Audit and Risk Committee

As part of the Council’s duty to fulfil its governance obligations to the community, the Council has established an Audit and Risk Committee in accordance with Sections 53 and 54 of the Local Government Act 2020.

The purpose of the Audit and Risk Committee is to assist the Council in financial reporting, maintaining a reliable system of internal controls and fostering the organisation’s ethical development.

Membership

The Audit Advisory Committee is made up of the following independent members:              

Ms Rita HP Ruyters  GradDipBus(Acc), GCP(Acc)    

Ms Rita HP Ruyters has extensive experience and working knowledge in financial and management accounting in the not-for-profit sector. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting, Executive Certificate in Corporate Governance and is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants.   

Mr Cameron Gray     BBus M(Com)      

Currently the Finance Manager at Cooinda Village Inc. in Benalla, Mr Cameron Gray has experience in working in the health, legal, employment services and agricultural industries. He is a member of the Institute of Public Accountants and holds an Executive Certificate in Corporate Governance and is currently undertaking a Master of Business Administration. Over the past 10 years, he has volunteered as treasurer/secretary to sporting clubs and associations in the Benalla area.   

Mr Michael B Hedderman   BHA(UNSW)   Dip of Ag(Dookie)

Michael B Hedderman has had substantial hands-on experience in both public and private sector management roles throughout Victoria, which has included chief executive roles in public healthcare, business management roles in private aged care settings, quality and risk management, authorised officer for DHS and chair of compliance and risk committees. Michael is a member of the Benalla Rural City Community Plan Implementation Steering Committee and the Benalla Migrant Camp Restoration Committee along with other volunteer roles within the community of Benalla Rural City and beyond.

Councillor Members

Council is represented on the committee by Cr Bernie Hearn (Chair of the Finance and Operations Committee) and Cr Peter Davis.

Internal Auditor 

The Council’s selection and appointment of an Internal Auditor is made through an expression of interest process advertised state wide.

Terms of Reference (Charter)

The Audit Advisory Committee operates within its Terms of Reference (Charter), which is reviewed annually. Download the Terms of Reference (Charter)