Director Elections

I am a community development and engagement professional with more than 20 years’ experience in local government and the community sector. I am passionate about creating inclusive, connected and resilient communities through strong governance, strategic planning and collaborative leadership. I currently lead community development, engagement, youth and inclusion programs at Wollongong City Council and bring extensive experience in governance, financial management, policy development and organisational improvement. My approach is grounded in building strong relationships, evidence-based decision-making and delivering positive outcomes for communities.

Stakeholder engagement, communications and governance leader with 15+ years’ experience delivering outcomes across infrastructure, local government and the not-for-profit sector. Currently leading stakeholder engagement for Watercare’s major capital programme, providing strategic advice on community impact, reputation, risk and engagement best practise. Experienced board director, currently serving on the Engagement Institute Board as Chair of the Audit, Finance & Risk Committee and as Board Chair for InsideOUT Kōaro, an NZ not-for-profit supporting rainbow youth. Recognised for building trusted relationships, influencing decision-making, and turning complex challenges into practical solutions that create lasting organisational and community value.

For 19 years I’ve worked alongside communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, earning recognition for innovation through the IAP2 Project of the Year (2021) and the NZPI Nancy Northcroft Supreme Award (2022). My experience spans transport, urban development, water, energy, disaster recovery and climate adaptation for local and central government.  I provided strategic leadership to WSP’s national engagement team for five years and served as Chairperson of the St Albans School Board of Trustees. Now, as Co‑Director of G & T Connect (an engagement consultancy), I champion inclusive engagement that gives people a voice and drives meaningful change. Based in the South Island, I’m an active member of  Waitaha Engagement Community of Practice and am looking forward to MCing our next conference in November. I’ve completed the Institute of Directors’ Not‑for‑Profit Governance training, and I bring a governance lens shaped by leading complex programmes, chairing a school board, and supporting organisations to navigate risk, strategy and performance. I’m committed to strengthening professional standards and ensuring engagement practice remains inclusive, future‑focused and trusted.

I’m a social worker by background and have spent much of my life exploring what brings people together. Growing up in Fiji shaped my belief that stronger communities are built through connection, contribution and shared ownership. For more than 20 years, I’ve worked across social enterprise, placemaking, community development and local government, including founding KereKere, a Melbourne coffee shop with a big heart on a mission to enrich communities since 2007. Today, I’m Head of Community Engagement at the City of Stirling, WA’s largest local government, where I developed the award-winning Walking Together Local Convos initiative. The thread connecting this work has been a commitment to turning transactions into exchanges and creating the conditions for people to belong, contribute and shape their own story. I’d bring that perspective, alongside governance, entrepreneurship and leadership experience, to the Engagement Institute Board.

Coming from a migrant and CALD background, I learnt early that decisions improve when those most affected are heard. Working with East Timorese refugees sparked my commitment to inclusive engagement and advocacy. With over 18 years’ experience, I’ve led GHD’s APAC engagement practice, empowering teams to draw on thinking and technology well beyond our own discipline. As a GHD Associate and Executive Advisor, I advise senior leaders across Defence, infrastructure, renewables and government projects and serve as a Public Affairs Officer with the RAAF. I’m standing as I am genuinely passionate about shaping the future of our profession.