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Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centres
about us
Making a difference
The Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centres Ltd (YREC) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1998 as a business incubator to support the growth and development of small and micro businesses within the Yarra Ranges Council.
We provide a range of services for new and developing enterprises including business premises at low cost; referrals to professional counselling and advice; and easy access to training and networking opportunities.
Initially funded by the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations, and Small Business, Swinburne University and the Yarra Ranges Council, YREC remains grateful to Yarra Ranges Council for its ongoing support.
What is a Business Incubator?
The Business Incubation process began in the United States in the early sixties, and has been in operation around the world ever since. Experience has shown the enterprises that undergo this process as part of their development are four times more likely to succeed than similar businesses in the market place.
Australia has more than 80 Incubators in operation , with 26 of these in Victoria.
Business Incubation has now earned an accepted place in the economic development of the regions in which Incubators operate.
YREC Board
Alison Fitzgerald commenced with YREC in April 2014 as Executive Officer. Her career experience includes several Economic Development management roles within Local Government assisting retail, commercial and industrial businesses to streamline the process of doing business. She has managed significant programs across the business sector and broader community including extensive stakeholder consultation. Working closely with businesses at all levels, Alison has an excellent network to bring business development and growth opportunities to small and start up businesses within the Yarra Ranges. READ MORE
Alison Fitzgerald
Executive Officer
Julie Ormsby is YREC’s Executive Assistant. Her exceptional organisational skills help to support the day-to-day operations at YREC, ensuring a high standard of service for current and future tenants. She has a keen eye for detail and enjoys getting her Things to Do list complete. Julie was born in the Upper Yarra Valley and is an active member of her community.
Julie Ormsby
Executive Assistant
Clive Baker is a Chartered Civil Engineer with
over 35 years experience in major transport infrastructure projects in the UK and Australia. He is currently the Director of Highways for an international consulting practice and has been involved in a number of significant infrastructure projects in Victoria. Clive enjoys building teams and creating supportive environments for people to realise their potential.
Clive lives in the Yarra Valley, has been married for over 30 years and has two grown up daughters
Clive Baker
Chair
Robyn has recently retired from the full-time workforce.
Originally training as an industrial chemist, her career has seen her working in a variety of industries around Australia as a Quality and OHS Manager, then
moving into an auditing role in the areas of quality, safety, disability and human services. Her final role as a General Manager for Aged Care assessment
Services has seen her come a long way from being an industrial chemist in the mining sector.
Robyn and her husband settled in Warburton 3 years ago and have recently purchased Warburton Hardware.
Robyn McHugh
Director
Jeff Gill is the owner of L.S. Gill & Son, a printing business located in Warburton. As a ‘local’, Jeff is instrumental in the progression of community and economic development for the area as a local business and in his role as the President of the Warburton Advancement League Inc and a past and active member of the Warburton Valley Community Economic Development Association (CEDA).
Jeff Gill
Director
Sonja Mazar has a variety of skills and experience in her many years of Community and Natural Therapy work.
Having worked in Family Support Services, Community based organisations and now for over 15 years in the Neighbourhood House sector, Sonja brings extensive experience and knowledge to the Board.
Sonja also has experience as a Business owner having had her own Natural Therapy business for over 25 years.
Having always lived in the Yarra Ranges Sonja understands the complexities of the many varied areas of the region.
Sonja Mazar
Director
John Ridley has over 30 years experience in advising clients on making their communications more effective.
As principal of the Clifton Group, John helped clients identify the public who were important to the success of their activities and build positive relationships with them.
A law graduate, John has also worked in federal and local government and in politics. He was a councillor on the Upper Yarra Shire, chief of staff to Foreign Minister Andrew Peacock and was State Director of the Victorian Division of the Liberal Party.
John has substantial experience of NFP boards. He is currently on the board of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and has been Chairman of the Australian Tapestry Workshop and of Melbourne Forum. He also served on the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board of Victoria. John has lived in Warburton since 1989.
John Ridley
Director
Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centres Ltd is
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