Meet 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.

Carmen Agius (she/her) - Finance

Carmen is a Chartered Accountant with a background in financial accounting and auditing and currently works in the not-for-profit sector. Carmen has always been passionate about the environment and has been a supporter of C4C for many years. She believes that the C4C conversation program is an excellent way to involve people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to engage in discussions about climate change. Carmen has been volunteering as part of the finance team since March 2021.

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?

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, whose sovereignty was never ceded. We acknowledge that Indigenous peoples around the world are at the forefront of climate change, both in experiencing its effects and leading solutions for change. We pay our sincerest respects to all Elders, past and present.