Jeanette Gellard
President
“I love inspiring people to make a positive contribution through Trees For Life and helping them experience significant health and wellbeing benefits at the same time.”
Jeanette brings experience in rural and natural resource management to the Trees For Life Board including a number of years as General Manager with the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board. Jeanette was a recipient of the Centenary Medal in 2003 for her contribution to the rural sector, and in 2001 was awarded the Rural Industry Research & Development Corporation’s (RIRDC) South Australian Rural Women’s Award.
After joining Trees For Life as a member in 2017, Jeanette has served as Vice President, and is now President. She lives on Kangaroo Island and travels regularly to Adelaide for Innovative Influences, her engagement, coaching and strategy business.
Phil Donaldson
Vice President
“I want to bring my interests and experience in the not for profit sector and Government to deepen the relationship between urban and rural communities in delivering the Trees For Life mission.”
Phil is passionate about working locally to create global impacts. He is currently Director of Sustain SA, and co-facilitator of Adelaide Design Link, The Australian Living Lab Innovation Network and Green Cities Global. Phil aspires to see urban communities playing a larger role in tackling climate change impacts and keeping our cities cool. Phil is Executive Leader at Bioregional Australia Foundation.
Janine Lynch
Treasurer
“My interest in revegetating Australian native bushland was instilled by my father, who had an amazing connection with and respect for the land we share.”
As Treasurer of Trees For Life, Janine shares her significant experience in finance, IT and procurement to help us achieve our full potential within the challenge of limited resources. She has over 16 years’ experience in the accounting industry across public practice, heavy engineering, shared service, not-for-profit and defence. Janine holds a degree in Commerce and is a qualified CPA.
Therese Halili
Secretary
“I look forward to contributing my administrative and project management skills to support Trees For Life and to learning more about South Australia from an economic and environmental perspective.”
Therese is a Project Management professional and is deeply committed to volunteering. She believes that the small time and effort we collectively share to these organisations will go a long way and affect people’s lives in ways we cannot even imagine.
Andrew Dolley
Member
“My affection for the environment stems from an enthusiasm for camping and a passion for nature and landscape photography. I have a particular interest in connecting our urban lifestyles and infrastructure with the natural environment.”
Andrew has over 10 years’ experience in the finance sector, including commercial banking and relationship management roles in manufacturing, construction, health care, retail, professional services and commercial property. He also has practical experience in operations management, business process review and change management. Andrew chairs the Risk and Audit Sub-Committee of the Trees For Life Board.
Ngaire Henderson
Member
"Community organisations like Trees For Life allow us all the opportunity to make the world a better place."
Ngaire is a marketing and fundraising professional with more than 20 years’ experience working with non-profit organisations. She has extensive experience in many fundraising approaches, as well as skills in leadership, business and strategic planning. Ngaire’s work experience covers global overseas aid, state health and state animal welfare and environment.
Dr Stuart Collard
Member
"As a Trees For Life Board member, I aim to contribute my knowledge of ecological restoration practices and lift the profile of environmental issues in SA"
Stuart has worked in technical and senior management roles for government and non-government organisations across the environment and agriculture sectors for more than 15 years. He has strong interests in conservation, landscape restoration and ornithology, with experience and knowledge of the land sector carbon and environmental markets in South Australia. Stuart is the Operations Manager at Green Adelaide.
Dr John Virtue
Member
“I have had the pleasure of interacting with many Bush for Life staff and volunteers over the last 20 years. Trees For Life is a highly professional and widely respected organisation and I look forward to helping it sustainably grow.”
John has been working in the South Australian government for 25 years in biosecurity, initially as the state’s weed ecologist and now in a manager role covering all invasive species and broader biosecurity policy. He has worked with various industry, government and community organisations on biosecurity matters at state and national levels. John has been an active Bush For Life volunteer for 20 years with a grassy woodland site in Blackwood. He also has a passionate interest in native plants, as an avid gardener, nature lover and conservationist. John chairs the Technical Advisory Sub-Committee of the Trees For Life Board.
Ingrid Franssen
Member
“Being a Trees For Life board member enables me to combine my work skills and experience with my passion and interest for protecting the Australian natural landscape and engaging people in nature based volunteering.”
Ingrid is a strategic thinker and thrives on collaborating with others to develop solutions. She currently works in Fire and Flood Management for State Government and is very aware of the impact of extreme weather events which has led her to develop an interest in greening urban spaces for both human health and for biodiversity benefits. Ingrid has been actively involved in landcare and bushcare work for many years and always valued the support from Trees For Life in propagation, seed collecting and bushcare.
Michael Cornish
Member
“Trees For Life has so much to offer our community, and I am so proud to be part of their shared journey.”
Michael is a public policy professional with specialist skills and degrees in economics, law, advocacy, and conflict management. He has worked in economic consultancy and international aid project management roles, as a policy advisor for a Federal Parliamentarian and lecturer in economics and social sciences. Michael is passionate about public service and the environment.