Committee of Management
Our Committee of Management is made up of a vibrant and talented team of individuals from a broad range of professional backgrounds. They volunteer their time, knowledge and skills to help guide our long-term strategic direction.
Rina Gao // President
Collaboration Applications Lead, The University of Melbourne
Rina was elected to the CoM in 2021, and brings extensive experience guiding organisations through digital change. Rina is in the internal sub-committee advising on committee governance and IT strategy.
Keith Beresford // Vice President
Retired
Keith Beresford (MAICD/ MRAeS/ MAviation Mgt. / Dip Tech./ Licensed Aircraft Engineer). Keith has comprehensive executive management experience in aviation, with a focus on sustainability. Keith was elected to the CoM in 2019 and is a member of the internal sub-committee for advising on policies and corporate governance in 2024.
Kristy Russell // Treasurer
Sustainability Coordinator/Catering Manager
I bring governance and collaboration experience through roles with the Mornington Peninsula Coastal Committee and the Victorian Canteen Association. With a Diploma of Governance and hands-on application of the ResourceSmart Schools program, I embed sustainable practices across school operations and curriculum. I’m an active member of the Mornington Peninsula Environmental Teachers’ Network and recently completed training in the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards.
Greg Fletcher // Secretary
Senior Policy Officer - Waterway Health, Dept. of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Greg Fletcher (BSc, BA, Grad Cert River Health Mgt.) joined the CoM in 2024. Greg has worked in waterway management for many years, particularly in regional Victoria and has experience in community development and education. He is a member of the internal sub-committee.
Kate Chamberlain // General Committee Member
Environmental Science Teacher, Aquinas College
Kate (B.Env.Sci., B.Teach (Prim/Sec), M.Ed) has extensive experience in secondary school education, with a particular focus in VCE Environmental Science. She also volunteers her time to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife.
Melissa Blacklock // General Committee Member
Melissa Blacklock (B.Ed) is an experienced science and English educator, dedicated to sustainability and community-centered learning. At Southern Cross Grammar in Melbourne's North-West, she has developed initiatives that engage students in real-world environmental projects, and was awarded EEV's Secondary Victorian Environmental Educator of the Year for 2023. Joining the EEV Committee in 2024, Melissa looks forward to supporting educational strategies that inspire sustainable practices in future generations.
Olwen Bell // General Committee Member
Development Communications Manager, The Nature Conservancy Australia
Olwen (BSc, BBus, EMBA) brings a wealth of marketing and communications experience in the education and the non-profit sectors, both from within Australia and abroad. She transitioned into the conservation field in 2023, joining the COM external sub-committee in 2024, to advise on strategic communications and support events.