Alisha Gilliland is a woman, mother, partner daughter, friend, sister, advocate, leader, mentor and feminist. Apart from stints in Melbourne and travelling overseas, she’s lived in Gippsland all her life. Alisha now calls Cape Paterson home, where she lives happily with her partner, two primary school aged kids and red kelpie.
Originally a scientist, Alisha soon realised she preferred working with people than in labs. Her subsequent, non-linear career path has seen her work in public health, health promotion, disability and inclusion in the local government and not-for-profit sector. In her current role at Bass Coast Shire Council, her work has a strong focus on gender equity, violence prevention
and the inclusion of people from diverse communities.
Alisha’s love of learning has seen her accrue qualifications in counselling and a couple of science degrees, and more recently a Master of Business Administration on scholarship at
Federation University. Alisha was also fortunate to receive a Women on Boards Leadership scholarship through the Office for Women in 2019, which allowed herto build her governance and directorship skills.
Alisha aspires to create social inclusion, and to contribute to building a community that is safe, kind, inclusive, fair and equitable for all people. In doing so, she seeks to ensure representation and visibility of women and of people of diverse backgrounds in all elements of community life, particularly in leadership spaces. This aspiration is, in part, realised through her volunteer role as Deputy Chair of the Board of Gippsland Women’s Health.
