About us
ACTS is the only independent not-for-profit member-led organisation of its kind in the Australasian region. We exist to engage, empower and exemplify organisations working to tackle complex social, economic and environmental challenges and support meaningful change towards a more sustainable future.
Our history
For more than two decades ACTS has represented a network of passionate people working to tackle complex social, economic and environmental challenges and support meaningful change towards a more sustainable future.
From humble beginnings as an email group in the mid 90s; officially incorporated as a not-for-profit charity in 2006; and transitioning to an Australian Company in 2021; ACTS has earned it’s reputation as Australasia’s most well respected member-led organisation that supports campuses to play a pivotal role in the transformation toward a world that is fair, just and equitable for all.
ACTS has evolved beyond recognition since it was first incorporated. Initially run completely by volunteers and representing just seven foundation members, today ACTS is managed by a small yet dedicated staff team and represents almost 90% of universities within Australia and New Zealand.
We continue to grow and strengthen our valued network and build a new generation of resources to meet our members’ needs.
Our influence extends globally as we continue to build cross-sector partnerships, collaborate with stakeholders and bring together educators, practitioners and change-makers to create a community for positive engagement, capacity building and impact.
Click through our timeline on the left to see some of our major milestones over the years.
Our people
Paramount to the success of ACTS is the time and dedication provided by our voluntary Board of Directors and the core operations and development undertaken by our small staff team.
This passionate group of sustainability-minded professionals and educators has guided the strategic direction of ACTS, supported its initiatives and broadened the standing of ACTS regionally and in an international arena.
Corey Peterson
President
Sue Hopkins
Vice President AU
Andrew Wilks
Vice President NZ
Dr Carmen Primo Perez
Treasurer
Sally Northover
Secretary
Suzanne Davis
Director
Leanne Denby
Director
Usha Iyer-Raniga
Director
Edward Maher
Director
Danielle McCartney
Director
Ray O’Brien
Director
Theodoor Richard
Director
Lin Stevenson
Director
Rhiannon Boyd
CEO
Valina Clearwater
Communications
Our governance
Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) Limited is an Australian Public Company Limited by Guarantee.
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.
ACTS is a registered charity under The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
Our partners
ACTS actively seeks relationships with partners that share our vision and can help advance our mission to engage, empower and exemplify all types of campus based organisations to lead on the transformation towards a sustainable future. Our relationships with partners take many forms, including strategic, joint initiatives, sponsorships and more.
Annual General Meeting
As a membership organisation, we hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM). This allows us to provide an update on our successes from the past year, gives our members a vital voice on the running of the organisation and allows members to vote for directors of the board.
Minutes of past AGMs can be accessed using the links below.