Our Board of Directors is made up of a group of committed, passionate locals who are keen to see the vision and mission of Olivia's Place realise in the Gippsland region.

The group is a mix of younger and older parents and grandparents who all bring a variety of professional backgrounds and personal experiences to inform their role within the team.

Contact Us to Learn More about Joining our Board
  • Anthony Mutton | President

    GradDipAgedServsMgmt, FTIA, FGIA, FAICD

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    Anthony Mutton is an accomplished Chair, Non-Executive Director (NED), and Managing Director with over 30 years of experience across the aged care, health, and not-for-profit sectors. He brings expertise in board governance, aged care standards, strategic procurement, and organisational leadership. Known for his steady, values-driven approach, Anthony has led governance reform, CEO transitions, and operational transformations across diverse settings.

    He was appointed to the Board of The Mayflower Group in 2003, serving as Deputy Chair from 2018 and Chair from October 2020 through November 2024, guiding key capital redevelopment projects and chairing the Governance & Risk and Finance Committees. Anthony also chaired Edith Bendall Lodge for 20 years, is currently Chair of Olivia’s Place, and holds board positions at San Carlo Homes for the Aged, Myotherapy Association of Australia, and Seafood Industry Victoria.

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    As Managing Director of City Fresh Wholesalers since 2003, he has scaled the business from start-up to $4.2M annual revenue, overseeing logistics, compliance (HACCP), and B2B partnerships with aged care and health clients. Anthony holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and has undertaken governance studies with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Harvard University Business School. A Fellow of AICD, FGIA, and FTIA, he is respected for his financial acumen, human-centred leadership, and ability to drive strategic clarity and organisational resilience.

  • Mohan Lakshman | Vice President

    BEng, MEng, Exec MBA

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    A dynamic strategist with over a decade of experience, Mohan is deeply committed to driving sustainable growth. This commitment is not just professional but also personal, stemming from a profound respect for the work of Olivia's Place in the Gippsland community.

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    Having honed leadership skills through an Executive MBA from the Melbourne Business School, Mohan combines academic insights with hands-on industry experience across diverse sectors like Telecommunications, Rail, Healthcare, Farming and Disruptive Technology. This rich diverse experiences has cultivated a unique ability to navigate complex challenges and identify strategic opportunities.

    At the heart of Mohan's leadership philosophy lies a deep-seated introspection and a quest to understand the 'why' behind every initiative. This approach, coupled with a history of impactful board positions, showcases Mohan's capability to offer strategic guidance that harmoniously blends socialist and capitalist ideals for maximum community impact.

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    On a personal note, Mohan is a proud husband and a doting father to a young boy. His connection to Olivia's Place resonates deeply, as he understands the significance of community support for families. Outside of his professional and board commitments, Mohan enjoys the tranquillity of the golf course, finding it a perfect place to reflect while trying to improve his handicap.

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    As a proud board member of Olivia's Place, Mohan is eager to channel his passion, expertise, and personal experiences to further the organisation's noble mission and deepen its footprint in the community.

  • Stephanie Green | Treasurer

    CA, BBusCom

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    Stephanie has over 15 years experience in the accounting and business industry and is an owner of a local business services firm.

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    Having grown up in Warragul and surrounds, Stephanie is raising her family in the area. As a mother to three young boys, she understands the importance of support and having a village around you during pregnancy and parenthood. As a result, Stephanie jumped at the opportunity to join the Olivia’s Place board when it presented itself in 2021.

  • Michelle Dohnt | Secretary

    B-HLPROM, BSci.

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    Michelle has worked with public and private health organisations for over 25 years with a love for operational management and team leadership positions.  Originally from Western Australia but now calls Bena South Gippsland home. 

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    Michelle has always had a strong connection with community, with involvement in many different sporting groups and now more recently as a committee member for the Bena Hall, with all things community being the focus.  Michelle is very passionate about creating an inclusive and safe environment for all, especially vulnerable groups who need just that little bit more care, love and support.

  • Kirsten Finger

    BN, GdDipNrsg(Emerg), DAPS, Certified Salesforce Admin, Nonprofit Cloud Consultant

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    Kirsten is one of the co-founders of Olivia's Place and continues to be involved in multiple levels of the organisation.

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    Holding the role of General Manager of Operations until late 2021, Kirsten has now moved into a volunteer role working within the team as a Salesforce Administrator as well as focusing on community engagement, partnerships and activities that contribute to the financial sustainability of Olivia’s Place.

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    Kirsten has been a qualified ALS Paramedic since 2008 and worked locally until late 2021. She is also a Registered Nurse with qualifications specialising in Emergency and Intensive Care Nursing and with experience in education at a tertiary level in the clinical setting.

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    Kirsten, her husband Julian and their 4 children Liam, Zoe, Joshua and Nate are all actively involved in many aspects of our community and have together lived in Drouin since 2010.

  • Solange Ardiles

    BA (SocSc), MBA

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    Solange has 15 years’ experience in relationship management across government, charities, and community services. She runs a Melbourne-based consultancy that strengthens collaboration between business, government, and not-for-profits, and serves on several committees advocating for fairness and access for migrant, refugee, women, and children’s groups.

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    Her first connection with Olivia’s Place was as Victoria Manager for GIVIT Listed, supporting material aid services. Solange brings a generalist approach to strategy, capacity building, and community engagement, helping guide our growth and impact.

  • Alex Palmer

    LLB (Hons), GAICD, PG Dip PM

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    Alex Palmer is a Gippsland-based legal, governance, and compliance professional with over 30 years’ experience helping organisations navigate complex regulatory, ethical, and legal challenges. She is known for her practical, values-driven approach to risk management and embedding integrity into decision-making.

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    Alex is the founder of Adari Consulting and a consulting solicitor with GTC Lawyers. Her expertise includes commercial litigation, regulatory compliance, whistleblower investigations, workplace culture, privacy, and anti-bribery and corruption frameworks, gained through senior roles with ASX-listed and global organisations.

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    Committed to governance that supports community wellbeing, Alex helps Gippsland organisations thrive and values the role of local organisations like Olivia’s Place in strengthening families and communities.

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    Alex holds an Honours Law degree, is a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course, and is a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional. She contributes to regional and community committees, including the AICD Gippsland Forum, and is passionate about advancing responsible, people-first governance.

  • Kate Mallia

    Kate Mallia is a Drouin local, originally from the Latrobe Valley, with a strong passion for improving the wellbeing of children and families across the region.

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    With a Master’s in Public Health, Kate brings expertise in health promotion and community engagement. At Latrobe Health Assembly, she has led major research projects and initiatives focused on early childhood education and health.

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    By collaborating with educators, health professionals, and local services, Kate drives programs that support school readiness, early intervention, and better access to quality care for all children.

  • Lauri Stewart

    BA (Hons), LLB

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    Lauri is a local, growing up in Warragul where her parents were a local dentist and school teacher. Her siblings and grandparents also live in the area, and her family is very close.

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    Lauri is an Immigration and Constitutional lawyer. She spent more than 10 years working in the not-for-profit sector before commencing her own practice in Warragul, Stewart Administrative and Migration Lawyers, and a continuing professional education training organisation, Chapagain Stewart Training.

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    Lauri and her family are passionate about supporting and encouraging positive growth and development in all aspects of our wonderful community.