Board Governance
Bushwalking Victoria is a not-for-profit incorporated association governed by an elected Board of Management, comprising four executive members and six general board members; each is elected from our affiliated member clubs and individual supporter members. Each board member has a fiduciary duty and specific legal and ethical responsibilities. In addition, Bushwalking Victoria is governed by our own Rules and Bylaws.
The organisation’s day-to-day management is carried out by the Board and four standing committees with administrative support. Each standing committee convener is supported by a subcommittee or subject-matter experts.
Bushwalking Victoria’s funds are generally derived from membership and subscriber fees; we also receive grant funding from the state government to undertake specific projects.
Bushwalking Victoria is a member of the Bushwalking Australia Council, the national peak body for bushwalking in Australia.
Association Registration No. A0002548Y.
Australian Business No. 88 344 633 037
Meet the Board
Jeffrey Alan McDonell
Board President - Joined 2023 - Club Affiliation: Bayside Bushwalking Club
I spent many years managing IT in universities, including roles as an IT Director, and bring strong people-management experience to the Board. Outside bushwalking I enjoy motorcycling, electric vehicles, parkruns, environmental issues and anything connected to Wilsons Promontory. Bushwalking is a physical and mental release for me - being outdoors with like-minded people is grounding and energising. I’ve also walked in New Zealand, Nepal and Mt Kilimanjaro. My favourite walk is the Sealers Cove track at Wilsons Prom.
I originally joined the Board simply to give Robyn Shingles a hand, but it soon became about giving back to the bushwalking community while I’m able. I believe BWV can do much more for the many bushwalkers who aren’t part of affiliated clubs - that’s a major challenge and opportunity I’m keen for us to take on. My advice to new walkers is to join a club, learn from experienced walkers and enjoy the social side.
Robyn Shingles
Board Vice President - Joined 2014 - Club Affiliation: Benalla & Strzelecki Bushwalking Clubs
I come from a corporate finance and administration background, and outside bushwalking I enjoy bike riding and travel. For me, bushwalking is all about social connection, community support, being active and having fun outdoors. I love anything among the snow gums on the Baw Baw plateau.
When I joined the Board, I wanted to improve how BWV operated behind the scenes and help refresh the public image of bushwalking. As one of the younger people involved at the time, I wanted to show that bushwalking isn’t just for the stereotype of “grey-haired, bearded men with heavy packs,” but something that appeals to all ages. I’m passionate about the role clubs play in connecting people and helping them learn and grow. Ultimately, I want to leave BWV stronger, more sustainable and well-positioned for the next generation.
Being part of the Board has pushed me outside my comfort zone, helped me develop new skills and given me opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have had. It’s been both challenging and rewarding.
My advice to new walkers is to start slow, build your confidence and learn from others.
Giovanna Ford
Board Secretary - Joined 2024 - Club Affiliation: Maroondah Bushwalking Club
Judy Morris
Board Treasurer - Club Affiliation: Strzelecki Bushwalking Club
Mark Summers
Board Member / Federation Walks Liaison - Joined 2023 - Club Affiliation: Gisborne Bushwalking Club
My background is in management and teamwork, and outside of bushwalking I’m involved in family life, volunteering with Parks Victoria and supporting the Macedon Ranges community. For me, bushwalking is about health, fitness and exploring the great outdoors. It deepens my connection with nature and naturally feeds into my commitment to conservation. My favourite local walk is the East Walk and Cowan Track Loop in Lerderderg State Park.
I joined the Board to open up new opportunities for both myself and Gisborne BWC, and to be part of bushwalking beyond our home patch. Getting involved in Federation Walks has been a great start. I’m passionate about building stronger relationships between clubs and BWV, and I hope to help strengthen those connections. My advice to new walkers is simple: get involved. Join walks, try leadership roles, attend BWV workshops and take advantage of the wealth of knowledge around you.
Robyn Teed
Board Member - Joined 2024 - Boroondara Bushwalking Club
I joined Boroondara Bushwalking Club in 1987 and have been active ever since. I completed the Bushwalking and Mountaincraft Leadership course in 1994, coordinated Federation Day Walks in 2013 and have been a member of Bush Search and Rescue since 2013. Outside walking, I enjoy travel and reading. I love being out in nature and the many benefits it brings, and my favourite place to walk is the Victorian high country.
I joined the Board because I’ve always enjoyed hiking and wanted to contribute to BWV’s work. I care deeply about safety in the bush and protecting the environments we walk in. My advice for new walkers is to prepare well so you can walk safely and confidently.
Julie Bertisen
Board Member - Joined 2025 - Club Affiliation: Walking Club of Victoria
Adam Chernok
Board Member - Joined 2025 - BSAR Member
I’m a barrister at the Victorian Bar, working across serious criminal and administrative law matters, with an academic background in Environmental Studies and Australian Indigenous Studies. I bring a reflective, detail-oriented approach to the Board and a strong personal passion for bushwalking. When I’m not working or walking, I enjoy reading, surfing and cooking. Bushwalking gives me the space to decompress from the pressures of my work and reconnect with the natural world. My favourite walk is the Great Ocean Walk.
I joined the Board because I wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the bushwalking community. My advice to new walkers is this: look after your gear, and your gear will look after you.
Bronwyn Portes
Board Member - Joined 2025 - Individual Member
I bring skills in strategy, commercial and customer focus, sustainability, governance, risk, change management, business transformation and advocacy. Life outside bushwalking is busy and fulfilling - my two children, a backyard full of chickens, volunteering with SES and Surf Life Saving Victoria, and a love of gardening with First Nations edible plants. One of my simple joys is watching the blue-banded bees while having a quiet cup of tea.
Bushwalking fills my bucket. Whether it’s noticing the colours of tiny ants or taking in sweeping alpine views, it regularly reignites my sense of awe. It also deepens my belief in the importance of protecting our planet for our health and wellbeing. My favourite walk is Mount Abrupt (Mud-dadjug) in Gariwerd. My advice for new walkers is to stay curious and consider joining a club - it’s a great way to learn and enrich your hikes.
Terry Rudge
Board Member - Joined 2025 - Club affiliation: Ramblers Walking Club
I’ve operated my own business since the 1990s, and outside bushwalking I enjoy gardening and bonsai. Bushwalking has been part of my life since childhood, and I’ve always believed in the inherent good of the bush. The Grampians is my favourite place to walk. I’m motivated by a desire to share the value of nature with others and help more people discover the joy of being outdoors.
My advice to new bushwalkers is to find a group of kindred souls to walk with - the right company makes every walk better.
Alan Abrahams
Administration Officer - Joined 2022
I’m a project manager with experience across organisations large and small, especially in productivity and business process improvement. Outside bushwalking I enjoy cycling, rail trails, camping, international affairs, wine appreciation and spending time with my family. Bushwalking enables me to experience the outdoors with friends and family, stay fit and mentally alert, and explore some of the most magnificent scenic areas in our country. My favourite walk is the Great Ocean Walk.
I joined the Board because, as a keen bushwalker with strong admin skills, I wanted to support the volunteers who keep this organisation running and help strengthen bushwalking across Victoria. I hope to see BWV continue to grow as a strong, vibrant organisation that attracts more clubs and supports even more walkers. My advice for new bushwalkers is to stay open-minded about the types of walks you do and the people you meet along the way.
Richelle Olsen
Executive Officer - Joined 2023 - Club Affiliation: Escaping Your Comfort Zone Inc.
I bring a background in community engagement, business analysis and web design, along with my experience founding Escaping Your Comfort Zone, a body-positive adventure community for women - with the ethos that the outdoors is for every body, regardless of size, speed or fitness. Outside of work, I love mountain biking, bike touring and boogie boarding. My favourite walk is Edwards Point in St Leonards.
Bushwalking is important to me because it resets my mind, builds confidence and continually reminds me what’s possible when we take that extra step beyond what feels familiar. I’ve been lucky to experience adventures around the world, but what matters most is doing them with others - sharing views, encouragement and moments that stay with you.
I’m motivated by helping people feel welcome in nature and supporting clubs to thrive. As EO, I hope to modernise BWV’s work, strengthen relationships with clubs and partners, and encourage everyone to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of walking safely. My advice for new walkers is simple: you don’t need to “look the part” - just bring curiosity, start small, take it at your own pace and learn from others with more experience. You’ll rarely regret getting out on the trail.
Standing Committee Conveners
Bush Search and Rescue (BSAR): Rodney Polkinghorne & Simin Ngan
Bushwalking Tracks and Conservation: Mike Grant & Keith Seddon
Safety Convener: Now recruiting
Training Convener: Lyn Atkinson