About CISVic

Ben Smith is CEO of Mornington Support Centre. He is an eternal optimist who loves to dream. You’ll find him in a coffee shop talking about life’s important things.

Jenny is the General Manager of Bendigo Family and Financial Services Inc with over seventeen years’ experience in leading the agency, seeing Shepparton Family and Financial Services open in 2019 and this year Cobram Family and Financial Services open.

Jenny has led the agency’s as General Manager and Financial Counsellor as well as providing supervision and support for ER and NILs workers. Jenny regularly conducts Financial Literacy education workshops in schools, TAFE’s and to the long term unemployed though various community organisations and is now working closely with mental health services providing at call financial counselling. Jenny holds a Diploma Community Welfare Work; Diploma Community Services Financial Counselling; Diploma Counselling; BA Visual Arts; No Bullshit Therapy and Mental Health First Aid for Financial Counsellors and is currently a member of FCVic and the Australian Counselling Association.

Jenny is also a member of Strathfieldsaye CFA and was awarded (2014) the National Emergency Medal for her Peer Support Work with the CFA during the Victorian fires 2009.

David joined our Board early in 2025, bringing with him an extensive background in accounting and business.  Graduating with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) degree, David commenced his accounting career over 30 years ago with roles at Arthur Andersen and Price Waterhouse Coopers for a combined total of 11 years, where he also achieved Chartered Accountant status in 1996. In 2001, David starting his own bookkeeping practice, offering more than just financial record keeping.  With a commitment to a practical, hands-on approach, David works closely with business owners and managers to enhance operational efficiency, improve cash flow management, and drive profitability.  David became a registered BAS Agent in 2011 and, in 2017, transitioned from Chartered Accountant to join the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.  His experience includes working with not-for-profit organisations, notably four university student associations and a religious charity, further enriching his understanding of diverse financial environments.

Sharon Henderson has been the President of BANSIC for six years and involved as a volunteer for more than 10 years. She was instrumental in expanding the scope of services to meet the greater needs of their local community.  Initially, a community psychiatric nurse, she later retrained as a lawyer and predominantly worked in social welfare and human rights in Australia and Ireland. For greater than 30 years Sharon has contributed to community organisations, both on committees and on the ground. Her interest lies in supporting those without a voice whether they be asylum seekers, the disadvantaged or people with disabilities.

Rose has been the Executive Officer at BayCISS since 2022 and was previously the Manager of Service Delivery and Operations at Port Phillip Community Group for 10 years.

Rose has extensive experience as a psychologist and manager within both the Community and Education sectors. She has worked in tertiary research, family counselling, private practice, occupational rehabilitation and migrant resources.

Rose is an advocate of social equity, strengths-based practice and lifelong learning.

Lucas is the Director of Policy and Communications at Council to Homeless Persons, Victoria’s peak body representing organisations and individuals working to end homelessness. He has more than 20 years experience as a strategic storyteller, media producer and creative leader working in the film & television, communications and community services sectors. He has developed campaigns to help organisations such as National Missing Persons Week, the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, and the National Trust grow their public engagement; and created activist art projects promoting issues such as refugee rights and youth voices in the 2022 election. Lucas is passionate about social justice and the power of art and creativity to spark social change and elevate marginalised voices.