To enhance our operations and better serve you, Bernadette took on the role of Branch Operations Manager, ensuring our front-of-house team delivers the exceptional service you’ve come to expect.
Our talented staff team includes Ann, Bernadette, Issy, Jan, Sharon, Paula, Amy, Charlotte, Lauren, and Diane. Each member of our team is committed to fostering strong connections, providing tailored banking solutions, and supporting the vibrant community we’re proud to be a part of.
Together, we’re here to help you achieve your goals while contributing to the prosperity and well-being of the Yarra Ranges.
