Our Organisation

Our Team

Our projects, events, campaigns and operations are managed by a dedicated and talented team of executive staff, contractors and volunteer leaders.

Meet the Geelong Sustainability Team

JANE SPENCE - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

As the CEO of Geelong Sustainability, Jane leads the organisation's strategy, operations and growth. With 18 years of experience in community sustainability, climate action, and environmental leadership, she is passionate about fostering collaboration and building connections to drive meaningful change and support more resilient communities. Before joining Geelong Sustainability, Jane was the Manager of Environment and Sustainability at Surf Coast Shire Council and has experience across all levels of government and non-profit organisations.

In her spare time, Jane loves being out in nature.

EMILIE FLYNN - OPERATIONS & PROJECT COORDINATOR

Emilie is a sustainability enthusiast with a background in education, mathematics and accounts. Emilie joined Geelong Sustainability as a staff member in September 2021, predominantly working for the Community Power Hub project. At the conclusion of both programs in July 2022, she continued her work with the group as Executive Assistant. She works on a variety of projects, from managing commercial and residential services to assisting with large events and managing the organisations administration and accounts processes.

TANIA BARTLETT - MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Tania joined Geelong Sustainability as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator in August 2023. She has marketing experience in a range of industries including not-for-profit and government. As a passionate advocate for sustainable living and bringing community together, Tania, a mum of two young boys, loves hanging out in nature especially walking her labrador on the beach, and is excited to share the wonderful work that Geelong Sustainability does.

KARINA DONKERS - PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Karina is an eco social worker specialising in working with communities in response to a changing climate and addressing the inequitable impacts of climate change. Karina has been volunteering and working in the climate space for over 16 years, starting her journey at the age of 17 supporting Geelong Sustainability in the first few years of the organisations development. Karina is the Program Coordinator who delivers many of our exciting projects, including Sustainable House Day, All-Electric Homes Program, and Small Business Energy Saver Program. Karina also runs her own business in facilitation, embodiment work, deep ecology and nature connection.

EMMA CHESSELL - COMMUNITY ENERGY OFFICER

Emma has a wide range of professional experience in the energy sector including technical roles, research and policy advocacy. She has worked on the design and project management of renewable energy projects, and residential and commercial energy efficiency deployment. Recently, she has advocated for consumers in gas and electricity infrastructure planning.

ALEX SULLIVAN - ELECTRIC HOMES PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Alex is a passionate sustainability advocate with a background in business analytics and program coordination. With degrees from Deakin University and The University of Sydney, as well as having studied Permaculture and community building, Alex is committed to fostering connections between people and the planet. As the Electric Homes Program Coordinator, Alex's aim is to empower communities to adopt sustainable practices and drive meaningful change.

BEHZAD FALAHATI - CLIMATE SAFE ROOMS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Behzad has been a member of Geelong Sustainability and volunteer since 2014, with a background in engineering. He has come onboard to roll out the extended Climate Safe Rooms program in 2025.

Behzad loves spending time in nature with his family, whether leisurely cycling, going for walks or playing ball games.

MERILYN HARRIS - VOLUNTEER SECRETARY

Merilyn was first elected as Secretary in 2021 and was subsequently re-elected again in 2022. She envisions Geelong Sustainability playing a significant part in the building of momentum to fight climate change that is now occurring across both state and federal spheres. Merilyn’s background includes a working life in the education sector and quite a long stint in senior policy and management roles, including management of governance frameworks across multiple settings. After her retirement it was Merilyn’s skills in governance that were offered to Geelong Sustainability as a volunteer. Merilyn’s undergraduate qualifications are in economics and politics with a masters in education.

TIM ADAMS - SUSTAINABLE HOUSING CONSULTANT

Tim has 45 years working experience in the area of Building Design. Since commencing F2 Design in 2000 the practice has developed a reputation for the design of high-performance houses and providing expert advice in energy efficiency and sustainability to architects, building designers, builders, developers as well as private clients. The House with No Bills in Renew 120 was a description of Tim’s own high-performance house which has delivered carbon neutrality and has covered all utilities costs with electricity sold to the grid. As a contributor to Rethink Building Materials, Tim achieved peer recognition as “one of 35 of Australia’s leading thinkers and practitioners of sustainable design and was awarded Design Matters National Life Membership in 2020 for his extensive industry contribution.

CAL FORSYTH - ENERGY ASSESSOR

Cal is an accredited residential energy efficiency consultant specialising in Scorecard assessments, draught proofing, thermal imaging and public speaking. He has a key focus on building fabric, heating, cooling, hot water, and renewable energy upgrades and is a valued member of the Scorecard Quality Assurance Panel and National Assessor Group.

JONATHAN WRIGHT - IT SUPPORT AND WEB DEVELOPER

Jonathan has 21 years experience in the engineering sector, initially in the UK automotive industry and more recently in Australia specialising in water infrastructure installation and upgrades. For the last 6 years Jonathan has worked in the IT sector and now specialises in helping businesses improve their business systems. He works directly with Geelong Sustainability’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages and IT assistance. Jonathan was also a committee member of Geelong Sustainability for 5 years.

VIVIENNE BURKE - MEMBERSHIP VOLUNTEER

Vivienne has been a Geelong Sustainability member since 2010, and represented the group as Secretary of the Committee for eight years and Acting Treasurer for 18 months. As an outgoing board member, Vivienne was presented with a Life Membership Certificate at the 2023 Annual General Meeting for her years of dedication.

Formerly Regional Director of Adult, Community and Further Education and Executive Officer to a board appointed by the Minister for Tertiary Education and Training, Vivienne's knowledge and experience relate particularly to governance, policy, planning and accountability. Over time she has developed an extensive knowledge of a broad range of not-for-profit community based organisations throughout Victoria and particularly in Barwon and the South West.

JAMES ROURKE-DUNKLEY - RENEWABLE ENERGY LEAD VOLUNTEER

James brings technical expertise in contemporary and future renewable energy technologies to our Renewable Energy projects and advocacy. James is passionate about community driven change and the strong belief that groups such as Geelong Sustainability can shape Australia’s future energy landscape by driving lasting incremental changes to our energy systems. Starting small James has employed high energy efficiency principles to his sustainable home as reducing consumption is one of the most effective tools in living sustainably.

In addition, Geelong Sustainability would like to acknowledge the many past committee members and volunteers who have donated their time, energy and expertise to support the organisation over its fifteen plus year journey.