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. 

kalina koloff

With a career spanning roles in the not-for-profit sector, all tiers of government and private enterprise I have worked successfully with a broad range of stakeholders including; committee and board members, government staff and elected officials, educators, business leaders, community stakeholders, academics, scientists and developers. In meeting the expectations of working with such diverse groups Kalina understands the complexities and challenges of delivering programs that meet strategic outcomes and believes that working together and bringing forward the knowledge and contributions from many voices delivers better results for everyone. Kalina holds a Masters in Sustainable Development specialising in Education for Sustainability and undergraduate degrees from the ANU in Science and Politics. She is also a qualified community engagement practitioner and Project Manager.

Kalina is also a hospitality business owner and works with her staff to deliver a sustainable and ethical experience in Canberra.

melanie gibbons

VICE CHAIR

Melanie Gibbons, is the Vice Chair of the Management Committee. She is a local business owner, who runs her own communications consultancy. Melanie brings to the committee expertise in communications, engagement and service delivery from her time working in government, not-for-profit and the private sector in Australia and the United Kingdom. She has deep experience delivering strategic communications in environment, climate change and water policy and program delivery. Her experience is complemented by academic qualifications with a Masters’ of Strategic Communications with a dissertation on the Australian Governments use of social media, a Graduate Certificate in Social Media and Public Engagement, and a Bachelor of Communications specialising in public relations and advertising.

Melanie is a passionate foodie who focuses on creative cooking to reduce waste and an amateur gardener who attempts to grow her own produce.