About Us | YREC

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.

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YREC Board

Alison Fitzgerald

Director

Alison Fitzgerald - Executive Director “I love working for YREC because every day is so different. When I came on board, I knew we needed to refocus on the incubation model. And I think we’ve understood and responded to what that means in a community such as Warburton. I’m proud of what has been achieved ...

Julie Ormsby

Executive Assistant

“What I love most about my job is the diversity. Every day is different. Every day there is a new question to answer. I love the challenge this presents me.” Julie Ormsby joined YREC in the role of Executive Assistant in late 2019. She works closely with Alison and her keen eye for detail is part ...

Clive Baker

Chair

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 ...

Robyn McHugh

Director

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 ...

Jeff Gill

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 ...

Sonja Mazar

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 ...

John Ridley

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 ...

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