Our People

Catherine Jenkins – Chair

Cath Jenkins and her family live on their farm in South Purrumbete where they operate a small livestock enterprise. Cath also works as an independent agribusiness consultant and business coach with Rural People Co. In June 2023, Cath was appointed as Chair of Vic Catchments and in March 2024 became a member of the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council.

Cath has an Agricultural Science degree and is a member and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2017 she was a runner-up for the Victorian Rural Women’s Award.

Cath is passionate about rural communities and working with landholders, Traditional Owners and Landcare. She enjoys working with the Corangamite CMA to make sure our catchment's natural resources are enhanced while ensuring rural communities and enterprises can thrive.

Andy Meddick

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 currently is 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.

He is passionate about the environment, particularly wildlife and the role that water plays in healthy, thriving eco-systems.

Wayne Weaire

Wayne Weaire has over 20 years’ experience as a primary producer and irrigator as well as senior executive experience in government and private health sectors.

Wayne is a graduate of the Company Director’s Course with Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Cathy Phelps

Cathy Phelps has over 19 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.

Dr Fiona Cumming

Dr Fiona Cumming grew up on a sheep farm at Timboon and has held senior positions in food and therapeutic good regulation. Fiona was chair of the Surf Coast Shire Health and Wellbeing Committee from 2010 to 2013 and Chair of the Surf Coast and Inland Plains Landcare Network Inc from 2013 to 2016. She is a member of the Otway Agroforestry Network and completed their Master Tree Growers course in 2013. In 2015 she received a Corangamite Landcare Recognition Award.

Fiona owns three farms outside Geelong, two of which adjoin the iconic Thompsons Creek, and is a qualified pilot.

Lia Sarto

Lia Sarto manages a farming operation at Derrinallum where she runs a cattle enterprise. Lia has had a successful career in the private sector, previously working for Nortel Networks, Rio Tinto and Engie.

At Nortel Networks, Lia developed business solutions for customers. At Rio Tinto, Lia worked in marketing, scenario planning and government relations, including the evaluation and implementation of climate policy across the group. For Engie, Lia was Director of Strategy and Regulation where she led a team with the focus on developing a credible roadmap for future growth within a tightly regulated market.

Lia has a Bachelor of Engineering (Communications) and a Master of Business Administration.

Ken Latta

Ken Latta has had a long and distinguished career in the Victorian public service, including executive roles in the Department of Education and Victoria Police, and CEO and Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board. Ken was awarded a Public Service Medal for services to leadership and reforms in the fields of Victoria Education and Police, and a Doctor of the University (Honoris causa) from Victoria University.

Ken has served on 13 boards and councils and was Chair of Harness Racing Victoria. Ken has a Diploma of Agricultural Science, a Trained Technical Teacher’s Certificate, a Bachelor of Science (Hons), a Graduate Diploma of Educational Administration and a Master of Business Administration.

Michael Watson

Michael currently 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. Following 10 years with the State Electricity Commission of Victoria/Powercor, Michael joined Barwon Water where he held senior positions as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary for 25 years.

Michael holds a Master of Business Administration, is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Terry Atkinson

Terry is our Aboriginal Board Delegate. A proud Bunurong, Wemba Wemba and Wiradjuri Aboriginal, he works with DEECA in the First Peoples Self-Determination Division.

Terry is the Chair of the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and has extensive knowledge in Aboriginal cultural heritage and strong relationships with Traditional Owners across Victoria.

Keeden Graham

Keeden is our Associate Board Delegate - Youth.  A proud Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri, and Dja Dja Wurrung man, he works as a youth counsellor/mentor at Strong Brother Strong Sister. He 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.

He 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.