The Faces of GSBN

At the Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN), we are proud to serve as a vital connector, advocate, and supporter of businesses across the Goulburn Valley. With a commitment to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for success, GSBN is driven by a passionate team of local professionals and community leaders dedicated to making a difference.

Each board member and staff member are deeply rooted in the local community and bring unique insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in Greater Shepparton. Together, we work tirelessly to deliver value to our members, champion initiatives that strengthen the local economy, and create a supportive network where businesses of all sizes can grow and prosper.

The Board meets on a monthly basis, so that decisions and policies are reflective of the views and experiences of the Greater Shepparton business community. To find out more about joining the board or to attend the next meeting, please contact us.

Take a moment to meet the people behind GSBN, and learn more about their professional backgrounds, contributions to GSBN, and their aspirations for the future of our business community. We are proud of the work we do, and it’s a privilege to have such a talented and dedicated team steering our efforts.

Stephen is the Owner and General Manager of Stephens Jewellers, Shepparton and Echuca, a family business operating in the Goulburn Valley for over 30 years. He operates alongside his wife Michelle, whose grandfather Arthur Gerrard originally established the business as Gerard’s the Jewellers in the 1950s. Stephen is President of the Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN), and has been an active contributor to, and at times Board Member of, the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry for over 30 years.

He has played an active role in the national buying and marketing group Showcase Jewellers, including 7 years as Director and time as Board Chair, representing the interests of Australian and New Zealand businesses both locally, and at international industry events across Europe, Asia, and North America. Recently, he has been appointed Director of the Jeweller’s Association of Australia, a national body supporting the jewellery industry in policy advocacy at the retail and wholesale level.

Prior to entering the fine jewellery industry, Stephen spent his early career as a Senior Executive in the Japanese manufacturing giant Hitachi, working in product development and strategic planning and travelling Asia extensively at the dawn of the digital technology evolution and global manufacturing boom of the 1980s. Over 40 years, Stephen has extensive experience in managing and supporting retail businesses with high exposure to global economic forces.

Wayne is the General Manager at the Shepparton Club and Co-Owner and Director of The Standard Squeeze.

He is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry with skills in catering, budgeting, food & beverage, gaming, accommodation, operations management, and coaching.

Prior to moving to Shepparton, Wayne was General Manager of Bendigo Stadium, CEO Rich River Golf Club, Vice President Clubs NSW Riverina Murray Zone, Chairman of the Murray Shire Liquor Accord and the Murray Business Network. He has also been Vice Chair of Moama Anglican Grammar Board and Trainer for Tafe NSW.

Wayne has been on the Board of the Greater Shepparton Business Network for several years and will be taking on the role of President Co-Chair in 2025-2026.

Wayne has two adult children with his wife, Kaye.

Jac is the Owner and Business Manager of Everyday Supplies in Shepparton. Established in 1997, the business offers a large range of cleaning products and equipment, bathroom amenities, vacuums and bags, along with office tearoom and stationery essentials. The retail store in New Dookie Road supplies businesses right throughout the Goulburn Valley and services as far as Wallan, Yea, Albury, Barooga, Deniliquin and Rochester.

Jac was born and raised in Shepparton and has a proud history of contributing to the community. She has sat on School Councils, Sporting Committees and Community Groups since her late teens, with a passion for giving back to where she lives and works. Currently she is President of the Goulburn Valley Grammar School Parents and Friends Association as well as Club Delegate for Congupna Cruzers Soccer Club and Committee Member of Congupna Primary’s School Council. She is a Mum of three busy young men and is actively involved in their sporting and educational pursuits.

Jac has been a member of the Greater Shepparton Business Network since September 2022 and a Board Member since June 2023. She has chaired the Events Committee in 2024 and has enjoyed supporting the growth of our monthly networking events. She looks forward to continuing the growth of GSBN through our member events throughout coming years.

Jac is continuing her position in 2026 as Chair of the Greater Shepparton Business Excellence Awards, and taking on the role of Vice President.

Neer is employed by MB+M in Shepparton, a local accounting and financial planning firm. She has over 13 years of experience in taxation and business accounting services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Neer is passionate about helping business owners succeed at every stage of their journey — from start-up through to succession — by providing guidance on business planning, growth strategies, and tax minimisation to achieve the best outcomes. She prides herself on delivering high-quality work, building trusted relationships, and providing practical, tailored advice.

With experience across a wide range of industries including farming, construction, property development, trades, hospitality, and logistics, Neer brings strong technical accounting skills and a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by local businesses.

As Treasurer and Board Member of the Greater Shepparton Business Network, Neer looks forward to contributing her expertise to support the continued growth and success of the region’s business community.

Geoff has lived in regional Victoria most of his life.

Born in Mildura, lived at Casterton, Geelong, Benalla and Shepparton.

Geoff is the Founder, Managing Director and Publisher of The Shepparton Adviser, which was established in 1984, publishing local community news, features and special publications for the past 41 years.

Geoff comes from a newspaper family background with four generations of publishing on his mother’s side and three generations of publishing on his father’s side mostly in regional Victoria.

He also worked on the Newbury Weekly News in the UK and the Melbourne Herald in the early 1980s.

He has been heavily involved in the community for many years.

Geoff has served as a Board Member and President of the Victorian Country Press Association (VCPA) and Board Member of the Goulburn Valley Broadcasters.

Geoff is currently serving as a Board Member of the Greater Shepparton Business Network, has served as a past President and is also a Life Member of GSBN.

He has also been a Chair of the of Greater Shepparton’s Business Excellence Awards subcommittee and a member of the CBD and parking committees.

Geoff and his wife Madeleine have been long term residence of Shepparton and have three sons, one daughter and two grandsons.

With a passion for connecting and collaborating, Michaela’s broad background includes community and customer engagement, corporate communications and media, internal communications and engagement, and education and community projects, in particular in career pathways. After spending most of her career in industry, she is now offering these services through her business, Pendulum Communications & Engagement, including operational communications support, strategic communications planning and stakeholder engagement services.

Through her role as a Board Member of the Greater Shepparton Business Network and Chair of the Events Committee, Michaela hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the community and our region, where there are so many opportunities, and so many wonderful reasons to build a life and a business.

Sally is the Manager of Channel 7 in Shepparton, specialising in digital and broadcast marketing strategies for all levels of local, state, and national business.

Born and raised in Queensland, Sally has been living in Shepparton for over 20 years (with an 8-year stint in the Middle East during that time).

Sally brings with her a rich career history in category management, trade marketing, business to business and business to consumer marketing. Sally enjoys nothing more than working with local businesses to bring their marketing strategy to life. Together with her husband Shane, they have raised 3 wonderful human beings – the last one nearing the end of VCE.

Sally joined the Board in 2025 and hopes to help drive memberships and a strong connection between Greater Shepparton Business Network and the local business community.