Member

Mia Swainson is a freelance writer and consultant with a passion for sustainable living. Her work in sustainable development, spanning more than 15 years, has taken Mia across Australia and around the world. By making one small change at a time, Mia is proof that living a cleaner, greener and simpler life is within everyone’s reach.

Mia’s consultancy business helps people and organisations make the big decisions that matter. She’s an executive coach, professional facilitator and management consultant. On weekend’s you’ll find her digging in the garden, biking around Canberra or working towards a local zero waste revolution with friends. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-swainson-42ba69139/

Secretary

Experienced veterinary epidemiologist and project manager with a strong track record in senior leadership positions in government and the private sector. Adept at stakeholder engagement and working in interdisciplinary teams at the interface of science, policy and communication. Jonathan has degrees in Veterinary Science (Sydney) and Veterinary Epidemiology (London), and is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Epidemiology).

As a private-sector consultant since 2017, Jonathan has worked with a diverse range of clients in Australia and around the world. He is open to consulting opportunities, particularly those that allow him to add value through his combination of technical expertise and experience in a range of policy, program and development settings.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-happold-4a524069/

Member

Dan Watters is a third generation Canberran with a passion for his home town, the environment, and bikes. Dan has three decades of experience in sustainable event management, the circular economy, and the renewable energy transition. He was responsible for making Capital Brewing Company the first brewery in Australia to achieve carbon neutral certification and only the third in the country to achieve B Corp certification. Despite being an average welder at best, Dan is a founding member of the Canberra bicycle building and recycling community Rat Patrol Oz and is the current Canberra Kinetic Sculpture Race Grand Champion. He is currently working in the Federal government on transitioning Australia to renewable energy as quickly as possible. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-watters-05a014275/

President

Julie is a big picture sustainability coalition builder. She works with a diverse set of stakeholders to collaboratively design and deliver accessible and relevant resources, tools and advice that disrupt the current system of production and consumption. She is an expert in designing circular economy solutions, particularly in circular, sustainable and regenerative fashion.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-boulton-05952964/

Treasurer

Tara is an experienced commercial specialist with over 15 years experience in federal government, local government and the private sector. Passionate about cultivating practical skills that contribute to a more resilient and climate-conscious future, Tara has supported several local not-for-profit organisations that champion environmental conservation, circular economy principles and community-led sustainability initiatives.  

Tara is a CPA and holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Charles Sturt Uni and Bachelor of Law from University of Canberra.

Vice President

Hugo is a climate researcher, educator, and policy professional with 15 years’ leadership experience in government and civil society organisations including the ACT’s City and Environment Directorate, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian National University. 

Hugo has an academic appointment at ANU, where he investigates the social aspects of climate change in the Pacific region. His PhD research investigated the social worlds of renewable energy projects, with a view to supporting more inclusive and equitable approaches to project design and delivery. 

Hugo holds a Masters in Anthropology and is a member of the Australasian Science and Technology Studies Network, the Australian Anthropological Society, and the Australian Association for Pacific Studies. Hugo is also a keen musician, and is Canberra Qwire’s principal accompanist. 

https://au.linkedin.com/in/hugo-temby

Member

Jenny has always been deeply concerned with the environment and climate change. In 2024, Jenny completed a Master of Climate Change at the ANU. She is passionate about making a lasting difference by undertaking impactful research that informs strong policy, and working with communities to implement change. Jenny’s particular interests are biodiversity and conservation, adaptation to climate change and the impacts of climate change on health.

Jenny also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology), and a Master of Philosophy from the ANU where her research focus was health outcomes and quality of life. During Jenny’s career, as an allied health professional in ACT Health, she worked in and led multidisciplinary teams and undertook project work, and policy development.

Member

Maree is passionate about community-led environmental action and first connected with the Canberra Environment Centre over a decade ago when she completed her permaculture design certificate in 2014. She brings hands-on experience in strategic leadership, grant writing, and collaborative project delivery. Maree has helped launch the Community Toolbox Canberra with SEE-Change and led a volunteer team to co-design a climate-ready, water-smart playground at North Ainslie Primary, working alongside Traditional Custodians, community members, students and technical experts.

Her work spans ecosystem restoration, community education programs, project management, and policy development—all with a focus on empowering people to create practical sustainability solutions. Maree loves building partnerships and fostering climate resilience, and she’s committed to inclusive leadership that drives positive environmental change.

In her spare time she is usually found camping with her family, preferably somewhere with no phone signal.

Member

Ravi Krishnamurthy is a dedicated advocate for sustainable living and community-driven environmental action, committed to helping Canberra grow into a greener, more resilient city. He brings warmth, vision, and practical leadership to his work, empowering individuals and neighbourhoods to embrace circular-economy practices, reduce waste, and care for the natural environment. With extensive experience in community outreach, education, and multicultural engagement, Ravi contributes to the Canberra Environment Centre with a clear purpose: creating lifelong, accessible, and inclusive pathways that support sustainable living across the ACT.

Key Contributions & Awards

Leads neighbourhood-based sustainability activities including community gardening, composting, and waste-reduction initiatives.

Promotes practical, low-waste living through gardening, recycling, composting, and active travel.

Delivers hands-on, accessible workshops that help residents—especially newcomers—adopt eco-friendly habits.

Works collaboratively with volunteers and community groups to achieve inclusive, on-ground environmental impact.

Actively contributes to local biodiversity awareness, active-travel initiatives, and community education across the ACT.

High Commendation – Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Awards 2025 (for AMAN’s Cultural Crescendo Youth Program).

Climate Choices Business Awards – Finalist.

NATA Community Excellence Award.

Recognised multiple times by ACT Parliamentary Committees for influential public submissions shaping community and environmental outcomes.