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!
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Blanche Verlie | Chair - Subcommittees: Fundraising, Grants & Income; People & Nominations; 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. |
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Joanna Cary | Secretary - Subcommittees: Risk & Governance Joanna is a lawyer with 25 years experience in environmental law and policy. Currently a Principal Solicitor at the Victorian Environment Protection Authority, she has worked in a diverse range of organisations including government, leading Australian law firms, large corporates and small business. Joanna has a long history of volunteering in the not for profit sector as a legal adviser, mentor, Australian Youth Ambassador, Board member and Executive Committee member. She is a founding member and current Secretary of Lawyers for Forests Inc, an association of legal professionals advocating for the protection of native forests for over 20 years. |
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Joanna Zhang | Treasurer - Subcommittee: Finance Joanna is a Senior Manager at PwC in Melbourne, with over 10 years of experience in external audits and risk and regulatory assurance services across a diverse range of industries in Australia and overseas. She is both a Chartered Accountant and a CPA accredited accountant. Recently, Joanna completed her role as a Board Observer through the 2024 Observership Program. She is passionate about social justice and environmental protection and is eager to continue contributing to not-for-profit organisations. |
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Zey Basarin - Subcommittees: Finance; People & Nominations; Strategy Zey is a purpose-driven General Manager and team leader with over 15 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. Zey 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. Zey recently set up a registered Australian charity, The Information Rights Project, and currently works in the EdTech space supporting the achievement of SOC2 certification. Zey recently completed the AICD Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors Program. |
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Peter Cook - Subcommittees: Programs & Volunteer Support; Strategy 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. |
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Jeremy Dore - Subcommittees: Fundraising, Grants & Income; 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. |
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Lesley Head - Subcommittees: Strategy 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. |
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Clara Kiefel Johnson - Subcommittees: Communications; Finance Clara is a strategic marketing and communications leader, with experience working for not-for-profits and purpose-led organisations. Clara is passionate about sustainability, social and climate justice, and does pro-bono work for not-for-profit organisations within these areas. Clara brings a global perspective, having worked in Lisbon and Seattle. She sits on COBA’s Emerging Leaders Committee and is Chair of Run for Climate, an employee resource group dedicated to raising awareness of and funds for climate action through running. Clara believes great teams result from sharing a clear purpose, embracing diversity and valuing individual strengths. |
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Liam McNally - Subcommittees: Communications; People & Nominations 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. |
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John Tran - Subcommittees: Risk & Governance John is a risk manager with over a decade of experience in enterprise risk management and operational resilience across various public and private organisations. He specialises in establishing standards for accountability and transparency, helping organisations make key decisions that are sufficiently risk-based throughout different business cycles and strategic change programs. A former member of the Risk Management Institute of Australasia’s Victorian Chapter, John currently serves on the boards of multiple not-for-profit organisations, ensuring they are well-governed and effectively serve their members and their supporters. |
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Kara Bullock | Board Observer - Subcommittees: People & Nominations Kara is participating in the 2025 Observership program and is currently an observer of the Climate for Change board. As a HR professional focused on people, culture, safety and well-being, Kara holds diverse HR experience gained through her work within consumer goods, medical technology, banking and fin-tech. She is highly focused on building high performing teams and strong work cultures which align with organisational strategy. Kara is keen to make a difference in the climate conversation and is passionate about reducing waste. She also enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family and volunteering with climate, health and education organisations. |
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Nehal Jain | Board Observer - Subcommittees: Risk and Governance Nehal has a background in product management, sustainability, and circular economy initiatives, with experience spanning the tech industry, startup ecosystem, and purpose-driven ventures. She is the Co-Founder of After (after.net.au), a textiles recovery business diverting unwearable textiles from landfill. Actively engaged in community-led climate action, Nehal hosts clothing swaps, contributes as a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum, and supports climate startups through her role at Boomerang Labs (NFP). She brings a strategic and systems-focused approach to her work and is eager to contribute to and deepen her understanding of nonprofit leadership and impact.
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Our Board's subcommittees and external members:
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Communications Subcommittee Clara Kiefel Johnson (Subcommittee Chair) Finance Subcommittee Joanna Zhang (Treasurer, Subcommittee Chair) Fundraising, Grants & Income Subcommittee Jeremy Dore (Subcommittee Chair) |
People & Nominations Subcommittee Blanche Verlie (Subcommittee Chair) Programs & Volunteer Support Subcommittee Peter Cook (Subcommittee Chair) Risk & Governance Subcommittee Joanna Cary (Secretary, Subcommittee Chair) Strategy Subcommittee Jeremy Dore (Subcommittee Chair) |
Non-Board Members Amy-Beth Seeley
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Our staff
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Mary Pilkinton | Programs Manager Mary has worked in a range of sectors including youth work, education, and tourism. Most recently, she was the NSW State Manager at Little Dreamers where she utilised her lived experience as a Young Carer to coordinate support for young people who are caring for a family member. Mary is a long-standing volunteer at the Jane Goodall Institute Australia, and previously worked at Taronga Zoo. As the Programs Manager, Mary oversees the coordination of the Climate Conversations Program and MP Engagement Groups. Alongside a team of volunteers, she delivers training, creates and updates resources, and supports the growth of the program. Mary has a lifelong interest in sustainability and conservation, and loves working alongside such passionate people at Climate for Change. |
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Adelaide Xerri | Fundraising Lead Passionate about making a tangible difference in the world, Adelaide is a multi-faceted professional specialising in advocacy, event/project management, and community organising with a Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development. Most recently, Adelaide served as an Organiser at Amnesty International Australia, where she focused on activist leadership development and supported campaigns for Indigenous Rights and systemic reform. She also volunteers as Partnerships Manager at Global Voices, fostering opportunities for young Australians to engage in international policy and diplomacy. As the Fundraising Lead at Climate for Change, Adelaide develops and implements innovative strategies to ensure financial sustainability, supporting the organisation’s mission. Working closely with a dedicated team of volunteers, she delivers impactful crowdfunders and appeals and develops meaningful partnerships building from Climate for Change's strong legacy in grassroots fundraising. An avid hiker and traveller, Adelaide is deeply committed to advocating for people and the planet, working alongside like-minded individuals to drive lasting change. |
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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.
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Mathilda Freiheit | Communications Officer 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.
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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.
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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?
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Annie Nielsen (she/her) - Programs & Volunteers Annie is a retired science teacher who has been concerned about the environment all her adult life. She became involved in climate action when Dr Helen Caldicott, speaking at a science teachers conference said if you care about the environment you must be involved in climate action. Annie and five others started Parramatta Climate Action Network in 2007 and Annie became the convenor in 2012. She has been on the board of the NSW Nature Conservation Council for 13 years. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Belinda Haydon (she/her) - MP Engagement Groups, Programs & Volunteers Belinda's journey into climate action and activism started with Climate for Change when she joined in 2018 as trained as a volunteer facilitator. She has since established grassroots climate groups, employing her community engagement, facilitation, and project management skills. Belinda is committed to climate justice and to striving to be a better ally for First Nations peoples, and focuses her attention on engaging with Members of Parliament to take climate action through setting policies for systems change, emissions reduction and to create a safe and equitable future for all life on the planet. |
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Rachel Davis (she/her) - Volunteer Coordinator Rachel is passionate about sustainability, women’s empowerment, and connecting with others. She has spent the past 5 years working in non-profits in Melbourne and internationally. She loves spending her spare time outdoors, hiking, camping, surfing, and swimming in the ocean. While working in Kenya she saw firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change on the local women. This realisation of the urgency of the climate crisis led her to volunteer with Climate for Change. |
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Deni Estivill (she/her) - Communications 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. |
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Glenn Davis (he/him) - Bookkeeper Glenn is recently retired following a long career in the finance industry, predominantly in the not-for-profit superannuation sector. Glenn is passionate about the environment and after hearing about the C4C conversation program thought this was a great way to be involved and give something back to the community. |
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Tahnee Burgess (she/they) - Fundraising Volunteer 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. |
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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. |
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Tanika Schumann (she/her) - Climate Researcher Tanika, a passionate climate change advocate with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental and Conservation Science, is dedicated to community engagement and local government collaboration. She actively participates in fortnightly revegetation working bees and promotes local food systems to reduce emissions. Tanika facilitates climate conversations and researches climate news with C4C, envisioning resilient neighbourhoods working together to combat environmental harm. She enjoys being outdoors, observing wildlife, and tending to her garden, embodying her commitment to sustainable living and environmental stewardship. |
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Sue Dwyer - MP Engagement Groups, Communications 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. |