Janet Cribbes has served on the Wellsprings for Women Board since 2016 and brings over 30 years’ experience across government, private, and community sectors. A specialist in governance and ethical leadership, Janet mentors executives and supports authentic, values-based leadership in the not-for-profit space. Her past role as Mayor of Port Phillip and deep community engagement reflect her lifelong commitment to social justice. Janet champions Wellsprings’ mission to dismantle structural barriers facing women and shape a future grounded in equity and empowerment.
Joanne Rosewall Deputy Chair
Joanne Rosewall has been a dedicated Board Member since 2012. A long-time Dandenong local and mother of eight, Joanne has been involved with Wellsprings since its inception, witnessing its transformation into a vital community hub. She brings a strong grounding in community leadership and values the contributions of volunteers in shaping Wellsprings’ welcoming spirit. Favourite Quote: “Hope has two beautiful daughters: their names are Anger and Courage…” — St. Augustine of Hippo
Laura Conti Treasurer
A Board Member since 2018, Laura Conti is a Chartered Accountant with 16 years of experience in the digital and tech sectors. She co-founded #GoKindly and advocates for women’s rights and justice within fundamentalist religious communities. Laura brings strategic financial oversight and a strong feminist lens to Wellsprings’ governance. Favourite Quote: “Equal rights, fair play, justice — are all like the air: we all have it, or none of us has it.” — Maya Angelou
Sandra Boyd Secretary
Sandra Boyd joined the Board at the 2023 AGM and offers a rich background across government, education, and small business. With skills in HR, operations, finance, and policy, Sandra is a strategic thinker and a strong advocate for ethical leadership and sustainability. She currently works as a Senior Policy Officer in the Victorian Government and holds an MBA and AICD qualification. Favourite Quote: “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Directors:
Roshan Bhandary
Board Member since November 2023, Roshan Bhandary brings deep expertise in family violence prevention, gender equality, and multicultural inclusion. Originally from Nepal, she has led programs across prevention and intervention and is widely respected for her intersectional approach. Roshan was inducted into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll (2015) for her exemplary service. Favourite Quote: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Carmel Collins
Carmel Collins joined the Board in 2016, offering more than 35 years of expertise as a government lawyer and executive across public housing, energy, land management, and gaming. With a deep respect for justice and inclusion, Carmel supports Wellsprings’ mission to welcome and empower women, particularly those experiencing disadvantage. Favourite Quote: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Hurriyet Babacan
Appointed in 2023, Professor Hurriyet Babacan is a distinguished leader in education, public policy, and multicultural affairs. With senior roles across academia, government, and international organisations like UNESCO and the UNDP, she brings global insight to Wellsprings. Recognised with an Order of Australia (AM) and several national awards, Hurriyet strengthens Wellsprings with her expertise in equity, regional development, and inclusive leadership.
The following new Board members joined Wellsprings for Women in November 2025;
Board Members
Janet Cribbes Chairperson
Joanne Rosewall Deputy Chair
Favourite Quote:
“Hope has two beautiful daughters: their names are Anger and Courage…” — St. Augustine of Hippo
Laura Conti Treasurer
Favourite Quote:
“Equal rights, fair play, justice — are all like the air: we all have it, or none of us has it.” — Maya Angelou
Sandra Boyd Secretary
Favourite Quote:
“If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Directors:
Roshan Bhandary
Favourite Quote:
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Carmel Collins
Favourite Quote:
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Hurriyet Babacan
The following new Board members joined Wellsprings for Women in November 2025;
Jayne Parish
Jane Ward
Annette Kelly
Rabia Sikander