The Team

Geelong Community Telco consists of a diverse and experienced team, drawn together from a wide range of industries. We have the specialised knowledge, the expertise, and the commitment to demonstrate that Geelong Community Telco is where personal service matters.

Geoff Hutchinson

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Phone (03) 5228 0800

Profile
Geoff is an entrepreneurial CEO with significant experience in a broad range of industries including telecommunications, technology, software, mechanical and electrical engineering, finance, and wholesale distribution.

Geoff has 20 years experience as a director and senior executive in both multinational and Australian public companies, working in Australia, Europe, Canada, the Middle East and South East Asia. Roles have included CEO, strategic development, general management, and Finance Director.

Geoff is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and a Fellow of the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants.

Gareth Hagebols

Profile
With more than 13 years of telecommunications and IT experience, Gareth has a proven track record in delivering high quality solutions in critical situations.

Throughout his career in telecommunications, Gareth has worked with large-scale communication systems, providing telecommunications and IT solutions to a wide range of clients – from government and hospitals, to banks and other large corporations.

Gareth has an excellent understanding of the telco business environment, and a passion for assisting in the community and benefiting local business.

Wayne Visser

Position: Business Development Representative

Phone (03) 5228 0802

Profile
Wayne joined Geelong Community Telco in 2007 and has become an integral part of our team, creating tailored solutions and developing excellent relationships with our clients.

Wayne is passionate about working with Geelong businesses and supporting  the community. He believes that Geelong Community Telco can make a real difference in creating more local employment opportunities and assisting local businesses to remain vibrant and sustainable.

Wayne has developed great relationships with his key clients and regularly 'goes the extra mile' to develop solutions and systems that fit the business rather than simply using 'off the shelf' products.

John Bacon

Position: Sales Team Leader

Phone (03) 5228 0805

Profile
John has 35 years industry experience in the ICT sector. Most of this time was spent in the telecommunications industry, predominantly in senior sales, account management and other management roles. He has held positions in metropolitan, regional, national and international organisations.

John’s expertise covers voice, data, internet and mobile services, as well as other technologies such as PABX and Voice over IP (VoIP) systems.

In recent years John has worked as National Manager for a large telecommunications company, Senior Account Manager for a NZ based global software company and has owned and operated a Geelong based telecommunications consultancy.

John believes in the Community Telco model, and sees his role as an opportunity to provide tangible benefits to regional businesses and to support communities in the Geelong region.

Katia Ventura

Position: Business Development Representative

Phone (03) 5228 0810

Profile
Katia’s background in corporate sales, account management and telecommunications attracted her to Geelong Community Telco.

Katia is passionate about the Community Telco model and the principles of supporting Geelong businesses and reinvesting in our local community. She is also committed to Geelong Community Telco’s pledge to provide a high level of personal service and to assist businesses to get the most from their communications technology.

Erin Wells

Position: Customer Service Team Leader

Phone (03) 5228 0807

Profile
As Customer Service Team Leader, Erin manages both Geelong and Ballarat's customer service teams.

Starting with Ballarat Community Telco in 2007 as a Customer Service Officer, Erin gained her Certificate IV in Business Administration and then progressed to Team Leader. In this role she is responsible for a team of customer focused individuals who enjoy delivering the best possible service to our customers. With her previous role in a busy accounting practice, Erin has knowledge and experience in all areas of administration and customer service.