Geraldine Bilston
Geraldine Bilston is a professional consultant and advocate. She has dedicated her career to partnering her lived expertise and professional skills within family violence work.
In 2021, Geraldine completed a Graduate Certificate in Family Violence and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Policy and Politics.
With strong leadership experience and strategic planning, Geraldine previously served as the Deputy Chair of the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council and holds governance and advisory positions on boards, including Kara Family Violence Service and the Mornington Peninsula Primary Prevention Collaboration.
Geraldine is well-known for her media appearances and written contributions, sharing her insights and experiences.
Her dedication to preventing and responding to family violence was recognised with a 2021 Australia Day Local Champion Award.
Geraldine’s work is grounded in a commitment to understanding the individuals and communities we aim to support.
Dr Anneke Engwerda
Anneke is a founding board member of Next Steps Australia.
She is a graduate of Melbourne University specialising in General Paediatrics and Neonatology. Anneke has also undertaken research in paediatric anaesthesia.
During her medical training, Anneke participated in work experience at Lakeside Hospital Bangalore, India, in the Paediatrics Department.
She was involved in both inpatient and outpatient management as well as conducting a polio vaccine program and prisoner medical reviews.
In 2019 Anneke also served as a Junior Medical Officer Representative of the Royal Children’s Hospital, Family Violence Committee which afforded Anneke a deeper insight into the effects of family violence in the community.
Associate Professor Alex Ades
Alex is a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. He is an extensively trained and experienced surgeon and has been involved in public and private practice as well as academic tertiary education for more than 20 years. His special interest is Gynaecological Surgery and particularly Minimally Invasive Procedures.
Alex is an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne – Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
He works at the endometriosis and advanced laparoscopic surgery unit at the Royal Women’s Hospital and participates in the theoretical and practical training of future specialists. His formal qualifications include a Master and a PhD in Medicine. He is also a board member of the International Society for Gynaecologic Endoscopy.
Throughout his career, Alex has always been at the forefront of innovation in women’s health as well as an advocate for women’s rights and safety. His work supports and upholds Next Steps Australia’s mission statement.
Juel Riggall
Juel is a professional mezzo-soprano and holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Music from Melbourne University.
She has sung for various opera companies including Victorian Opera and Melbourne Opera and is also a regular concert performer.
Prior to working as a performing artist, Juel was employed in the visual arts in both galleries and auction houses, holding various administrative positions which covered marketing, events management and philanthropy.
Juel is a mother of three and is passionate about issues pertaining to social justice, gender equality and children’s well-being and opportunities.
Juel is a founding board member of Next Steps Australia Limited.
Will Riggall
Will has more than 20 years’ experience in the Funds Management industry and has developed strong expertise in constructing and analysing complex financial information.
He currently holds the position of Chief Investment Officer at Clime Investment Management Limited, where he oversees more than $1billion in assets across domestic and international markets. Prior to his current role, Will held a number of senior investment roles with some of Australia’sleading investment companies.
Will has a passion for community and sits on a number of private investment committees which support a range of endowment and charitable goals. Will’s exposure to some of Australia’s leading and innovative companies positions him well to contribute to Next Steps Australia’s goal of partnering with like minded organisations to support the needs of those effected by domestic violence.