Vacro Board bolstered with addition of Fiona Patten and George Fishlock

Vacro, Victoria’s only specialist reintegration service provider, is pleased to announce that two new members have joined its Board of Directors. With experience gained across politics, finance, and governance, the new Board members are contributing their leadership skills to help create new beginnings for adults in Victoria’s criminal justice system and their families.

The new members are:

• The Hon. Fiona Patten, former Member of Victoria’s Legislative Council
• George Fishlock, former Chair of Trustee Board of AvSuper.

“We are delighted and privileged to announce Fiona Patten and George Fishlock as the newest members of our Board. The strength of our Board to steer our organisation is bolstered with the contribution of their impassioned integrity, professional expertise, and commitment to the people we serve,” said Chair of Vacro’s Board, Scott Wlossak.

“On behalf of all Vacro staff, and members of our Board, I whole-heartedly welcome Fiona Patten and George Fishlock to Vacro’s Board of Directors, as together, we create new beginnings and stronger communities.”

Fiona Patten MP, former Leader of the Reason Party, was first elected to the Victorian Parliament in 2014 and is respected on all sides of politics for her work in delivering vital legislative and policy breakthroughs in criminal justice, including the passage of the Spent Convictions Act 2021 and influential reports into the criminal justice system and children affected by parental incarceration.

“I came to know Vacro very well during my time chairing Parliament’s Legal and Social Affairs Committee. We relied countless times on their specialist knowledge of the criminal justice system. I really admired their expertise, and their compassion. It’s amazing to think that Vacro has been supporting people in prison, and their families, for more than 150 years”, said Fiona.

George Fishlock is a qualified accountant and member of the Australian Institute for Company Directors. Recently retired from a 30-year career as Air Traffic Controller, George has also served as Chairman of AvSuper’s Investment Committee and Chair of the Trustee Board. George’s relationship with the criminal justice system has its origins at Pentridge and Port Phillip Prisons, where he volunteered as an Independent Visitor for nearly ten years. George’s connection to the sector deepened when he became the independent member of Vacro’s Finance, Audit, and Risk Management Committee in 2021.

“Vacro’s approach to supporting people when they leave prison is meaningful and practical. Their research validates what they do every day, which is that people moving through the criminal justice system – and their families – need different interventions at different times. This is how stronger communities are created.”

In addition to announcing these two new Board members, Vacro is inviting expressions of interest for Board positions. Vacro is specifically seeking individuals committed to supporting a growing organisation and can bring an understanding of the criminal justice system. We are particularly seeking expressions of interest from First Nations People and people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.