ABOUT US | Neighbourhood House

Our Team

Manager

Jessie Boer

My name is Jessie, I'm a mother of 2 young cheeky boys, by my side is my husband of 12 years.

We moved to Murchison almost 6 years ago with the uplifting spirit that it just "feels like home"...

When I'm not at work and not running around after my boys I love to renovate and create design, camping, fishing and explore the great outdoors.

My background is hospitality, through my career I have developed exceptional customer service, strong administration skills, how to build customer relationship and event management skills. I was drawn to the role at the neighbourhood house by my desire to help people and provide community services while enjoying the opportunity to connect and support people to feel good about themselves.

Looking forward, I want to create a safe & fun environment for anyone. for the house I plan to invite the younger generation with art & crafts activities, investigate support groups for mental health, domestic violence and suicide awareness and explore more community groups.

I'm excited to be apart of building the community spirit and applying my positive energy.

Can't wait to meet everyone.

Chairperson

Geoff Lodge

I grew up in Melbourne and spent most of my childhood playing sports, bushwalking, camping, fishing, and growing edible plants, and along the way did a bit of studying to obtain a Bachelor of Applied Science in Horticulture. I co-founded one of the first Indigenous plant nurseries based in Melbourne for bush regeneration projects. In 1988 I moved to Shepparton and for 22 years worked for the Victorian Agriculture Department and later for the Conservation Department and then in 2008 co-founded a registered social enterprise, not for profit renewable energy company called GV Community Energy (GVCE) - based in Murchison. In 2018 I joined the NHM committee and have met many energised wonderful people dedicated to helping Murchison be a wonderful and warm place.

I live on a property adjacent to the Goulburn River at Murchison North where together with my wife and two adult children enjoy the open space, bush setting and company of two Border Collies.

I enjoy meeting and engaging with people and embrace the challenge of collectively working towards solutions within a framework that is socially, environmentally, and commercially sound.

I still enjoy surfing, snorkelling, canoeing, bush camping, long-distance bike riding, growing edible plants, dancing and socializing with friends and family over a coffee, a pot of tea or a wine.

Deputy Chair and Treasurer

Rob Jones

I moved to Murchison from Melbourne in August 2020, with my wife Katrina. We moved into Kay and John Ball’s property on Gregory Road. We feel so blessed to have moved to the country when COVID struck and pretty much from day one this property and town have felt like home. The community has been most welcoming, and we thank you for that.

I'm a retired veterinarian who for the past twenty plus years has solely worked in the aquarium industry.

The reason I joined the Neighbourhood House Murchison committee was to become a part of and contribute to the Murchison community that has been so welcoming to us. I am delighted to be able to bring my skillset to assist with the organization that should be at the centre of the community. Please feel free to reach out to me at any stage with suggestions, thoughts, ideas, comments and even criticisms. My email address is Rob@TandaraHaven.au . My desire to is to contribute to making Neighbourhood House Murchison the best Neighbourhood House in Victoria. With that achievement, Murchison will have a Neighbourhood House that supports and develops every member of this community.

Secratary

Donna Maslin

My name is Donna Maslin.

Married to Paul Erdmann, We have three children and five grandchildren all over the globe. We have many nieces and nephews and great nephews and nieces.

My involvement with this town started when I was born.

My Grand Parents Burt and Vera Eliason owned an orchard and ran some cattle at River Road, Murchison North. My parents were Ted and Betty Maslin and my older sister Gail.

My family travelled up and down the Hume Highway coming to help my grandparents out on the farm. Mum and Dad would leave Melbourne Friday night after work and arrive home late Sunday.

We ended up moving to Murchison to help my grandparents on the farm full time. Just in time for the Murchison Meteorite to fall. I remember combing the land with my family to find this precious carbonaceous chondrite.

I attended Murchison Primary School. Whilst there I attended swim school of a Saturday morning and during school. I had fun roller skating in front of the Fire Station, playing with friends and having rock cakes, fruit tingles and homemade lemonade down by the river with my grandmother. I also was a keen participant in Brownies and Guides.

Through highschool I was very fortunate to find part time employment in the Murchison Bakery and later in the Caledonian Hotel.

During my time at High School my mother and father were in the midst of setting up and keeping the State Emergency Service. That was a wild ride that my mother was fervent about. The whole family was included. Along with that I was lucky enough to learn and help draw up the first Murchison State Disaster Plan.

I joined the Australian Federal Police and served 37 years. I retired in 2017. I have come full circle and ended up living back in Murchison on 5 acres with fruit trees, shiraz vines.

I have been on the Murchison Neighbourhood House Committee of Governance for nearly seven years. I hold the position of Secretary and also enjoy spending some time at the House with Volunteers and Visitors and supporting our energetic Manager Jessie.

Committe Member

Paul Erdmann

My name is Paul Erdmann

Married to Donna Maslin, We have three children, two boys and one girl. We have five grandchildren two boys and three girls spread all over the globe.

We are very close to our nieces and nephews with their children that keep us on the move. We love having them all home when they come to visit.

I was born and grew up in Adelaide where I went to school at Enfield High.

I played basketball for South Adelaide for many years.

I joined the Commonwealth Police now known as Australian Federal Police and served for 40years. I worked in a variety of portfolios including secondment interstate and overseas.

I retired in 2017 and moved to Murchison where we live on 5 acres and have fruit trees, shiraz vines, a vegie garden and a very fulfilled life.

My initial exposure to Murchison was through my fathers’ parents who were German. My grandfather was interned at Camp 13 for five years.

I have been on the Murchison Neighbourhood House Committee of Governance for nearly seven years. I hold the position of member.

I enjoy supporting our Manager in her excellent achievements.

Committe Member

Sharon Bathman

A cherished member of the Murchison community since 1993, Sharon is a retired nurse who has dedicated her life to caring for others. With a profound love for the outdoors, she enjoys exploring nature’s beauty through traveling to new destinations.

Beyond her adventures, Sharon has a deep appreciation for art which enable to start up the Art Group at the Neighbourhood House.

Her commitment to the community shines through her active involvement in various initiatives, where she passionately supports local causes and gives back to those in need.

With a spirit of curiosity and a heart for service, Sharon continues to embrace life’s adventures, blending her love for nature, travel, and art into a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle.

Committee Member

Ingrid Albrecht

Ingrid has been a member of the Murchison community for the past eight years, following a long and fulfilling 25-year residency in Tatura. She finds immense joy in Murchison’s welcoming atmosphere and its vibrant cultural scene, which drew her to the area. Ingrid is deeply involved in local activities, volunteering her time and talents at both the Neighbourhood House and the Heritage Center, where she actively contributes to the community’s well-being and preservation of local history. Additionally, Ingrid is a member of the Tatura Rotary Club, where she continues to support and engage with local initiatives.

Family is a central part of Ingrid’s life; she is the proud mother of two and the doting grandmother of five. Before her retirement, Ingrid had a rewarding career as a laboratory technician, a role that allowed her to apply her analytical skills and contribute to the field of science. Now retired, Ingrid enjoys spending time with her family and continuing her volunteer work, which remains a significant and fulfilling part of her life.