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John Wakelin

Chairperson

John is a semi-retired businessman who joined the board of Muddy Puddles in March 2015 and has since been appointed as Chairman. He is a Vietnam Veteran who found his way to Batemans Bay in 1969. He has had a long, interesting and overall successful business career ranging from air conditioning contracting to manufacturing, land and property development and aged care and at times has been responsible for up to two hundred employees. He has also been heavily involved in the community almost from the day he arrived in Batemans Bay working his way through various sporting organisations, school building and finance committees and Legacy. John is still active in business however can now afford time to help guide Muddy Puddles through a building program that will culminate in an Education and Therapy Centre that can provide specialised services for children with additional needs. A way to a “good life” for those less fortunate.

Oscar Gentner

Vice Chair

Oscar is a fully qualified disability service CEO who has recently retired from full time work. His qualifications include management & administration degrees, accounting and auditing qualifications. He also has 25 years’ experience in the disability sector. Prior to the disability industry experience he was at senior management levels in retailing and the food supply industry. As a consultant and trainer he has delivered many specific industry training programs and has diverse human & industrial relations experience. Private interests include sports, fishing and family activities. Oscar joined Muddy Puddles in 2015 and has been involved in the Batemans Bay community for over 10 years owning a holiday house locally and being involved in AFL football with the Batemans Bay Seahawks. He has a genuine interest in the disability service industry and a commitment to support services within the community.

Tina Philip

Secretary (Interim)

Tina Philip joined Muddy Puddles in January 2016 after having retired the previous year from her long term employment in the mental health field as a psychiatric nurse consultant. Tina has extensive clinical experience spanning over 40 years and is well known for her commitment to the development and enhancement of services in rural areas. She is a passionate advocate for individuals and their families who experience complex problems. In June 2017 Tina was officially recognised for her significant years of dedication and outstanding contribution to mental health care by being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Tina is married with two children and 2 grandchildren and has been a member of the Eurobodalla community for over 30 years.

Andrew Elek

Director

Andrew is a Visiting Research Fellow of the Crawford School of Economics and Government at the Australian National University (ANU).  He has worked extensively in development economics in South Asia and the South Pacific, and as a Senior Economist with the World Bank. During his time with the Australian Government, he was the inaugural chairman of APEC Senior Officials, with a central role in the establishment of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 1989.  From 1990 to 1994 he was a Senior Research Fellow at the ANU. Since then, Andrew has been a self-employed economic policy researcher and part-time consultant. He has published many papers on international economic cooperation, including the APEC process and, more recently, the G20 and the Belt and Road initiative. After decades of international work, he is ready to make a contribution closer to home with Muddy Puddles.

Bernie Basevi

Director

Bernie is a semi-retired businessman and builder with over 35 years experience in the building industry.  He has also been greatly involved in the community, with life memberships of Apex Clubs of Australia, Braidwood Servicemens Club, Malua Bay Fishing Club, and Malua Bay Bowling and Recreation Club, attesting to that involvement.  Bernie is at present a current director of Malua Bay Bowling and Recreation Club, and chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Bernards Parish Batehaven.  He has joined the Muddy Puddles Board to provide guidance with the building of the Education and Therapy Centre.

Elizabeth Huppatz

Director

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