Caroline Sheehan - Chair

Caroline brings more than three decades of executive leadership across the health, humanitarian and social services sectors to her role as Chair of VINC. Known for her strategic clarity and ability to translate complex challenges into action, her career spans senior roles including at the Royal Women's Hospital and Australian Red Cross where she has led major transformation programs and built high-performing, purpose-driven organisations. Caroline holds a Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is a skilled and thoughtful leader with a deep commitment to purpose-driven organisations and the communities they serve.

Michael Ballock - Secretary

Michael is an experienced planner, geographer and economist with more than 35 years of practice across government, local government executive leadership, private practice and academia. He has served as a Sessional Member of Planning Panels Victoria and has been appointed to a range of significant matters including Environmental Effects Statement and Advisory Committees. His experience spans strategic planning, environmental assessment and development impacts, and he has both prepared Environmental Effects Statements in private practice and represented local government at EES hearings. Michael has also taught planning at university level, bringing an analytical depth to his work that reflects his grounding across three disciplines. He is a member of the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association, a former committee member of the Planning Institute of Australia and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Rhys Dale

Rhys is an experienced data consultant who brings strong expertise in cloud platforms, technical architecture and data governance to the VINC board. He works for a Microsoft Partner, delivering robust data platforms, governance frameworks and business intelligence solutions across a range of industries. He holds a Master of Information Systems from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Certificate in Analytics from RMIT, and a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Botany from Monash University, a combination that makes him equally comfortable discussing biodiversity strategy as designing enterprise technology systems. Alongside his technical capability, Rhys brings a genuine passion for the environment and for helping build a healthier Victoria.

Seamus Flagg

Seamus is an Investment Advisor at Blue Rock, where he helps clients build and protect long-term wealth through tailored investment strategies and disciplined portfolio management. His career has spanned strategic financial advice to high-net-worth families and not-for-profits, accounting and tax law, and equity markets, giving him a well-rounded understanding of the financial landscape that few advisors can match. He holds a double bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from RMIT. Outside of work, Seamus is a passionate gardener - which makes his commitment to VINC's mission a particularly natural fit.

Natasha Freeman

Natasha brings a wealth of experience across the not-for-profit, humanitarian and corporate sectors, with deep expertise in operations management, change and transformation, and emergency response. Holding a Master of Business Administration from Victoria University and a BSc (Hons) in Management Science from the University of Canterbury, she is a strong systems thinker with a track record of building organisational capability and driving meaningful change. Natasha is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and known for her collaborative approach and her commitment to making a practical difference in the communities she serves.

Marcus Godinho

Marcus brings exceptional experience across the environment, community and not-for-profit sectors to the VINC board. He is best known for his two decades at FareShare Australia, building the organisation into one of Australia's most respected food charities, and prior to that as Chief Executive Officer of Environment Victoria. His board and advisory career spans Wildlife Victoria, The Wilderness Society Australia and the Victorian Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability reference group, among others. Marcus holds a Master of Business Administration from Monash University, a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Accounting) from the University of Melbourne, and has completed executive programs in nonprofit leadership and innovation at Harvard Business School. He brings to VINC a rare combination of environmental leadership, financial acumen and deep commitment to purpose-driven work.

Rowena Scheffer

Rowena is a highly experienced environmental and planning lawyer with more than three decades of practice across government and the law. She currently serves as Principal Solicitor at the Department of Transport and Planning, specialising in planning, building and construction law. Prior to this she spent over thirteen years as Manager of Legislation (Water and Catchments) at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (formerly DELWP), where she developed deep expertise in environmental law, water and catchments policy and legislative frameworks. Rowena holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from Monash University. Her extensive background in environmental law at the highest levels of state government makes her an invaluable voice on the VINC board.

Mark Hursch - VINC Manager

Mark has worked in horticulture and conservation for more than 28 years, driven by a deep passion for indigenous plants and the vital role they play in restoring Naarm–Melbourne's natural landscapes. As VINC Manager, he leads the nursery's day-to-day operations, working closely with staff, volunteers and partners to grow high-quality plants for nature recovery across greater Melbourne. Mark holds an Advanced Certificate of Horticulture and has brought deep knowledge of indigenous plant production, nursery management and community engagement to the role since joining VINC in 2001. He has a particular passion for grassy woodland understory flora, especially the Fabaceae (pea) family, often overlooked species that play a significant role in healthy ecosystems. Mark also co-founded two local Friends groups and was actively involved in both for many years.

Jules Malpass — Stock and Dispatch Coordinator

Jules keeps the VINC nursery running smoothly, overseeing yard operations to ensure every plant is healthy, well-presented and ready for its new home. With a hands-on approach and a keen eye for plant health, he coordinates yard volunteers across weeding, tube and box cleaning and general nursery upkeep. Jules brings an unexpected but highly transferable background to the role, a 24-year career as a chef gave him strong skills in management, logistics and operational systems, which he now applies with equal rigour to the world of indigenous plants. Jules holds a Diploma in Conservation and Land Management and a Certificate IV in Business Management. Jules joined VINC in late 2025.

Jo Clark — Propagation Coordinator

Jo oversees seed germination, vegetative propagation and growing-on of more than 200 species of locally indigenous plants each year at VINC. With a background in horticulture and many years at the nursery, Jo brings specialist knowledge of seed collection, storage and germination techniques, including the particular challenges of propagating rare and threatened species. Jo works closely with volunteers in the propagation area, sharing knowledge and skills that connect people with the science and art of growing indigenous plants from seed. Jo joined VINC in 2008.

Alyse Kent - Retail Coordinator

Alyse is the welcoming face of VINC's retail nursery, helping customers find the right indigenous plants for their gardens, nature strips and community spaces. With a broad knowledge of the species VINC grows and the conditions of Melbourne's inner north, Alyse is passionate about connecting people with local indigenous plants and the wildlife they support. Alyse coordinates retail volunteers, keeps the nursery display area stocked, tidy and inspiring for visitors and organises workshops for the community. Alyse holds a Master of Urban Horticulture and has a background in gardening and retail nursery work. She spent four years in Landcare, working with a bush crew across greater Melbourne and undertaking flora surveying around Central Victoria, before joining the VINC team in 2024.

Emma Hammel — Volunteer Liaison

Emma coordinates VINC's vibrant volunteer community, welcoming new volunteers, supporting existing ones and ensuring that everyone who gives their time has a meaningful and rewarding experience. Her own journey at VINC began as a volunteer in the propagation area, after she went looking for environmental volunteering opportunities, an experience that led her to pursue formal qualifications in horticulture at Burnley College and complete an internship at VINC. Having come through the volunteer pathway herself, Emma has a genuine understanding of the value volunteers bring to VINC, not just the hours they contribute, but the knowledge, energy and community they create. Emma joined VINC in July 2018.