Board of Management

Chairman Matthew Sussmilch LL B. Matthew completed a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Canterbury, N.Z. in 1998 before emigrating to Victoria with his wife and their two young children. He is a Solicitor and principal of the legal practice Harrison, Dobson and Cottrill in Benalla. Prior to commencing his legal studies in 1994, Matthew was employed in the maritime industry. Matthew enjoys a wide variety of leisure interests including family orientated activities and getting out and discovering Victoria.
Vice Chairman Graeme Budd B.Education Graeme has retired from the Education Department after 42 years. His last 14 years were spent as Principal of Benalla East Primary School. During 2003-04 Graeme was President of the Rotary Club of Benalla and in 2004 he was Captain of Benalla Golf Club. Graeme is married to Joy and has two children and three grandchildren. He enjoys golfing, skiing and community activities.
Vice Chairman Anthony Putt FAICD Anthony has been in the disability field for 10 years and is currently Chief Executive Officer of Central Access Ltd. He is a graduate with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has also completed an Advanced Diploma in Disability. Anthony, is also completing a Bachelor of Applied Science degree majoring in Disability and Psychology. Anthony is actively involved in the community representing a number of organisations in various capacities. Personal interests of camping, fishing and any sports captures the imagination without any prompting.
Treasurer Brendan Smith B. Bus (Acc.), FPNA. CFP. Brendan is a partner with local accounting practice Smith Dosser. He has over 30 years' experience in financial, taxation and management accounting. Brendan is also a certified financial planner, having specialised in strategic consulting and advising since 1999 with OzPlan Financial Services, a Victoria-wide company of which he is a founding director. Brendan has lived in Benalla since 1987. Apart from a range of community activities over the years, Brendan's personal interests include his wife and family, various sports and gardening.
Alana Johnson BA. BSW. VAFT(Clinical). MAICD Alana is a registered Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist. She is a National and International rural consultant and a sessional university lecturer. Alana and her husband Rob Richardson have a beef cattle and farm forestry property at Lurg. Their sons Jock & Alistair attend university in Melbourne. Alana is a Director of the Victorian Women's Trust, the Goulburn Valley Grammar School and our local Tomorrow Today Community Foundation.
Steven Leitl MB BS FRACS, FRACS(Orth) Steven is an Orthopaedic Surgical Consultant who was a Visiting Medical Officer to Wangaratta Base Hospital from 1979 to 2002 and to Benalla Hospital from 1989 to 1999. He is currently in part time practice performing assessments for injury cases for the Workcover bodies in Victoria and New South Wales. Steven is married to Cheryle and has two sons,two granddaughters and a grandson. He has lived in Wangaratta since 1979. He enjoys fishing and golf and in 2005/2006 was the captain of the Wangaratta Golf Club.
Annie Hart B.A. (Public Relations) While Annie’s primary focus currently is being mum to two small children, she also operates her own small business as a public relations consultant. Prior to moving to Benalla in 2003, Annie worked with small businesses to help them access government programs and funding and has held various roles in the local Government sector. Annie and her husband moved to Benalla from Tathra NSW when she was pregnant with her first child. Both Annie’s children were born at Benalla and District Memorial Hospital.
Catherine Botta BSc Agr MSc Agr, Grad.Cert Soil Con. Catherine works extensively as a soil scientist, educator and facilitator with rural and regional communities. She worked for almost ten years as a lecturer in agriculture and natural resource management for Melbourne University, and also has considerable experience working in the public service sector including extension program design and delivery, training design and delivery, and project management. Cath is currently completing a graduate certificate in mediation and conflict resolution with the University of Queensland.