About

A qualified CPA, registered BAS Agent with the Tax Practitioners Board and member of the Institute of Community Directors, Gillian is the YRKA’s much beloved and respected treasurer, and is our head of resourcing committee.

Holding a Master of Applied Finance from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University, Gillian utilises her skills, passion and knowledge as the current Finance and Partnerships Officer at the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC). The CPRC work closely with policymakers, regulators, academia and industry to produce evidence based consumer research that drives policy change for the betterment of all consumers.

Gillian joined the Yarra Riverkeeper Association Board as Treasurer in May 2014 and brings with her extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, focusing primarily on finance and governance in community organisations. She has had a long term association with the Australian Plants Society – South East Melbourne Region and served as its Treasurer for several years. Her dedication and work ethic has been strongly recognised, where in 2016 she received a Higgins Community Service Award on behalf of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association for dedication and service to community within the City of Stonnington and has been nominated by the Association for the Commonwealth Bank Treasurer of the Year Awards. In addition to her financial accomplishments, more recently Gillian was invited to be a panelist judge for the Premier’s Sustainability Awards in the Environmental Volunteering category.

Gillian endeavours to support local farmers markets and businesses where possible, and in fact grew up on a sheep farm in South West Victoria where her passion for the environment, sustainability and native flora and fauna first started. She is a firm believer in striving for a more environmentally sustainable world, through effective collaboration and community connections. Working in various finance roles in the not-for-profit sector has inspired Gillian to continuously strive for financial innovation and sustainability, endeavouring to make a positive difference to our society no matter how small.

In her spare time, Gillian enjoys growing native and indigenous plants in her own garden, a passion that is further applied as her role as a nursery volunteer at Cranbourne Botanic Gardens Victoria, assisting with native plant propagation and fieldwork.. Her other interests include bike riding, playing tennis and cooking various treats with her family.

“The Yarra River is a significant waterway that carries with it considerable history, culture and environmental significance that needs love, respect and protection for now and always.”