The board and executive team at Yallambee have spent their careers building trust in aged care and retirement living. They understand what matters most - dignity, safety and genuine connection. Every decision they make is rooted in the belief that older Australians deserve nothing less than the best.
Meet the stewards of Yallambee's mission and values.
BSc Optometry, GradDip Ocular Therapeutics, GAICD
John established his optometry practice in Traralgon in 1980 and sold it in 2018 after 38 years. He retired in 2020. John remains active in aviation as a private pilot and life member of Latrobe Valley Aero Club. He was reappointed Board Chair on 1 December 2025.
John chairs the Nominations Committee and represents the Board on the Village Advisory Committee. He also serves on the Corporate Governance Quality & Risk Committee, Quality Care Advisory Body, and Remuneration Committee.
GradDip Rail Operations Management
Tim is a long-time Gippsland resident living in Traralgon. He works as Regional Manager for passenger rail in Gippsland and has extensive experience in transport, projects, and leadership roles within industry and community groups.
Tim was appointed Deputy Chair on 1 December 2025. He sits on the Quality Care Advisory Body and the Remuneration Committee.
MB, BS, DA(Lon), DipRACOG, FRRACGP
Dr Fitzgerald is a retired GP who has lived in Traralgon since 1983. He worked at Breed Street Clinic from 1983–2020, providing medical services to Margery Cole Residential Aged Care throughout. He was a Director of Deakin Medical Group (1984–2017) and Breed Street Nominees (1984–2021).
Roger chairs the Quality Care Advisory Body and Remuneration Committee, and serves on the Corporate Governance Quality & Risk Committee and Nominations Committee.
BSc (Hons), MIC, CMC, MBCS, GAICD
Nick is a director of several private and not-for-profit organisations with 30 years' experience in Business Systems, IT Solutions, Business Analysis, and Project & Programme Management. He has held consulting and leadership roles across commercial, government, and not-for-profit sectors, primarily in the UK and Europe. Nick is a Member of the British Computer Society, Institute of Consulting, and Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Nick chairs the Corporate Governance Quality & Risk Committee.
BHN, GradCert Health Service Management (Quality & Safety)
Mandy enjoys the country lifestyle of Gippsland, where she now resides after childhood holidays on Ninety Mile Beach.
With over 15 years in health and aged care, Mandy brings expertise in quality care, compliance, and governance. She has held senior management roles including Acting General Manager of Quality and Innovation and Aged Care Consultant specialising in Governance, Risk, Compliance and Policy. She is a Member of the Australian Institute of Clinical Governance and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, and sits on the Quality Care Advisory Body and Nominations Committee. Mandy has a registered nursing background.
LLB, GDLP, Cert of Admission, Cert Legal Business Skills
Cassandra is an experienced commercial lawyer who optimises business operations and manages multi-million dollar negotiations. She aligns corporate objectives with risk management and good governance.
Cassandra was admitted to the legal profession by the Supreme Court of Queensland and holds an LLB from Griffith University, GDLP and Certificate of Legal Business Skills from the College of Law. She is a member of the Australian Association of Corporate Counsel and the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association.
As a Board member, Cassandra brings strategic insights to Yallambee and sits on the Corporate Governance Quality and Risk Committee.
RN, PostGrad Dip (Critical Care), Master of Leadership
Simone is a Registered Nurse and has spent 35 years delivering high-quality acute patient care with a strong clinical foundation and proven leadership across critical care services.
As Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Latrobe Regional Health, Simone supports high-performing clinical teams across the organisation.
Born and raised in Gippsland, Simone has a deep personal connection to the community and a strong commitment to its health and wellbeing.
Simone sits on the Quality Care Advisory Body.
MBBS (Hons), FRACGP, B. Pharm (Hons)
Michael is a General Practitioner in Traralgon. Michael initially trained as a pharmacist and worked at Latrobe Regional Hospital, before studying Medicine at Monash University.
Michael trained throughout Gippsland during his training and in 2022 he and a colleague established Project Health General Practice in Traralgon.
Michael has experience in all aspects of General Practice, aged care, and skin cancer diagnosis and management.
Michael sits on the Quality Care Advisory Body.
Our Executive Team
Leading with purpose
Meet the people who shape Yallambee's future
Alison brings over 20 years of aged care management experience to Yallambee. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing and previously served as National Infection Control Advisor for Japara/Calvary Healthcare. Since joining in February 2022, Alison has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to sound governance. A member and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she is dedicated to building on Yallambee's unique culture and enabling its continued growth.
Jayne joined Yallambee in July 2023, bringing over 30 years of aged care experience and a background as a registered nurse. She has served as a manager in large homes and holds qualifications as an IPC (Infection Prevention and Control) lead and expertise in AN-ACC (Australian National Aged Care Classification) management. As Clinical Operations Manager, she leads the care team with a collaborative approach focused on person-centred care and resident well-being.
Our Customer Services Department is led by Leanne Felstead, who serves as Customer Services Manager. Leanne brings extensive and proven experience in Customer Service, Business and Relationship Management within the Aged Care sector across Victoria. With a strong track record of excellence in these critical areas, she is committed to ensuring that our residents receive the highest standard of service and support. Her expertise spans multiple facets of customer relations and organisational management, making her well equipped to lead our team and drive continuous improvement in our service delivery.
Our Business Services team is led by Melissa Knibbs who joined Yallambee in March 2026. She is a highly qualified Certified Public Accountant and an experienced senior business manager.
Melissa specialises in accounting, finance, risk, compliance, governance, quality control, and internal audit. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked across a wide range of industries, including not-for-profit organisations, education, correctional services, construction, transport, and primary production.
Everything at Yallambee is guided by a simple belief, that every person deserves to live with dignity, joy, and ease. Our vision is to be the most trusted aged care provider in the region and our mission is to deliver high quality, innovative services that make that possible every day. Underpinning it all are our four core values: Life, Integrity, Vitality, and Empathy which shape the way we care for our residents, support our community and show up for each other.
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