About the Judges

Doug Rutter

Expert Proposals

Doug Rutter is the Managing Director and Founder of Expert Proposals, a consulting firm specialising in sales documents, tenders and proposals. Doug started Expert Proposals in 2017 specifically to bring international sales best practice to organisations of any size and budget.

His career has included over 36 years in a variety of interesting senior roles in Australia and overseas spanning account management, investigations, consulting, sales, business development, proposals and tenders.

Doug’s superpower is that he can see through the matrix when it comes to proposals, tenders and sales documents. He can tell you very quickly what is working and what can be improved.

Doug also has a long track record of volunteering over the past 20 years, having served on a wide variety of boards and committees and as an award judge. He is currently a committee member for the Malvern Braves Baseball Club and North Balwyn Baseball Club.

“I am excited about being a judge in the Whitehorse Business Group Excellence in Business Awards for 2024. I am a curious person and enjoy learning about different businesses and I get excited for them as the talk with passion about their businesses.”

Mikayla Shaw

Robinson Gill lawyers

Mikayla is currently a trainee lawyer at Robinson Gill lawyers in Box Hill Melbourne and she will be admitted as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of Victoria in mid-October 2024.

Mikayla has a double degree in both law and psychology from the Australian Catholic University and when she is admitted, she will continue working as a lawyer in Robins Gill’s Estate Planning and Probate department.

Mikayla has also has nearly a decade of experience in customer service. Whilst working at Robinson Gill lawyers, she brings a client focused approach and a meticulous attention to detail to her work as well as a caring demeanour for all of her customers. Mikayla is dedicated to providing exceptional support to clients, ensuring that every aspect of their experience is handled with the utmost care and precision, allowing clients to feel confident in the services that she provides.

Phong Nguyen

Yarra Valley Water

Phong Nguyen is a seasoned leader with expertise in strategic thinking, program management, and stakeholder collaboration. Currently serving as the Divisional Manager of Customer Care at Yarra Valley Water, Phong manages a 140+ person contact center, driving improvements in customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. With a background in engineering and business, Phong has led multiple large-scale infrastructure projects and performance initiatives across industries, including water utilities and automotive. 

His visionary leadership has consistently optimised workflows, enhanced customer satisfaction, and delivered measurable results. With advanced qualifications in engineering, business, Six Sigma and project and program management, Phong has a proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget. His deep expertise spans strategic planning, risk management, and building high-performing teams

Joe Gargaro

Yarra Valley Water

Joe Gargaro is the Divisional Manager of Development Services at Yarra Valley Water. He has been instrumental in helping the organisation achieve its strategic goals with delivering exceptional customer experiences. With over 20 years of experience in the water industry - across land development, metering, billing, debt collection and vulnerability programs, he has a proven track record of delivering results and leading diverse teams to success.

Joe Gargaro is known for his approach to emphasising collaboration and inclusivity to ensure that people can be themselves to achieve their best.

He is a qualified CPA and Associate member of the Governance Institute of Australia. He values mentoring and giving back to the community.

Peter Maguire

Ridgeline HR

Peter Maguire brings over 45 years of extraordinarily diverse experience in human resources management having worked with hundreds of organizations in that time, ranging from micro-businesses to multinational corporations and government agencies.

His award-winning consulting practice, Ridgeline HR, has been operating since 2000 and has been the outsourced HR service provider to the Civil Contractors Federation and its members across Victoria for the past 18 years.

Peter is an acknowledged expert in workplace relations law as well as being a positive psychology practitioner. His strengths lie in his creativity, humor, and leadership which he leverages to help organisations and their people collaborate positively to create workplaces where everyone thrives.

He is also deeply committed to community service, volunteering his time and expertise to various local groups.

Mike Muncey

Noel Jones

With over a decade of local real estate experience, Mike has made a discernible impact in the industry, specialising in residential homes, subdivisions, renovations, developments and property investment just to name a few. Keen attention to detail and a strong sense of empathy are two of Mike’s key assets (although his touch typing skills are pretty impressive too).

He is a seasoned auctioneer and his character and approach-ability cut through to what matters most a happy clients and great results. In his downtime Mike likes to cook up a storm, spending time with his young family and friends.

A family man through and through, Mike also enjoys playing the guitar and is a die-hard supporter and member of the St Kilda Football Club. With Mike’s expert knowledge, practical advice and unwavering dedication to exceeding your desired outcomes, you can rest assured, you’re in the most professional hands.

Wendy Zhang

Rotary Club of Box Hill Central

Wendy has a rich professional background in strategic Human Resources and business management, with over 25 years of experience in Fortune 500 multinational companies from diverse industries and markets. In the last 15 years of her corporate career, Wendy led and transformed the Asia Pacific Human Resources functions for Lubrizol Corporation, a specialty chemicals business under the Berkshire Hathaway Company, and VF Corporation, one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories business.

Wendy is passionate about helping individuals, teams and organisations unleash their potential, to undertake a developmental journey from good to great.  Wendy cares about the well-being and progression of humanity, and she is in an exciting life stage where she is exploring her interest in mindfulness leadership practices, and connecting with people in her community to make positive changes and contribute wholeheartedly to the well-being of the community. 

Wendy is the President-Elect and board member of Box Hill Central Rotary Club.  She is also the Chair for the Whitehorse International Women's Day Committee Inc., an association focusing on advocating, educating and celebrating women, aiming to build a more inclusive world for everyone.

Homa Mahdinejad

Deakin University

Meet Homa Mahdinejad, currently working as a Business Partnerships Coordinator at Deakin University; Homa's journey is defined by her dedication and passion for growth.

Her journey began at Deakin University, where she pursued a Master of Business degree. She was known for her enthusiasm for business strategies and partnerships, earning respect from her professors and peers. After graduation, Homa joined the Sales and Marketing team for the City of Monash and City of Melbourne recreation centres. Her commitment to enhancing community services and strategic thinking made her a valuable team member.

In 2019, Homa returned to Deakin University as a Course Specialist and Business Partnerships Coordinator. In this role, she uses her business acumen to foster partnerships between the university and various organisations, boosting Deakin's profile and mutual benefits.

Homa's journey from a diligent student to a Business Partnerships Coordinator exemplifies the power of dedication, education, and collaboration. She continues to shape the future of education and business partnerships with her contributions, setting a bright example for others to follow.

Raie Lyth

Web Ideas

‘’I love talking with business owners about their goals and achievements and am very much looking forward to being a judge in the Whitehorse Business Group Excellence in Business Awards this year.’’

Raie is an expert at putting your business online.  She asks the critical questions to ensure your online solution works for you, connecting you more closely with your ideal clients, increasing revenue and freeing up your time for strategic business thinking. 

WEB IDEAS is based in Mitcham and has been at the forefront of website development for the last 20 years.  They thrive on changing technology and business adaptation, helping clients adjust their online business offerings over time.  Making the most of circumstances and actively positioning for the future are key values.

Raie is focused on real results – results that improve your business and connect you more closely with your business community.
 

Graeme Moorfoot

Rotary Club of Nunawading Inc.

42 years in commercial insurance broking.

Director and founder of Blackburn (Insurance Brokers) Pty.Ltd.

128 Canterbury Road, Blackburn South 3130

Current member of the Rotary Club of Nunawading Inc. (35 years)

Dianne Semmens

Acacia Consulting Services

Dianne is a Business Analyst, Accountant and Trainer.  Dianne established Acacia Consulting Services to provide the best accounting software implementation experience to medium sized businesses. Over the years Acacia has grown to a team of 17 providing Business Process Analysis, Software implementation of MYOB Exo and MYOB Advanced, and the building of integration applications between other software and the two MYOB enterprise platforms. Dianne’s greatest sense of achievement is when the clients have that “Light Bulb” moment and understand all the benefits of what good software can provide.
 

Julie Chambers

Robinson Gill

“I am an estate planning lawyer from Robinson Gill Lawyers who are based in Box Hill and I am honored to be involved in judging for the 2023 Whitehorse Excellence in Business Awards. The awards showcase and recognise  the innovative businesses and their dedicated teams that we have in the Whitehorse area."

Julie is a senior associate lawyer skilled with over 20 years’ experience in advising people on managing their estates during their lifetime as well helping to plan for their family in the future by ensuring that clients have properly prepared their estate planning documentation including their Wills, Testamentary Trusts and Powers of Attorney.

Having had the unique opportunity to practice law in New South Wales, Queensland, New Zealand and Victoria, Julie has a broad range of skills available for her clients to assist with their legal matters. These skills enable Julie to provide clients with a personalised approach for their Estate Planning requirements, obtaining Probate/Letters of Administration for estates and when representing clients for any estate litigation matter.
 

Steve Wood

Roaring Success

Steve is professional business consultant and mentor.  

He has a pedigree in leading and facilitating business growth projects – strategy, marketing and performance. 

Steve works with business owners and management to develop business plans; make informed business decisions including those relating to high-value investments, develop and launch new products or services and improve the value of their business.

He is the author of six books, one e-book and owner of Roaring Success Pty Ltd based in Melbourne, Australia.

He is a Certified Management Consultant, Board Director of the Institute of Management Consultants (Australia) and Committee Member of the VIC/TAS Chapter

He holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management (one of Europe’s leading business schools) and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Joshua Morse

Saward Dawson

Joshua is one of our Business Advisory Principals.

Josh enjoys working on strategies and outcomes for his clients and seeing them reach their personal and business objectives.

He has a passion for training and mentoring, being a driver of staff training and recruiting.
 

Brian A McPhail

McPhail & Partners Pty Ltd

Accountant, Fellow of CPA Australia, currently a consultant to McPhail & Partners Pty Ltd where he was formerly a director and owner.

Also a director and owner of three private franchises of the Bendigo Bank which own the Ringwood, Boronia and Bayswater branches.

My 50 year career has been in accounting public practice in Box Hill, and now in Mitcham, with a special interest in small to medium business helping and advising on their profitability, financial affairs and taxation matters.

Outside of business I am a member of the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central which is greatly involved with local community  and overseas projects together with youth, education and environmental interests.

I am married to Sue with three daughters and six grandchildren.

My other strong interest is playing and being a member of a golf club.