Albury-Wodonga’s top 10 influential people: Kevin Mack, Anna Speedie, Lauren Jackson
From sporting greats and health crusaders, to business leaders and political agenda-setters, these are Albury-Wodonga’s top movers and shakers. SEE THE LIST
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Albury-Wodonga’s most influential people come from all walks of life, from politics, to sports, health and business.
The Albury Wodonga News has compiled a list of the Top 10 influential people in the community.
Neil Aird
Neil Aird has been the CEO of Business Wodonga for three years after he moved to Wodonga to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren.
Previously Mr Aird lived in Tatura where he worked with a local training organisation which focused on improving productivity and profitability for the dairy industry.
Mr Aird said he loved the region and the twin cities.
“What I like is the sense of community,” he said.
“Business Wodonga is all about fostering the community and the business community in particular.
“It’s like a big country town but it’s really a city.”
Eliza Ault-Connell
Albury Paralympian Eliza Ault-Connell is on track to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, 16 years after she last represented Australia as part of a Paralympic team.
The wheelchair racer competed at the 2004 Athens Paralympics before putting her para-athletics career on hold to raise her three children.
Kevin Mack
Kevin Mack as been part of the Albury City Council for eight years, and has been the mayor for six years.
“I had a break in-between, so not six consecutive years,” Mr Mack said.
“The last four years I’ve been mayor, and two years before that in the previous term.”
Before working on council, Mr Mack was a policeman for 40 years, working in Victoria but living in Albury.
“I spent a lot of time on committees such as the PCYC and fundraising committees, and philanthropic organisations that raise money for communities and young people,” he said.
“One of my strong focuses from the start has been young people and communities and enabling spaces for young people no matter where they live, and giving them something to do.
“Our job as a city is to provide equal services and equal rights to everyone.”
Anna Speedie
Anna Speedie has been the mayor of Wodonga for five consecutive years, and has been on the Wodonga council for 16 years.
Ms Speedie said she was proud of what Wodonga had become during her time on council.
“That includes the revitalisation of our city centre, Junction Square, the realignment of Elgin Boulevard as well as the investment and growth in Logic,” Ms Speedie said.
“It has been fantastic to formally partner with Albury City through the Two Cities One Community initiative and I’m incredibly proud to have laid the foundation for the Albury-Wodonga Regional Deal which will be a game changer not only for our two cities but also our wider region.”
Ms Speedie said some of her favourite thing about Wodonga were its fantastic weather and outdoor areas, fantastic pathway networks and sporting options, great education opportunities, and the fantastic arts and culture industry.
Luke Wilson
Luke Wilson has been Victoria’s Cross Border Commissioner since October 2018.
Mr Wilson is based in Wodonga and previously led the Agriculture, Resources, Energy and Corporate Services portfolios in the Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.
In his role as Cross Border Commissioner, Mr Wilson is required to work with border residents, businesses and community organisations to identify and advocate for change along Victoria’s borders.
Michael Kalimnios
Michael Kalimnios is a chartered account with over 30 years’ experience and expertise in general and executive management in public health services across Australia.
Prior to commencing at Albury Wodonga Health in September 2019, Mr Kalimnios worked as the chief operating officer for Top End Health Service in the Northern Territory and deputy director general – corporate services for Queensland Health.
Since arriving in the role at AWH, Michael has led the health service through the summer bushfires and the expanded mental health response, as well as the continuing COVID-19 pandemic response.
Carrick Gill-Vallance
Carrick Gill-Valance has worked for the Albury Northside Chamber of Commerce for six years and has a passion for productivity.
Mr Gill-Vallance has extensive Brand Development experience after spending 10 years with international surf/action sport labels prior to the chamber.
He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the region’s business happenings and ways to support and grow business.
Helen Haines
Helen Haines is the Federal independent member for Indi and was elected in May 2019.
Before her election to parliament Ms Haines worked as a nurse, midwife, health administrator and rural health researcher in Victoria’s North East.
She completed her doctoral degree in medical science in 2012.
Ms Haines is co-chair of:
- Parliamentary Friends of Climate Action
- Parliamentary Friend of Bushfire Recovery
- Parliamentary Friends of Preventive Health
- Parliamentary Friends of Regenerative Agriculture
Sussan Ley
Sussan Ley was first elected as the Federal member for Farrer in 2001, and has returned as the member for Farrer for six subsequent elections.
Residing in Albury, Ms Ley has been a member of parliament for 18 years, and was elected as the Federal Environment Minister in mid-2019.
Previous to her role as MP, Ms Ley helped manage a livestock and dairy farm near Tallangatta, acquired three finance degrees, raised three children, and worked as Director Technical Training with the Australian Taxation Office in Albury.
Lauren Jackson
Lauren Jackson grew up in Albury Wodonga before her professional basket ball career took her all over the world including the US and Europe.
After making the Australian under-20s team at just 14 years old, Ms Jackson’s career took off, playing in both the WNBL and the WNBA, winning three Olympic silver medals, one Olympic bronze medal, and a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
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Contact Cassandra at cassandra.glover@news.com.au
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