Director Profiles
Lynda McRae
Lynda has worked across a number of sectors over the past 24 years.
Her many years in journalism and public relations have included several stints as senior
reporter at the Latrobe Valley Express, covering rounds as diverse as politics, regional
development, economic transition, education and health, while mentoring junior staff.
She has worked as a media advisor in federal and state politics. As a freelance journalist
and contract consultant she has worked for local government, regional development
organisations, community health associations and metropolitan agencies.
Lynda has worked on Gippsland marketing campaigns and regional development
initiatives, and served on local boards and committees.
She has a Bachelor of Social and Community Welfare and has worked in a stakeholder
engagement capacity in the field of community development. She continues to undertake
academic research.
Through her experience in this field and in the media, she has established a broad
network of local contacts and valuable working relationships and developed a keen
understanding of multiple issues.
Lynne Smith
Lynne has worked in the media sector throughout her working life.
This has involved both journalism and public relations in both hands-on and
management roles, including acting as a media advisor to several state politicians.
After editing Gippsland's largest newspaper for 12 years, she has spent the last eight
years as general manager of a bi-weekly Gippsland newspaper, overseeing a large staff
of journalists, salespeople, production staff and administration staff.
For the last two years, she has headed a training committee for the Victorian newspaper
industry organisation, Victorian Country Press, running and speaking at a broad range of
workshops and seminars for newspaper staff.
Her Gippsland community interests have included serving 10 years as a member of the
Monash University Gippsland Council, a member of various State Government initiated
committees and mentoring young journalists.
She has worked closely with people from all tiers of government, government
organisations, industry, business and community.