February has been a busy month for our growing team with a number of new appointments, internal shuffles and, sadly, also farewells.
Welcome Lesley
Lesley Vick joined us as the Coordinator Project Support on the Drought Resilience Leaders Program in February 2022.
A former change management consultant, Lesley brings an impressive background in systems integrations and organisational design in various industries, including mining, steel and retail.
After pivoting to the environmental sector, Lesley combined her extensive experience with a Natural Resource Management Certificate and a Masters in International Business to become a volunteer in Australia and abroad. Whether through the Australian Volunteer Corps or Olympic Games, Lesley has spent years sharing her knowledge with organisations and communities in need. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Lesley was a member of the Health Security Corps working with a social enterprise specialising in non-chemical mosquito control in Indonesia.
With the pandemic putting a stop to her international service, Lesley returned to Australia, settling at the Sunshine Coast. When not at work, Lesley can be found exploring Queensland’s coastline in her outrigger canoe, in her permaculture garden or volunteering with her local koala care centre.
Making the switch
Manager of our Drought Resilience Leaders Mentoring Program Kristy Frahm is moving across to a newly created role in our growing organisation. As Manager Programs Operations and Experience she is looking forward to reviewing the operational processes and program experience for participants across all of our programs.
Kristy says it has been a privilege to see the mentoring program from its early stages through to a network of more than 400 people from across the country.
‘Hearing from people who are now connecting with each other from all parts of Australia is heartening. It’s the intention of the program, to bring people together and to grow networks and support each other towards realising their goals in whatever area they define them in. It’s great to see that happening now. I look forward to welcoming another cohort of participants who are invested in ag in the next round.’
The National Farmers Federation’s Leadership Projects Coordinator Kristy Barber will temporarily step into the mentoring program manager role.
Farewell Marzanne and Gagandeep
After one year, Marzanne Els, our Drought Resilience Leaders Program Coordinator leaves us for her dream role in public service, while Assistant Accountant Gagandeep Singh also moves on to take the next step in his career.
‘My highlight working here are the people I have met. Both internally and externally, I have talked to people who I probably would never have come across if I hadn’t been working here.’
Marzanne Els
