Who we are
THE TEAM, BOARD AND FOUNDERS
Beolite Village Limited is a not-for-profit charitable company established in 2006. We have a charter to build and operate an affordable, high-quality, independent-living retirement village in North East Victoria for retirees (or those planning retirement) who do not wish to continue living alone or in remote communities.
THE TEAM
Bek Lennon
VILLAGE MANAGER
Bek moved to Mansfield and joined Beolite Village as the Village Manager in 2023. With 15 years of experience in corporate marketing and management, she transitioned to interior design and construction in 2010. Bek's expertise spans residential construction, operational management, compliance, and process improvement. At Beolite, she oversees construction projects, manages sales inquiries, and handles village operations.
Bek’s favorite part of her role is getting to know the residents and their stories. She loves the High Country’s natural beauty and enjoys greeting the cows near her home on her way to work each morning.
Christine Leatham
RESIDENT SERVICES MANAGER
Christine became a valued member of Beolite Village in August 2023 as our Residents’ Service Manager. With over 25 years of experience in a local doctor's surgery, where she advanced from reception to Practice Manager, Christine brings a wealth of knowledge and a caring touch. She is the go-to person for resident inquiries, maintenance needs, bookkeeping, and safety systems.
Living on a small farm in Bonnie Doon, Christine enjoys gardening, crafting, and photography. Her favourite part of working at Beolite is connecting with residents and sense of community the village has, particularly the way the residents look out for each other.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Directors of Beolite Village Limited bring together a range of experience in finance, administration, commercial law, construction, health sector, retirement villages and in community and philanthropic service. All Directors of Beolite Village Limited serve in a voluntary capacity.
Mr Stuart Bett
B.A., LL.B.
CHAIRMAN
Stuart is a Principal of Williams Hunt & Bett with offices in Mansfield, Yea and Alexandra. He has practised law for over 30 years in commercial legal practices in Melbourne, and as a corporate litigation lawyer. He has been a Council Member of Trinity College at the University of Melbourne. He is Deputy Advocate in the Diocese of Wangaratta and is currently and former President of Mansfield Rotary.
Mr Mark Henry
B.Bus (Acc) CA, FCPA, Dip FP
HON. TREASURER
Mark is a Chartered Accountant with over 35 years experience. He is currently a Director of FCJ College Council Benalla. He is a former Board Member & Treasurer of the Mansfield District Hospital and of the Yea Hospital. He has served as President & Treasurer of Mansfield Adult Autistic Services and as a Member of Saint Marys Mansfield School Council.
Mrs Mandy Swaney
BOARD MEMBER
Mandy is chairman of the Beolite Village Gardening Committee and provides liaison with the Residents on gardening activities. Resident in Mansfield, she has extensive knowledge of trees, shrubs and plants that are best suited to local conditions.
Dr Joanne Davey
M.B.B.S
BOARD MEMBER
Joanne obtained her medical degree at Monash University in 2001. She has extensive experience in a wide variety of settings, with post-graduate diplomas in anaesthetics and paediatrics. Jo enjoys all aspects of general practice, with special interests including Paediatrics, Women’s Health and Preventative Medicine.
Mr Noel Willaton
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
Noel is a Merrijig and Mansfield community leader, Citizen of the Year (2020) and a former Director of the Mansfield Community Bank. His career spans the PMG, Managing Director of A1 Concrete Pty Ltd, plus 33 years’ experience in production, logistics, systems and software solutions in the concrete & quarry industries. He is a Life Member and Committee Member of the Mansfield District Racing Club.
Mr Anthony Williams
B.Ec., LL.B.
BOARD MEMBER
Anthony has been a practising Solicitor since 1975 and is the former Senior Partner of Williams Hunt with offices in Mansfield, Yea and Alexandra. He has served on the local School Council and the Community Centre. He has been a Board Member of the Mansfield District Hospital and the Board of the Mansfield & District Community Bank.
Mr Anthony Tehan
B.Ag.Sc.
BOARD MEMBER
Anthony is a senior Vice-President and Board Member of the Mansfield District Hospital. His extensive background experience includes Agribusiness, Publishing, Fundraising and Aged Care Management.
John Adams
BOARD MEMBER
John is the fifth generation of a local farming family. He has extensive experience in leadership roles in the cattle industry including previous Chair and current Vice-Chair of Stud Beef Victoria, Chairman of Beef Week and a committee member of Vic Poll Hereford Society. John is heavily involved in the local winemaking industry as chairman of the Mansfield Winemakers Association and is a director of Ros Ritchies Wines P/L. John has also served on local community groups including the Apex Club and the Mansfield Primary School and Anglican Parish Councils.
Mrs Mandy Treasure
B.Bus
DEPUTY CHAIR & ASST. HON. TREASURER
Mandy is a Mansfield-based Accountant, who has worked in various roles in Melbourne and overseas, before moving to Mansfield to take a position with the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Resort Management Board. Since then, she has worked in varied roles in local businesses and is currently Treasurer of the Deakin Allen & Marj Coombs Children’s Welfare Trust.
Mr Geoffrey Doyle
Grad Dip Bus Admin, Cert Marketing
BOARD MEMBER
Geoffrey is a former member of the Mansfield Community Bank Board, with extensive experience as National Sales Marketing Manager of several large Australian corporations. He has been active in local community groups both in Mansfield and Melbourne, including the CFA at Bonnie Doon, and has over 20 years in Scouting in various leadership roles. He has special interests in building and native plants.
Mr David Yencken
BOARD MEMBER
David is a former Deputy Chairman of Beolite Village Limited, a leading local figure involved in Community Service, Rural Activities and in the Building Supplies Industry. He was formerly President of the Mansfield District Hospital, Chairman of the Timbertop Campus and Council Member of Geelong Grammar School.
OUR INSTRUMENTAL FOUNDERS
Vale Sir Andrew Grimwade, CBE
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN
As a dedicated philanthropist, his vision and leadership helped shape the community and overcome obstacles, ensuring a thriving, supportive environment for retirees. His commitment to excellence and compassion for others were evident in every project he undertook. Andrew's legacy lives on through the vibrant community he helped build, providing comfort and joy to all who reside here.
Upon retirement in October 2021, Founding Chairman, Sir Andrew Grimwade was appointed Emeritus Chairman by the board, in recognition of his long and distinguished voluntary service and his role as its Honorary Chief Executive.
Vale Robert (Bob) Appleby
FOUNDING DIRECTOR
Bob Appleby, one of Beolite Village’s founding directors, brought immense wisdom and heart to our community. His vision and lifetime of real estate experience led to the selection of our village site and oversaw its building and construction from the turning of the first sod.
Bob’s dedication is forever woven into the fabric of Beolite, with his family continuing his legacy through their generous support of our rotunda, arboretum, and the cherished ‘Appleby Walk.’ Though he passed in 2019, Bob’s spirit and commitment to Beolite will always be felt and remembered with warmth and gratitude.