About The Jane Goodall Institute Australia

Before starting Democracy in Colour, he worked with low-paid workers to set up Hospo Voice, a new union in hospitality. Previously, Tim was the Head of Campaigns at Oaktree, a senior adviser to two Senators, the Campaigns Director at Jhatkaa, the National Communications Director at UN Youth Australia, and co-founded Open Sky. Tim has served as a Non-Executive Director on 17 Boards and was appointed in 2020 as one of 17 UN Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals.

Emma is the Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary of The Humour Foundation, a national charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable Australians. Emma previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary at the Climate Council, and spent 9 years at Taronga Conservation Society Australia in a variety of roles. She led the development and operation of the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, also establishing the Taronga / University of Sydney Education Alliance. Emma is a Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), has undergraduate degrees in law and finance, plus postgraduate qualifications in environmental law and tertiary education management.

Over 20 years, Marsha has held senior roles across the financial services sector, leading change and driving innovation across sustainability, strategy, and customer initiatives.

Marsha is a life-long learner who believes in the transformative power of education.

Previous roles have included the CEO of ECO-Buy Limited and Interim CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions. Currently Head of Australian Government Relations for Greening Australia Hugh delivers policy and large-scale programs across the landscape of Australia in partnership with government. Hugh is a graduate of Liverpool University (BSc Marine Biology) and University of Plymouth (MSc Applied Fish Biology), has a Diploma in Governance from the Institute of Community Directors and is an alumni of Leadership Victoria’s Folio program.

He currently holds the position of Divisional Director of Animal Welfare, Conservation and Science at Taronga Conservation Society Australia, with responsibilities for Taronga’s Wildlife Hospitals, conservation and science programs and sustainability and environmental leadership across all sites.

Nick has represented Australia in United Nations congresses aimed at preventing the illegal trade in wild animals, sits on state and federal roundtables addressing the recovery of wildlife following floods and bushfires, and serves on a number of conservation and animal welfare-based boards and committees. Nick has undergraduate degrees in biological sciences, communications and law.

He is an experienced executive with a background in IT strategy, technology and digital transformation. Dan is extremely passionate about animals, nature and conservation of the environment, and is determined in helping organisations drive purposeful impact. Dan is a Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) and holds an undergraduate degree in Commerce (Information Systems) from the University of New South Wales.

An alumnus of the University of Technology Sydney (BBus Finance), and Melbourne Business School (MURRA Generation 12), Zane currently works at Indigenous Business Australia as a Senior Analyst in the Direct Investments team with a focus around renewable energy and sustainability.

Kristine’s career spans Australia and the Asia Pacific. She is Director, Organisational Strategy at The Nature Conservancy Australia, and has held senior roles in Philanthropy and Marketing at the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network and Social Ventures Australia. This followed a corporate marketing career with PwC’s consulting arm Strategy&, working across Asia.

Kristine has an MBA (AGSM), a Bachelor of Business (UTS) and studied towards a Masters of Environmental Management (UNSW). She has a Governance Foundations for NFP Directors from the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

As JGIA’s Western Australian Coordinator, Bill’s team of volunteers have built a number of groups, including up to thirty plus Scouts, totalling to over 10000 people involved in the State. Bill also held the role of National Coordinator for close to three years. He is married with two children and five grandchildren. In 2019 Bill was also awarded the Order of Australia medal for his incredible services to endangered animals.

Debbie has also completed a certificate in Wildlife Management. She joined JGIA in 2018 after
hearing Dr Jane speak in Brisbane in 2017. Debbie has always had a love of nature, animals and the environment and she hopes to merge her counselling knowledge with nature in the future. She has two adult children who have now flown the nest, and two rescue cats. She lives in Westbrook Queensland, a little village just outside Toowoomba. Debbie also work part time at St Vincent’s Private Hospital as the Volunteer Coordinator.

Jess began her journey with JGIA as a member of the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) and as a member of the Victorian Roots & Shoots Team in 2022, before starting the State Coordinator Role in 2023. Jess is passionate about the interplay with environmental and social issues and is currently studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) and Deakin University. Jess also works as an Environmental Educator at the Gould League, teaching primary school students about the importance of sustainability and conservation.

Born in Malaysia, grew up in New Zealand and relocated to Sydney in January 2022. In his free time, Lit Wei is an enthusiastic hiker and globetrotter who has backpacked across Europe, Asia, and Australia, with a passion for continuing his explorations. He also enjoys running and playing squash.

He has dedicated many years to youth advocacy and has been involved in local and regional youth boards while in Auckland. His impact extended globally as he represented New Zealand at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2021 and participated in international youth forums in China and Japan. His passion lies in uniting people to address climate issues, empower the youth, and drive meaningful change.

Professionally, Lit Wei serves as a Senior Policy Officer in Circular Economy within the Office of Energy and Climate Change in the NSW Government. His previous roles have involved working in climate change and sustainability in the public and private sector in Australia and NZ.

She is based in the Sunshine Coast, and enjoys all things outdoors – hiking, biking, swimming, birding, spotlighting and camping.

Miranda first joined JGIA in 2022 through the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) program, and became Queensland State Coordinator later that year. She is passionate about community-driven nature conservation and also volunteers with Intrepid Landcare.

Miranda is motivated to make the world a more just and sustainable place, and strongly believes in empowering the next generation through Roots & Shoots programs and events.

As a previous veterinarian nurse, crocodile keeper, and tour guide, Jo enjoys both caring for and educating others about respecting all living creatures. Jo is currently a full-time zookeeper with hands-on knowledge of both exotic and native species and is currently studying for a degree in Environmental science with a focus on wildlife management. By joining JGI Roots and Shoots, Jo hopes to encourage children, young people, and families to make everyday changes to create a better future for our natural world.

Her involvement in the Jane Goodall Institute, however, spans 10 years in total, with the highlight being representing New Zealand at the global Roots & Shoots gathering at Windsor Castle in 2018. In her professional life, she is a wildlife & zoo veterinary surgeon, and graduate researcher in One Health at The University of Melbourne. Her Roots & Shoots journey started as part of a local group at Wellington Zoo, born from the inspiration that Dr Jane brought to New Zealand on her tour.

She majors in Environmental Science and Human Geography and aspires to make a positive change in the environment. Phuong has been with JGIA since 2022, starting on the National Youth Leadership Council, and now supporting the NYLC as a coordinator. The NYLC program has connected her with youth all around Australia to help them build skills towards a career in conservation and develop leadership capabilities. With the Victorian R&S Team, she has supported many of their events that support the community and environment.