genU is delighted to announce highly respected executive leader and passionate Geelong community advocate Elaine Carbines AM has been appointed to the genU Board of Directors, filling the vacant position following the resignation of Leanne Meehan.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Elaine bring her considerable expertise, insight and breadth of experience onto our Board,” genU Board Chair Ingrid Williams said.
Ms Williams described Ms Carbines’ significant leadership and community acumen as “a massive win for genU, its Members and clients”.
“Along with our Members, the Board – and we’re thrilled it now includes Elaine – is committed to ensuring genU continues to deliver on the missions of its founding organisations, Karingal and St Laurence,” Ms Williams said.
On her appointment, Ms Carbines said: “I’m so excited to be joining the Board of genU. We know that there are many challenges facing our sector at the moment, but I am confident that I am joining an organisation with the governance, executive and strategy in place to overcome these and drive greater impact for the people we serve.”
genU offers a diverse range of services, including disability support, senior services, training, and employment across Australia, serving 47,000 clients supported by more than 5,000 employees.
“Over the past four-and-a-half years, genU has gone through significant change as we have re-focused and enhanced our organisation to better serve our clients,” Ms Williams said.
“As we work to deliver on our Strategy 2030 priorities, Elaine’s appointment will be key to helping our organisation continue to grow and support our clients across the country.
“We are in a strong position to capitalise on future opportunities and have forecasted a return to profitability in 2025.”
Elaine Carbines AM is the former CEO of G21 – The Geelong Region Alliance, a position she held for 10 years. G21 is the Regional Strategic Planning Committee covering the municipalities of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Colac Otway, Golden Plains and Queenscliffe in Victoria.
From 1999 to 2006, Ms Carbines was the Member for Geelong Province, during which time she held the positions of Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Environment. Following her parliamentary career, Ms Carbines worked as the Manager of Strategic Relations at Parks Victoria from 2007 to 2010.
Ms Carbines is currently Deputy Chair of Ports Victoria, a Director on GForce Employment Solutions and the IMPACT Institute.
Previously Ms Carbines has held a number of governance positions including Deputy Chair of Barwon Water Board, Deputy Chair of the Gforce Employment Solutions and Deputy Chair of the Barwon South West Regional Development Australia Committee, Director of the AWA Alliance Bank Board, Northern Futures Board, and Independent Chair of the Geelong Port Community Advisory Committee.
In 2020, Ms Carbines was awarded as a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant contribution to the environment and conservation.
The Board thanks Ms Meehan for her two years of service and significant positive contribution to genU and to the lives of the people we serve across the country.
Ms Carbines’ appointment will be for a period of 12 months, commencing 13 November 2024.