Dr Cath Lees elected as C4EM chair

Committee for Echuca Moama (C4EM) has welcomed Dr Cath Lees as its new chair.

Cath was appointed after Dean Oberin stood down from the role at the organisation’s AGM. A founding board member in 2011, Dean has been chair since 2021 and will continue as a board member.

‘Cath joined the board in February 2021, becoming deputy chair last year,’ Dean said. ‘She brings a wealth of experience in strategy and health and I’m excited to see where she will lead the organisation.’

Cath has just become head of Education Governance and Development at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

‘I’m honoured to be taking over as chair from Dean who has done an amazing job leading C4EM,’ she said.

Helping lead the board will be Scott Spedding who has taken on the deputy chair position. Scott has been on the board since 2022 and is general manager at Coolabah Turf.

‘With a dynamic and dedicated board, along with Scott’s determination and drive, I’m excited to see what we can achieve in the next 18 months,’ Cath said.

‘We are currently planning financial support workshops for businesses affected by the 2022 floods, and we have a series of breakfast talks to begin in May. We are also continuing to work on several other projects, including accommodation and housing, CCTV, electric vehicle charging stations, and the Community Connector program which tackles attraction and retention of employees.

‘I would love to connect with anyone who has an idea or project they are passionate about that would benefit our community.’

Cath takes over at a transitional time for the organisation, after CEO Chris Janson resigned last week (March 27).

‘Chris has been terrific in providing much-needed advocacy and support to a range of community projects, as well as being successfully in gaining two grants,’ Cath said.

New board members for 2024 are Grace Angel (senior account manager Ace Radio), and Belinda Gilbert (general manager Byford Equipment), who were both appointed at the AGM for three-year terms, while Oliver Boyd from Elders was appointed community board member. Continuing their terms are Tim Ford (treasurer) and Anne Marie Cairns.

Outgoing board members were Moama Bowling Club CEO Paul Barnes and Mawsons managing director John Mawson, who were both founding board members.

‘I would like to thank Paul and John for their passion and dedication over the past 12 years,’ Dean said. ‘Their combined skills and experience have helped C4EM become the organisation it is today.’

To contact Cath, email info@c4em.com.au