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The OnSide Victoria board meet regularly and are committed to the continued development of the organisation and its role within the community. Their combined experience, knowledge and passion for the work of OnSide Victoria make them a real asset to the organisation and provide a stable platform from which to launch initiatives such as Life Skills through Sport with significant results.
 
 
Patrizia Torelli, Chair
 

Is recognised for her work in the sport, community and education sectors and is currently Managing Director of Spheres of Influence International, a global business solutions company providing strategic consultancy services.

 

A specialist in the Sport sector, particularly in the area of Diversity and Inclusion, Patrizia was previously National Manager, Participation Services for Cricket Australia and Director of Marketing & Community Relations for international educational institutions.

 

Patrizia’s background combines research and development, marketing, communications, policy, governance, corporate, education, sport and community development expertise to provide excellence in sustainable models for the implementation. 

 

Patrizia is Chair of OnSide Victoria, Chair of BalletLab, the first female Director elected to the Board of Football Federation Victoria, and former committee chair for Marketing & Media Communications of the ACEL (Australian Council for Educational Leaders Victoria).

 

Patrizia has many years of experience in the field of international marketing in education and sport and in the research and strategic development of business models for equitable access. Her input has been sought on a number of national projects and she continues to explore new frontiers in education and community issues.

  
 
Vincent Manno, Secretary
 
Current serving Victoria Police member with 23 years operational experience.  Presently a

Detective Leading Senior Constable at the Crime Department, with primary role as investigator.

 

Although not his core role, Vince is a strong advocate for crime prevention and early intervention strategies for youth. In a voluntary capacity, his title of Detective and soccer enthusiast are used as vehicles to actively engage with youth and adolescents in a positive setting. The sport is used as an alternative to risk taking behaviour with a main focus of curbing youth from entering the criminal justice system.

 

Vince is a strong and passionate supporter for youth and multiculturalism, demonstrated by his maintaining strong ties with CALD communities via the forum of sport and recreation, in a bid to break down Police misconceptions and provide social connectedness for youth. He is personally responsible for demystifying myths of the criminal process, and effectively providing for a safer Victoria.

 

In 1990, Vince was personally responsible for the re-establishment of the Victoria Police Soccer Club (VPSC). Since its inception in October 2001, Vince has been an active committee member of Onside Victoria (OSVI). As representative of Victoria Police, Vince is also current Secretary of OSVI. His involvement is reflected in assisting the OSVI committee to design, implement and coordinate youth sport & recreational programs for various marginalised youth, who have difficulties in accessing mainstream sport.  This is also complimented by the delivery and participation of the VPSC, in providing coaching clinics and games, with thousands of CALD youth in the metropolitan and regional areas of Victoria.

 
Maggie Koumi, Treasurer
 
Maggie has been a member of the OnSide Victoria Board since 2008 and currently holds the position of Treasurer.

 

Maggie was a member of the Board of Football Federation Victoria (FFV) between 2001 and 2007 and continues to play an active role in the development of the game for girls and women of all ages and backgrounds.  Maggie was elected to the Victorian Women’s Football Standing Committee in 2009 and voted as Chair by her fellow committee members.  Maggie was also elected to the Victorian Football Juniors Standing Committee that same year.

 

Maggie is a member of the FFV Historical Committee and is dedicated to ensuring the history of Victorian football is recorded and maintained, in particular women’s and girls’ football.

 

Maggie has represented Victoria at the Women’s Soccer Australia and Football Federation Australia National Councils and was FFV’s ambassador with the women’s self-funded football tour of China in 2005.

 

Maggie is a recipient of the 2002 VicSport Volunteer Administrator of the Year Award in recognition of her significant contribution to ‘services to football in the state of Victoria’.

 

“I am delighted to be part of such a worthwhile organisation as OnSide and strongly believe we can make a significant contribution to assist CALD communities integrate into Australia and Victorian life.”
 
 
Board Members
  
Dr Emma Sherry
 
Dr Emma Sherry is a sport management academic at La Trobe University. Emma has undertaken research in areas such as: AFL governance, Homeless World Cup, sport inclusion programs, women’s sport and sport development programs for marginalised groups.

Emma has provided consulting and advice to a variety of sport organisations such as: Victorian Women’s Cricket Association, Cricket Victoria, Football Federation Victoria and Bowls Australia. Emma also has working relationships with IER market research and Spheres of Influence International, providing conference and research facilitation and advice as required

Emma has published her research in a number of international academic journals and presents regularly at conferences both here and abroad. In addition to her role as an academic, Emma sits on a number of sport industry committees (Vicsport women’s advisory group and Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand).

   
Leslie Burrows
 
Leslie has a strong understanding of the community and the role of participation in connecting communities. Leslie brings great management experience to OnSide Victoria having worked at Football Federation Victoria, the Sydney Olympic Organising Committee, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and most recently heading up the Melbourne Vixens.
 
Leslie was instrumental in the strategic development of OnSide’s shift from OnSide Soccer to OnSide Victoria in 2006 which has led to greater relevance and connectivity amongst the greater Victorian CALD and disadvantaged communities. Leslie’s involvement promoted the services of OnSide Victoria’s Life Skills through Sport Program a program recognised and supported by VicHealth. It is this turning point which has seen OnSide Victoria’s reach rapidly expand throughout Victoria.
 
Rob Hastings 
 
Rob Hastings brings a wealth of experience as a consultant and educator within the education; government; and sport and recreation sectors to the OnSide Victoria Board.

 

Rob’s ability to be creative in his teaching role with SEDA (Sport Education and Development Australia) and Chisholm Institute in mentoring future leaders within the sport and recreation industry. Rob’s passion for the community has been reflected in every facet of his professional and personal spheres. It is this commitment to the community which shares OnSide Victoria’s philosophy of connecting communities.

 
Jane Kirkby