Fr Michael has shown a lifetime commitment to community and education. He is an experienced educator, author of a number of
books, historian and well versed in ethnic issues and the principles of multiculturalism.
Fr Michael is a Justice of the Peace, Bail Justice, Member of Australian Institute of
Management and Australian College of Educators. His dedication has been acknowledged
internationally and include many honours, including the Order of Australia and the Order of
Friendship from the Government of the Russian Federation, and the UN Volunteer Service Medal.
Fr. Michael is the Founding Chairperson of the South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre
in Victoria, and Dean of the Russian Orthodox Church in Australia. As Chairman, Father Michael
provides a balance of prudential management and responsible leadership, with the essence of
charity and giving inspired by St. John of Kronstadt, Patron Saint of The Russian Welfare Society.
Irene Schkola
Secretary
B.A.(Monash), Dip Ed. (WASTC). Dip Modern Languages (Monash)
Irene Schkola is a dedicated member of the Russian Community and Board member. She has served in an official capacity for nine years and as a volunteer for 18 years. Her involvement has included support for the Chernobyl Children Fund, both as a committee member and a host to children, support for newly arrived migrants, visiting the elderly residents in the aged care facility and the Russian Village, visiting many Russian Pensioners clubs, treasurer for the Russian Women's Chamber Choir and participating in choral presentations throughout Victoria and interstate. Through her consistent involvement, Irene has gained an in-depth knowledge of numerous aspects of the work of the Russian Welfare Society and her experience and knowledge are a valuable contribution to the Board. Having dedicated 35 years to the education and welfare of her secondary students in a number of capacities, Irene is currently enjoying her time working as a short term contract teacher at a variety of schools.
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Aleks Bialocerkowski
Finance Director
Aleks brings twenty years experience in the professional management of aged care
facilities including the role of past CEO St John of Kronstadt Russian Welfare Society, and
as owner manager of Siesta High Care Facility, Windsor RACF Low Care Facility.
With considerable
experience in the development of capital works and business growth his business management and aged
care specific experience and culturally specific aged care is a great asset to the Board of Directors.
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Christine Nekrasov
Director – Russian Village
Tertiary Education in Occupational Therapy (incomplete), Migration Law for Community Workers-Western Metropolitan College of Tafe
Commonwealth Public Servant for 20 years. Registered Migration Agent 1994-1997
Integration Assessment Worker Course 1994 Southern Family life Service Assoc.
Volunteer Community Visitor, Office of the Public Advocate 1998-2002. Volunteer Student Mentor, St Antony's Coptic College, Nth Frankston 2003-2005. Volunteer Home Tutor-English for Migrants- AMES- 2007. Close association with RWS over many years, family involvement.
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Laurel Mannix
Director – Resident Care
RN Division 1, Employment and Training Co-Ordinator
Laurel Mannix has been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years, working across all areas of nursing. In the last decade Laurel has worked exclusively in the Aged Care Sector, managing Aged Care Facilities, and working with an Apprenticeships organisation with the aim of increasing the numbers of dedicated nurses and carers within Aged Care Facilities. Laurel works specifically recruiting, and mentoring nurses and carers in this highly specialised field.
Laurel's commitment to nursing has lead to her involvement with RWS, acting in the role of clinical support.
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Paul Savenkov
Director – Utilities and Services
Property Developer/Entrepreneur
Paul Savenkov has over thirty years of property and construction management experience at CEO level. His project history includes a huge range of successful projects both here and overseas. His particular interest and speciality is in boutique and lifestyle developments, as well as Retirement/Nursing Home projects. Present works consist of multi-storey residential apartments in Brunswick and Natewa Bay Resort which comprises of a 540 acre development with hotels, 18 hole golf course and 300 waterfront villas in Fiji.
Paul has been associated with the Russian Welfare society for over 20 years, first in the capacity of builder and later as a Board member. For many years he was with the Apex Association in Dandenong and currently he is a member of the St John of Jerusalem Order Charity Organisation. Paul brings his professional expertise and advice to the Board continuing his service for the benefit of the community.
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Ian Harrop
Director – Human Services
Operations Manager
Ian has skills and expertise which can influence and lead HRM strategies and outcomes in line with business direction and growth and currently hold the position of Operations Manager for a “not for profit” organisation targeting the provision of vocational education and employment to young people in the community.
Ian's expertise ranges across organisational and operational management and strategic development coupled with extensive experience in the “not for profit” sector, Government liaison and legislative and standards based compliance.
