The JHC Board
The Jewish Holocaust Centre’s board consists of a Holocaust survivor, children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors.
We believe that including all three generations is important to ensure the continuity and vibrancy of the JHC.
Pauline Rockman OAM
Co-President
BEd (La Trobe University), GradDip Women’s Studies (Deakin University), BA (Deakin University)
Since 1992 Pauline has had a number of roles at the Jewish Holocaust Centre including President of the Board of Management. She worked with the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for 17 years as Regional Coordinator for Australia and Regional Consultant and was involved with the Australian March of the Living 2003-2014. Pauline represents Australia at the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) plenary meetings in Europe.
She is the daughter of a survivor of Nazi Germany.
Suzanne Hampel OAM
Co-President
MA (Holocaust & Genocide Studies) (Monash University), GradDip Children’s Literature (Victoria College), DipEd (Burwood State College), BA (University of Melbourne)
Sue has education experience, especially in Holocaust and Genocide studies. She led and organised study tours to Poland and Rwanda. Sue represents Australia at the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) plenary meetings in Europe.
She is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, which is why she is so passionate about teaching – in the hope that no-one will have to endure the tragedy that befell the Jewish people during the Holocaust.
Helen Mahemoff OAM
Vice President
Helen is a member of the JHC Executive.
She has been the Chair of the JHC Foundation since its inception in 2003. Helen is also the Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign and she is the main volunteer fundraiser for the JHC.
Helen is the daughter of Holocaust survivors.
Mary Slade
Secretary
BA, LLB (University of Melbourne)
Accredited Mediator (Bond University), Retired Barrister and Solicitor and Tribunal Adjudicator. Past Governor at Mount Scopus College, with community organisations and business experience as company director.
On the Board Mary represents the guides and contributes to the governance portfolio.
She is also a member of the JHC Collections Acquisition panel and a volunteer guide at the JHC.
Mary is the daughter of Holocaust survivors.
Her vision is furthering the important mission of the JHC in its commemorative and educational goals into a strong and sustainable future.
Richard Michaels
Honorary Treasurer
BCom /BEc (Monash University), Chartered Accountant (ICAA)
Prior to joining the Board, Richard worked as a guide at Jewish Holocaust Centre. Professionally, he has worked in the financial services industry for the past 14 years as an investment adviser at Canaccord Genuity, Prior to this, Richard worked as a senior accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Richard is the grandson of a Holocaust survivor. As a member of the third generation, believes in the importance of keeping alive the memories of the Holocaust victims and their heritage.
Professor George Braitberg AM OStJ
MBBS FACEM FACMT FRACMA MBioethics MHlthServMt Dip Epi Biostats
George is an emergency physician and toxicologist and is Head of the Emergency Medicine Stream for the Centre for Critical Care Medicine at the University of Melbourne and Executive Director of Strategy, Quality and Improvement at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The son of Holocaust survivors, he has had a long association with the JHC as a guide and is a member of the Lodz committee. He has been on March of the Living, the second time as an educator, when he accompanied his mother, a survivor guide. George is committed to keeping the memory of the Holocaust relevant to subsequent generations.
Elly Brooks
BAppSci (Medical Radiations), Airline Transport Pilot Licence, CASA accredited examiner, DipArt (Photography)
Elly is the President of Friends of JHC. She is also honorary secretary and has been on the Executive for a number of years, representing the JHC at the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) meetings and at multicultural events. In addition to training pilots as chief pilot and chief flying instructor, Elly worked in Hong Kong where she established a real estate company.
Elly is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. She says "I know we must tell and re-tell the Holocaust stories to honour our survivors and make a better future."
Allen Brostek
Allen is a Chartered Accountant in private practice and has been a past Treasurer of the JHC. He is one of the Trustees of the JHC Foundation. He advises on financial matters relating to the administration of the JHC.
Allen is the son of Holocaust survivors.
Michael Debinksi
BA (Monash University); BSW (Hons) (Monash University)
Fellow, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Michael retired from the Victorian Government as a senior executive overseeing planning and delivery of health and community services. He is currently a Senior Advisor with Impact Co.
He is a member of several Jewish organisations and was President of Jewish Care Victoria from 2012-2019.
Michael is the son of Holocaust survivors. He was part of the Australian leadership March of the Living group in 2014. Michael believes the Jewish Holocaust Centre plays a vital role educating the community about the Holocaust and to combat antisemitism, racism, and prejudice.
Dr Anita Frayman
PhD (Monash University), LLB (Hons) (Monash University), BA (University of Melbourne)
Anita is an adjunct researcher at the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, Monash University. Her academic research includes Holocaust testimony, cultural diversity and inter-generational conflict. She previously worked as an educator, mediator and facilitator, and was a member of a number of committees in the aged care industry.
Anita is a member of the fundraising subcommittee.
She is passionate about educating society in the lessons of the Holocaust to combat antisemitism and to ensure that future generations respect and value all human beings.
Abe Goldberg OAM
Abe Goldberg is a Holocaust survivor from Lodz. He has been a volunteer at JHC almost since it opened its doors to the public in 1984. Abe has enriched the lives of thousands of students from his positive messages.
He is on the Executive and is dedicated to keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive.
Paul Kegen
MArch (Curtin University of Technology) Registered Architect (ARBV)
Paul contributes to the JHC through procurement and management of the new building project.
He is passionate about Holocaust history and remembrance.
Phil Lewis
BBus (Accounting) (Swinburne University of Technology). Member, Master Builders Association
Phil is Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign to rebuild the JHC building.
His mother came to Australia 1933.
Phil volunteers to ensure we educate for the future and preserve the memory of the Shoah.
Melanie Raleigh
BSc (University of Melbourne), Cert. III and IV Fitness.
Melanie is on the board representing the 3rd generation. She is currently contributing to a project with Maccabi Australia, designed to assist sports players across the country to remember the Holocaust on Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day).
She is a grandchild of Holocaust survivors.
Simon Szwarc
BCom (University of Melbourne); BIS (University of Melbourne)
Simon is one of Australia's leading evangelists on Innovative Change, having delivered Keynotes, Lectures, Workshops and Collaboration Programs to leadership teams including at board levels. Simon has over 20 years experience working in advisory and consulting roles to Australia's largest organisations, specifically around new and leading-edge technologies, and has co-founded three different business centred around innovation and disruptive technologies.
Simon’s grandparents were survivors of the Holocaust, resulting in a need to educate that has been ingrained in Simon. He has been actively involved in the JHC for over 13 years.