Helen Simmons –

Nominee for Appointed Director (Zone Nominated), Pony Club Victoria 2025

Nominee Profile Helen Simmons is a retired accountant and teacher nominated for the position of Appointed Director (Zone Nominated) on the Pony Club Victoria (PCV) Board. She is a member of the Northern Metropolitan Zone (#2025594) and has been nominated by David Potter (President, #2507030) and Genevieve Brockopp (Secretary, #2022817) from the same zone. Helen brings extensive experience in financial management, governance, and volunteer leadership in not-for-profit organizations, including long-term involvement in Pony Club and equestrian activities.

Professional and Educational Background Helen holds a BA Dip Ed (Monash University, 1970-73), Grad Dip Librarianship (Melbourne State College, 1978), M Ed Studies (Monash University, 1984), Pure Mathematics II (1987), and Grad Dip Accounting (Monash University, 1997).

Her teaching career spanned government high schools from 1974-2008 (full-time 1974-1984, part-time/casual thereafter), where she taught English, Literature, English Language, Geography, and Accounting. She held roles such as Head of English, Head of Curriculum, Head of Library, Debating Coordinator, and Interschool Sport Coordinator. She continued private tutoring in English Language, running school workshops, and assessing exams until 2023.

In accounting, Hele

n worked part-time in bookkeeping (1989-1997) and as a qualified internal accountant (1998-present) at her family firm, Simmons Financial Services Pty Ltd (winding down for retirement; held CA/CPA memberships and AFSL license until 2022). Her focus included client accounting, practice management, database oversight, compliance, statutory registrations, insurances, employment matters, and business plans. She also participated in audits of not-for-profit associations (e.g., kindergartens, elderly citizens clubs, sports clubs), emphasizing constitutions, compliant committee actions, financial systems, and controls.

Volunteer and Equestrian Experience Helen’s volunteer history includes:

• Not-for-profit committees: Treasurer for Monash Student Union Child Care (1984-1987), Kindergarten Parents Victoria administration (1988), Upwey Community Kindergarten Treasurer (1988-1990), and Parents and Friends Association volunteer (1991 onward).
• Netball: Mullum Netball Club Treasurer (1997-2012), Maroondah Council Grounds Management Committee; transitioned to Melbourne East Netball Association (MENA), serving as Treasurer for 3 years, closing revenue loopholes, increasing funds, introducing MYOB accounting, and enabling a 2016 government grant for an indoor netball center. Served on a club grievance panel.
• German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria (GSDCV): Eastern Branch Treasurer and event scorer (2013), constitution reform work and member representation at disciplinary hearing (2014).
• Equestrian/Pony Club: Wyena Pony Club Management Committee (1999-2023) in executive roles including Secretary, Treasurer (about 10 years, plus 2017-2019), President (2018-2019), and general committee member (2023) liaising with Melbourne Water and Manningham Council on grounds and clubroom rebuild. Event Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator, and Chief Scorer for club competitions (2001-2019); NMZ zone voting delegate for several years. Tintern School Interschool Teams HT Event Committee (2001-2011) in various roles including Event Secretary and Chief Scorer. NMZ Treasurer (2019-2024), PCV Volunteer Award (2024), NMZ Bookkeeper (2025, non-executive). Current Zone Assistant on NMZ DCI/ZA Panel. PCV Honorary Treasurer (appointed, Nov 2019-Feb 2021), continuing to advise on finance through 2021; member of Finance & Risk Sub-Committee, presenting financial scenarios during 2020 membership decline.

In her disclosure

of interests, Helen notes her non-official role on the NMZ DCI/ZA Panel as a potential perceived conflict, committing to declare and be guided by the Board.

Key Skills and Contributions Helen’s expertise aligns with PCV’s desirable criteria, including:

• Accounting, Finance, and Risk Management: Financial oversight, scenario planning for decision-making, auditing not-for-profits, compliance, and governance structures.
• Governance and Policy Development: Knowledge of constitutions, by-laws, rules, handbooks; handling complaints, protests, grievances, and disciplinary matters with sensitivity.
• Human Resources and Communication: Explaining complex financial matters clearly; employment matters, business plans, and respectful handling of sensitive issues.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Building good relations with members, explaining finances to non-experts, and advocating for compliant actions.
• Pony Club and Equestrian Knowledge: Deep understanding of PCV operations, rules intersections, event management, and volunteer coordination from over 20 years of involvement.

She aims to contribute most significantly to financial oversight and management, governance, risk management, and explaining financial matters to support decision-making.

Motivation and Vision Helen is motivated by her extensive background in not-for-profits and Pony Club to ensure robust financial and governance structures. As a past auditor and teacher, she emphasizes fitting governance to the Association’s purposes and clear communication. Her involvement stems from a desire to give back through her skills in financial oversight, risk management, and handling member issues respectfully.

Additional Details

• Term and Role: Voluntary position for up to three years (eligible for re-appointment, max nine years total). Responsibilities include strategic planning, risk oversight, and attending at least two state-level competitions annually.
• Compliance: Helen has signed the Board Code of Conduct, disclosed interests, and provided a current Working With Children Check. Nomination submitted on October 8, 2025; appointments follow zone nomination processes at the Annual General Meeting.