We’re incredibly thankful for the dedicated individuals who join us in bringing our mission to life. As we kick off this year, we’d like to acknowledge and thank our staff and Committee for their hard work and dedication.
The staff
A Big Thank You to Debbie
Firstly, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Debbie Ho, who has been volunteering with TreeProject for more than two decades! An invaluable member of the team, Debbie has taken on countless roles over the years—seed packing, working bee depot days, distribution days, tree planting, communications, managing our Facebook page, and more. Last year, Debbie stepped up into a paid role when we needed support, liaising with volunteers and handling a multitude of administrative tasks. Debbie, we know how much time and energy you put into this role, it’s been an absolute pleasure working alongside you. Thank you.
Tori, our new Volunteer Coordinator
Tori brings a wealth of experience in sales, operations, and marketing, with a holistic approach and focus. Her passion for making a positive impact on the land, particularly for future generations, has driven her involvement with TreeProject for years—she even organised tree planting events with us through her previous company. With a background in marketing, Tori is confident, ambitious, and grounded in strong environmental values. Her commitment to sustainability and proactive nature make her a valuable addition to the TreeProject team, and we’re excited to have her on board.
Wiebke, our new Revegetation Coordinator
Introducing Wiebke, pronounced Vibca, our new Revegetation Coordinator. Wiebke has a Bachelor’s degree in Forest Science & Forest Ecology and is deeply passionate about restoring and protecting our natural landscapes. Wiebke ran many of our planting days last year and has done a magnificent job working with our volunteers and landholders. Wiebke will be working with Coordinators this year to ensure they are supported, you will also find her in our new nursery at the Depot, and during winter, she’ll be out in the paddocks planting all the beautiful seedlings that everyone has grown.
What Wiebke said,
Hi I’m Wiebke, and as the new Revegetation Coordinator, I’m excited to contribute to many planting days and support growers and coordinators during the growing season
One of my favourite native trees is Eucalyptus radiata (Narrow-leafed Peppermint)—it’s one of the first species I planted with TreeProject, and I absolutely love the fresh aroma of the leaves after rainfall.
I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the great TreeProject community and making a positive impact on our environment and future!
The Committee
The TreeProject Committee has had a slight reshuffle following our recent AGM, where we said goodbye to Vice President, Tom Collins—thank you, Tom, for your contributions! We also want to express our deep appreciation to Stephanie Menere, whose leadership has been invaluable over the past four years. As she hands the baton to John, we’re incredibly grateful for your vision, dedication, and all you’ve done to guide us forward and we’re excited to continue working with you on the committee. John has stepped into the role of President, with Rowan stepping up as Vice President. We also warmly welcome new committee members Ginger, Sharelle, Geoff, Paul and David to the team. The committee is excited to meet in person in early March for strategy planning as we look ahead to another impactful year.
Treasurer Ginger Jiang
With over 20 years of experience across diverse industries, including finance, sales, business management, and non-profits, Ginger is a senior professional leader skilled in finance transformation, stakeholder engagement, and financial analysis, passionate about lifelong learning, team mentoring, and leveraging commercial acumen to drive success. Thanks Ginger for joining the committee.
Introducing Sharelle
Sharelle is an Agricultural and Conservation Scientist, currently leading WWF-Australia’s Sustainable Agriculture Program. She first started growing trees for Trees for Life in SA in the mid-90s and then for TreeProject Victoria after moving to Melbourne. After a gap of having kids and living overseas, she’s now returned to support TreeProject as a site supervisor and as a committee member. It’s lovely to have you with us Sharelle.
David – our new Secretary
David brings a wealth of experience in program management and quality assurance, having led major initiatives across the banking and education sectors. His expertise spans managing large-scale programs, from risk transformation to core banking replacements, and his leadership skills make him a valuable asset to the committee.
Introducing Geoff
Geoff is a highly skilled project manager with expertise across the entire software development lifecycle, from strategy to coding, testing, and production support. With his strategic thinking, strong analytical skills, and ability to draw out the best in teams, Geoff has a proven track record in delivering complex projects and will be a valuable resource on the Committee.
You can see the team HERE!
Introducing Paul
Paul and his wife Jane have land outside Trentham, half of which is bush, and have the long-term aim of regenerating some of the balance. Paul became aware of TreeProject through Jane organising the local Landcare plants from the Project and then meeting long term Committee member, Asger.
Paul has experience at senior levels in governance and finance at large listed companies and not for profit entities.