At Groundswell, decisions about where funding flows aren’t made by one person or behind closed doors.

Our Shortlisting Committee brings together people with deep expertise across climate, community organising, philanthropy and systems change, alongside members of our giving community. Together, they review applications, bring different perspectives to the table and help identify the projects that will go forward to the wider Groundswell community for a vote.

It’s one of the ways we combine expert insight with collective decision-making and bring more people into the process of deciding where resources can have the greatest impact.

May 2026

Angel Owen – Advisor
National Director, Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network, leading community-driven climate justice campaigns.

Wollie Gela – Advisor
Community Organiser & Campaigner, Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network, focused on caring for Country, community leadership and First Nations-led solutions.

Brooke Collard – Advisor
Ballardong/Whadjuk Noongar filmmaker and founder of Goguljar Yok, championing First Nations storytelling, authorship and creative leadership.

Laura Mannix – Advisor
Philanthropy & Community Lead, Australian Communities Foundation, working with a focus on shifting resources towards community-led change.

Blair Palese – Advisor
Director of Philanthropy, Ethinvest with more than 30 years’ experience across charitable giving, campaigning and climate action.

Brooke Phillips – Advisor
Network Coordinator, Climate Action Network Australia, connecting climate organisations across Australia, supporting collaboration, grassroots leadership and collective impact.

James Kirby – Groundswell giver
Investor and philanthropist with experience across family philanthropy, climate-tech and environmental research.

Nadine Bush – Groundswell giver
Brand strategist and creative leader with a long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy and climate action.

Andrew Sneddon – Groundswell giver
‍Environmental educator and community organiser working across climate action, education, behaviour change and community resilience.
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Natalie Pidgeon – Groundswell giver
Brand and communications leader with extensive experience in strategy, governance and philanthropic organisations.
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October 2026

Corey Tutt – Advisor
Kamilaroi founder of DeadlyScience, working to expand access to STEM education and opportunities for First Nations young people.

Lynda-June Coe – Advisor
Wiradjuri and Badulaig activist and academic focused on justice, self-determination, Indigenous governance and community-led change.

Victoria McKenzie-McHarg – Advisor
CEO, Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia and Climate strategist working at the intersection of climate action, gender equity and community leadership.

Dr Robyn Gulliver – Groundswell giver
Climate researcher and co-founder of Advocacy Research Network, supporting evidence-based environmental advocacy and research.

Suzy Bessell – Groundswell giver
Lawyer, business leader and climate advocate with experience across community organising, philanthropy and grassroots campaigning.

Jessie McLure – Groundswell giver
Data analyst with a background in fashion sustainability and a strong interest in circular economy and clothing reuse.

Guy Abrahams – Groundswell giver
Lawyer, arts leader and climate advocate working across climate policy, litigation, culture and environmental action.

Madeleine Mac Mahon – Groundswell giver
Executive coach and former ESG and people leader with deep experience in organisational leadership, ethical investing and philanthropy.