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Janet Jukes OAM
Chief Executive Officer
CEO since July 2022
Janet Jukes OAM
Janet joined Refuge Victoria in July 2022, bringing with her over 30 years’ experience in the non government human services sector. Janet has held key leadership roles in child, youth and family services, relationship and counselling services, homelessness, family violence, community legal services, and research. Most recently, Janet held the role of CEO of Relationship Matters Counselling and Mediation for almost eight years. She holds a Master of Social Science (Social Policy and Human Services Management), a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma of Teaching (Primary and Special Education). In the 2021 Australian Queens Birthday Honours list Janet was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (General Division) – for services to the community through LGBTIQ advocacy and social welfare organisations. She is also a Centenary Medal recipient for outstanding service to young people. A recurrent theme in Janet’s professional and voluntary work is the desire to see an improvement in the human dignity of those who are made vulnerable within our communities. Janet strives to make a sustainable difference, as the continued investment of her time, energy and expertise in strong and effective community organisations attests.
Emily Ryder

Emily Ryder

Chair

Director since 2019.
Appointed Chair 2021.
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Bridget Thakrar

Bridget Thakrar

Acting Deputy Chair

Appointed Acting Deputy Chair May 2023.
Director since 2021.
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Lino Sinni

Lino Sinni

Treasurer

Director since 2021.
Appointed Treasuer 2022.
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Dr Karen Smith OAM

Dr Karen Smith OAM

Secretary

Director since 2020.
Appointed Secretary 2021.
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Mannie Kaur Verma

Mannie Kaur Verma

Board Director

Director since 2022.
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