BANKSIA FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Alan Finkel is a neuroscientist, engineer and entrepreneur. He was Australia's chief scientist from 2016 to 2020, during which time he led the National Electricity Market Review, the development of the National Hydrogen Strategy, and the panel that advised the Australian Government on the 2020 Low Emissions Technology Roadmap. He is currently Chair of Stile Education, Chair of the Australian Government's Technology Investment Advisory Council, and Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Low Emissions Technologies.
I'm passionate about raising the profile of West Australian pioneer's who are making a real difference for a sustainable future and I support the recognition of individuals, NFP's, start-ups and small to big business in WA making a positive impact for generations to come. I've seen first-hand how The Banksia Foundation has raised the profile of current sustainability issues facing Australia; recognising those whose initiatives are an encouragement and an example for others to follow across the Country and I'm excited to devote efforts in WA to this aim.
Dr Will Rayward-Smith is a leading climate policy advisor to government and climate strategist to corporates. His robust techo-commercial analysis of different clean technologies supports his clients to embark on optimal decarbonisation pathways and unlock new value pools.
Will works closely with multiple ASX100 clients, advising on their climate strategies and supporting portfolio implementation of decarbonisation initiatives, investments and clean growth opportunities.
With government, Will has helped design practical and impactful climate policies, and supported successful business cases for over $2.7bn of funding allocation towards renewable energy infrastructure, decarbonisation and low carbon industries.
Dr. Rocio Bona is a visionary leader renowned for driving transformative sustainability initiatives, specialising in strategy development, decarbonisation, and climate resilience. With over two decades of global experience, Rocio excels in aligning companies with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), implementing climate-related financial disclosures, and strategic asset management. As CEO at Decarbonology, she is propelling the company into global markets while championing ethical Business practices. Recently, as a Banksia Foundation Board member, she inspires positive change through social and environmental innovation, furthering her commitment to a sustainable future.
Estelle is an author, expert facilitator, podcast guest and Churchill Fellow. She is the founder of 3P Delivery Authority, specialising in strategic initiative review, implementation and training. Estelle is passionate about the difference her clients want to make. She largely consults to government and the Not-for-Profit sectors to achieve desired project outcomes for advancing strategic mission further and faster. In addition, Estelle has senior management experience in government, including delivery of significant and strategic policy, legislation and infrastructure projects.
Graz is a passionate innovator, disruptor and changemaker currently leading the Banksia Foundation team to communicate inspirational solutions and promote optimism and action. She has extensive experience working in the Health, Tourism and Telecommunications Industries, creating the Telstra Business Women's Awards and heading up Telstra's Small Business Development division. Her skills, experience, determination, and panache contribute towards making meaningful, memorable and valuable events and campaigns from conception to delivery.
As the previous Head of Environment at Qantas John saw that the Banksia Awards offered a unique opportunity to elevate the environmental standards of corporate Australia, and he is excited to bring his experience across the corporate, local government and community sectors to the Banksia Foundation team.
Job Titles:
- Non - Executive Director of Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria
John Valastro is a Non-Executive Director of Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria which works with volunteer groups and regional councils to create vibrant and enduring local community sustainability and resilience outcomes.
Working at the intersection of systems change and sustainable development, Julie provides advice on applying sustainability frameworks and implementing sustainability practices including strategies, roadmaps and transformational pathways that drive real impact for both business and government. Julie is also a skilled facilitator and an engaging communicator, regularly commentating on sustainability issues (print and radio). Julie's background is in policy development for the federal government, with deep expertise in international development policy (DFAT, AusAID and the Attorney General's Department).
Job Titles:
- Business Diversification Manager
Lynn is a highly driven business development professional with a proven track record for securing new business, developing relationships and achieving financial outcomes. She is a Self-starter with initiative, innovation and a drive for results, with Strong communication, presentation and influencing skills.
Lynn has been a strong supporter of the Banksia Foundation for over 5 years and joined the team as Business Diversification Manager in December 2020.
She is a self-starter who uses her initiative, innovation, strong communication and presentation skills to gain results, Lynn has been a strong supporter of the Banksia Foundation for over 5 years and joined the team as Business Diversification Manager in December 2020.
Mark is a champion for sustainability and eternal optimist. He is a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and alumni of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Mark is Principal of Currie, where he consults to people and organisations with a passion to sustain life on the planet. He has international experience in sustainable development, leading communications and team engagement, and projects for The World Bank.
Melissa has nearly 25 years' experience in leading ESG strategy development and execution across large corporates. She currently holds the position of General Manager, Sustainability at QIC Real Estate, and is a key member of the Real Estate executive committee. Before joining QIC, Melissa was General Manager of Sustainability at Vicinity Centres, and has previously held senior positions at ANZ Banking Group, Transurban Group and ExxonMobil.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from The University of Melbourne, a Master of Corporate Sustainability Management from Monash University, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors' Company Directors Course. She is based in Melbourne.
Peter Olsen is an inspirational leader who helps people to think and act differently. His expertise is in driving change in complex businesses to achieve outstanding results.
Prior to founding his own business, Neslo Solutions, Peter was a senior executive at Serco Asia Pacific, Thiess, Leighton Contractors and Bechtel where he led functional teams in the complex contractor environment across construction, mining, industrial and social services. With workforces from under 200 to over 22,500 people and annual overhead management managing budgets up to AUD 250 million, Peter's breadth of knowledge is significant.
As a founding Director of Australian Green Infra Structure Council and a champion of organisational sustainability and environmental management, Peter has been at the forefront of contemporary thinking in maximising organisational futures through minimising their carbon footprint.
Self-employed consultant specialising in corporate governance and ICT. Currently a member of the ACIC/AIC and OAIC Audit and Risk Committees and the ACFID Code of Conduct Committee. Previously a senior executive in the Australian Government Environment Portfolio and the ACCC; Australian Government Representative/Counsellor, Japanese Institute for Global Environmental Strategies; Member, National Environmental Education Council; Chair, National Environmental Education Network; past board member of Banksia and the Centre for Environmental Education; AFR MIS magazine's inaugural Green CIO of the Year.
Rick has over 22 years' experience in the CRM and Customer Data Management industry and is one of the leading solution architects at Oracle. He has in-depth knowledge of the needs when structuring complex data models, particularly in the areas of complex application processing, financial services, telecommunications and complex case management.
Rick is an active public speaker through his membership of Toastmasters and is a founding member and director of the Banksia Environmental Foundation.
Terence is the APAC Leader, Climate Change and Sustainability Services at EY in Melbourne, and has been a Partner at EY for 8 years. An environmental, climate and sustainability specialist with over twenty-five years' experience, previously, Terence was the Founder and Director of sustainability firm Net Balance until its acquisition by EY in 2014. Terence holds a degree in Environmental Engineering (UWA), is a Chartered Professional Engineer and a Fellow and Engineering Executive of the Institute of Engineers, Australia. He is also an Clean Energy Regulator accredited Category 2 Auditor.