published Our Board and team in About 2025-05-13 13:33:34 +1000

Our Board and team

Climate for Change is powered by a small but mighty staff team, and a dedicated group of volunteers. Together, we’re empowering everyday Australians to participate in democratic dialogue and advocate for effective climate action.

Our Board

In 2023, Climate for Change underwent significant organisational transformation to being entirely volunteer-powered. Toward the end of 2024, Climate for Change welcomed back a small team of staff who are led by our committed operational Board.

Our Board Members continue this important work voluntarily because they are passionate about Climate for Change and the important role we play in the climate movement. During this ‘critical decade’ the work in creating the climate for change is more important than ever. We’d love you to join us!

	Lesley Head \| Chair - Subcommittees: Risk & Governance Lesley is a geographer whose research and writing examine the cultural dimensions of environmental issues, including climate change. In that research she has enjoyed working with communities in many parts of Australia. Lesley is Emeritus Professor at the University of Melbourne, and farms berries and alpacas in western Victoria with members of her extended family. Her board experience comes through serving as President and Chair of Council of the Australian Academy of Humanities.
	Jeremy Dore \| Deputy Chair - Subcommittees: Programs & Volunteer Support; Strategy Jeremy is a lawyer and rambler by training and leads Climate Friendly's legal and governance team, helping to develop projects to regenerate our land. Jeremy has tended to take the lessor road, taking side trips to work on a peace mission in Bouganville and as a land council lawyer in Alice Springs, but always returning to his passions of land and environment. Jeremy was an early volunteer at C4C, helping with admin and the books, before training as a facilitator. Jeremy stills find inspiration in the climate conversation program because it goes to the heart of the matter: it reaches new people not connected to the movement and breaks down the climate silence around us.
	Amanda Booth \| Secretary - Subcommittees: People & Nominations; Risk & Governance; Strategy Amanda is passionate about fostering connection and helping communities build resilience, hope and practical pathways for collective wellbeing. Her doctoral research explored how meat reduction as a climate action is framed in media discourse and how this influences subjectivities. Amanda has completed the AICD Foundations of Directorship and brings over 15 years’ experience in organisational development and human resources with strengths in systems thinking, change management and governance. She enjoys cooking, theatre, walking her dogs and working in a community garden.
	Mainul Ahsan \| Treasurer - Subcommittee: Finance As Treasurer, Mainul delivers executive financial leadership informed by over a decade of experience steering complex Victorian Government portfolios. A strategic architect of organizational value, he translates fiscal complexities into actionable insights that empower senior leaders to navigate high-stakes decision-making. With a proven track record in modernizing reporting frameworks and strengthening internal controls, Mainul drives enterprise performance through sophisticated financial planning and robust stakeholder partnerships. He remains dedicated to rigorous stewardship and the sustainable strategies essential for long-term mission success.
	Zeynep Basarin \| Executive Director Operational Leadership - Subcommittees: Finance; Strategy Zeynep is a purpose-driven people and operations leader with 18 years of experience in the private and not-for-profit sectors on issues spanning climate change, financial literacy, mental health, civic participation, and human rights. Zeynep deeply cares about community-led responses to climate change and was C4C’s first Climate Conversations National Program Manager, growing the organisation’s flagship program from pilot phase through to successful interstate expansion. Zeynep has completed the AICD's Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors Program and managed the registration and governance setup of the recently launched Australian charity, The Information Rights Project.
	Carissa Dyall - Subcommittees: Communications; Fundraising, Grants and Income; Strategy Carissa hails from a diverse background in fundraising and program management, spanning across climate, the arts, mental health, and higher education. Currently, she works in fundraising as part of Deakin University’s Advancement team. Her first experience with Climate for Change was participating in the Fundraising and Communications Fellowship, which inspired her to become more involved in climate action, both in her professional and personal life. In her spare time, Carissa enjoys a good book and tending her veggie garden.
	Mim Lowe - Subcommittees: Communications Mim is a communications professional with 30 years experience working with ‘for purpose’ organisations internationally. She is passionate about amplifying individual’s stories to achieve a low carbon future. Mim helped establish The Climate Project - Australia, the former US Vice President Al Gore’s climate leadership program, creating thousands of Climate Leaders across Australia and the Pacific. Mim has held senior roles at Sustainability Victoria and the Australian Conservation Foundation, all with a focus on making connections to achieve action on climate change. Mim was based in London and Amsterdam for a decade where she worked for Greenpeace International and other campaigning organisations.
	Liza Nadolski - Subcommittees: Fundraising, Grants and Income; Risk & Governance Liza is a governance, risk and social impact leader with extensive experience across health, philanthropy and human rights. As former CEO of the Melbourne Women’s Foundation, they led equity-focused, participatory grantmaking and built partnerships linking donors, volunteers and community changemakers. Liza has served on boards including Australian Doctors International and Blue Knot Foundation, contributing to strategy and risk governance. A lawyer with an MBA and a Master of Laws in Human Rights Law, they bring a strong systems lens to strengthening civic participation, embedding equity in climate conversations, and supporting Climate for Change’s fundraising and partnerships for long-term sustainability.
	Liam McNally - Subcommittees: People & Nominations; Programs & Volunteer Support Liam has worked in HR for over 14 years, leading People & Talent teams within tech companies and working across the full employee experience. Liam currently leads Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at GitLab where he marries his broad HR experience to ensure the organisation becomes more inclusive through various programming. In his free time he enjoys writing, reading, ocean swims and playing weird and wonderful sports such as dodgeball, as well as working on volunteer opportunities that align to his values.

Our Board's subcommittees and external members:

Communications Subcommittee

Mim Lowe (Subcommittee Chair)
Carissa Dyall
Mathilda Freiheit (non-Board member)
Mary Pilkinton (non-Board member)
Kate Ranns (non-Board member)
Blanche Verlie (non-Board member)

Finance Subcommittee

Mainul Ahsan (Treasurer, Subcommittee Chair)
Zeynep Basarin
Ahmed Rabea (non-Board member)
Angela Johnson (non-Board member)

Fundraising, Grants & Income Subcommittee

Carissa Dyall (Subcommittee Chair)
Liza Nadolski
Stephanie Brown (non-Board member)
Darrelle Colleran (non-Board member)
Jocelyn Godinho (non-Board member)
Louise Guo (non-Board member)
Chelsea Lee (non-Board member)
Andrew Milnes (non-Board member)
Amy-Beth Yeo (non-Board member)

People & Nominations Subcommittee

Liam McNally (Subcommittee Chair)
Amanda Booth

Programs & Volunteer Support Subcommittee

Jeremy Dore (Deputy Chair, Subcommittee Chair)
Liam McNally
Chris Cook (non-Board member)
Peter Cook (non-Board member)
Robyn Erwin (non-Board member)
Mary Pilkinton (non-Board member)
Blanche Verlie (non-Board member)

Risk & Governance Subcommittee

Liza Nadolski (Subcommittee Chair)
Lesley Head
Amanda Booth

Strategy Subcommittee

Amanda Booth (Secretary, Subcommittee Chair)
Zeynep Basarin
Jeremy Dore
Carissa Dyall
Peter Cook (non-Board member)
Sue Dwyer (non-Board member)
Blanche Verlie (non-Board member)

Non-Board Members

Stephanie Brown
Darrelle Colleran
Chris Cook
Peter Cook
Sue Dwyer
Robyn Erwin
Mathilda Freiheit
Jocelyn Godinho
Louise Guo
Angela Johnson
Chelsea Lee
Andrew Milne
Mary Pilkinton
Ahmed Rabea
Kate Ranns
Blanche Verlie
Amy-Beth Yeo

Our staff

Mary Pilkinton

Mary Pilkinton | Programs Manager

Mary has been the Programs Manager at Climate for Change since September 2024, leading the delivery of the Climate Conversations, Climate Action Clubs, and Climate Action Fellowship programs. Alongside a team of volunteers, she delivers training, creates and updates resources, and supports the growth of Climate for Change’s impact.

Mary has previously worked across a range of non-profit organisations, including Little Dreamers and Taronga Conservation Society, and has also worked as a debating and public speaking coach. She loves that at Climate for Change she can work with so many passionate people, and bring together her skills in program management and training with her lifelong interest in sustainability and conservation.

Darrelle Colleran | Fundraising Lead

Darrelle is a climate policy and philanthropy professional, with experience spanning Ireland and Belgium. She holds a master’s in Environmental Policy and spent the past five years in Brussels, most recently at the European Climate Foundation, where she worked to build political and public support for fair and effective climate policies. She has collaborated with climate and social justice organisations across EU, national and local contexts, helping to strengthen alignment and impact across different levels of decision making and advocacy. She has also experience working in environmental consulting and at Oxfam Ireland.

As Fundraising Lead at Climate for Change, Darrelle helps shape and deliver the organisation’s fundraising strategy and activities. She works closely with a dedicated team of volunteers to lead crowdfunding campaigns, appeals and supporter engagement, building on Climate for Change’s strong legacy of grassroots fundraising and helping to grow the resources needed for meaningful climate action.

After several years working in the EU policy space, she is excited to move closer to grassroots climate action in Australia, bringing her experience in climate philanthropy and policy into community-led change. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, often camping, hiking or swimming. She also likes to play the violin and piano.

Angela Johnson | Administration and Bookkeeping Officer

Angela is a values-driven individual passionate about family, community, sustainability, and the natural world. With a background in health and wellness, ecotourism, forest conservation, and children’s welfare, she brings diverse experience from both not-for-profit and profit-for-purpose sectors. She is a qualified nutritionist (BHSc), and boasts a broad set of skills including digital content creation, writing, administration, and bookkeeping.

At Climate for Change, Angela looks after the administrative, bookkeeping and payroll functions. She is thrilled to be working alongside the compassionate and committed team of staff and volunteers who share her motivation to strive for a sustainable, equitable, and ethical future for all.

Our volunteers

We are a volunteer-powered organisation! Our amazing volunteers, some of whom are listed below, devote their time to facilitating Climate Conversations, raising funds, organising events and countless other activities that keep us going. To find out how you can be a part of our team, click here.

	Sophie Allen (she/her) - Climate Researcher Sophie is currently studying climate and atmospheric science at university. She is passionate about understanding the drivers and impacts of global climate change, and is committed to making a positive difference in the fields of climatology and climate change communication. Sophie loves spending her spare time in nature, hiking, exploring rainforests and enjoying our coastal environment.
	Emily Banks (she/her) - Climate Researcher Emily is a solar energy engineer who has always loved being outside in nature. Volunteering with Climate for Change opened her eyes to the many solutions out there to help protect our beautiful world. She has been a climate conversation facilitator over the last few years and is now volunteering as a contributor and editor for our fortnightly newsletter.
	Sarah Brenan (she/her) - Climate Researcher Sarah is a retired book editor and has been increasingly worried about climate change since 2005 when she read Tim Flannery’s book The Weathermakers. Her family philanthropic foundation has been giving money to climate and environmental organisations for 15 years but it never seems enough! She was a facilitator at Climate for Change in the early days, occasionally joins the MPEG group sessions and more recently has been on the team producing the fortnightly climate update.
	Tahnee Burgess (she/they) - Program Facilitator Based in Naarm, Tahnee is a passionate climate communication practitioner who believes everyone has a right to understand how climate change will impact them and their environment. When not working to combat climate change or volunteering to help protect our environment, Tahnee can be found in their garden growing veggies, in nature hiking with their dog or diving below the seas. This connection reminds them of everything we need to protect with immediate action on climate change.
	Chris Cook (she/her) - MP Engagement Groups, Programs & Volunteers In a past life Chris was a secondary school teacher, and a youth worker. In recent years she has managed a family business and developed and supported not for profit child welfare services. She has been concerned about the impact of human activities and economic growth on the environment since her hippy days in the early 1970’s. But the birth of her first grandchild 10 years ago gave cause for anxiety about the future he might inherit. The realisation that individual actions and much scientific evidence over many years was not bringing about the changes we need resulted in frustration; and the realisation the only solution was to get active. Climate for Change appeals as the most effective and efficient method of helping to empower people to take the necessary action for future generations.
	Peter Cook (he/him) - MP Engagement Groups Peter is a clinical psychologist who worked in psychiatric services, as a senior manager and planner. He helped develop a number of community-based services and was Executive Officer to a Ministerial advisory committee. He is currently in private practice and sits on AHPRA panels. He has 10 years experience on the Victorian Psychology Registration Board (including time as President and Vice President). He has been involved in climate related activities since the 1970s and is passionate about social change and community empowerment. He coordinates C4C’s MPEG briefings and is a leader with a local ACF group and an MPEG organiser.
	Sue Dwyer - MP Engagement Groups, Strategy Sue is a former journalist, editor and teacher, and parent of three. Her long-term passion for the environment, climate action and social justice led to the completion of a Fellowship at the Centre for Sustainable Leadership in 2016, after which she left teaching to focus on climate and environmental issues. She has been a core volunteer with Climate for Change since 2016 and is enthusiastic about citizen democracy. Sue is mentor for MP Engagement Groups (MPEGs), which she created to support people to demand MPs and governments take bolder climate action.
	Robyn Erwin (she/her) - Programs & Volunteers Robyn feels most alive when in nature whether walking through a forest, hands in the dirt growing vegetables or jumping through waves. She has engaged in various ways with several climate and environment organisations but believes that climate conversations are the most crucial step in creating the groundswell needed for sustained change. She works as a manager in a women's Neighbourhood House and is excited to be co-designing a climate resilience project with a group of women from migrant / refugee backgrounds.
	Deni Estivill (she/her) - Communications: Climate Updates Reviewer Deni is a Civil and Environmental Engineer with a strong commitment to sustainability and climate action. During her time at university, Deni undertook work experience in an Engineers without Borders Humanitarian design summit where her passion for environmental stewardship and advancing a sustainable future was ignited. She currently works in consulting for sustainable water advisory. Deni also enjoys spending time in nature to go hiking and camping.
	Adrian Flitney (he/him) - Climate Researcher Adrian has a PhD in Quantum Physics and tutors physics and mathematics as well as occasionally coaching chess at high school. He has always been passionate about nature, first as a cycling addict then bushwalker/cross-country skier, and now as a kayaker. He became interested in climate change in the 1980s when working for the Dept of Science and has become increasingly concerned as successive governments in Australia (and around the world) pushed the issue aside. He joined C4C in the early days of the organisation wanting to contribute to the effort for change.
	Mathilda Freiheit - Communications Volunteer Mathilda is in her final year as a Media and Communications undergraduate at Swinburne University. She has worked in various marketing and social media management roles, supporting campaigns and projects for Bank Australia and the Swinburne newsagency, The Burne. Originally, Mathilda started as a volunteer Social Media Coordinator.
	Ahmed Rabea - Volunteer Accountant Ahmed is a finance and accounting professional with experience across banking, bookkeeping, taxation, and financial operations in Australia and internationally. Passionate about purpose-driven work, he enjoys using his financial and analytical skills to support strong governance, collaboration, and positive community impact. Ahmed holds an MBA in Finance & Management from Macquarie University and is an Associate Member of CPA Australia.
	Kate Ranns - Communications and Marketing Lead Kate joined Climate for Change in 2025 to help spread the word about Climate for Change’s amazing work empowering ordinary people to act against climate change. She is passionate about inspiring more people to realise their power to make a difference. Her extensive experience in marketing and communications roles in Australia and internationally has spanned content marketing, events, brand management and digital marketing, leading multidisciplinary teams of up to 30 people.
	Arohi Saini - Volunteer Coordinator Arohi graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Studies from University of Sydney, and her research explored how the governance and use of an ever-changing coastal landscape are closely intertwined. Volunteering with Climate for Change wasn't the most obvious next step, but it's been one of Arohi's most rewarding experiences, deepening her understanding of climate challenges and the power of community-driven action. An underrated skill she has picked up? Saying "yes" to everything!
	Joshua Stephens (he/him) - Climate Researcher Once a climate change skeptic from coal-happy Newcastle, Josh’s mind was rocked by facts, friends, and a growing environmental anxiety. From engaging with government to devouring veggies and composting like a champ, he’s turned eco-warrior! His journey led him to Climate for Change, where he’s not just hopeful but stoked to be part of the change to create the environment for effective action on climate change.
	Blanche Verlie - *Communications, Programs & Volunteer Support, Strategy* Blanche is a Lecturer in Gender and Cultural Studies at the University of Sydney whose work focuses on how everyday people understand, experience and respond to climate change. She is the author of Learning to Live with Climate Change: From Anxiety to Transformation and is recognised as a global leader in climate change education and emotions research. Blanche also has over a decade of experience in community climate change engagement roles. At Climate for Change, she was part of the first team of trainee facilitators in 2016, and helped develop early versions of the facilitator training and mentoring programs.
	Amy-Beth Yeo (she/her) - Fundraising Volunteer Amy-Beth has always loved being outdoors and as new mum she has observed that being in nature is the antidote for any qualm for her little boy. A strong reminder that homeostasis within ourselves is best achieved when we are harmonious with our natural world - what better motivation could there be to take action against climate change?

Carly Robertson donated via Katerina Gaita 2024-05-23 23:25:48 +1000

Donate to grow the climate movement
Carly Robertson donated via Katerina Gaita 2026-04-12 21:46:40 +1000

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Carly Robertson published MPEG News Update 4 April 2023 in MPEG News Updates 2023-10-11 13:47:02 +1100

4 April 2023

~~ UPDATE on MP lobbying blitz for the Safeguard Mechanism ~~ How to run a successful local MPEG ~~

Hello MPEG hosts and supporters,

I hope you’re doing well and getting into the swing of this year. There’s plenty of government action to commend and inaction to be working on. And our local MPEGs have been taking up the challenge with MP meetings and actions galore!

Subscribe to the MPEG News Update
Read more
Carly Robertson published MPEG News Update 11 May 2023 in MPEG News Updates 2023-05-26 14:15:59 +1000

11 May 2023

~~ Changes to our MPEGs program ~~ Update on recent MP lobbying blitz ~~ Keep in touch with the MPEG community ~~

Dear MPEG leaders and supporters,

I hope you are all well and keeping warm as the days grow shorter. By now you have most likely heard about the changes happening at C4C, as we transition to a community-led organisation with no permanent paid staff.

Subscribe to the MPEG News Update
Read more
Carly Robertson donated via Katerina Gaita 2023-05-04 17:11:16 +1000

Volunteer membership
Carly Robertson published MPEG News Update 2 February 2023 in MPEG News Updates 2023-04-04 11:15:13 +1000

2 February 2023

~~ The Safeguard Mechanism ~~ MP lobbying blitz ~~ Zoom MPEGs in 2023 ~~ How to run a successful local MPEG ~~

Hello and happy new year, MPEGs community!

I hope you have been resting and connecting with nature over the summer.

We have another big year of action on climate ahead of us, and I feel like we are on the cusp of some positive changes — if we keep up the pressure and battle the greenwash. Let’s get stuck in!

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	Lesley Head \| Chair - Subcommittees: Risk & Governance Lesley is a geographer whose research and writing examine the cultural dimensions of environmental issues, including climate change. In that research she has enjoyed working with communities in many parts of Australia. Lesley is Emeritus Professor at the University of Melbourne, and farms berries and alpacas in western Victoria with members of her extended family. Her board experience comes through serving as President and Chair of Council of the Australian Academy of Humanities.
	Jeremy Dore \| Deputy Chair - Subcommittees: Programs & Volunteer Support; Strategy Jeremy is a lawyer and rambler by training and leads Climate Friendly's legal and governance team, helping to develop projects to regenerate our land. Jeremy has tended to take the lessor road, taking side trips to work on a peace mission in Bouganville and as a land council lawyer in Alice Springs, but always returning to his passions of land and environment. Jeremy was an early volunteer at C4C, helping with admin and the books, before training as a facilitator. Jeremy stills find inspiration in the climate conversation program because it goes to the heart of the matter: it reaches new people not connected to the movement and breaks down the climate silence around us.
	Amanda Booth \| Secretary - Subcommittees: People & Nominations; Risk & Governance; Strategy Amanda is passionate about fostering connection and helping communities build resilience, hope and practical pathways for collective wellbeing. Her doctoral research explored how meat reduction as a climate action is framed in media discourse and how this influences subjectivities. Amanda has completed the AICD Foundations of Directorship and brings over 15 years’ experience in organisational development and human resources with strengths in systems thinking, change management and governance. She enjoys cooking, theatre, walking her dogs and working in a community garden.
	Mainul Ahsan \| Treasurer - Subcommittee: Finance As Treasurer, Mainul delivers executive financial leadership informed by over a decade of experience steering complex Victorian Government portfolios. A strategic architect of organizational value, he translates fiscal complexities into actionable insights that empower senior leaders to navigate high-stakes decision-making. With a proven track record in modernizing reporting frameworks and strengthening internal controls, Mainul drives enterprise performance through sophisticated financial planning and robust stakeholder partnerships. He remains dedicated to rigorous stewardship and the sustainable strategies essential for long-term mission success.
	Zeynep Basarin \| Executive Director Operational Leadership - Subcommittees: Finance; Strategy Zeynep is a purpose-driven people and operations leader with 18 years of experience in the private and not-for-profit sectors on issues spanning climate change, financial literacy, mental health, civic participation, and human rights. Zeynep deeply cares about community-led responses to climate change and was C4C’s first Climate Conversations National Program Manager, growing the organisation’s flagship program from pilot phase through to successful interstate expansion. Zeynep has completed the AICD's Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors Program and managed the registration and governance setup of the recently launched Australian charity, The Information Rights Project.
	Carissa Dyall - Subcommittees: Communications; Fundraising, Grants and Income; Strategy Carissa hails from a diverse background in fundraising and program management, spanning across climate, the arts, mental health, and higher education. Currently, she works in fundraising as part of Deakin University’s Advancement team. Her first experience with Climate for Change was participating in the Fundraising and Communications Fellowship, which inspired her to become more involved in climate action, both in her professional and personal life. In her spare time, Carissa enjoys a good book and tending her veggie garden.
	Mim Lowe - Subcommittees: Communications Mim is a communications professional with 30 years experience working with ‘for purpose’ organisations internationally. She is passionate about amplifying individual’s stories to achieve a low carbon future. Mim helped establish The Climate Project - Australia, the former US Vice President Al Gore’s climate leadership program, creating thousands of Climate Leaders across Australia and the Pacific. Mim has held senior roles at Sustainability Victoria and the Australian Conservation Foundation, all with a focus on making connections to achieve action on climate change. Mim was based in London and Amsterdam for a decade where she worked for Greenpeace International and other campaigning organisations.
	Liza Nadolski - Subcommittees: Fundraising, Grants and Income; Risk & Governance Liza is a governance, risk and social impact leader with extensive experience across health, philanthropy and human rights. As former CEO of the Melbourne Women’s Foundation, they led equity-focused, participatory grantmaking and built partnerships linking donors, volunteers and community changemakers. Liza has served on boards including Australian Doctors International and Blue Knot Foundation, contributing to strategy and risk governance. A lawyer with an MBA and a Master of Laws in Human Rights Law, they bring a strong systems lens to strengthening civic participation, embedding equity in climate conversations, and supporting Climate for Change’s fundraising and partnerships for long-term sustainability.
	Liam McNally - Subcommittees: People & Nominations; Programs & Volunteer Support Liam has worked in HR for over 14 years, leading People & Talent teams within tech companies and working across the full employee experience. Liam currently leads Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at GitLab where he marries his broad HR experience to ensure the organisation becomes more inclusive through various programming. In his free time he enjoys writing, reading, ocean swims and playing weird and wonderful sports such as dodgeball, as well as working on volunteer opportunities that align to his values.

Our Board and team

Our Board

Our Board's subcommittees and external members:

Our staff

Our volunteers

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