Our Team
-
![]()
Laura Jean
Project Officer (Acting)
Laura is an avid permaculture gardener, cultivator of connection and community, and passionate sustainability supporter. A dietitian by trade, she has worked for over 20 years in direct health care, health promotion, preventative health and community programs.
She has a passion – although some people might say obsession – with food growing, preserving and the role of food in connection. She believes in encouraging and inspiring ground roots action while also advocating for systemic change. -
![]()
Tina Gopalan
Outreach Officer (Casual)
Tina is passionate about conservation and loves learning about and promoting all the little things that we can do, and make it matter for the environment.
Tina graduated with first class honours from the Australian National University in 2022 studying the feeding behaviour of greater gliders. She brings expertise in ecology, evolution and taxonomy linked to conservation.
Tina is also working with the ANU-Optus Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence, investigating different sensors and methods of early bushfire detection, and has previously worked on the taxonomy of species in Australia and around the world with the Australian Biological Resources Study.
Our Committee
-
![]()
Mia Swainson
President
Mia Swainson is a freelance writer and consultant with a passion for sustainable living. Her work in sustainable development, spaning 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.
-
![]()
Jonathan Happold
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.
