Our People

Zoe Brinsden

Centre Manager

Zoe is an accomplished and purpose-driven leader with over 30 years’ experience across banking and finance, private wealth, superannuation, public health, education, and the not-for-profit sector. As Centre Manager at CUC Southern Grampians, Zoe brings a strategic mindset and a deep commitment to empowering regional learners through accessible and high-quality tertiary education.

In her local community, Zoe sits on the Student Voice forum for SWTAFE Hamilton Campus (where she is herself a student), is Secretary/Treasurer for Friends of Hamilton Gallery and is an active volunteer in and around the district. earlier in 2025, she was heavily involved in the design, planning and delivery of Sheepvention 2025.

Her career spans senior leadership roles at major institutions including Westpac, Macquarie Wealth Management, Retirement Victoria, ANZ Private, and JPMorgan. Zoe has led transformative initiatives in business development, team performance, and organisational change, consistently driving measurable outcomes and cultural renewal.

Known for her empathetic leadership and ability to inspire teams, Zoe is passionate about creating inclusive, future-focused learning environments. Her work at CUC Southern Grampians reflects her dedication to regional development and lifelong learning, helping students thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

Email Zoe

Michael Byrne

Chair and Board Director

Michael Byrne brings over 30 years of international experience in Business and Project Development, with a strong track record of leading collaborative, cross-functional teams. As Board Chair of the Country University Centre – Southern Grampians (CUCSG), Michael is deeply committed to supporting regional communities by expanding access to higher education and lifelong learning.

He shares CUCSG’s belief that where you live should not limit the opportunities available to you. Michael is passionate about creating pathways for local students to thrive - academically, professionally, and personally - without needing to leave their communities. His leadership is grounded in values of equity, inclusion, and sustainability and he is committed to knowing that that CUCSG will deliver meaningful, place-based education that strengthens the social and economic fabric of the Southern Grampians region.

Chris Ronan (GAICD)

Board Director

Chris leads CUC as CEO and joins our board to provide guidance in our formative years. He has worked in the higher education and not-for-profit sectors across the United States, New Zealand, and Australia with a focus on Regional, Rural and Remote higher education policy, student equity, widening participation and rural student transitions.

He holds a Masters' degree from the LH Martin Institute for Tertiary Education Leadership and Management at the University of Melbourne with a focus on Regional, Rural and Remote higher education policy and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Chris is the National President of the Society for the Provision in Education in Rural Australia (SPERA) and an Executive Member of Equity Practitioners in Higher Education Australasia (EPHEA).

Victoria (Vicky) Finch

Board Director and Secretary

Victoria Finch has been a proud resident of the Southern Grampians for 36 years, where she and her husband run a generational family farm in Gritjurk, near Coleraine. As primary producers, they are deeply connected to the land and the local community.

Throughout her time in the region, Victoria has actively contributed to a wide range of community, government, and educational organisations, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to regional development. Her involvement reflects a passion for creating opportunities and supporting the growth of rural communities.

Victoria believes that CUC Southern Grampians plays a vital role in expanding access to higher education for regional residents. She is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals - regardless of where they live regionally - have the opportunity to pursue further study close to home.

Dr Michael Horne (DEd MEd BA(Hons) GradDipEd (GAICD MACEL)

Board Director

Michael brings a deep commitment to regional education and community development to his role as Board Director at CUC Southern Grampians.

Raised and educated in Wangaratta, Dr Horne has spent his career championing educational excellence across regional Victoria, with leadership roles in both Catholic and independent schools.

Currently Principal of The Hamilton and Alexandra College, Dr Horne previously served as Associate Principal at Braemar College in the Macedon Ranges and has held senior positions including Head of Senior School and Deputy Principal. His leadership is grounded in a strong belief in thoughtful, reflective education that empowers students and teachers alike.

An English teacher at heart, Dr Horne is passionate about the humanities, music, and the outdoors. He holds a Doctor of Education from The University of Melbourne, where his research focused on teacher-led action research and professional learning. He also holds a Master of Education, a Graduate Diploma in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from Monash University. Additionally, he is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Horne is a strong advocate for equitable access to further education for regional students, recognising its transformative potential for individuals and communities. His experience and vision make him a valuable contributor to the mission of CUC Southern Grampians.

Kirsten Diprose

Board Director

Kirsten is a communications specialist, board director and podcaster, who lives on a sheep and cropping farm in Caramut, south-west Victoria.

Kirsten has a passion for rural communities, education and empowering creativity and storytelling. She founded the Rural Podcasting Co, a podcast agency and coaching service, specifically for people in rural areas. She has also founded and co-hosts two podcasts: Ducks on the Pond (a podcast specifically for rural women) and Town Criers (a comedy podcast championing small towns).

Kirsten spent much of her career as a radio and TV news journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. She continues to regularly present on ABC Radio Melbourne and Victoria's Conversation Hour.

Kirsten is also the Deputy Chair of South West TAFE, where she chairs the Strategic Issues and Innovation Committee. It's through her role at SWTAFE that she became involved in the campaign for a Regional University Study Hub, where a diverse group of locals could see the need for a dedicated space for higher education. We came together to enable young people and others wishing to further their education to find the support they need to study at home, and not be disadvantaged by distance or geography.

Kirsten is a student herself, currently pursuing a PhD in journalism and rural and regional news sustainability at Deakin University.

She is married to a farmer and is the mother of two busy farm boys!

David Lynch

Board Director

David Lynch is an experienced educator and leader with a strong commitment to supporting student success and regional pathways. Currently serving as Head of VCE, Careers and Pathways at Baimbridge College, David has spent more than 24 years in education, primarily as a Health, Physical Education, and Outdoor Education teacher. His work has focused on guiding students through critical stages of their academic journey and helping them explore future opportunities.

Beyond the classroom, David is a qualified Strength and Conditioning and CrossFit coach, reflecting his passion for personal fitness and wellbeing. He brings this same energy and dedication to his role on the board, advocating for initiatives that promote resilience, confidence, and lifelong learning.

David’s extensive experience in education and his enthusiasm for health and personal development make him a valuable contributor to CUC Southern Grampians’ mission of expanding access to tertiary education for regional students.

Rory Neeson (GAICD)

Board Director

Born, raised and educated in Hamilton, Rory is passionate about working with the community to deliver projects that benefit them with a focus on community engagement.

As the Director Wellbeing, Planning and Regulation at Southern Grampians Shire Council, he is responsible for the management of community services, recreation, planning and building services, regulatory services, economic development, tourism, the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre and Hamilton Cinema. He has also worked in the communication, engagement, youth, community planning and project management areas in other roles in local government.

Rory completed his schooling at Monivae College in Hamilton before completing a Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University and has completed a variety of other training and education in management, planning, leadership and most recently with the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and being a graduate in the 2025 Local Government Professionals Executive Leadership Program.

Rohan Fitzgerald

Board Director

Ursula Murphy

Board Director (Leave of Absence)

Ursula is currently volunteering in Timor leste (East Timor), following a lifelong desire to combine travel with her commitment to helping communities develop. We wish her well whilst she continues to drive change overseas and look forward to her return.

Ursula brings nearly three decades of experience in education to her role as Board Director at CUC Southern Grampians. With 28 years in secondary education, Ursula has taught a diverse range of subjects including science, biology, mathematics, and Mandarin, and has spent an additional seven years contributing to vocational education and training at TAFE in her role as Regional Manager, Southern Grampians.

As a parent of two children who have successfully completed tertiary studies in Melbourne, Ursula understands the challenges and opportunities facing regional students. She is a passionate advocate for the Regional University Study Hub model, believing strongly in its ability to provide adults of all ages with the option to live local, study local, and contribute to their communities through enhanced skills, knowledge, and social engagement.

Ursula’s extensive teaching experience and commitment to lifelong learning make her a valuable voice in shaping accessible and inclusive education pathways for regional learners.