Governance

As a not-for-profit member-led organisation, our members make ‘big picture’ decisions, including whether to change our governing constitution (including its purpose), the appointment of directors and decisions about winding up the organisation.

As an Australian Company Limited by Guarantee and a registered charity under The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, ACTS is committed to maintaining transparent and accountable governance practices. Here, you can explore our organisation’s constitution, which outlines the fundamental principles that guide our operations, as well as our strategic vision, which directs our efforts towards a sustainable future.

We invite you to explore these essential documents to gain a deeper understanding of ACTS’ governance framework and our dedication to our vision of campus based organisations leading the transformation toward a sustainable future that is fair, just and equitable for all.

Annual General Meeting

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a important date in the ACTS calendar, providing a platform to engage with our valued members and stakeholders. It is a time when we come together to celebrate our successes over the past year, highlighting our achievements and reporting on our strategic and financial outcomes for the year. Beyond the celebration, the AGM also offers our members a vital voice in shaping the future of ACTS. It is an opportunity to actively participate in the governance of our organisation, where members have the important role of voting for the directors who will lead our Board and guide our strategic direction.

The next AGM will take place on Wednesday 19 November, 2025, 1pm AEDT | 3pm NZDT.

Members are invited to register to attend.

Election of Directors

At this year’s Annual General Meeting, members will elect four Directors to the ACTS Board.

In line with the ACTS Constitution and Director Election By-law, all eligible representatives of current member institutions are entitled to cast one vote. This year, eight eligible candidates have been nominated and validated.

How the voting process works

  • One ballot will be issued to each voting member representative
  • Voters will select their four preferred candidates on the single ballot
  • Ballots will be submitted electronically during the AGM
  • Votes will be counted using preferential voting, as outlined in the ACTS election procedure
  • The four candidates receiving the highest number of valid votes will be declared elected at the AGM

The CEO will act as Returning Officer and oversee the integrity and administration of the ballot.

Member representatives and feedback

If you would like to provide input or feedback on the election process or candidates on behalf of your organisation, please contact your member representative. You can log in to the Member Portal to view your organisation’s listed voting representative.

Meet the candidates

We invite members to review all candidate profiles ahead of the AGM. Each candidate has supplied a short statement to support your decision.

Portfolio Manager: Science, Sustainability and ECE
ARA Institute of Canterbury

INTERIM DIRECTOR

I have a long track record of working in the sustainability space in tertiary education in a variety of roles. This includes working as a senior Lecturer at University of Tasmania from 2011-2016; Principal Lecture at Ara Institute of Canterbury (Christchurch NZ), including leading the Master of Sustainable Practice programme 2016-2022. I am now in a senior leadership position as HOD Humanities at Ara, and lead of our sustainability advisory committee.

I have also had significant governance experience working with non-profit organisations.

  • 2008-2010 – Board member – New Zealand Mountain Safety Council
  • 2010-2011 – Board member – Outdoor New Zealand
  • 2012-2016 – AAEE Tasmania executive member
  • 2016-2022 – Board member – Education Outdoors NZ
  • 2016-2020 – Board member – NZ Association for Environmental Education
  • 2020-2021 Aotearoa New Zealand Sustainable Development Goals Summit. Co-chair of the national stakeholder group.

This experience leaves me well placed to contribute to ACTS as a director. I have many skills, and expertise that can help ACTS to navigate the future. In particular through being | becoming Tangata Tiriti, my sustainability leadership and practice is committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and indigenous ways of knowing and being whilst practically working towards more sustainable and equitable outcomes for all.

I am a values-based sustainability leader with a clear vision for our future accompanied by critical and innovative thinking that is not satisfied with the status quo. I have personal qualities and values that bring teams of people together in an environment where everyone can be their best selves and contribute to collective success. I consistently work hard to build strong relationships based on respect, empathy, and authenticity. I listen carefully, ask questions, and then work collaboratively. I am self-aware and transparent, recognising that it takes diverse skills and experiences in a team to achieve the best outcomes.

Senior Manager, Sustainability
TAFE NSW

I have over 15 years experience as a sustainability practitioner in the NSW State Government, spanning wildlife conservation, arts & culture, and education. I’ve held senior sustainability roles for more than a decade and have been part of the senior leadership team in my last two positions.

From 2016 to 2023, I led the implementation of the Sydney Opera House’s Environmental Sustainability Program. During my time, the Opera House became globally recognised as one of the most sustainable major arts and tourism venues. It was the first cultural institution to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, signed an industry-first renewable energy power purchase agreement, and achieved a 6-star Green Star performance rating—equivalent to world leadership in sustainability. These achievements were recognised with a NSW Government Green Globe Award (2019) and NSW Banksia Foundation Large Business Transformation Award (2021).

Since 2024, I’ve been the Senior Manager, Sustainability at TAFE NSW. I lead and empower a small, yet mighty high-performing team to deliver the organisation’s Sustainability Program, built around four strategic pillars: Net Zero, Circular Economy, Nature Positive, and Education & Engagement. My role focuses on driving transformational change, embedding sustainability into core business strategy, and fostering a culture of leadership and impact across the organisation.

I am deeply interested in the important role of education to drive positive and meaningful change, which is why I moved into the role at TAFE NSW. I believe vocational education and the work that TAFE institutions do underpin and enable transformational change. Being a member of the Board ensures that TAFE (education/operations) are represented and part of the conversation. I also bring knowledge, experience and optimistic leadership to the table.

Emma’s contribution to the ACTS Network

I have been in my role at TAFE NSW for since February 2024. In that time, the sustainability team has ensured TAFE NSW re-joined ACTS as member. I worked with and supported the Diploma of Sustainable Practice team enter Green Gowns 2023 (working with Marketing and Brand) where they were ultimately recognised for their amazing work as winners of the Australasian and International GGA. I have ensured that TAFE NSW has actively participated in the ACTS working groups, and has supported and collaborated with the ACTS team to deliver the Green Gowns Awards Australasia at a TAFE institution for the first time. We have been working with ACTS to helping to bring to life the Sustainability Exchange workshop, and off-site to support education outcomes (while having a bit of fun and building networks and relationships). TAFE NSW will also participate in the 2025 ACTS Conference in November. Its vital that TAFE institutions and vocational education is recognised for its leadership and is brought along on the journey (as there is SO much we still need to) in a fabulous network of tertiary education peers where we can learn and share knowledge.

Sustainability Manager
Griffith University

As a passionate and experienced sustainability professional, I bring a unique blend of strategic insight, operational leadership, and deep engagement with the higher education sector to the ACTS Board.

In my role as Sustainability Manager (Impact and Engagement) at Griffith University, I lead cross-institutional initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), foster community partnerships, and embed sustainability into institutional culture and practice.

My strengths lie in building collaborative networks and translating sustainability strategy into impactful action. I have played a key role in initiatives such as increasing Griffith University’s submissions for this year’s Green Gown Awards, leading engagement activities including our SDG Files campaign, SDG Research Summit, and on-campus events such as Enviro Week and O Week. I have also worked with our team to expand our reach and engagement across social media channels through targeted campaigns and amplification of student voices.

Most notably, I have led efforts that contributed to Griffith University’s exceptional performance in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings—where we ranked first in Queensland, equal second nationally, and equal fourth globally out of 2,318 participating universities. This achievement reflects our institution-wide commitment to embedding the SDGs across research, teaching, operations, and engagement. Our improved rankings over the past two years highlight the impact of our engagement and celebration of sustainability across the institution.

I bring a systems-thinking perspective, grounded in both academic and operational contexts, and a commitment to inclusive, values-driven leadership. My experience working closely with academic and professional staff, students, and external partners has equipped me to navigate complex governance environments and advocate for diverse voices in sustainability decision-making. While not an academic myself, I collaborate on research projects with the International WaterCentre and am currently leading the development of a tool to assess institutional cultural capability in relation to partnerships with Traditional Owner groups.

I am also deeply familiar with ACTS’ strategic priorities, including the importance of board diversity and member representation, and I am committed to supporting the organisation’s growth and impact across the Australasian region. I currently contribute to multiple ACTS working groups, including Best Practice and Knowledge Sharing, Cultural and Literacy Surveys, STARS, and the Conference Committee.

I would be honoured to contribute my skills, energy, and collaborative spirit to the ACTS Board, helping to shape a more sustainable and equitable future for our campuses and communities.

Kerryn’s contribution to the ACTS Network

As an engaged and committed member of the ACTS network, I have contributed across multiple levels—strategic, operational, and community-based. I currently participate in several ACTS groups, including Best Practice and Knowledge Sharing, the Cultural and Literacy Survey groups, STARS, and the 2025 Conference Working Group. These roles have allowed me to collaborate with peers across the region, share insights from Griffith University’s sustainability journey, and help shape ACTS’ programming and resources.

In 2025, I helped re-establish the ACTS Queensland Network, hosting the first regional meeting on our Brisbane South (Nathan) campus. This gathering brought together sustainability professionals from across the state to reconnect, share institutional updates, and explore opportunities for collaboration. I am committed to continuing this momentum and supporting the growth of regional engagement within the ACTS community.

I am also leading efforts to embed the ACTS Sustainable Events certification within Griffith University. Our Graduations team is the first to pilot the certification, and I am working to expand its adoption across other event portfolios. This initiative not only supports ACTS’ mission but also strengthens our internal sustainability practices and visibility.

Through these contributions, I aim to foster a culture of shared learning, practical action, and inclusive leadership—values that align closely with ACTS’ vision for a more sustainable tertiary education sector.

Sustainability Lead, Strategy and Performance
Murdoch University

As the Sustainability Lead (Strategy and Performance) at Murdoch University, I bring a strong governance and leadership background, deep sector experience, and a collaborative approach that aligns closely with ACTS’ mission and values.

Based at Murdoch University in Perth, I am well positioned to share the perspectives and challenges of Western Australian institutions with the Board. My role has enabled me to build robust connections with colleagues across WA universities through the WA Universities Sustainability Network, where I actively contribute to sector-wide initiatives and knowledge sharing.

My experience spans strategic planning, policy development, and operational delivery of sustainability initiatives at Murdoch University. I have led the development and implementation of our Sustainability Sub-Strategy 2024–2030 and Implementation Plan 2024–2027, engaging diverse stakeholders from senior leadership to students and external partners. My governance experience includes chairing cross-functional working groups, facilitating strategic planning sessions, and ensuring transparent, inclusive decision-making processes.

I am adept at building influence and support from stakeholders, fostering collaborative partnerships, and driving continuous improvement. My approach is grounded in authenticity, reflective practice, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. I have a proven track record of delivering complex projects, managing change, and operationalising strategies that create measurable impact.

In addition to my university-based sustainability leadership, I serve as Co-Chair of the Board for Tone List, a Boorloo-based experimental music label that operates as a volunteer-run not-for-profit incorporated association. In this role, I have led the organisation through its first strategic planning process, ensuring our vision and values are embedded in our operations and community impact. I am currently working to devise a Funding Strategy that will secure Tone List’s financial sustainability and viability into the future.

This experience has strengthened my governance capabilities and my understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by not-for-profit organisations. I am adept at building consensus, supporting volunteers, and driving strategic outcomes with limited resources. I am confident that these skills and insights will enable me to support the ACTS Board in its mission to support meaningful change within educational institutions.

I am deeply aligned with ACTS’ values of collaboration, transparency, and sector-wide transformation. My experience in higher education sustainability, combined with my governance and leadership skills, positions me to contribute meaningfully to the Board’s strategic direction, oversight, and advocacy efforts.

I am excited by the opportunity to work alongside fellow Board members to advance ACTS mission, support member institutions, and help shape the future of sustainability in tertiary education.

Siobhan’s contribution to the ACTS Network

As an active member of the ACTS network, I have sought to contribute meaningfully to its initiatives and collaborative spirit.

One of my key involvements has been with the ACTS Climate Scenarios Working Group, where I played a leading role in Western Australia. I organised and facilitated workshops that brought together staff, students, and stakeholders from Murdoch University and UWA, ensuring a broad and inclusive approach to scenario development. Recognising the importance of expert input, I engaged key colleagues who are subject matter experts to support the review of the Climate Scenarios document, helping to ensure its rigour and relevance for the sector.

At the launch of the Climate Scenarios for the Australian Tertiary Education Sector Report, I was honoured to speak at the ACTS event. I shared reflections on how meaningful the Working Group process had been for our institutions and outlined Murdoch University’s next steps, aiming to inspire further action and collaboration across the network.

Building on this momentum, I am now continuing as a member of the Climate Risk and Adaptation Group, which will extend and share local experiences of this important work. I have offered to share an update from Murdoch University’s approach at our next Group meeting in December.

My engagement with ACTS also includes membership of the Culture Survey Working Group. In this capacity, I have again enlisted the support of a Murdoch academic and subject matter expert to review the group’s outputs, ensuring that our contributions are both evidence-based and impactful.

I am also a member of the ACTS Best Practice and Knowledge Sharing Group through which I recently presented with the university’s Chief Enterprise Architect, on MU’s approach to Sustainability and AI. Through this connection, discussions are underway to connect ACTS members to the peak University IT practitioners body to support discussion and action regarding integrating sustainability into the adoption of AI.

In 2024, I attended the ACTS Conference and was deeply impressed by the quality and generosity of the discussions and presentations. The event provided an invaluable opportunity to establish relationships with many ACTS Board members and fellow network colleagues, and I left with a strong sense of the professionalism and value that ACTS brings to the tertiary education sector.

This year, I successfully championed Murdoch University becoming a conference partner and our uptake of institution-wide access to the event, a first for the university on both counts. This not only supports ACTS but raises the profile of ACTS within our staff and student body and opens the door to their continued engagement. I am also proud to be presenting a session at this year’s conference, contributing to the ongoing discussion and returning the generosity I experienced from sustainability practitioners across the sector.

Through these activities, I have actively supported ACTS mission, fostered collaboration across institutions, and helped strengthen the network’s impact both locally and nationally.

Associate Director, Environmental Sustainability
Australian National University

As an experienced university sustainability leader, I am applying for an ACTS Director role because I am a strong supporter of cross-sector knowledge sharing and collaboration, something which I believe ACTS excels at. I am keen to apply my extensive experience in governance, strategic planning, financial and risk management to further advance ACTS’ mission of engaging and empowering organisations working to tackle complex sustainability challenges.

I would bring the following skills and expertise to the ACTS board:

Relevant qualifications and memberships:

  • Master of Environmental Management, UNSW
  • Graduate of Company Directors course, Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)

Leadership and strategic planning experience:

  • Over 15 years’ experience in environmental sustainability related roles, including more than 10 years at ANU
  • Currently Associate Director, Environmental Sustainability within the Campus Environment Division at ANU, acting as Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer for the University
  • Have led development of the ANU Environmental Sustainability Plan, 2026-30 (currently awaiting final endorsement) and multiple other sustainability initiatives and entities such as ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions and ANU Below Zero Program
  • Extensive experience setting goals, developing innovative strategies and plans, leading and implementing programs and projects, financial and risk management, people management and mentoring, monitoring, evaluation and reporting across a range of entities, both in the university sector and in other sectors as a General Manager

Governance experience:

  • Current board member of the Conservation Council ACT, the peak environmental advocacy body in the ACT
  • Previous experience as a board member of Garran Primary School
  • Current Chair of Go8 Universities Sustainability Forum
  • Significant experience designing, developing and engaging with university governance structures

Strategic engagement and communications:

  • Background in communications with significant experience in engaging and consulting with stakeholders, collaborating, facilitating, negotiating and building partnerships

In summary, I am confident that my skills, experience and commitment to shared learning and action would help amplify ACTS’ role as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation across the tertiary sector.

Clare’s contribution to the ACTS Network

I am a strong supporter and contributor to multiple ACTS groups and initiatives, including:

  • Co-Chair of ACTS Climate Scenarios Working Group
  • Member of ACTS
    • Climate Risk and Adaptation Group (presented at last meeting)
    • Climate Action Group
    • Best Practice and Knowledge Sharing Group
    • Biodiversity Working group
  • Co-presenter at 2025 ACTS Conference

Dean (Sustainability and Rankings)
Griffith University

As Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) at Griffith University, and as a Professor of Social Work, I am deeply committed to advancing sustainability, social justice, and sector-wide collaboration. I have led the development and implementation of Griffith’s Sustainability Strategy 2023-2030, coordinated our reporting against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and driven initiatives that embed sustainability into the university’s culture and operations. This work has involved fostering meaningful engagement across staff, students, and the wider community, and overseeing delivery of programs such as Green Impact and Green Bites to empower positive change.

My leadership experience is complemented by a strong background in governance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring transparent and accountable decision-making. I have built and maintained robust networks across the Australasian tertiary sector, as well as with government, community organisations and industry partners. My ability to collaborate strategically at local, national and international levels, positions me to support ACTS’ transparent, member-led governance and strategic priorities.

I am also an internationally recognised researcher in climate change, disaster response, and domestic and family violence, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications and more than one million dollars secured in competitive funding and consultancies focused on research that makes a difference to society. My research and leadership are grounded in a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that sustainability is understood as both an environmental and social imperative.

In addition to my academic and leadership roles, I am actively involved in professional bodies and sector-wide initiatives, which provides me with broad insight into current challenges and opportunities. My memberships and engagement with organisations such as ACTS and the Australian and New Zealand Social Work, Welfare, Education and Research Association enable me to advocate effectively for sustainability and capacity building across the sector.

I believe my combination of strategic leadership, governance experience, sector-wide collaboration, and commitment to social and environmental justice will allow me to make a valuable contribution to the ACTS Board in the Director role. I am dedicated to supporting ACTS’ mission to engage, empower and exemplify sustainability leadership, and to advancing its strategic priorities of cross-sector collaboration, capacity building, and recognising innovation for a sustainable future.

Professional memberships include:

  • Hong Kong Social Workers Registration Board
  • Australian Association of Social Workers
  • Australian and New Zealand Social Work, Welfare, Education and Research Association (institutional member)

sector.

Jennifer’s contribution to the ACTS Network

As a member of the ACTS network, I have consistently supported and encouraged staff participation by facilitating their attendance at the ACTS Conference each year and promoting involvement in ACTS groups (including Circular Economy Group, Climate Action Group, Climate Risk and Adaptation Group, Best Practice and Reporting Group, Literacy Survey Working Group, Cultural Survey Working Group, and the STARS Cohort). In 2025, I played a key role in reinvigorating engagement within Queensland by hosting the first relaunched ACTS Qld Sustainability Network meeting, welcoming participants, and attending subsequent sessions to maintain momentum. My commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives is further demonstrated through my institution’s subscription to Green Impact in both 2023 and 2024, as well as hosting events to celebrate Green Impact award recipients. Additionally, I have stayed engaged with sector developments by attending ACTS webinars, ensuring ongoing connection with the network’s activities and prioritiese

Senior Manager, Sustainability
RMIT University

STANDING DIRECTOR

I have been an active member of the ACTS Board since 2012, firstly as a Regional Director, then Vice President and now as a Director and current President. My work on the Board of ACTS to date has included strategic planning, policy development, generating sponsorship opportunities, briefing on key trends/issues for the sector, supporting the development of new programs, risk management, conference planning and network building. I also support the operational side of the organisation by acting as a board liaison for our staff.

As the current President, I have taken an important focus on good governance and risk management, to ensure that the Board is focused on compliance, purpose and serving our members.

I have a deep belief in the work ACTS undertakes, driving sustainability action across all areas of institutional life, from infrastructure to student engagement. I would relish the opportunity to continue my work on the Board to ensure that ACTS remains a viable, relevant and essential resource for sustainability professionals in the sector.

Lin’s contribution to the ACTS Network

I attend all ACTS conferences, key events and actively advocate for the organisation both within the sector and beyond. Within my institution, I advocate for ACTS programs, not simply because I am on the Board, but because they offer the highest quality, fit-for-purpose sustainability programs of any organisation. They are also the key to the collaboration and support I cherish as a sustainability practitioner in the higher education sector.

Assistant Professor
National Chung Hsing University

STANDING DIRECTOR

Ever since 2022, I have a been a proud member of the Board of ACTS, specialising in issues of sustainability education. First as a Research Fellow in Sustainability Culture and since August 2025 as Assistant Professor jointly in General Education and the International Master Program in Asia and China Studies at National Chung Hsing University in Taichung, Taiwan, I have dedicated myself to the study of, and cultivation of awareness on, how our culture is the crucial factor that decides how sustainable we are and do in our daily lives and working environments. In fact, despite all the technology being available to us to live and work more sustainably,we do not seem to make much progress worldwide in that direction. And it is my finding that this is because our ways of life, our values and our thoughts on how the world works, are not (sufficiently) aligned with this. I am driven to bring this awareness into educational systems and help cultivate the interest with people both young (students) and old (colleagues), to become .leaders of change.

Considering my background and experiences as a Dutchman living and working in Taiwan at an Taiwanese university, I bring a diverse and rich intercultural competence to the role, and I hope to continue to put that to good use on behalf of ACTS and its members as ACTS is entering a new era of redefinition of its role as a leading sustainability organisation in the Australasian region, including a possible expansion into the Greater Pacific region as well.

Theodoor’s contribution to the ACTS Network

As a member of the Board, I have happily contributed to the activities and policy development by ACTS since 2022.

I have organised a panel with ACTS on Pacific Island Sustainability Culture in 2022 and organised a local hub for the Pacific Region in Taiwan for the ACTS annual conference in 2023, together with our International Conference on Sustainability Culture at NCHU.
Additionally I am an active member of the ACTS Working Group on Sustainability Culture Survey development and have worked towards a WG on Pacific Island Sustainability Culture.

Most recently I have worked on development of a Position Statement by ACTS on the trends in the world that are affecting the work on sustainability in higher education and the implementation of the UN SDGs in general and SDG 16 on Peace and Justice in particular, which statement is expected to go live soon.

Position Statement

Our Position Statement outlines ACTS’ collective vision for the role of tertiary education in creating a sustainable and just future. It sets out the principles and priorities that guide our advocacy and partnerships across the sector, calling on institutions to embed sustainability at the core of their teaching, research, governance and operations.

Read the ACTS Position Statement