Corangamite CMA is divided into four teams:
Dr Amber Clarke commenced as CEO, Corangamite CMA in September 2023. Amber has 15 years’ experience in the Victorian Government, during which time she has overseen the development and implementation of significant policy frameworks and programs for waterway and catchment management, including securing major government investment in the sector.
Amber came to the CEO role from the position of Acting CEO at the East Gippsland CMA. Prior to that Amber was the Director, Waterway Programs at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action for seven years. As Director Waterway Programs, Amber worked in partnership with Victoria’s CMAs, Melbourne Water and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder to oversee statewide policy, programs, investment, monitoring and reporting to improve the health of rivers, estuaries and wetlands across Victoria.
Amber has a PhD in freshwater ecology, Master of Environmental Science and Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours) from Monash University. She is a Fellow of the Peter Cullen Trust and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Corangamite CMA is currently governed by eight members appointed by the Victorian Government and a delegate member appointed by the authority. Board members provide a two-way link between the Corangamite CMA and the community, ensuring we remain in touch with regional people and their needs.
Michael Watson provides consultancy services supporting government & private business in ensuring the highest standard of governance is present in all organisational activities. Michael is passionate in ensuring State owned utilities are focused on delivering strong governance, financial sustainability, matched with customer service and environmental management.
Over the past 25 years, Michael has held several senior management positions within government business enterprises responsible for providing essential services for a significant part of Victoria’s community.
Michael held senior executive positions within Barwon Water including Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary over 25-years. Prior to this, Michael worked for 10 years with the State Electricity Commission of Victoria/Powercor.
Michael holds a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Business (ACC), is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a retired Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants.
Terry Atkinson previously served as the Aboriginal Board Delegate at Corangamite CMA. A proud Bunurong, Wemba Wemba and Wiradjuri man, Terry works as a Partnerships Coordinator and chairs the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
He brings extensive expertise in Aboriginal cultural heritage and strong relationships with Traditional Owners across Victoria.
Shelford farmer Louisa-Jane Cunningham joins the Board after contributing to the Corangamite CMA’s Community Engagement Network since 2022.
Louisa-Jane is passionate about the environment and empowering people to enhance biodiversity and protect the land for future generations.
Louisa-Jane’s background includes working in tertiary education, public relations and marketing roles. She has been a member of various organisations including: The Corangamite Rural Women’s Network, The Otway Agroforestry Network, the Leigh Catchment Group, the Southern Australian Livestock Research Council and the Adult, Community and Further Education Board.
Louisa-Jane has a Bachelor of Arts / Commerce degree, and a Graduate Certificate of Commerce.
Angela Higgins is co-director of a family run Angus beef enterprise in the Otway Ranges. Together with her husband she guides a business strategy committed to principles of regenerative farming, biodiversity, sustainable water management and climate resilience.
Angela hosts training and education field days on farm that aim to deepen farmer and land manager understandings of the climate-smart transition in agriculture. She is the Secretary of the Central Otway Landcare Network, a member of the Corangamite Rural Women’s Network and Colac Better Beef Group, and is a previous member of the CCMA's Community Engagement Network.
Angela has a background in natural history documentary and television production, as well as practical farming.
Andy Meddick is a former Member for Western Victoria in the Parliament of Victoria. During Andy’s time in Parliament, he was a member of three Committees, including the Planning and Environment Committee, that conducted the largest review in history of the state of biodiversity in Victoria.
Andy also Chaired two Government Taskforces, as well as served on the Board of VicHealth for four years. He is currently a Board Member of Transcend Australia, helping promote policy and rights for Trans and Gender diverse families and youth, as well as rescuing wildlife for Wildlife Victoria and is a Board Member of the National Parks Advisory Council.
Andy is passionate about the environment, particularly wildlife and the role that water plays in healthy, thriving eco-systems.
Andrea has over 25 years of experience working with rural communities to deliver projects and build capacity in Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Agriculture. She has supported Landcare groups across three regions in Victoria—the Mallee, Goulburn Broken, and currently the Corangamite region—and serves as a Director on the Landcare Victoria Inc. Board.
Andrea has also been a dedicated member of the Friends of the Barwon committee since its inception, recently serving as Chair.
She lives and works with her family on their sheep grazing property on Victoria’s Surf Coast.
Cathy Phelps has over 20 years’ experience in the leadership and management of sustainable agriculture sector research, development and extension programs in the areas of natural resource management and climate risk across both the livestock and cropping industries. Prior to moving to Victoria in 2000, Cathy worked with the irrigated cropping and extensive grazing industries in northern NSW where she owned a beef cattle property. Currently Cathy works as a consultant in sustainable agriculture research and reporting.
Cathy holds a Masters in Sustainable Agriculture, a BSc in Agriculture (Hons), a Diploma of Governance (ICDA) and is a member of the AICD.
Wayne Weaire is a primary producer and irrigator of 20 years, having owned and managed irrigation and dryland farms in the Corangamite, Goulburn and North East catchments of Victoria since 1984. He is a farmer who seeks for innovative planning and enablement of natural resource and environmental conservation.
Wayne has also had years of Senior Executive experience in a government entity and in private health and is a graduate of the Company Directors Course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Associate Board Delegate
Keeden Graham is a proud Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri, and Dja Dja Wurrung man and works as a youth counsellor/mentor at Strong Brother Strong Sister. Keeden advocates for First Nations youth and their families while also being passionate about environmental conservation and climate change education. Keeden is eager to lend his voice to ensuring future generations can learn, enjoy and thrive on Country.
Keeden has served in key leadership roles on the Commission for Children and Young People's Youth Council and the Minister's Victorian Youth Congress and was recognised as a Young Australian of the Year finalist in 2022.
64 Dennis Street, Colac VIC 3250
PO Box 159, Colac, VIC 3250
Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
T: 1800 002 262
E: info@ccma.vic.gov.au
BARWON WATER OFFICES
Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
All mail must be sent via our Colac office
PO Box 159, Colac, VIC 3250
T: 1800 002 262
E: info@ccma.vic.gov.au
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