Audit and Risk Committee

Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to the Audit and Risk Committee as a Senior Executive, Director, Board Member and Business Advisor in commercial roles in banking and finance, insurance and in business advisory capacities.

Paul has extensive background in strategic and business planning, people and culture development, sales growth, operational efficiency, and financial management.

Paul currently works advising and mentoring Business Owners and Leaders to achieve their commercial and personal objectives.
Paul loves to be involved in this community and has held honorary positions in sporting clubs and school councils.

Alister Purbrick has over 45 years’ experience in the tourism, wine and liquor industries and is recognised for his strategic planning, corporate business development and leadership skills.

Alistair is heavily involved in the wine industry and holds a number of current corporate executive, board and financial advisory positions related to the wine industry, and is the President of Australian Grape and Wine Inc.

Alister is not only recognised for his leadership and contribution to the Australian Wine Industry but is also heavily involved in his local community. Alister is currently a member of the Nagambie Waterways Advisory Committee and was a Strathbogie Shire Councillor in 2012-2016.

Alister has strong environmental and sustainability credentials leading the Tahbilk Group to be carbon balanced/neutral with "zero net balance" of greenhouse gas emissions since 2012.

Sophie is a senior executive with extensive experience across various industries including Education, Finance, Telecommunications and Health.

Sophie’s focus is around People and Culture and she is heavily involved in OHS, Risk and Finance oversight in her current role.

Sophie’s strong background in strategic planning, industrial relations and organisational and safety governance further enhances the skill diversity and capability of the Audit and Risk Committee.

As a resident of Strathbogie, Sophie has strong connections with her local community and values the unique lifestyle that living in the Strathbogie Shire offers.

John has demonstrated proven performance over the last thirty years in Local Government holding positions that include Commissioner on Inquires and Reviews, Administrator and Chair of Administrators, recently completing his term as Chair of Administrators with Moria Shire Council.

John’s experience in the private and non-for-profit sector also brings a good understanding of community needs and requirements. He has served in public Board Positions in the water and health industry. With the knowledge gained in Commission of Inquiry’s reinforces the commitment to good governance and best practices to provide the best outcomes for communities.

Diversity in Local Government as a Commissioner in Brimbank City Council for a three-year term reinforce the challenges faced by smaller municipalities. During his time at Brimbank he was recognised with the Order of Australia AM for his service to Community and Government.

As a resident in Benalla, John is keen to see Local Government improvements that benefits the region.