GRAZ VAN EGMOND

Graz is a passionate innovator, disruptor and changemaker currently leading the Banksia Foundation team to communicate inspirational solutions and promote optimism and action. She has extensive experience working in the Health, Tourism and Telecommunications Industries, creating the Telstra Business Women’s Awards and heading up Telstra’s Small Business Development division. Her skills, experience, determination, and panache contribute towards making meaningful, memorable and valuable events and campaigns from conception to delivery.

ANDREW PETERSEN

Andrew is CEO of the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSDA). He has over 25 years’ environmental and planning law, policy experience and over a decade working in senior executive roles in the not-for-profit sector.

Andrew is a qualified environmental and planning litigation practitioner and policy advisor and a founder member of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Sustainability & Climate Change practice. BCSDA is also a proud network partner to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the We Mean Business Coalition and the Business for Nature Coalition

Andrew holds several non-executive roles and Australian Government appointments.

RICK FINLAY

Rick has over 22 years’ experience in the CRM and Customer Data Management industry and is one of the leading solution architects at Oracle. He has in-depth knowledge of the needs when structuring complex data models, particularly in the areas of complex application processing, financial services, telecommunications and complex case management.

Rick is an active public speaker through his membership of Toastmasters and is a founding member and director of the Banksia Environmental Foundation.

JOHN VALASTRO

John Valastro is a Non-Executive Director of Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria which works with volunteer groups and regional councils to create vibrant and enduring local community sustainability and resilience outcomes.

As the previous Head of Environment at Qantas John saw that the Banksia Awards offered a unique opportunity to elevate the environmental standards of corporate Australia, and he is excited to bring his experience across the corporate, local government and community sectors to the Banksia Foundation team.

MARK PATERSON

Mark is a champion for sustainability and eternal optimist. He is a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and alumni of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Mark is Principal of Currie, where he consults to people and organisations with a passion to sustain life on the planet. He has international experience in sustainable development, leading communications and team engagement, and projects for The World Bank.

JO CAIN

Jo is currently Chair of the Banksia Awards Governance Committee and has previously served as a Banksia Foundation Chair and board member. She successfully operates her own business, Materiality Counts. With her wealth of experience, Jo is a trusted advisor on sustainability, stakeholder engagement, materiality, strategy, integrated thinking and reporting with major organisations in Australia and New Zealand.

ESTELLE O'CALLAHAN

Estelle is the founder of 3P Delivery Authority, specialising in strategic project delivery and review. Her extensive expertise includes consultancy experience, supporting government and Not-for-Profit sector to deliver desired project outcomes on time and on budget. In addition, Estelle has senior management experience in government, including delivery of significant and strategic policy, legislation and infrastructure projects. In 2021, Estelle launched her first book, Rock Your Roll Out, in a national collaboration with the Winston Churchill Trust.

CHIARA PACIFICI

“I’m passionate about raising the profile of West Australian pioneer’s who are making a real difference for a sustainable future and I support the recognition of individuals, NFP’s, start-ups and small to big business in WA making a positive impact for generations to come.

I’ve seen first-hand how The Banksia Foundation has raised the profile of current sustainability issues facing Australia; recognising those whose initiatives are an encouragement and an example for others to follow across the Country and I’m excited to devote efforts in WA to this aim”