Introducing our esteemed panel of judges for the 2024 Tidy Towns & Cities Awards!

We are thrilled to have a group of exceptional individuals who bring a wealth of expertise and passion for community development, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Let’s meet our judges!

EPA Waste Prevention & Reduction

Sophie Gosch

Sophie is a devoted professional with a passion for championing environmental sustainability and driving positive change. She holds a Masters degree in Geography with First Class Honours at the University of Melbourne and is currently employed with EPA Victoria. In her role with the Preventative Projects Unit, Sophie manages a portfolio of projects aligned to EPA’s strategic priorities designed to prevent harm to Victorian communities and the environment from pollution and waste. Sophie’s passion extends to the various environmental volunteering roles she has committed herself to over the past decade, most recently her role as President of Green Stars at EPA Victoria, an employee lead network dedicated to promoting environmental action. Here Sophie has successfully implemented a range of organisation wide environmental initiatives aimed at reducing EPA’s environmental footprint.

Rob Francis

Rob Francis is an experienced professional with a strong background in sustainability, environmental management, and business development. With over a decade of experience in various roles, Rob has demonstrated his commitment to creating positive environmental change and fostering community engagement. Currently working as a Sustainability Support & Project Development Manager at Hanson Australia, he has been recognised for his contributions to sustainability with the Keep Victoria Beautiful Environment Award in 2021. Rob’s expertise extends to stakeholder engagement, extractive development, land rehabilitation, environmental compliance, and regulatory approvals. In addition, he has a passion for philanthropy and serves as the President of the MOSS Foundation, a charitable organisation focused on providing clean water schemes in Africa. With his extensive experience and dedication to sustainability, Rob Francis brings valuable expertise as a judge for the Waste category.

Sam Lawson

Sam Lawson is a dedicated professional with a passion for environmental sustainability and community engagement. With a diverse background in environmental consulting, waste management, and community development, Sam has made significant contributions to various organizations and initiatives. In his current role as a Senior Environmental Consultant at MRA Consulting Group, Sam brings their expertise to the forefront, providing valuable insights and guidance on environmental matters. Additionally, as the Grants Manager, Sam plays a pivotal role in identifying grant opportunities and assisting clients in obtaining funding for their projects. Sam’s commitment to waste management and environmental protection led him to assume the role of Managing Director at the Waste Enforcement Association Australia. In this capacity, Sam leads research and training initiatives focused on combating illegal waste practices in Australia, promoting collaborative approaches, and fostering a skilled and respected workforce of authorized officers.

Behavioural Change Campaigns & Education

Romina Callajes

Romina works at Sustainability Victoria as a part of the Education team who is responsible for the management and delivery of the award-winning ResourceSmart Schools (RSS) program. This Victorian Government program assists schools in embedding sustainability in everything they do resulting in a reduction in resource use, avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions and monetary savings. Over the past 5 years Romina has lead the modernisation of the RSS Sustainability Framework actions, managed communications for the program and has been instrumental in the delivery of the annual RSS Awards program.

Romina holds a Masters of Environment from the University of Melbourne and has over 12 years experience working as a journalist, teacher and environmental educator in both Chile and Australia. 

Mark Boutlet

Mark is the lead of Environment Portfolio for Behaviour Works Australia at Monash University. looking after a team of researchers that apply behavioural science principles to issues such as circular economy and responsible consumption, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and natural disaster response.

As Senior Research Fellow, Mark has worked on a wide spectrum of environmental projects for government and community sector organisations including the Victorian Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA), the NSW Office of Energy and Climate Change (OECC), and the New Zealand Ministry of Environment. He has led our long running focus on household food waste through partnerships with OzHarvest, NSW EPA and Stop Food Waste Australia, developing state-based and national food waste behaviour change campaigns.

Holly Webster

Holly is a passionate advocate for social justice, sustainability, education, and mental health. With a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, she specialised in Human Geography and Conservation Studies. Recognized as a Dean’s Scholar, she excelled academically and conducted research on Indigenous issues, international aid, and drug use. Holly has experience in environmental management, behavioral psychology, and K-12 education. Through volunteering, she has contributed to environmental movements and digital marketing. Holly is dedicated to creating positive change in her areas of interest.

Young Legend

Jonathan Law

Jonathan is an accomplished sustainability and environmental professional with a strong background in policy, community engagement, and program management. He currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action and is an Assistant Director at Our Future Cities. He has also served as a judge for the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s business excellence awards and is a previous Keep Victoria Beautiful Community Young Legend. Jonathan’s commitment to the community has seen him be a finalist for the 7News Young Achievers awards and be a part of high performing teams who have earnt prestigious honours, including winning the overall Premier’s Sustainability Award and National Water Policy Education Award. Jonathan is equally at home either inside an office meeting or trekking through the bush or rainforest watching wildlife.

Libby Fisher

Libby Fisher is a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and the founder of Libby’s Koala and Wildlife Crusade. With a deep love for animals, Libby has dedicated herself to protecting and rehabilitating koalas and other wildlife species in need. Through her organisation, Libby’s Koala and Wildlife Crusade, she works tirelessly to rescue and care for injured and orphaned koalas, providing them with medical treatment, shelter, and a safe environment to thrive. Libby’s commitment to conservation extends beyond koalas as she actively supports the preservation of various wildlife species and their habitats.

Caitlin Burns

Growing up in regional Victoria, the Tidy Towns Awards hold special significance for Caitlin and she feels privileged to have become a Tidy Towns & Sustainable Cities judge for Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria in 2020. Caitlin also had the honour of becoming a judge for the National awards in 2023. Caitlin’s work is as a career & leadership development coach where she partners with clients predominantly in not for profit, for purpose and government organisations to build individuals’ capacity to sustainably manage their careers or develop authentic leadership skills. She is a serial volunteer, starting in her teenage years and continuing today.  Caitlin has a passion for community engagement, capacity building and innovation.  As well as her volunteering, Caitlin is an enthusiastic Italian language learner, loves Roman archaeology, bushwalking in Gariwerd / the Grampians, community choir, travelling & some quiet time with a good book or film.

Litter

Sam Lawson

Sam Lawson is a dedicated professional with a passion for environmental sustainability and community engagement. With a diverse background in environmental consulting, waste management, and community development, Sam has made significant contributions to various organizations and initiatives. In his current role as a Senior Environmental Consultant at MRA Consulting Group, Sam brings their expertise to the forefront, providing valuable insights and guidance on environmental matters. Additionally, as the Grants Manager, Sam plays a pivotal role in identifying grant opportunities and assisting clients in obtaining funding for their projects. Sam’s commitment to waste management and environmental protection led him to assume the role of Managing Director at the Waste Enforcement Association Australia. In this capacity, Sam leads research and training initiatives focused on combating illegal waste practices in Australia, promoting collaborative approaches, and fostering a skilled and respected workforce of authorized officers.

Ashley Pittard

An accomplished professional with extensive experience in waste and resource recovery planning, circular economy, infrastructure management, and community development, Ashley is the current Executive Officer at Recycling Victoria (previously Barwon South West Waste and Resource Recovery Group). Ashley’s strong leadership, effective collaboration, and comprehensive analysis skills have consistently driven successful outcomes in his roles. Ashley has made significant contributions to the development of an integrated planning framework, coordinating state-wide infrastructure planning and engaging local stakeholders. His expertise in waste diversion projects and industry consultation has been instrumental in promoting sustainable practices makes him highly qualified as a judge for KABV’s Wellbeing and Litter categories.

Karin Traegar

Karin combines her love for nature, mountains, and innovation day in and day out. From wildlife veterinary work to coral bleaching monitoring, she has dedicated her life to protecting the environment. As CEO of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association, she advocates for its preservation Drawn to freshwater ecosystems, Karin focuses on safeguarding Victoria’s Yarra River, inspired by her experiences running its trails and collecting litter. Karin’s project, The Plastic Runner, in which she ran the entire length of Melbourne’s Yarra River to showcase its significance and raise awareness. Running for six days, she covered 281km, and her inspiring feat has engaged 400+ volunteers, removed 1,000+ kgs of litter, and hosted 30+ events. She also judges for KAB Vic Tidy Towns & Cities, promoting cleanliness and sustainability.

Energy

Holly Taylor

Holly is a passionate advocate for delivering an equitable, prosperous and net zero emissions future.

She has long held a keen interest in energy, resource and environmental security, and how these issues intersect with sustainable development, human rights and ESG more broadly. She has been fortunate to put these interests to practical use through her experience at the Australian Institute of Energy and Energy Efficiency Council in Australia, Salix and CDP in the UK, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Switzerland.

Georgie Foster

Georgie is a public policy professional and executive leader. She has worked within the Victorian public service across a number of different portfolios, including energy, land management, bushfire and sustainability, as well as in the broader energy sector. Georgie is committed to the principles of sustainability and sustainable development and is delighted to be working with Keep Australia Beautiful on the Tidy Towns and Cities Awards.

Bill Fahey

Bill Fahey is a highly accomplished professional with a stellar background in the energy industry. With over a decade of experience in the energy industry, he has spearheaded numerous successful projects that have revolutionised renewable energy connections. In his various roles within distributed energy Bill has displayed exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector. His expertise in renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and climate policy makes him an ideal candidate for the role of Judge in the Energy award category at the Tidy Towns & Cities Sustainability Awards in Victoria. Bill’s passion for sustainability and his commitment to fostering a greener future make him the ideal judge to evaluate and recognise the most innovative and impactful initiatives in the energy sector.

Social Well-Being

Sue Kearney

Sue is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in community health and wellbeing. She has a strong background in developing strategic plans, community engagement strategies, and promoting public health initiatives. Sue is currently serving as the Consumer Engagement Advisor at Safer Care Victoria. She has also held roles as a Population Health Advisor at Gippsland PHN and a Project Manager at Eastern Victoria GP Training, contributing to the enhancement of community health services. She was the Executive Officer for Dental Health Services Victoria where she worked closely with the board and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan and community engagement strategy for a state-wide public health organisation. Sue has focused her career on projects and advisory roles that align with her passion for improving the health of communities through population health strategies, making her a great contributor to the Health and Wellbeing judging panel!

Caitlin Burns

Growing up in regional Victoria, the Tidy Towns Awards hold special significance for Caitlin and she feels privileged to have become a Tidy Towns & Sustainable Cities judge for Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria in 2020. Caitlin also had the honour of becoming a judge for the National awards in 2023. Caitlin’s work is as a career & leadership development coach where she partners with clients predominantly in not for profit, for purpose and government organisations to build individuals’ capacity to sustainably manage their careers or develop authentic leadership skills. She is a serial volunteer, starting in her teenage years and continuing today.  Caitlin has a passion for community engagement, capacity building and innovation.  As well as her volunteering, Caitlin is an enthusiastic Italian language learner, loves Roman archaeology, bushwalking in Gariwerd / the Grampians, community choir, travelling & some quiet time with a good book or film.

Ashley Pittard

An accomplished professional with extensive experience in waste and resource recovery planning, circular economy, infrastructure management, and community development, Ashley is the current Executive Officer at Recycling Victoria (previously Barwon South West Waste and Resource Recovery Group). Ashley’s strong leadership, effective collaboration, and comprehensive analysis skills have consistently driven successful outcomes in his roles. Ashley has made significant contributions to the development of an integrated planning framework, coordinating state-wide infrastructure planning and engaging local stakeholders. His expertise in waste diversion projects and industry consultation has been instrumental in promoting sustainable practices makes him highly qualified as a judge for KABV’s Wellbeing and Litter categories.

Environment

Pip Bell

Pip Bell is a dedicated and accomplished PhD candidate, currently pursuing their studies as a full-time student at the University of Melbourne. With an unwavering commitment to their academic pursuits, Pip embarked on their doctoral journey in February 2022 and has been actively engaged in their research for the past one year and six months. Residing in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Pip’s dedication to their studies in the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences is evident in their ongoing efforts to investigate the potential use of nature strips for insect and bird conservation in the greater Melbourne area. Through their tenure as a PhD student, Pip is actively contributing to the field of urban ecology, aspiring to implement meaningful changes in our cities that will bolster biodiversity and safeguard the urban wildlife for future generations.

Annabel O’Neill

Annabel O’Neill has over 20 years’ experience managing brands, marketing & communications in purpose driven organisations, contributing to positive and sustainable change. Annabel is a member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps, and lectured at University of Melbourne on Marketing, Society and Sustainability. Annabel leads Greenfleet’s Marketing & Engagement team where she ensures long-term financial resilience and growth through effective marketing and deep customer engagement. We are privileged to have Annabel O’Neill as a judge for the Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards, leveraging her expertise to recognise and reward sustainable initiatives in our communities.

Kirstin Coote

From very early on, Kirstin loved to dismantle and reassemble her toys to try to understand how and why things worked. This evolved, through successful, and sometimes unsuccessful attempts,  to provide a wonderful learning ground for her career – maybe not so for some of her toys! After completing a BSAppSc(Hons) in Environmental Science from RMIT she spent many years working with various levels of government both nationally and internationally as well as with business and industry helping to do better for the planet and its people. This has been primarily in the area of waste and resource recovery with roles on executive boards and industry groups to go beyond words and ‘be the change you want to see in the world’. She currently leads the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Actions’ sector transformation team focussed on building a sustainable and thriving circular economy for Victoria.

Indigenous Culture

Sharon Brennan-Olsen

Sharon Brennan-Olsen, Senior Grants Advisor at The GrantEd Group, brings a wealth of expertise to her current role. Previously, she held several distinguished positions including Professor of Social Inclusion, Associate Head of School (Research), Discipline Lead Postgraduate Health Team, and Director of the Centre for Health through Action on Social Exclusion (CHASE) within the School of Health and Social Development at Deakin University. Additionally, she holds an Honorary Principal Research Fellow position with the Department of Medicine-Western Health at the University of Melbourne and is an Honorary Professor at Deakin University. Sharon’s extensive background makes her a valuable asset in the field.

Josh Reid-Jones

Josh is a remarkable social impact professional and social entrepreneur who understands what is needed to create positive change. As the founder of the Just Be Nice Project (JBNProject), he has developed a groundbreaking infrastructure that integrates social impact into existing organisations and disadvantaged communities. Josh has been relentless in his pursuit of creating an environment that ensures people in need, get the help that they need, when they need it, for as long as they need it, regardless of how they come to need help. With his practical insights, relatable style, and extensive experience in various sectors, including mental health, employment, education, and social impact, Josh is a master communicator and educator. His ability to bridge the gap between social responsibility and corporate accountability makes him an ideal judge for the Tidy Towns and Cities Awards.

Heritage & Culture

Dr Kim Wilson

Dr. Kim Wilson is an experienced Heritage Advisor with expertise in conserving, activating and celebrating heritage places. Working in cultural heritage management at Parks Victoria, she plays a vital role in managing significant buildings, structures, archaeological sites, and cultural landscapes. Driven by a commitment to conservation, she has led projects such as the Brisbane Art Deco project, and supported community groups in obtaining grant funding and delivering events for various important projects. Dr. Wilson’s dedication to heritage preservation is evident through her various roles, research, and community engagement initiatives making her the perfect fit for the Heritage and Culture judging panel.

Jessica Hood

Jessica Hood is a Melbourne-based heritage professional, currently working at Heritage Victoria. She has a strong interest in cultural landscapes, heritage gardens, community engagement and heritage collections. Jessica is passionate about addressing the challenges of climate change to the heritage industry, particularly the adaptability of our cultural landscapes and horticultural legacies.  Jessica has a Fine Art background, having completed a PhD in 2013 at Monash University in the Department of Fine Arts, Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture. Research conducted for this project, Garden/Archive: Photographic Relation and Exchange, was multi-disciplinary, intersecting photography practice and heritage collections with landscape and architectural theory.

Carly Godden

Carly is a dedicated heritage, communications and policy professional. She is currently with the Office for the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, helping Council’s work in strengthening Aboriginal heritage and culture. Previously, she worked in various roles at Public Record Office Victoria, the State’s Archives. Carly also produces audio documentaries with a focus on history, law, and science. Her work includes documentaries for ABC Radio National, The University of Melbourne, and independent series Dead and Buried.

Community

Virginia Mosk

Virginia is a Project Management, Campaign, Engagement, Events Management and Communications specialist with considerable experience in marine conservation, sustainability (natural and urban environments), community engagement and behavioural change. Virginia is a valued KABV alumni, recently offering her expertise by consulting as a Community Outreach Specialist, making her perfectly positioned to judge this year’s Community category. She has wide-ranging experience running her own businesses, and providing high level project management, communications, research, event organisation and administration skills to businesses, government and not-for-profits. She manages and delivers cross-organisational projects, working brilliantly with diverse people while pulling together all pieces of the puzzle to produce and create successful outcomes. As a strong internal and external relationship builder, and natural problem solver, Virginia is a great communicator and collaborator achieving maximum outcomes for all.

Josh Reid Jones

Josh is a remarkable social impact professional and social entrepreneur who understands what is needed to create positive change. As the founder of the Just Be Nice Project (JBNProject), he has developed a groundbreaking infrastructure that integrates social impact into existing organisations and disadvantaged communities. Josh has been relentless in his pursuit of creating an environment that ensures people in need, get the help that they need, when they need it, for as long as they need it, regardless of how they come to need help. With his practical insights, relatable style, and extensive experience in various sectors, including mental health, employment, education, and social impact, Josh is a master communicator and educator. His ability to bridge the gap between social responsibility and corporate accountability makes him an ideal judge for the Tidy Towns and Cities Awards. Josh’s commitment to improving social impact and equality of opportunity aligns perfectly with our awards’ objectives and will provide entrants into the Community category with valuable insights for their initiatives.

Jonathan Law

Jonathan is an accomplished sustainability and environmental professional with a strong background in policy, community engagement, and program management. He currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action and is an Assistant Director at Our Future Cities. He has also served as a judge for the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s business excellence awards and is a previous Keep Victoria Beautiful Community Young Legend. Jonathan’s commitment to the community has seen him be a finalist for the 7News Young Achievers awards and be a part of high performing teams who have earnt prestigious honours, including winning the overall Premier’s Sustainability Award and National Water Policy Education Award. Jonathan is equally at home either inside an office meeting or trekking through the bush or rainforest watching wildlife.