FOUR new board members recently appointed to oversee the North East’s Centre Against Violence (CAV) have expressed their commitment to ensuring the service provider continues to be a local leader in preventing and addressing sexual and family violence.

Former Wodonga councillor and North East Victoria Blue Ribbon Foundation president Graeme Simpfendorfer, chartered accountant Sarah Treloar, Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit operations director Cherie Holland and Northeast Health Wangaratta media and marketing manager Karen Rourke are the most recent additions to the board of directors.

They join current board members Mary Reid, Melinda Edwards, Tanya Lowes, David Kidd and Adrian Johnstone.

CAV chief executive officer Jaime Chubb said the newly elected board members, who encompass expertise in advocacy, law enforcement, finance, health sector leadership and communications, would make valuable additions to the local support initiative.

“We are thrilled to welcome Graeme, Sarah, Cherie and Karen to our board of directors,” she said.

“Their diverse expertise and shared commitment to our mission will undoubtedly propel CAV to new heights.

“We look forward to building on the success of our previous board and making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.”

Ms Rourke said she was looking forward to working to strengthen CAV’s community profile and advocacy efforts.

“I value the Centre Against Violence for the service they provide to their clients with practical assistance and also preventative work to create cultural change,” she said.

“I want to be proactive in helping our community be stronger and safer and apply my skills in a way that can make a difference.”