The 2025 Ballarat Legal Laneway Breakfast

Claudia Fatone is Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Legal Service Victoria – a for-purpose organisation working to improve the legal system for victim-survivors of family and sexual violence through provision of integrated legal services, capacity building, advocacy and law reform. Prior to this role Claudia held positions with The Man Cave (Head of Operations) and Fitzroy Legal Service (Chief Executive Officer).

A Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Claudia has held a number of governance roles across sport, NFP and statutory agencies. Claudia is currently a Board Director with Respect Victoria (the Family Violence Prevention Agency) and a member of Victoria University's Audit and Risk Committee.  

She is a former Director of Cricket Victoria, Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, Victoria Law Foundation, the Adult Community & Further Education Board, and the Federation of Community Legal Centres (VIC).

Adrian is the Director of Legal at Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service, having previously worked and volunteered with the organisation over many years. 

He grew up on the family property, Cricket Willow, and attended school in Daylesford. After graduating from Deakin University with degrees in Commerce and Law he commenced working in Ballarat in 2003. Until December 2020 he was the Director, Corporate Governance at Federation University and responsible for leading the governance, legal, risk and integrity functions. He was also the University Secretary from 2016-2020. 

Adrian is a graduate of Leadership Ballarat & Western Region and a subcommittee member for the Committee for Ballarat. He enjoys spending time with his young family and is also involved with the local community as a football umpire and former president of the Ballarat and District Law Association.  

Narelle Laing has a leadership background in community logistics, conservation, and education, for both businesses and non-profits, her values aligning with the aim and services of Ballarat & Grampians Community Legal Service.

Former roles include director of human resources at St Patrick’s College, the executive manager of people and culture at Conservation Volunteers Australia and New Zealand, EdConnect Australia general manager for Victoria and New South Wales, and general manager and acting CEO of Australian Community Logistics.

Lynne leads the Victoria Law Foundation team. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the fields of communications, journalism and management.

For 16 years, she worked with ABC Radio, including a stint hosting The Law Report on Radio National. She has also worked at the ACCC, the City of Melbourne, the Victorian Ombudsman and as a consultant. She has degrees in Law and English from the University of Western Australia and holds qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Institute of Community Directors Australia and has attended the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation is the representative body for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. The Corporation works to support their aspirations and protect Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in accordance with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.