Meet our Team

Rachel Connor, CEO

Rachel has a long commitment to Saltbush through her roles as a volunteer, board member, and CEO. She is passionate about the power of holidays, nature, creativity, and connection to help people experiencing hardship and exclusion to thrive.

Rachel brings to Saltbush a rich array of professional experiences including leadership and consulting in the areas of equality and inclusion. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Arts, and Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management.

Megan Willis, Operations Coordinator

Megan is our exceptional Operations Coordinator, with a hand in all operational tasks at Saltbush. She is the warm and friendly face throughout the entire holiday process, from bookings, to welcoming guests and ensuring they have a wonderful, restful time at Balnarring Beach.

Megan has experience working in not-for-profit organisations and in busy, dynamic workplaces with diverse groups, and brings this knowledge to all she does at Saltbush.

Helpful and considerate, Megan is people-focussed, and ensures that her work at Saltbush is conducted through the lens of what will make holidays easier and more enjoyable for guests.

Cassie Mills, Communications Coordinator

Cassie is our Communications Coordinator extraordinaire, supporting all the communications functions at Saltbush. Cassie is an enormously valuable contributor to all aspects of Saltbush’s operations, including providing support for the school holiday and other programs.

Practical, clever, and thoughtful Cassie welcomes guests, and helps them to thrive and make the most of their time at Saltbush. Smiley, open, and always eager to learn more, these attributes are what make Cassie such a well-loved part of the team at Saltbush.

Cassie holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

Our Board

Prof. Phillip Steele, Chairperson

Prof. Phillip Steele is an Emeritus Professor of Monash University. He holds a doctorate in Information Systems from Deakin University and is a Fellow of the Australian Computer Society. Phillip has over 30 years of experience as an IT academic.

He has played a variety of senior academic leadership roles including Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Berwick and Peninsula campuses of Monash University. Since retirement, Phillip has developed voluntary roles with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project and Saltbush, Balnarring Beach.

Claire Thorn, Deputy Chairperson

Claire has been involved with Saltbush, Balnarring Beach since 2017. Claire brings to the Board a deep knowledge of social services gained from community and public sector roles and qualifications in public policy development, management and governance.

Claire is actively involved in her local community. Claire is particularly interested in how community engagement and activity can address inequality and discrimination and tackle the impact of loneliness and trauma.

Shelley Iles, Treasurer

Shelley joined the Saltbush board in 2021. Shelley is a Mornington Peninsula local and a CPA who started her career at Deloitte, before moving into finance and business leadership roles in education. Shelley is active in the local community and is committed to the values of Saltbush, Balnarring Beach.

Keeley Hille

Keeley is a Mornington Peninsula local who works in the digital health sector and has academic qualifications in allied health, education and information technology. She has worked in in non-profit and commercial organisations in a range of industries including healthcare, aged and disability care and local government. Keeley is committed to giving back the local community through pro-active participation.

Charles Reis

Charles joined the Board in December 2022. He has a commercial background leading strategy and corporate functions, with experience in both business and community sectors. Charles holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and an MBA; and most recently led a local campaign to save the historic Flinders Pier.