The CORENA Inc committee members take care of administrative tasks on a voluntary basis. They are Georgia Cooke (Chair), John Rolls (Public Officer and Deputy Chair), Jia Xie (Treasurer), Briony O’Shea, Phil Browne, Ekkehard Groskreutz.
The Public Fund Management Committee oversees the allocation of loans and other expenses from the public fund. Members of this committee are Georgia Cooke (Chair), John Rolls (Public Officer and Deputy Chair), Jia Xie (Treasurer), Monica Oliphant AO (Patron), Ekkehard Groskreutz and Simon Jones.
We conduct our meetings via Zoom to enable members, committee members, and volunteers in all parts of Australia to participate. We also keep in touch via e-news, email, and a supporters’ Facebook group.
Our Team
Georgia Cooke
Chair
Georgia is an experienced communications and sustainability professional with a background in the non-profit and environmental sectors. She has volunteered as CORENA’s Marketing Manager since 2020 and joined the board in 2021. Georgia has worked with Monash University, Parks Victoria, RSPCA Victoria and Green Music Australia, where she focused on delivering positive environmental outcomes through strategic community engagement and interventions.
John Rolls
Deputy Chair
John is a physical scientist and a founding member of CORENA. He spent much of his career in the South Australian public service specialising in water resources and energy policy related to climate change. With over 50 years of experience in the conservation movement, John provides the committee with deep technical expertise and historical organisational knowledge.
Monica Oliphant
Patron
Monica is a renowned research scientist and former President of the International Solar Energy Society. Recognised with an AO in 2015 for her distinguished service to the renewable energy sector and was 2016 Senior South Australian of the Year. She has spent decades advancing solar energy and efficiency. Monica remains a global leader in the field, currently serving as a Vice President of the World Wind Energy Association and in 2018 received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of South Australia.
Jia Xie
Treasurer
Jia is a finance professional dedicated to social and environmental impact. Currently working for the Department of Treasury and Finance Victoria, she manages state debt portfolios and provides strategic financial advice. Jia is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds advanced degrees in finance, commerce, and science from the Australian National University.
Briony O’Shea
Briony is a chemical engineer with a Master of Laws in International Law, focussed on international carbon policy implementation. Having spent her career in the energy industry, her main focus is on renewable energies and future fuels needed to decarbonise heavy industry, such as hydrogen and biogas to support the transition to a low carbon future.
Ekkehard Groskreutz
Ekkehard is a mechanical engineer with extensive management experience across Europe and Australia. Since founding his energy consultancy in 2001, he has specialised in the design and installation of renewable energy systems. As a Clean Energy Council accredited professional, he provides CORENA with expert advice on energy efficiency and solar design.
Phil Browne
Phil is a retired health professional who joined CORENA after witnessing the direct impact of climate change on public health. He began supporting CORENA as a donor and now contributes to the marketing team and board. Phil is dedicated to grassroots community action, having previously managed campaigns for Dying With Dignity in Queensland and enjoys using his communication skills to highlight the tangible climate outcomes achieved through CORENA’s revolving fund model.
Simon Jones
Simon is a founding member of CORENA and a lifelong advocate for conservation and clean energy. His early vision was instrumental in establishing CORENA’s unique funding model whereby donations are lent again and again to finance multiple projects. Simon continues to support the committee, drawing on decades of experience in environmental campaigning, to help guide CORENA’s strategic direction and commitment to community-led climate action.
Sarah McCabe
Head of Operations
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science and a Graduate Certificate in Carbon and Energy Studies. She has nearly 20 years experience in local government sustainability roles with a recent focus on climate change, solar and energy efficiency projects.
Milly Darby
Giving and Engagement Manager
With a rich background in the nonprofit sector, Milly holds a wealth of expertise in building impactful partnerships and driving social progress. As a strategic systems thinker, she excels at connecting mission-driven organisations with the resources they need to thrive.
Dylan Bell
Social media Contractor
Dylan is our graphic designer and manages our social media pages.