The people on our committee have a long connection to, and history with, the City of Port Phillip – as residents, volunteers and activists. They are committed to social justice, the environment, the arts, and the well-being of our neighbourhoods and communities.
They bring a wealth of skills to Progressive Port Phillip’s activities, including organising events, writing articles and submissions, liaising with community groups and supporters, producing videos and working with social media.
“We are interested in local democracy and how we can work together to address local challenges, here and now.”
|
|
Ann Byrne Worked in the finance sector advocating for the measurement of environmental, social and governance risk in investments. Volunteered in the aid sector as Board member of Oxfam Australia and currently ECAPT International. Board of Linden New Art and Community member of the Community Alliance of Port Phillip. |
|
|
Bill Garner Historian, author and playwright. From 2015 until 2020 he was the secretary of local activist group Bring Back Brookes Jetty. |
|
|
Brenda Forbath Worked as a teacher, social worker, industrial relations advocate and local government officer in Children's Services. A long-term resident and advocate committed to the principles of fairness and equity, she is the founding member of the Community Alliance of Port Phillip (CAPP) and Secretary of the South Melbourne Community Chest. |
|
|
Isabelle Oderberg A former journalist who now works in the not-for-profit sector as a media and communications strategist and has worked with Australian Red Cross, St Kilda Mums and the Council to Homeless Persons. She lives in Port Phillip with her husband and two children, as does her extended family. |
|
|
Jack Halliday Co-owner of Melbourne's original independent bookshop, Cosmos, in Acland St from 1985 to 2005, Jack formed the first Acland Street Traders Association. He has had long involvement in Port Phillip community groups, starting with St Kilda Park Primary School Council and currently Port Phillip Emergency Climate Action Network (PECAN). |
|
|
John Spierings Social policy researcher and analyst, with senior experience in Australian philanthropy. He is a former St Kilda Councillor and Mayor and a former senior policy adviser to The Hon Julia Gillard AC. Holds a PhD in Australian business management 1918-1940. |
|
|
Krystyna Kynst Community activist and founding member of Esplanade Alliance (save live music at the Espy) and Unchain St Kilda (overturn the Triangle development). Used her background in economics and business administration (MBA) to build a career in corporate communication, event production, and public relations. Also, an occasional circus performer - aerials. |
|
|
Peter Moraitis A TAFE and University teacher for many years in Melbourne’s western suburbs. He has taught writing in a range of TAFE courses. More recently, he has campaigned in Port Phillip on the climate crisis. |
|
|
Rhonda Small Public health researcher, mother and grandmother and former President of St Kilda Park Primary School and Elwood College Councils. Committee member of Community Alliance of Port Phillip (CAPP), and its rep on the Port Phillip Emergency Climate Action Network (PECAN). |
|
|
Simon Kosmer Graphic Designer, bike wanderer, local trader, Simon follows a long legacy of social democrats fighting injustice and serving community. An ALP member since school, he has worked with elected members of all levels of government. |
if you see any of us on the streets of Port Phillip, feel free to stop and ask us about Progressive Port Phillip!
Anyone living or working in the City of Port Phillip can get involved in Progressive Port Phillip by signing up on our website to receive our e-newsletter, volunteer, participate in our events or donate to our community campaign.