Janet is an experienced IT and business leader with a 34‑year career at IBM, including serving as Vice President of Operations and working across Southeast Asia, the US, Japan, China, and Europe.

She currently chairs the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and serves on several boards, including the Children’s Cancer Institute, pitt&sherry Engineering Consultants, and Settlement Services International.

Janet was named the 2010 Victorian Telstra Business Woman of the Year and received an Order of Australia (AM) in 2020. She is also a member of Chief Executive Women.

Christine Cowin has worked as a family lawyer since 1986 and is the Deputy Chairperson of ECLC. Chris has practised in all aspects of Family Law including property settlements, children's issues, defacto issues and same sex relationships.

Lucy Duncan is an experienced human resources and learning & development professional with more than 12 years in HR and four years in corporate litigation at Allens Arthur Robinson. She has worked internationally across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, and previously held roles with Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health).

She now works with Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. Lucy holds an MBA from Melbourne Business School and bachelor’s degrees in Arts and Laws.

Luong Ta has a Bachelor of Accounting, an MBA and joined the Board in 2018. Luong has a background in the energy and fuel industry across Asia Pacific, holding senior management roles in commercial, strategy and finance.

Luong is experienced in leading through change, strategy, business development supply chain optimisation, B2B sales and marketing in Australasia, Europe and Asia.

Ali Besiroglu is the Director of Legal Services at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. He was a lawyer at VALS for 7 years practising primarily in criminal and civil law.

Ali then specialised in civil litigation at Robinson Gill, taking civil actions against the state of Victoria for police misconduct. Ali has acted for many Aboriginal families in coronial inquests for loved ones who passed away in police and prison custody. He joined the Board in July 2022.

Jenny is a consultant with a strong background in leadership across local government and community sectors, known for fostering others’ success and driving positive community outcomes. She brings expertise in organisational development, facilitation and governance, supported by a Master of Human Resources Management and a Bachelor of Education.

Jenny has held senior and executive roles in community and corporate services across several Melbourne councils. In 2020, she was recognised as one of Victoria’s Top 50 Public Sector Women for her outstanding leadership. She joined the Board in 2025.

Lawrence is a proud descendant of the Taungurung People of Victoria, born on Wemba Wemba (Swan Hill Victoria) Country. Lawrence holds a Diploma of Teaching, an accredited Occupational Health and Safety Workplace Incident Investigator, Board member of Kinaway Business Chamber Victoria, Chair of the Eastern Region Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee and board member of the National Indigenous Business Chambers.

He brings a range of knowledge and skills spanning government, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and business ownership.

Lawrence is an advocate of self-determination and has been involved in legacy outcomes such as Victorian Treaty establishment, recognition and rights through the Victorian Traditional Owner Settlement Act, protection of Cultural Heritage and economic empowerment building Aboriginal business ownership.

Lawrence has worked across the legal sector with Corrections Victoria managing programs delivered across the state for Aboriginal prisoners, assisted Victoria Legal Aid to become an employer of choice for Aboriginal people, has been called upon as an expert witness for cultural awareness and provided input into submissions with the Yoorrook Truth Telling Commission. Lawrence is also a member on the Victorian Koori Courts.

Lawrence brings a very practical yet strategic mind set to tasks, he is an advocate for fair and equitable justice outcomes for all people and uses his voice to elevate and advocate for those without a voice.

Michael is the CEO of Eastern Community Legal Centre and has been leading the organisation for over twenty years. He leads a team of over sixty staff and many volunteers as a strong multidisciplinary legal service that works to prevent problems, progress fair outcomes and support the wellbeing and resilience of communities and community members in Melbourne’s East.

ECLC works across a continuum of response, early intervention and prevention with a range of programs including family violence, elder abuse, multicultural engagement and climate justice. It leads four major health justice partnerships and other multidisciplinary teams. 

Michael was National Chair (and spokesperson) for the National Association of Community Legal Centres (now CLCs Australia) from 2010-2015. He is the Chair of Knowmore Legal Service (the national CLC for abuse survivors), Board Director of Respect Victoria and a Director of Holstep Health.

Michael is passionate about developing innovative partnerships and multidisciplinary approaches to client and community needs. Originally a youth worker (BA), Michael has postgraduate qualifications (Master of Social Work) and is a Graduate Member of the AICD.