Geelong Manufacturing Council team

Thys Heyns has 35 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry, most recently with Viva Energy as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Viva Energy in February 2015, Thys was with BP for 28 years in an international career across four continents that covered Supply Chain, Oil Trading and Refining. Thys is an experienced Refining executive with recent roles...

Rob Backwell is a director of the IXL Group of companies, including Backwell IXL and IXL Metal Castings.  IXL has been making things in Geelong since 1858, and today its Geelong manufacturing activity includes domestic appliances, metal stamping and a foundry.   The Group’s domestic appliance marketing and distribution business, IXL Home, sells IXL, Cannon and iRobot appliances throughout Australia and New...

Jane Fletcher has 28 years’ experience in carpet manufacturing with Godfrey Hirst Australia. She took on the role as a director and COO in January 2021, having previously been involved in Planning, Operations and Supply Chain Management. Jane has a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University and an APICS CPIM. Godfrey Hirst has been manufacturing textiles in Geelong since 1865,...

Lyn is the co-owner and corporate director of Austeng, a boutique engineering business that specialises in the design, engineering and development of customised equipment for industry. Lyn has been instrumental in restructuring and repositioning Austeng’s focus from very much reliant on the automotive industry to operating in several new sectors and working with start-up companies and Universities. Lyn is also...

Shane Hase brings 28 years of experience in manufacturing and distribution, with a strong focus on operations and community engagement. Since joining Incitec Pivot Limited (IPL) in 2017, he has overseen the distribution of around 1 million tonnes of imported and locally manufactured fertiliser annually across Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia. Currently, Shane serves as the Production...

Matt Nussio has extensive industry and academic experience, with a track record in the establishment and delivery of major industry-university partnerships.   Matt is currently the Director, Commercial Initiatives and Enterprise Partnerships in the Office of Strategic Partnerships, Deakin University. Before joining the Strategic Partnerships team, Matt was Director, Commercial Research, Innovation & Sustainability in the Research Business Engagement and Impact...

Glen Pasque has 32 years of manufacturing experience across three different industries, most recently the Oil and Gas Industry with Viva Energy as Operations Manager at the Geelong Refinery. Prior to joining Viva Energy in February 2015, Glen spent 12 years with Alcoa Rolled Products at the Point Henry Aluminium Rolling Plant in Geelong Victoria and 12 years at BHP...

Jennifer Conley is an advanced manufacturing advocate with two decades’ experience at the intersection of industry, research and government. Working with companies and organisations to achieve competitive advantage in the global market place, champion greater Asia-Australia business and investment, and develop thought leadership campaigns around advanced manufacturing, energy and tax policy, as well as global social issues. She’s passionate about...

Leanne Nelson has worked in and with the manufacturing industry for over 25 years. She has a background in the program management, integration of systems and skills within SME’s as well as managing delivery of accredited training. Leanne is our Program  Manager, managing a number of programs including the Women in Manufacturing Network & Mentoring Program, Geelong Future Leaders of...

Alex has more than 10 years’ experience working in roles across economic development, business support, stakeholder engagement and communications. Alex comes to the GMC fresh from the City of Greater Geelong where he oversaw business and industry engagement, including investment facilitation, business growth programs and small business support. This included working across all levels of government to support local Geelong...

Nicole Rosbergen is a dedicated and innovative Project & Administration Officer at GMC. She plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and the manufacturing industry. With over 20 years of experience in Office Administration and Project Management, Nicole brings a sharp eye for detail and a passion for organisation to every initiative she leads. At GMC, Nicole...

Shayna is a qualified engineer who has worked in STEM roles for many years. She understands the challenges women face in choosing and staying in STEM careers and is keen to help address gender imbalance in this area. Shayna is a highly capable trainer and project manager, holding a degree in mechanical engineering. In the engineering sector, Shayna carried out...

Sharon Hebbard is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in viticulture, winemaking, and business management. As the only female graduate in her cohort with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Wine Science from Charles Sturt University, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership. Sharon has worked across various regions in Australia....