Board Chair (2023 – present)

Director (2022 – present)

Craig joined the VPC Board in October 2022 and became Board Char in July 2023. Prior to becoming Board Chair, Craig was the Chair of the Governance, People & Culture Committee. His previous Board roles include the Board Chair of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, being a director from 2014 to 2023.

Craig is the CEO of LeavePlus, the portable long service leave Scheme for the construction industry in Victoria. He has over 30 years in finance related roles, across a variety of industries including investment banking, state government, and member-based organisations.

Before joining LeavePlus in September 2021, Craig was the CEO at Foresters Financial, one of Australia’s largest member-owned friendly societies that offers a range of investment and insurance products. Prior to this, he was the CFO for the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He is a Fellow of CPA Australia, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Lachlan is the Treasurer of the Victorian Pride Centre. He currently is a Senior Manager at EY working in transformation and enablement of strategic initiatives in Assurance. He also has over 10 years’ experience at EY in their audit team specialising in the financial services sector. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) from the University of Melbourne. He has served on the VPC Audit, Finance & Risk Committee since June 2024.

“My passion lies in creating pathways that connect the community to each other and to the Victorian Pride Centre. A centre that thrives with energy and inclusivity. A centre where every member of our community feels a sense of belonging and pride.”

Tara brings more than 14 years of experience in community-based mental health and social services. With a background as a housing support worker and, later, mental health occupational therapist, she has since undertaken further studies in leadership, business and social impact to further leverage her insights from all levels of operations and service development in her governance.

With a background spanning multiple mental health leadership roles, Tara is and is currently General Manager Victoria – Mental Health and Wellbeing Services with Wellways Australia.

Tara is passionate about ensuring organisations are equipped to deliver on and understand the key role responsive and inclusive services play in ensuring opportunity and participation for all. She is also a member of the Victoria Government LGBTIQ+ Taskforce Health and Wellbeing Working Group providing strategic advice on ways to improve the responsiveness of health services to issues faced by LGBTIQ+ people, and the Diverse Communities’ Mental Health & Wellbeing Working Group providing advice on the implementation of other Royal Commission recommendations to ensure responsiveness to diversity.

“I consider the Victorian Pride Centre a game-changer for Victorian LGBTIQ+ communities as it provides an essential platform to come together, develop understandings, and change systems, hearts and minds.”

Jane Crawley is a dynamic and creative public sector leader experienced in guiding large and complex organisations, groups and portfolios. Her most recent position was Executive Director, Creative Industries with Creative Victoria, a position she held three years. Jane’s prior role was Director, Arts Investment with Creative Victoria, a role she held for two years.

In these roles Jane led Creative Victoria’s strategy and investment in the non-government creative industries, accountable for the state’s creative industries strategy and for Victorian First Peoples, Regional, Screen, Design, Music, and Arts sectors investment. With responsibility for a $100M+ annual budget, 70 staff and scores of key stakeholders, Jane led the delivery of Creative State 2016-20 and the design and adoption of Creative State 2025 and VicScreen, Victoria’s first strategy for the screen industry.

Prior to working for the Victorian government, Jane led Arts Melbourne and other portfolios for the City of Melbourne.

Jane was involved in some of the work that led to establishing the Pride Centre, as Co-Chair of the Community Reference Group 2018-20, and as a member of the Building and Activation Sub-Committee in 2017 – 18.

“This is an incredible achievement of the LGBTIQ+ communities of Victoria: driven and established by the sheer power of community activism and volunteerism, the Centre is a beacon, signalling the collective strength, beauty and success of Victoria’s queer communities. The establishment and opening of the Centre is only the beginning – I hope to support the Centre’s ongoing development through my role as a Board member such that every LGBTIQ+ person, no matter who or where they are, feels collective ownership of the Centre as our place.”

Justine Dalla Riva is a passionate professional whose career spans both the commercial and not-for-profit sector. She is the CEO of Australia’s first purpose built LGBTIQ+ Pride Centre located on Fitzroy Street in St Kilda. A proud lesbian and mother of two, Justine joined the Pride Centre in 2018 and became its inaugural CEO in 2019. Justine is passionate about inclusion, equity and access for all, ensuring spaces are welcoming and safe for vibrant and diverse LGBTIQ+ communities so they can be their true and authentic selves. She seeks to celebrate diversity, harnessing diverse lived experiences to innovate, collaborate and create more cohesive and respectful environments.

Justine is a member of the City of Port Phillip LGBTIQ+ Advisory Committee, Fitzroy Street Business Association and Director of the newly established Pride Fund Ltd that seeks to grow the philanthropic pie for LGBTIQ+ spaces and places. A lifelong learner, she holds a Diploma of Governance, Masters in Marketing, Graduate Diploma in Graphic Design, BA with Hons and was a graduate of the Victorian Government’s 2019 LGBTIQ+ Leadership program.

Felicity is a seasoned professional at the crossroads of Marketing, Communications, and Fundraising. With a strategic mindset and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, Felicity has over a decade of experience in driving organisational success.

Felicity has successfully navigated public, private, and non-profit roles, focusing on the arts and creative industries, consumer goods, and health services. Marketing and events experience is evident in the contribution to Sunshine Coast Pride Festival, Big Gay Day in Fortitude Valley, Caloundra Music Festival, and for 6 years, Felicity’s professional expertise played an integral part of Midsumma Festival, Midsumma Pride March, and Victoria’s Pride – where she cultivated a deep connection with the LGBTQIA+ arts community.

Her commitment extends beyond the workplace, through volunteering at JOY Media and currently holds a volunteer Technical Officer position on the board of Dykes on Bikes Melbourne. As a long-term resident of the City of Port Phillip, Felicity also holds a member position on the CoPP LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee.

Anita has worked in venue and event management for over 10 years in performing arts venues and arts organisations.  In her role as Event and Bar Supervisor she is responsible for the delivery of all Pride Centre events and bar operations.

Shian has a diverse background with extensive experience across various sectors, including commercial, corporate, festivals, not-for-profit organisations, touring, and cultural arts institutes. His portfolio features work with notable organisations like Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, the State Library of Victoria, and the Sydney Opera House.

Throughout his career, Shian has excelled in different presentation formats and operational roles, contributing to projects across Southeast Asia and Australia. His expertise allows him to navigate complex environments and achieve impactful results, making him an invaluable contributor.

With a strong growth mindset, Shian embraces learning and challenges as essential parts of his journey, consistently striving for personal and professional development.

Tyler is committed to fostering safe and inclusive spaces, both in his professional role at the Victorian Pride Centre and in his broader community involvement. As Venue and Facilities Coordinator, Tyler ensures the Centre’s physical attributes are not only well-maintained but truly safe, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and secure the moment they walk through the door. With expertise in building compliance, contractor management, and event support, Tyler combines strategic oversight with a personal commitment to care and community.

Tyler values working at the VPC for the opportunity to contribute to a place that uplifts the LGBTQIA+ community, while building strong relationships with resident organisations. Outside of work, Tyler continues to nurture inclusive spaces, whether hosting movie nights with friends or attending community events. His approach is defined by a balance of precision, warmth, and an unwavering dedication to safety and pride.

Ivy joins our team with a background in Marketing, Theatre Making, and Producing. You will often see them around town working on various Theatre productions and writing another script. She is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts with a degree in Theatre and has worked in Marketing and Communications for major arts festivals, including Midsumma Festival. In addition to producing a range of Independant Theatre Productions, Ivy co-founded their own Theatre company, Big Dog Theatre.

Ivy is excited to be working at the Victorian Pride Centre, helping build the inaugural Telling It with Pride Speakers Program, which amplifies the voices of LGBTIQA+ community speakers and leaders. Ivy is passionate about arts access and collaborating with LGBTIQA+ artists, connecting them with new audiences. She is always ready to contribute to projects with play, joy, and creativity.

Adam is a seasoned executive consultant with a wealth of experience in IT solutions and transformational change programs, having worked across both the government and private sectors in the US, Singapore and Australia. With a career spanning several decades, Adam has been instrumental in driving innovation and efficiency in various organizations.

Having semi-retired from his professional endeavors, Adam has now chosen to focus on his background in volunteer program management. His commitment to social causes has shaped his perspective and approach, enabling him to lead impactful initiatives that foster community resilience and support. Adam’s work in various volunteer roles showcases his passion for making a difference and his ability to inspire others to contribute to meaningful change.

Having joined the VPC in April of 2024 as a volunteer, Adam continues to advocate for causes close to his heart, leveraging his extensive experience to mentor others and support community programs and is the Interim Concierge and Volunteer Program Coordinator at the VPC.

Valentin was born and raised in France before moving to Australia 9 years ago, following a brief stay in England. Captivated by Melbourne’s vibrant energy, he decided to make it his home – a decision he has cherished ever since

With over 15 years of experience in management and customer service, along with an experience in venues, events, and festival coordination, Valentin is committed to ensure smooth booking processes and delivering exceptional service for the diverse spaces at the Pride Centre.  His role involves managing room bookings at the Pride Centre, ensuring all hirers have an exceptional experience.

“My journey began as a volunteer at the Pride Centre, and I am now proud to contribute full-time as the Booking Coordinator, supporting the LGBTQ+ community.”