Helene Bender AM

Helene Bender AM has extensive board experience as Chair, Deputy Chair, Board and Committee member in the areas of business, education (including tertiary), health (including dental), tourism, events, and multi-million dollar fundraising for health infrastructure and sporting facilities, plus involvement in numerous not-for-profit community organisations.

Boards include Barwon Health Foundation (Chair), Committee for Geelong (Founding Director and Deputy Chair), Deakin University (including Deputy Chancellor), Dental Health Victoria, Geelong Cats Sports Foundation (Chair), Geelong Football Club (including inaugural Chair of Nine Lives Geelong), Geelong Cemeteries Trust (including Chair of Audit & Risk Committee), Geelong Grammar School Council, Tourism Victoria, and inaugural Chair of Geelong Region Cancerians.

2006 Australia Day: Order of Australia recipient for service to the community of Geelong, particularly through business and commerce, regional development, local government and tourism organisations.

2022 Australia Day: Elevated to Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community through health, education, not-for-profit and sporting organisations.

Order of Australia Association: Barwon Regional Group Secretary since 2013; VIC Branch Committee Member since 2016; National Board Nominated Director (VIC) 2017; National Membership Director May 2018–2022; National Marketing Committee since June 2022.

Victoria Branch of the Order of Australia Association has excellent Regional Groups who are committed to growing nominations, increasing membership and retaining members.

My aim is to work with OAA members and the community, ensuring diversity of nominations including age, gender and culture.

The Victoria Branch Committee also welcomes feedback from members regarding Branch events.

I thank previous Victoria Branch Chairs for building a solid foundation.