Get to know our fantastic team.

Nicky Leitch.

Nicky Leitch, CEO

When did you join the team?

I joined the Central Ranges LLEN team in early June 2023 after nearly 17 years at HWLLEN. Making the transition from joint CEO to CEO at Central Ranges LLEN felt like the right move, allowing me to reconnect with my country roots.

My professional background has always been in Community Services, my journey began as a Youth Worker, later expanding into a dual Diploma in Community Services and AOD. However, after nearly eight years working with The Smith Family in family support, I came to appreciate the vital role education plays in shaping young people’s futures. This realisation ignited my passion for the diverse educational landscape within the 31 VIC LLEN network.

What do you do at CRLLEN and what do you find most rewarding about the role?

As the CEO, my days are a blend of operational and strategic tasks. With a relatively new team, reshaping and nurturing their growth is a priority. Additionally, serving all 14 schools across Mitchell Shire, Murrundindi Shire and Macedon Ranges Shire involves considerable travel due to the expansive demographic areas we cover. Luckily the countryside is very beautiful and it’s a pleasure to work in.

Coming from the city, I'm excited by the opportunity to support schools here and ensure all students have strong pathways. I value collaborating with partners across our Shires, the community and local industries. We also work with many volunteers, who willingly give their time to ensure young people have a positive and vibrant future. I love the diversity of the role, the challenges, and look forward to meeting more and more partners as I settle into the role this year.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

When I'm not working, I recharge by being immersed in nature. Whether it’s bushwalking or trail raining or travelling to new places, I really enjoy the natural beauty of the local countryside and the ability to get out and go for a run in my local community. My crazy Labrador, Jili, often joins these adventures, and we both enjoy the opportunities this role brings for new adventures. Additionally, I'm proud to share that I'm a former Matilda and receiving my Cap after nearly three decades was an unforgettable moment, celebrated at Marvel Stadium in front of 54,000 fans!

Nicky in a trail running competition.

Caitlin Dinning.

Caitlin Dinning, Business Manager

When did you join the team?

I joined in July 2022. My background includes receiving a dual degree-diploma in Business - Tourism Management and I have worked in a variety of commercial industries including hotels, winery's, RTO's, credit services and agriculture. My roles have included business development executive, sales administrator, marketing executive, bookkeeper, human resources, financial manager and business manager. I discovered my love of understanding financial positions which lead me to completing a Cert IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping and my successful application with the Tax Practitioners Board as a BAS agent. My volunteer work includes being an advocate for the Ehlers-Danlos Society, treasurer for a Calisthenics College and I help out at the local Neighbourhood House. Last year I graduated from the LEAD Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program which was an insightful and life changing experience.

What do you do at CRLLEN and what do you find most rewarding about the role?

I work mostly behind the scenes in all things governance, bookkeeping, human resources and anything else that comes my way. I enjoy systems and processes which suits my role perfectly. More importantly, on a more human level, my role supports the organisation and our wonderful team, who do extremely important work. I love hearing about and seeing the positive impact they have on young lives. I am also passionate about financial literacy and I look forward to presenting to young people on this important topic.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I lived in Belgium on exchange when I was 16 and speak passable French - although it's been a long time since I have had the chance to speak it. I’m not averse to a dress up party - having organised costumes from Tinkerbell to Mary Poppins, I never miss a chance to dress up!

Caitlin dressed as Tinkerbell!

Janoel Liddy.

Janoel Liddy, Project Ready Manager

When did you join the team?

I joined in December 2021. I am an engaging and experienced facilitator, learning designer and trainer, having worked in TAFE, schools, university and community organisations as a trainer and events organiser for over 20 years.

As well as training others in trauma-informed, facilitation skills, I have delivered programs in puberty and wellbeing, gender equity and social justice for primary and secondary students, business and not-for-profit organisations.

What do you do at CRLLEN and what do you find most rewarding about the role?

My role involves supporting educators - mostly secondary school teachers - and volunteer mentors to deliver our Project Ready (CHC24015 Cert II in Active Volunteering) program with a collaborative, trauma-informed approach. It's my job to make their life easier through training, wellbeing support and coordination of logistics and assessment. I love the purpose of our work, making a difference for young people, particularly those who may be disengaged or at risk of disengaging. I really enjoy using a wide variety of my skills and knowledge daily, with regular opportunities to learn and grow - and working with great people who also value making a positive difference for young people.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I'm an Associate at the Groupwork Centre and my passion lies in facilitating education through the lens of restorative practices and trauma-informed awareness. That passion extends beyond the Centre, as I'm also part of the small, international training and leadership team for Celebration Day for Girls. In this role, I train new facilitators around the world and help develop new programs for both in-person and online learning.

I also love walking by the creek with our border collies every morning, dance any chance I get and geek out on learning about neuroscience, developmental trauma and how we learn best (basically by feeling good and enjoying the learning). I'd prefer a fork in the eye than having to sit and watch a game of cricket.

Janoel’s fur besties.

Tara Kirk.

Tara Kirk, School, Industry & Projects Manager

When did you join the team?

I joined in November 2023.

What do you do at CRLLEN and what do you find most rewarding about the role?

Work with schools and industry to give students the opportunity to experience career pathways through practical experiences.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I’m not scared of snakes or spiders but if I see a cockroach -Absolutely not!

Tara and her fav horse!

Wendy Hopkins.

Wendy Hopkins, Youth Facilitator & Project Ready Trainer

When did you join the team?

I joined the Central Ranges LLEN in May 2018, to facilitate Project Ready, because the program sounded amazing.

After starting work as an agricultural scientist with the Victorian government in regional Victoria, I discovered my passion for group-based youth leadership programs and made a career change. I moved to Sydney to work with the environmental not-for-profit Oz GREEN, where I facilitated environmental leadership programs for young people, adults and also with secondary school students. While also studying a Master in Education (Social Ecology), majoring in group facilitation. After moving to Melbourne I working with not-for-profits organisation. Firstly Conservation Volunteers Australia as a Group Leader, then the School for Social Entrepreneurs as a Learning Manager and Facilitator. Then through Environment Victoria I ran information sessions and training programs on home energy efficient for migrant and refugee parents. Amongst all this, I also studied and received an Advanced Diploma in Group Facilitation, facilitated deep ecology workshops, and had two children.

What do you do at CRLLEN and what do you find most rewarding about the role?

Since joining Central Ranges LLEN as a Group Facilitator, I've had the pleasure of leading work readiness and personal development programs for young people across various locations, including Gisborne, Kyneton, Broadford, Seymour, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Sunbury, Lancefield and Bullengarook. I came aboard during the inception of Project Ready and have witnessed its evolution into a Certificate II in Active Volunteering and have had the privilege of working with some really awesome young people!

I have coordinated and facilitated the JobsFirst program and the extraordinary Youth Take Over program and learnt an enormous amount along the way. Returning this year as a Project Ready Trainer and Facilitator fills me with gratitude, as it's a such a great program.

I enjoy working as a team and building fun 'let's find ways to make this work well' relationships with colleagues. And the best bits of course are working with the young people! I love working with young people, in a facilitatory way that helps them grow and shine. I enjoy the reciprocity of learning and growing with and from them, and the laughter and care that comes.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I LOVE to dance. I regularly go to 5 Rhythms, a freeform dance movement practice and an adult beginner's 'soul funk' dance class. I'm also I’m part of an amateur dance troupe and we will be participating in the annual Hot Moves No Pressure event in Castlemaine. So fun :-)

Outside of the dancing, I Coordinate the Wash Against Waste Trailer for the Mount Alexander Sustainability Group based in Castlemaine, where I go to fun events and provide reusable crockery and cutlery that's washed on-site by volunteers. I'd love to find a way to incorporate dance into this role, though it hasn't quite happened yet ;-)

Wendy & comedian Craig Reucassel.

Cynthia Petridis.

Cynthia Petridis, School to Work Project Officer

When did you join the team?

I Joined the Central Ranges LLEN Team in 2025 after five years at the Hume Whittlesea LLEN. With a Bachelor of Business in Event Management, I built a successful career in Events and Hotel Sales, holding roles such as Business Development Manager and Associate Director of Sales. Transitioning into the Community Services sector has been incredibly rewarding, showcasing the versatility of my skills. I love engaging with schools and students while working on projects that create meaningful impacts on young people’s futures, helping to shape their prospects in a positive way.

What do you do at CRLLEN and what do you find most rewarding about the role?

The most rewarding part of my role is the variety each day brings, allowing me to work on diverse projects and events while engaging with new people along the way. I especially love the opportunity to work and explore the beautiful Central Ranges region, which is new to me, and feel fortunate to be part of a wonderful team where I can support them in achieving their project goals and objectives through administrative tasks, coordination and strategic planning. Contributing to meaningful initiatives that positively impact young people’s futures makes my work even more fulfilling.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

A fun fact about me is that when I’m not working or caring for my three young children and family, I love immersing myself in the outdoors, staying active and fit through activities like walking, hiking, dancing and running. I’m also dedicated to living a holistic life, focusing my energy on movement and creating healthy meals for my family—and of course, eating! I continue to strive for the slowness in our busy lives as much as I can. I also love to travel and creating lasting memories with my family is something I truly value and cherish.

Cynthia on a run.

Vicki Turner.

Vicki Turner, Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster Coordinator

When did you join the team?

I joined the Central Ranges LLEN in October 2023, after working for 6 years in an administration role at Gisborne Secondary College. In my previous position, I supported the careers team, particularly focusing on assisting students transitioning to apprenticeships, employment or other schools.

I joined the CRLLEN as an opportunity to learn more about the careers industry from a different perspective, and to be more involved in supporting schools and industries to guide our young people on their own career journey.

What do you do at CRLLEN and what do you find most rewarding about the role?

My role at CRLLEN has recently changed. In December I successfully applied for the newly created Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET cluster coordinator role and I officially started in January 2025. I am excited about this new opportunity and while I am still supporting the work of the School to Work program, I now have the opportunity to work closely with all of the 10 schools in that VET cluster. I am really looking forward to this new opportunity and am excited about being able to help expand VET options for students in our Shire.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I enjoy being outside, walking and running with my dogs in the hills and trails. The photo is of me at Hamilton Island, which is my happy place and where my family loves to holiday. At Hamilton Island, I love driving around in a golf buggy, as well as getting out on the hilly trails in the morning and then enjoy the relaxing activities available during the day that the Island offers.

Vicki at Hamilton Island.

JiLi.

JiLi, Therapy Dog

When did you join the team?

JiLi (pronounced Gee Lee) joined CRLLEN when our CEO Nicky arrived in June 2023. JiLi is a rescue labrador, who was in training to be a Therapy Dog for an older couple. Unfortunately their circumstances changed and Nicky who had been walking JiLi ended up becoming her full time carer. As a puppy JiLi was a bundle of energy and was really a bit too much for the older couple to handle. Nicky and JiLi were the perfect match and they often run together in both the mountains and down at the beach in Portarlington.

JiLi's name is a Chinese character for Good Luck, so Nicky kept her name, as JiLi has certainly been very lucky to land in Nicky's life and her therapy training and fondness for cuddles and food (she is a Labrador after all) makes her very good company.

What do you do at CRLLEN and what do you find most rewarding about the role?

JiLi is a regular visitor to the office and has even attended the occasional network meeting and school event. She’s incredibly social, loves meeting new people and has a keen sense for picking up on emotions.

At our Romsey office, which we share with Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, JiLi has been warmly welcomed—so much so that she often takes a seat behind the Reception desk! She also has her own little corner in our office but isn’t shy about popping up for a staff cuddle during a Zoom meeting.

JiLi exploring the beach.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

JiLi just loves the water and her favourite pastime, when she isn’t eating or sleeping, is to run along the beach or swim in the ocean. She will often swim quite a way out into the sea. She loves to dig a hole on the beach and enjoys the activity of running with Nicky after a long day of loving people at work.