Briana Trimble - Chairperson

Briana Trimble is a born and bred Bendigo girl. Shewent through primary school at St Monica's and high school at Catholic College before workingin a pharmacy after completing high school. Growing up she was a keen gymnast at John Palmers Gym, and also played netball, something she still enjoys doing.Travel has been a big part of Briana's life to date having travelled overseas for 2 years, basing herself in London and Germany and recently spending7 months travelling around Australia (where her boyfriend became her fiancée!!), and considers herself very fortunate to have had the opportunity and wonderful experience. Briana has been a part of the Telstra team in Bendigo for 5 years, and specialises in Sponsorships, Consumer and Business Events, and Community engagement.

Sandy Hopfner - Social Portfolio

Sandy grew up on a vineyard in a small country town near Mildura. After completing her HSC she continued her studies and began a career as an Insurance Broker.

Sandy relocated to Bendigo with her two precious puppies Oscar and Russell in January 2009 and now works as an underwriter at QBE Insurance. When contemplating moving, Bendigo wasn't initially considered, but a suitable position arose maintaining her insurance background yet progressing into the Underwriting field. She has realised that she made the right decision and is thoroughly enjoying life in Bendigo, a regional city that maintains a cosmopolitan feel, particularly enjoying the variety of bars and restaurants. She has already made many friends, something that the YPN has contributed too.

Travel is something that Sandy has a passion for; in 2006 she lived on the Isle of Man, British Isles, working in a small Insurance Brokerage firm, and spent time travelling Europe. In 2008 she travelled USA for two months, one of the most memorable moments being when she saw Carrie Bradshaw (AKA Sarah Jessica Parker!!) at the premier of Sex and the City Movie in her favourite city, New York. In 2009 she visited Fiji and next on the wish list is Africa and Hawaii.

Sonja Gibbons - Marketing and Community Portfolios

Sonja Gibbons joined the YPN Committee at the start of 2010, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge in the areas of marketing, event co-ordinating and community engagement. Since moving to Bendigo nearly 20 years ago, Sonja has witnessed first hand the strong commitment to Business and Community development that is so engrained in the people of Bendigo. Through her professional career and community endeavours, Sonja has developed a passion for seeing Bendigo live out its fullest potential. An integral part of Bendigo achieving this long term goal is though the procurement and retention of a vibrant young professional workforce, something close to the heart of YPN.

Melissa Gill - Secretary and Treasurer

Melissa Gill grew up in the Macedon Ranges region, until her mid teens when

meeting her future husband.  She started her career in 1999 as a part time employee of the ANZ banking group, where she developed her skills and knowledge, and rapidly gained a position as assistant manager. 

Approximately 4 years ago she was drawn to the bright lights of the Greater City of Bendigo.  Melissa continued her career with ANZ and has branched out to become a Mobile Lender, providing advice and service to the extended community of Bendgio. 

Whilst continuing her work she also studied to gain a diploma in business management and also a diploma is financial planning.  Melissa has four beautiful children, and considers she is fortunate to be able to have a work life balance as a Mobile Lender, wife and mother.

Victoria Farr - Committee Member

Victoria moved to Bendigo for uni (Arts - humanities) back when she was 18 and stayed on for several years, living and working locally.  She was later moved to Ballarat with her employer starting a branch there. 

 While it was nice to be close to family and friends, Victoria did manage to stay long enough to finish a Masters at UB (Accounting), it was just too cold!!!  So she moved back to sunny Bendigo about 2 years ago, settled and brought a house.

Victoria believes in the value of community involvement, but feels that there is a bit of a gap for those in our age group in Bendigo, both professionally and socially. 

Victoria is excited to see what YPN can achieve, and the impact it can have on new and existing members.

Peter Jeffery, Committee Member

Peter has called Bendigo home for 10 years now after selling his successfulMelbourne based screen printing and promotional products business. Peter brings some great experience to the team, with a demonstrated business development, marketing and promotion background spanning almost 20 years. Peter has obtained tertiary qualifications in both Marketing and Management and is currently employed as the Business Development Manager for the City of Greater Bendigo, a role which includes responsibilities such as project management for  the Bendigo Inventor Awards, assisting with the establishment of new businesses in Bendigo and supporting the growth of local businesses. Peter has also achieved high levels of sporting recognition, having represented the State of Victoria in athletics and State League Lacrosse.

Peter enjoys assisting local community organisations and is currently a member of the Committee of management for the Goldfields Local Learning and Employment Network, B Central advisory Committee and the Bendigo Tertiary Education Anniversary Foundation.

In the past, Peter has been a Rotarian, secretariat for the Victorian Lacrosse association, assisted with the development of YMCA youth programs and has experience with social enterprise. His personal interests include DIY renovations, kite surfing and motorcycles.

Peter believes 'no idea has no value' and is an advocate of Bendigo's ability to be innovative, believing it is the core strength of our community both now and into the future.

Megan Burchell, Committee Member

Megan is a Bendigo local. Born and raised here in Bendigo, she hopes that one day she is lucky enough to raise her own family here.

She has a keen interest in a wide range of sports but in particular she enjoys AFL (the mighty Magpies) and Cycling.

Megan also enjoys travelling both domestic and international and is looking forward to many wonderful travel adventures in the future, including a European adventure planned for 2012!

For the past 7 years Megan has been employed by Bendigo & Adelaide Bank and currently holds the position on Customer Relationship Manager, completing Home Loan & Small Business lending amongst a wide range of other tasks. She is proud to work for The Bendigo, one of the regions largest employers.

“Bendigo has so much to offer young people, from employment to lifestyle and community. I am really looking forward to joining the YPN team.  Helping to promote and provide opportunities for professional development of young business minded and career driven people within our community”