Meet our Executive Committee
We are proud to introduce the members of our Executive Committee—an exceptional group of individuals who provide strategic direction, governance, and leadership for our organization.
Their diverse expertise, unwavering commitment, and shared vision play a vital role in guiding our mission and ensuring we continue to serve our community with integrity and impact.
We are grateful for their dedication and the invaluable contributions they make.
Vivienne Harkness
President
From my earliest days at school, I was always looking for causes where people needed support- both personal and financial and so every year I was elected Captain of Social Services – as no one else wanted the role!!
It had a great impact on my future and following my training and invaluable years as a primary school teacher, I had the great fortune to work in the fields of public relations and marketing, through my role as a member of the Australia House Trade Publicity Team, while in Europe.
However, I continued to be deeply aware of the need to support people less fortunate, and was employed by different not for profits as their Fund Raising and Volunteer Manager. It was during my time working with the Sudden Infant Death Research Foundation of Victoria that I brought Red Nose Day to Australia and shortly after became the National Director of the campaign for its first three years.
Following this incredible experience I set up my own Special Events Agency and continued to run national fundraising and educational events for organisations including epilepsy and muscular dystrophy.
Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, not just once, but twice. So eventually I turned my attention to volunteering with the wonderful Breast Cancer Network of Australia (BCNA).
It was while I was there, that my husband, Peter had his first major stroke, which left him with severe aphasia and some intellectual disabilities.
I was desperately in need of support and understanding at that time, and through the help of the social worker at St Vincent’s Bolte Wing, where Peter had been for 5 months, I contacted the City of Boroondara and – I found BSSG.
The rest is history – I could no longer continue at BCNA, due to my new caring role, so offered my services to BSSG, where both Peter and I found friendship, understanding, stimulation, encouragement and many others who were attempting to live a life after stroke. We were no longer alone and we had found hope, a haven and a new family, with whom we readily shared our mutual needs.
My experience being involved with BSSG has given true and invaluable meaning to my life in my later years, and I owe every person with whom I have had the pleasure to be involved, a huge debt of gratitude for contributing to the invaluable organisation that BSSG has become.
Michael Davis is a retiree who joined BSSG Inc. four years ago. Witnessing firsthand the difference BSSG made in the lives of stroke survivors and their carers inspired him to become a volunteer. Supporting others on their journey has been a rewarding and meaningful experience for him.
Michael has a strong background in the textile industry, having served as Group Managing Director of a leading supplier of textile products and solutions. He brings a wealth of leadership experience and a broad perspective, having travelled extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the Far East.
As Vice President of BSSG Inc., Michael contributes his strategic insight and lived experience to support the organisation’s growth and helps identify potential stakeholders to further BSSG’s mission
Michael Davis
Vice President
Greg Selkirk
Treasurer
Greg is a Boroondara resident and Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) with over 25 years of regulatory, commercial, and accounting experience. He has spent more than two decades working in port and rail transport infrastructure across Australia and Europe and brings extensive governance expertise as an experienced not-for-profit Board member. He also holds an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning from Monarch Institute.
Greg was introduced to BSSG Inc. in 2022 by his father-in-law, a long-time member and carer of a former stroke survivor. His father-in-law later became a stroke survivor himself, and Greg supported both in their transition to residential aged care—an experience that deepened his connection to BSSG’s mission.
To Greg, BSSG Inc. is a vital community that offers practical support, connection, and dignity to stroke survivors and their carers. It represents the power of lived experience and volunteerism in action.
Born in Melbourne, she grew up in Pakenham, Meredith, and Ballarat, and spent her career as an Executive Assistant working across Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, and Melbourne. She supported several Federal Ministers and spent 20 years at Loreto Mandeville Hall in Melbourne. Her connection to stroke is personal—her father experienced a stroke at age 88.
She became involved with BSSG Inc. in 2021 after retiring and discovering the organisation at the Boroondara Volunteer Expo. She currently serves as Membership Officer, a member of the Hub Sub-Committee, and part of the Executive Management Team. In the past, she also supported the Lawn Bowls and Cooking Group activities.
To her, BSSG Inc. is a second family—a warm, supportive community where Stroke Survivors, Carers, and volunteers come together, support each other, and have fun. She is proud to be part of such a special organisation and hopes to continue contributing for many years to come.
Jan Stephen
Secretary to Administration
