CHAIR

Steve is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is the Deputy Chair of Lotterywest, Chair of its Audit Committee and a Commissioner of the Healthway Board. He is a member of the National Retail Group at Metcash Ltd and has held senior roles at Bankwest and worked nationally with Westpac, NAB and IAG.

Steve brings a wealth of business experience as the owner of his multi-award winning IGA store in Swanbourne. He was the founder and Managing Director of Farm to Table and awarded an OAM for his service to the community.

Steve has a deep-rooted connection with Rottnest Island being a passionate advocate for conservation and frequent visitor since his childhood.

DEPUTY CHAIR

Graham was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Council and served as a minister for 7 years in portfolios including Sport and Recreation, Police, Consumer Affairs, Youth and the Aged. He was leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council before retiring from state parliament in 1997.

In 1998 Graham was elected to the Federal seat of Cowan where he served for 9 years as Deputy Chair of the Joint Senate standing committee on Defence, Foreign Affairs and Trade and Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs.

Graham is a strong supporter of the Rottnest Foundation providing input to disability access solutions and wildlife conservation. He is a long term and regular visitor to the Island.

TREASURER

Vicki has enjoyed an involvement with Rottnest for over 40 years both on the island and as boat owner with a mooring at Rocky Bay. Vicki has a keen interest in native WA flora and fauna conservation, along with conservation and restoration of the built environment. Vicki has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from UWA and is a Graduate member of the AICD.

In 2022 Vicki took on the role of Rottnest Foundation Treasurer, undertaking all financial reporting and governance duties.

SECRETARY

Kate has over fifteen years experience in the tertiary education sector as an academic in the School of Occupational Therapy at Curtin University. Whilst living in London in 2016, she became involved in the London Chapter of the Rottnest Foundation and upon her return to Perth in 2018, joined the board. She has a keen interest in history and trails.

Kate has held the role of Board Secretary for 2 years and was Chair of the Board recruitment subcommittee.

BOARD MEMBER

Sue holds an MBA and qualifications in Social Work, Health Education, Public Sector Management, Project Management and Tour Guiding. Her career spans community services, Aboriginal employment, tourism and economic development. She has worked in all spheres of government. Sue’s connection to Wadjemup is life-long and she is committed to the conservation of its unique values.

BOARD MEMBER

Paula has broad experience in the media and marketing industry. In her 10-year agency experience she worked on the digital strategy, planning and implementation on some of Western Australia’s biggest clients, including Tourism Western Australia, Lotterywest, HBF and Crown Resorts. She has a Bachelor of Commerce from Curtin University and is a strong believer in the power of social media and digital marketing to drive influence and decision.

“I believe my involvement in assisting with the social media for the Rottnest Foundation will help improve the engagement and awareness of the younger demographic who I would see are the key growth demographic to drive change for conservation and environmental issues.”

BOARD MEMBER

Yvonne is an accomplished CEO and Non-Executive Director on several boards, with broad strategic experience in public health, disability, medical research, and the community sector.

She has substantial not-for-profit management experience in the retail and corporate sectors. Her skills and expertise include strategic, financial, and operational management, audit and risk, people and culture, consumer representation and advocacy, as well as philanthropy and fundraising.

BOARD MEMBER

Simon is a commercially focused company director with a 20 year track record of opening up new markets, opportunities and revenue streams in multiple sectors and international regions. With a background in marketing and communications, he has developed, introduced and marketed new innovative products and services, often in challenging financial, commercial and competitive situations. Simon co-directed the London Chapter of the Rottnest Foundation.

BOARD MEMBER

John has worked across print media as a journalist, sub editor and is founder of the weekly community newspaper Perth Voice. Holding an impressive range of positions within the State and Federal Governments; including Director of the Government Media Office (12 years) and Senior Media Adviser to the Minister for Resources.

For the past five years, he has dedicated his time to volunteering; providing employment support services and sharing his expertise of two advisory groups in his local community of Belmont. He is also a busy JP and a committee member of the Royal Association of Justices Western Australia and Vice Chair of the Bali Memorial Association.

CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

Sally brings extensive experience in the tourism industry, working for not-for-profit associations, securing and managing corporate and government grant projects, developing membership services, and having a broad understanding of Rottnest Island’s unique and fragile environment.

Sally is a former Rottnest Island Authority Board member, RIA Governance Enhancement Committee member and Rottnest Island Tourism Advisory Committee Member. She was the inaugural Executive Officer of Tourism Council WA and Pacific Asia Travel Association Sustainable Tourism Board member. She is a current executive committee member of the Forum Advocating Cultural and EcoTourism and Australian Tourism Awards judge.

ADMINISTRATION AND MEMBERSHIP OFFICER

Emma is an administration and marketing professional, with more than 15 years’ experience in supporting executive function and assisting with campaign and project management.

She has a Bachelor of Business from Swinburne University and has a special interest in content creation and using data to drive better strategic decisions.

LIFE MEMBER

Pat Barblett, AM founder of the Rottnest Foundation in 1985, is a leader in the field of conservation and park management of WA’s unique environment. Pat was the first woman appointed to the Rottnest Island Authority Board, serving for 16 years, the last 3 as Chair.  Her achievements during her time were many including; the first Rottnest Environmental Interpretation Plan, establishment of the Rottnest Museum, converting the Kingstown Army Barracks into the Rottnest Environmental Education Centre & Youth Hostel, establishing the Rottnest Voluntary Guides and Chairing the Rottnest Hospital Board.

LIFE MEMBER

Courtney was a member of the Rottnest Foundation from 2002 to 2020. He has held positions of acting Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. For some 15 years Courtney has volunteered his time to monitor the health and population of Rottnest’s birdlife, in particular the Osprey and reptile and amphibian populations.

LIFE MEMBER

Pauline served on the Board as Foundation Treasurer from 2009 to 2019. Following her departure from the Board, Pauline continued to support the Foundation in the role of Finance Officer until handing over this responsibility in 2021. Her contribution as a Board member and volunteer is greatly appreciated.

LIFE MEMBER

Jeff has given unstinting service to the Rottnest Foundation as Chairman of the organisation from 2009 - 2022. Jeff chaired the Steering Committee of the Wadjemup Bidi walk trail project and was the driving force behind many fundraising initiatives. Always passionate about promoting the value of partnering with the Foundation, professional and approachable, Jeff’s love of Wadjemup is unwavering.

LIFE MEMBER

Pauline worked tirelessly for 15 years for the Rottnest Foundation, between 2007 - 2022, 13 years of which in a voluntary capacity. She held positions of Secretary and Executive Officer.

Considered ‘the rock’ of our organisation, Pauline always went the extra mile for the Foundation, working with all members and stakeholders in a professional and dedicated manner. She was always available, always with a smile and remains totally dedicated to the conservation of Wadjemup.

DESIGN

Trenna studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Curtin University and Production Design at WAAPA. Her work experiences have been many and varied, all focused around design and creativity; corporate identity (the Rottnest Foundation logo), illustration, set or costume design, event design and tertiary level teaching. Rottnest has long been a great inspiration for Trenna and she thoroughly enjoys the extended connection that involvement with the Rottnest Foundation gives her.