Introducing our esteemed panel of judges for the 2023 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!

2024 Tidy Towns & Cities Judges will be announced soon.

EPA Waste Prevention & Reduction

Lee Miezis

Lee Miezis is the CEO of EPA Victoria, a senior public sector executive with expertise in policy, regulation, and operations. He is a results-driven leader known for his integrity, accountability, and strategic acumen. With a strong focus on good governance and risk management, Lee builds and leverages strategic relationships, driving positive change. He excels in team building and cultivating a culture of excellence. Previously, Lee served in key roles, including as the current director Director of The Ballarat Foundation and CEO of Bushfire Recovery Victoria. As the CEO of EPA Victoria, he leads the organisation’s efforts to protect the environment and reduce pollution’s harmful effects on Victorians.

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.

Dr Trish McGee

Dr Trish McGee is an esteemed judge for the 2023 Sustainability Awards, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in sustainability and resource management. Trish has made significant contributions to various organiations and initiatives focused on environmental sustainability. As the Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Monash, Trish has been instrumental in delivering the council’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy, leading to Monash Council being recognised as the Sustainable City of the Year in 2020. She has successfully implemented key projects such as the Urban Biodiversity Strategy and Zero Net Carbon Action Plan, guiding the council towards carbon neutrality by 2025. Trish’s profound knowledge and hands-on experience in sustainability, waste management, and resource efficiency make her a highly respected judge for the 2023 Sustainability Awards. Her leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to creating a more sustainable future have left a lasting impact in the field of environmental sustainability.

Education

Ellie Hansford

Ellie is a dedicated sustainability advocate with a wealth of experience in driving positive change. As the Program Lead for ResourceSmart Schools at Sustainability Victoria, Ellie has been actively involved in promoting sustainable practices and educational resources across Victorian schools. With previous roles at Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Australian Conservation Foundation Ellie possesses a comprehensive understanding of environmental policies and initiatives. Additionally, as the founder of Movies that Matter Kensington, an initiative focused on social justice and environmental films, Ellie has demonstrated a commitment to engaging communities in sustainability discussions. With her diverse background and extensive expertise in education, we are thrilled to have Ellie on the Education award judging panel.

April Williams

April is no fool. As an experienced sustainability professional with a diverse background in waste management and circular economy initiatives, April brings a wealth of knowledge to our Education award judging panel. With over 11 years of experience at the City of Monash, April has consistently demonstrated her commitment to environmental stewardship. Currently serving the City of Monash as the Circular Economy Champion, she is leading council’s transition to a circular economy through strategic partnerships and behavior change programs working towards zero waste, litter prevention, and fostering circular communities. Her expertise as a Senior Sustainability Officer and Coordinator of Waste Projects and Operations has allowed her to empower communities, develop policies and strategies, and deliver innovative projects. April’s exceptional leadership skills and dedication to sustainability make her a great judge for the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Sustainability Awards.

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 Law is an accomplished sustainability and environmental professional with a lot of community engagement experience, so it’s no wonder why we feel so lucky to have his expertise aligned with the Community category. With a strong background in policy, community engagement, and program management, Jonathan currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action. He has also volunteered 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 sustainability has seen him be a part of high performing teams who have earnt prestigious honors, including being a Premier’s Sustainability Award Finalist and a winner of the Environmental Protection Category. His diverse experience, volunteer work, and accolades make him an excellent judge for the Sustainability Awards, where his expertise and passion will help recognise, inform and encourage sustainable practices in the community. Jonathan is equally at home either inside an office meeting or trekking through the bush or rainforest watching wildlife.

Libby Fisher

At 11 years old, Libby decided to raise funds and awareness for the plight of koalas after discovering they were listed as an endangered species in NSW & QLD. With this, she started meeting wildlife carers and rescuers to learn more. In doing so, she developed a love for all wildlife meeting many carers of wombats, kangaroos, birds etc. As Libby’s passion for all types of wildlife grew, so did her desire to help. She founded her charity, Libby’s Koala & Wildlife Crusade Inc. Libby has taken on many practical projects, involving her local community wherever possible. She’s organised yearly clean up Australia Day events, collection drives of items, created a sewing army to make pouches for orphans and more. To date, she has raised more than $100,00.00 in cash, plus tens of thousands worth of supplies which she has donated to volunteer rescuers and carers around the country.  Libby also speaks to school groups, scout groups and community groups about her work. She hopes that in sharing what she has done at such a young age, it will inspire others to help where they can, or, find their own ways to help wildlife. The highlight of these talks is seeing children identify with Libby and eagerly learn and be inspired by her. Kids teaching kids is a very powerful thing. At the age of just 18, Libby continues to use her passion for wildlife to engage her community and show people that there are many ways they can help wildlife, plus she continues to support where possible, volunteer wildlife carers & rescuers  

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 Traeger

Karin Traeger is a dynamic force, combining her passion for environmental activism with a love for adventure. As the Founder of The Plastic Runner, she leads the charge against plastic pollution through plogging events. The initiative has delivered over 35 events, activating 500+ volunteers and collecting about 1500kgs of litter from parks and trails. With over a decade of outdoor experience, Karin has tackled challenging ultrarunning courses, including running the length of the Yarra/Birrarung River while raising awareness of river issues. Formerly the CEO of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association, Karin now supports organisations like Clean Up Australia and For Wild Places through her consulting firm, La Loyka. Through her contagious energy and inspiring actions, Karin encourages others to embrace adventure while positively impacting the planet.

Energy

Emiliano Moroni

Emiliano is a sustainability professional with an eclectic background and knowledge across multiple sectors. His variegated experience spans from asset management to tertiary education and project management. As an accomplished professional in the field of renewable energy, Emiliano has more than 10 years’ experience in designing, implementing, and managing complex projects. He possesses a solid understanding of the Australian energy market and the challenges it will face in the coming years and will be an asset to the Energy judging panel for all entrants!

Cathy Oke

Cathy Oke is a renowned sustainability expert, academic and former Councillor for the City of Melbourne, bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront of environmental initiatives. With a passion for creating cleaner and greener communities, Cathy has made significant contributions to academia, specialising in sustainable urban planning and environmental management. Her recent work in spearheading innovative projects and research has garnered widespread acclaim, making her a leading voice in the field. Cathy was recently awarded with the Medal for the Order of Australia for her outstanding commitment to local government and the environment, in short: for greening Melbourne!

Bill Fahey

Bill Fahey is a highly accomplished professional with a stellar background in the energy industry. With over two decades of experience in renewable energy development, he has spearheaded numerous successful projects that have revolutionised sustainable practices. As a former CEO of a prominent clean energy company, 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 environmental 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.

Wellbeing

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.

Karin Traeger

Karin Traeger is a dynamic force, combining her passion for environmental activism with a love for adventure. As the Founder of The Plastic Runner, she leads the charge against plastic pollution through plogging events. The initiative has delivered over 35 events, activating 500+ volunteers and collecting about 1500kgs of litter from parks and trails. With over a decade of outdoor experience, Karin has tackled challenging ultrarunning courses, including running the length of the Yarra/Birrarung River while raising awareness of river issues. Formerly the CEO of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association, Karin now supports organisations like Clean Up Australia and For Wild Places through her consulting firm, La Loyka. Through her contagious energy and inspiring actions, Karin encourages others to embrace adventure while positively impacting the planet.

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.

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.

Grant Godden

Grant, a dedicated Environment and Heritage expert, presently serves as a valued member of the V/Line Corporation. With two decades of experience, Grant possesses a profound knowledge in overseeing and managing natural environments. Throughout his career, he has successfully integrated Cultural Heritage considerations into numerous projects. In recent times, Grant has honed his expertise in the rail transport sector, emphasizing Cultural Heritage preservation. His responsibilities encompass conducting comprehensive Cultural Heritage assessments, offering guidance on necessary works and requirements, securing permits and permit exemptions, overseeing project execution, and producing meticulous Cultural Heritage reports.

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 Law is an accomplished sustainability and environmental professional with a lot of community engagement experience, so it’s no wonder why we feel so lucky to have his expertise aligned with the Community category. With a strong background in policy, community engagement, and program management, Jonathan currently serves as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action. He has also volunteered 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 sustainability has seen him be a part of high performing teams who have earnt prestigious honors, including being a Premier’s Sustainability Award Finalist and a winner of the Environmental Protection Category. His diverse experience, volunteer work, and accolades make him an excellent judge for the Sustainability Awards, where his expertise and passion will help recognise, inform and encourage sustainable practices in the community. Jonathan is equally at home either inside an office meeting or trekking through the bush or rainforest watching wildlife.