8 Candidates Statements

 

Rick Barry

 

Candidate Statement

Like many of us, I’ve been a cyclist since I was a child, and I believe that Bicycle Victoria needs to speak for ALL cyclists, whether you’re a regular commuter like myself who rides on the weekend with their children, or a participant in the hell ride.  While BV has made tremendous strides over the last several years to get more people cycling more often, far too many people out there feel that more can be done. 

When the media was in an uproar over the tragic events that led to a pedestrian’s death during the hell ride last year, BV rightly stressed that it is incumbent on us all to ride responsibly.  They missed the opportunity, however, to speak up when certain people continued to tar the participants in the ride as irresponsible hoons, all the while ignoring the reality that far too often it is cyclists who are injured or killed by the behaviour of other road users.

Similarly, when BV fails to acknowledge the legitimacy of other cyclists, such as those of us who participate in Critical Mass, or youths who are involved in freestyle and stunt riding, it unnecessarily divides our community.

The promotion of cycling – in all its forms - is essential for a healthy community: in our workplaces, on our roads, at our schools and in our homes.

We all come to cycling differently. I commute; I've taken part in the GVBR and Around the Bay in a Day; I'm a Cycle Angel on Ride to Work Day; and have participated in a major fundraising ride through Southeast Asia for Oxfam Australia. Others cyclists have far different experiences, but BV has the potential to be a voice for ALL of us.

If feel that more can be done, please vote for me.

 

Governance Experience Statement

If elected, I’ll bring to the board 16 years' management and governance experience in the community sector.  I am currently the National Manager at a large not-for-profit organisation, have held leadership positions on the boards of other community organisations, and have spent my career promoting the sector.

I studied International and Intercultural Management at a Masters level, and have put my learnings to use in Australia and overseas.  It’s this level of commitment and experience I will bring to Bicycle Victoria.

Please feel free to contact me for more information about my background and what I can contribute to BV.

 

 

David Larsen

Candidate Statement

I have served on your Board for the past three years, and have had the privilege of being the Vice President for the past two.

During my term on the Board, I have chaired the Audit and Risk Committee and have driven a major Risk Assessment of all of the operations of BV.   I have also actively participated in the Remuneration, Constitution, and Governance committees and contributed to the establishment of the Strategic Plan of BV

I have been a member of BV for over ten years, and have participated as a rider or as a volunteer in four Great Vic rides and in every Ride to Work and Around the Bay in a Day events held during that period.   I commute regularly by bike to work in the CBD, and on the weekends can be found training on Beach Rd or on the hills of the Mornington Peninsular.

My background is in Management Consulting and Project Management, and I am currently working for one of the major banks.   I also serve on a volunteer basis as a member of the Frankston Public Transport Advisory Committee.

I am asking for your support to allow me to continue to work towards BV’s strategic goal of getting more people to cycle more often.

 

Governance Experience Statement

I have exercised the board and governance responsibilities as a director of BV for 3 years and of a private company for 2 years.  I have also participated in two BV Board Effectiveness reviews that have been conducted by Boardworks International, a summary of the results of the 2006 assessment can be found on the BV web site.

I am familiar with the governance obligations of a Company Director as detailed within the Corporations Act, having studied the Act as part of my MBA degree, and successfully completing the Board Orientation Program conducted by Leadership Victoria.

 

 

Janice Simpson

 

Candidate Statement

Bicycle Victoria influences how many people live their lives. This is evident in the increased numbers of people riding to and from work and study, riding for pleasure and fitness and participating in organised rides.

Increased riding is due to several factors, a significant one being the role Bicycle Victoria has in influencing government policy, practice and their instrumentalities as well as contributing to the development of critical infrastructure which makes cycling such a pleasure in this state.

This forward-looking association is driven by a team of hard-thinkers and good-doers on both the board and the payroll. I can contribute and continue this excellent work, as Bicycle Victoria grapples with best ways to effectively address future challenges including the leadership role it has in working toward making the whole of Australia a great place in which to ride a bike.

I can bring my clear head and lateral mind to the table. I can bring my experience in public and private organisations, not-for-profit associations and small business to the table. I can bring my commitment to collaborative problem solving to the table. I can bring my considerable enthusiasm for inclusiveness to the table.

I am a portfolio worker by choice after spending almost two decades in education. Currently I work as a freelance writer, researcher and editor. I am a professional career development practitioner. I have commercialised software and developed Career Kaleidoscope. I am the executive officer of a not-for-profit regional business association and manage their annual business awards and the sponsorship thereof.

I live with my husband and assorted animals in Yarraville, close to both my children and five grandchildren and not far from my office in Seddon. I garden and cook, write and read, stay in and go out, and am interested in just about everything.

 

Governance Experience Statement

Board Memberships:
•    Director, Career Kaleidoscope Pty Ltd, 2001 – present
•    President, Greater Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc, 2003 - 2006
•    Board Member, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley Local Learning and Employment Network Inc, 2004 – present
•    Treasurer, Victorian Division, Australian Association of Career Counsellors Inc, 2007
Qualifications:
•    Master of Social Science (Career Education), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University 1997
•    Graduate Diploma in Career Education, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University 1993
•    Bachelor of Arts, University of Melbourne 1974
•    Diploma of Education, University of Melbourne (formerly SCV) 1974
•    Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, Victoria University 1998