Executive Director

Fiona is a born and bred Canberran, a front-yard grower and a practical can-do, go-getter. She previously owned and operated a busy Canberra restaurant with her chef husband, has trained as a visual artist in sculpture and worked in education at the National Gallery of Australia. 

These diverse experiences have embedded Fiona with practical skills, local connections and the ability to creatively respond to change. Throughout this time, she has been particularly interested in permaculture and communicating sustainability solutions in diverse settings and continues to be curious about the role of community gardens within our city.

Fiona is motivated to take climate action in both large and small ways – like riding a bike instead of driving, and backyard composting these small things all add up – collectively creating a positive impact on our environment. On a Sunday afternoon you will usually find Fiona at home with her family, dogs, and chooks, with dirt under nails, cuppa in hand and something delicious in the oven.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-veikkanen-9b6a6532/

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. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-jean-dietitian/

Communications Officer

Sharing stories of hope and inspiration in the face of a changing climate and empowering people to take positive action is Kelly’s driving passion. With 10 years in natural resource management and regenerative agriculture and 25 years in communications, she loves sharing knowledge around permaculture, growing food, composting, recycling, soil health, landscape restoration and building biodiversity. She’s also pretty neat in the garden.

Kelly is currently studying her Diploma of Sustainable Living at the University of Tasmania and taking part in the Sharing Stories Arts Exchange program at the Australian National University. She once spent a whole northern summer camping out in Mongolia and horse-trekking across the vast steppes and spends her spare time exploring textile arts and enjoying nature.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-thorburn-0a08a61a3/

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.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-gopalan/

Recyclery Manager

Geordie brings more than 15 years’ experience in bicycle restoration and sales built through working privately with Stone Cold Classics and originally with the University of Canberra Design Workshop Bicycle Collective. Geordie was mentored and trained by Ian Downing Bicycle Repairs of Bike Revive Tumut. He is also a qualified upholsterer and has completed most of his Bachelor of Industrial Design. Geordie is a mature, reliable Manager, able to manage competing priorities to deliver on-time and confidently trouble-shoot in difficult circumstances. Geordie recently applied for his working with vulnerable people card and has a current driver’s license.

https://www.instagram.com/stellenstudio/

Coming soon

Recyclery Staff (Casual)

Ying began volunteering with the Canberra Environment Centre when she joined as a community member in 2021. While she was working in the community garden, she noticed people at The Recyclery and became curious about what they were up to. Thus, began her new adventure delving into all things bikes and cycling! Ying is now a valuable part of our casual staff team and an active and keen promotor of active travel in Canberra. Look out for her in a fun outfit at our monthly bike sales!

Project Officer (Maternity Leave)

Katrina is deeply passionate about the health and well-being of people and the planet and is driven to live, work and create in the sustainability space. She is a multi-disciplinary creative with experience in horticulture, permaculture, design, architecture, zero-waste living and more.

Katrina feels incredibly privileged to work at the Canberra Environment Centre as Project Officer. She sees it as a role that can positively impact her broader community, supporting people with educational opportunities and resources. She loves meeting and connecting with people and facilitating the weekly community garden sessions to which she brings her fervent interest in food and food production.