Our people

Damien is responsible for Renew’s advocacy, policy and advice and work in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, demand management, water conservation and efficient transport. Damien also oversees research and consulting projects with project partners and external clients. He has qualifications in urban and regional planning and environmental management, and has worked for government and the private sector.

Robyn Deed has been managing editor of Renew: Technology for a Sustainable Future since 2012. She previously worked as an editor at educational publisher Cengage Learning and as editor of Victorian Writer magazine. Holding a Masters in Information Technology and a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing, she is passionate about making complex material clear, accessible and entertaining, without losing technical detail or accuracy.

Lance is technical editor of Renew: Technology for a Sustainable Future, and Sanctuary: modern green homes, Australia’s leading magazines on renewable energy and sustainable living. He has worked for Renew for nearly 30 years and been involved in publications, IT and the organisation’s original website. He has a strong interest in all things related to sustainable technology.

As advertising manager, Mohit is a part of the communications team. He is responsible for maintaining relationships with advertising customers and developing collaboration for Renew's initiatives. Mohit has eight years of sales and marketing experience of both traditional and digital advertising.

Anna has been in communications at Renew since 2010. For many years a member of the production team for Renew and Sanctuary magazines, she has also been responsible for various projects including organisation of more than a dozen Speed Date a Sustainability Expert events around the country. She became Managing Editor of Sanctuary in July 2019 and has a passion for sustainable architecture and clever house design.

Dean is responsible for policy analysis and advocacy in national and state energy markets, with an emphasis on making the energy system work better for residential consumers while also reducing its environmental impact. He's passionate about ensuring that no-one is left behind as we transition to a clean energy future. Qualified as a social worker, Dean worked in several community development roles followed by a decade in energy policy advocacy for the Victorian Council of Social Service before joining Renew in 2016.

Andrew is skilled at explaining energy-related issues and helping people reduce their bills. He has given expert advice on sustainability in magazines and on radio, including doing talkback on the ABC. Andrew designed and developed Renew’s free Sunulator program, used in several research and consulting projects. Prior to joining Renew in 2013, he worked at the Australian Energy Market Operator where he developed the organisation’s first forecast of rooftop solar generation for the National Electricity Market. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering.

Ian joined Renew in 2019 with a background in financial reporting primarily in the music industry but most recently in the not-for-profit sector with Whitelion and St John Ambulance. A qualified Australian Chartered Accountant, he has many years’ experience in managing financial compliance and regulatory reporting. Ian prepares Renew’s financial reports and assists in regulatory compliance. He commutes to work on an electric bicycle and is a strong supporter of all sustainable ideas.

Sophie has been part of Renew’s administration team since 2008. She has prior experience delivering government environmental programs and sustainability information to the public. With studies in community development, she loves engaging with members and volunteers. She is committed to sustainability in her own life and sharing ideas and connections throughout the Renew community and wider public.

Olivia has been part of Renew on and off since 1999. Formerly advertising manager for Renew and Sanctuary magazines, she also co-ordinated one-day workshops and Renew’s presence at events including sending the mobile trailer the ‘Solar Shuttle’ out to schools. She loves engaging with Renew members and volunteers and supporting people to implement sustainable changes in their homes.

Doug is responsible for assisting Renew branches across the country. He has a history of involvement in grassroots environmental groups including the Transition Town movement, and a passion for building electric vehicles and sustainable agriculture. He has qualifications in science, technology, education and renewable energy.

Harry has a background in environmental management and renewable energy. He manages Renew’s projects in East Timor and Indigenous communities in Australia. Prior to Renew, Harry worked with both small and large renewable energy organisations in Australia, the Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa, including establishing a social enterprise that has reached millions of people with solar-powered lighting.

Sophie joined Renew in 2019. She writes for Sanctuary and Renew magazines, manages Renew's social media and web presence and helps out with Renew's marketing and communications. Sophie moved to Melbourne from New York City in 2018 has a background as a journalist, critic, social media marketer and event producer. She is passionate about social and economic justice and creating a sustainable future for everyone.

Rob joined Renew in 2019. He is working on advocacy projects to make Australian homes safer, cheaper to run and more resilient in the face of climate change. Rob has a background in campaigns, policy and advocacy on social justice and environmental issues. Prior to joining Renew Rob worked for a Federal MP. He holds a master’s degree in political studies.

Erin has recently joined the Renew team as Office Manager, bringing over 10 years of customer service experience to the role. Along with the administration team, Erin facilitates all membership processing, member related enquiries and customer service. A keen environmentalist, Erin is also currently undertaking a Masters in Environment part time at Melbourne University.

James joined Renew in 2020. After completing a B.A majoring in Political Science at the University of Queensland he left Australia to travel East Europe – his favourite country being Albania. Upon his return he relocated from Brisbane to Melbourne to take up his position with Renew. James is passionate about ethical politics, social justice and political theory. His prior experiences include an internship with Queensland Parliament and work experience with a non-profit focused on homelessness and housing

Jacinta is responsible for Renew’s collection of specialist publications such as the Solar Electricity booklet, Efficient Hot Water booklet and the Renters Guide to Sustainable Living, along with Renew’s ebooks on sustainability and efficiency topics for householders. She’s a past editor of Renew magazine (2007-2012), and enjoys using her publications, writing and editing experience to help others make a difference in the home.

Gerlinde joined the Renew Board in 2015 and was elected President in 2019. She is Executive Officer of Australian Community Philanthropy and a Director of Bendigo Bank Highett Community Bank® Branch. Her previous executive experience encompasses nine years as General Manager of a medical research institute; five years as Director of Development at the University of Melbourne; Interim CEO at a multicultural family violence support agency; a range of external relations appointments in universities; and consulting. She is a former Director and Chair of Better Place Australia and a current member of the RANZCOG Women’s Health Foundation board. Gerlinde holds Honours and Masters degrees in the Humanities, is an active member of AICD, and has completed executive programs in Not-for-Profit Leadership at Stanford University (2014) and Governing for Social Impact at UNSW / AGSM (2019).

Sally is currently the Manager of Climate Emergency and Sustainable Transport, City of Darebin. Previous to that she worked in the Victorian Government in energy policy and programs, at the Moreland Energy Foundation and for the Scottish Government in the Energy Efficiency and Microgeneration Unit. Sally first joined the Renew (then ATA) when an engineering student in the 1980s and has been a fan ever since.

Louisa is currently Senior Finance Manager, Strategic Treasury at Tabcorp Holdings. She has extensive experience in funding for medium and large companies, having worked in institutional banking for more than 20 years in Australia and Europe. She has a background in relationship management, investment analysis and risk management. Louisa is the immediate past treasurer and director of the Hawthorn Early Years childcare centre and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts and MBA from Melbourne University. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she holds a Certificate in Treasury from the Association of Corporate Treasurers (UK). Louisa joined the Renew Board in 2016.

Grant has served as a director with private companies and not-for-profit organisations for more than 10 years and is a graduate member at the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Following a diverse executive career, now as an owner and principal of his own companies, he brings a practical mix of strategy, governance, technology and operations to his board roles. Renew appealed to Grant as a well-established, expert voice with strong advocacy and programs that address sustainable living in these times of significant climate and environmental change. Grant joined the Renew Board in 2015 and has served on the strategy and finance sub-committees.

Mark has over thirty years' experience advising governments and businesses in many areas of public policy. He has worked as a senior public servant, adviser to State and Commonwealth Ministers, consultant to State and Commonwealth governments, adviser to a range of businesses and leading universities, and policy think tank leader on a many issues – including water policy and climate change, population policy, housing, health funding, higher, vocational and school education, economic policy and public sector management. Mark was the inaugural chief executive of the Mitchell Institute for Health and Education Policy at Victoria University and is currently a non-Executive Director at Caraniche as well as being a Board member at Renew.

Dominique has worked in the sustainability and socio-economic development areas for three decades as a CEO of not-for-profit organisations and senior executive in the corporate sector. She brings expertise in government relations, public policy, corporate affairs, stakeholder and community engagement, strategic and crisis communications, media relations and reputation management. Dominique is currently executive officer of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Assessment and Land Use Policy and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

For more than 20 years Tim Drinkall has been developing, delivering and improving organisational and individual capability and culture for the telecommunications, energy and government sectors. He is currently the manager, capability, culture and careers with Melbourne Water. As well as people capabilities, Tim brings commercial and business acumen to his roles, focused strategic thinking, strong relationship management and innovation. Tim is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Kylie Taylor is a corporate affairs professional with 28 years' experience in Australia and Asia helping organisations, companies, brands and business leaders to build connections and trust with their key stakeholders. She is sought after as a strategic communications advisor by CEOs and Boards especially in times of change, crisis and growth. Kylie is group managing director of corporate affairs and public relations firm Baldwin Boyle Group, where she is a board director and partner. She is passionate about girls education and is currently deputy president of Ruyton Girls’ School in Melbourne. Kylie has lived and worked in Australia, Singapore, Thailand and Japan and currently lives in Melbourne with her two primary school aged children. On the weekends Kylie and her partner are converting a rural property into a sustainable, off-grid haven of recycling, composting and growing food and flowers.

Doug’s interest in energy efficiency and intelligent design began as far back as school where he and a friend (subsequent Renew member), designed and built a solar hot water system. This helped spark a lifelong desire to see technology and design integrate to achieve lasting solutions in housing, energy production and use and recycling. My professional life has been in finance - after obtaining a B Comm in the mid 1980’s I advised domestic fund managers and super funds before a move to New York in 1994. There I engaged with a wide range of US funds seeking to invest in Australia and New Zealand. Returning home in 2000 my direction changed to one advising families, family offices and NFP’s on their investments. Over the last 2 decades interest in ESG principles of investment have exploded - they are a driving force helping to change behaviour at both corporate and government levels and those principles are applied in all aspects of my advice. As a member since 2016, I value Renew’s integrity, independence, knowledge based advice and wish to see their influence continue to grow at a national level as we advocate for more sustainable ways of living. My key focus on the board will be on the finances and helping to pursue the Renew Strategy 2025.

Michael O’Connell is a Renew technical specialist with a long history in public education and presentation around sustainable living topics. Michael has over 25 years’ experience in the Telecommunications, IT, Construction and Renewable Energy industries. He is a past president of the Renew and runs a design and energy management consultancy business with a focus on sustainable development. Michael designed and built his own house using passive solar design principles together with solar power and integrated permaculture garden.

Jim is a long term member of Renew and has long standing interest in the role of technology in sustainable futures. Jim is process oriented ane step change opportunities. He has good consulting and facilitation skills which partner twenty years engineering and scientific knowledge gained in practical and experimental projects. Jim works across boundaries, at the interface of the social and technical. Jim has been an energy and greenhouse generalist. Previous work includes resource efficiency with groups spanning industrial facilities to CALD communities.