Our board

Bringing expertise from across the private and public sectors, our board sets policies, priorities and strategies for the Commission in performing its functions. Our board members provide important links to the broader Victorian community and ensure our work remains relevant and responsive to the human rights issues that touch people every day.

Meet our Chairperson

Taryn Lee

Taryn, a Yawuru woman from Broome, is an experienced board member and our first Aboriginal person to be appointed as Chairperson. Taryn holds experience in policy development within PWC, the Victorian Government and public sector, designing and delivering policy reform in health, justice, and Aboriginal affairs. Since 2021 Taryn has worked with the Collingwood Football Club as General Manager, Social Impact and Policy, and is working on implementing organisational change to address racism.

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Meet our board

Laurinda Gardner

Laurinda Gardner is a board director, organisational reform and change management consultant and career coach. Laurinda has over 25 years' senior executive experience and was formerly a Deputy Secretary with the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance and a Director at the City of Melbourne. She has led large operational teams in diverse areas including strategic and business planning, HR, IT, communications, town planning, stakeholder engagement, finance and risk. Laurinda has performed the role of trusted adviser to several CEOs, undertaken a number of reviews for the Victorian Government, is currently on the board of the Victorian Planning Authority and a member of several remuneration, and audit and risk committees. Laurinda is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration (Victoria) and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

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Matt Finnis

Matt is the Chief Executive Officer of Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership. Prior to this, he held Chief Executive Officer roles at St Kilda Football Club and the AFL Players’ Association. Matt has also worked as a commercial lawyer, advising numerous sporting organisations, businesses, athletes and government. Matt is also an experienced board member, supporting community organisations such as Ladder, Surfing Australia, Surf Life Saving Victoria and HeartKids Australia. Matt has been a founding member of the Sport Male Champions of Change Group.

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