New Board Appointments
The Rottnest Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of four long time advocates of Wadjemup to its Board and wish to acknowledge and sincerely thank outgoing Chair, Jeff King OAM and Board Member, Phoebe Carre.
New Board Appointments
Stephen Carre OAM has been appointed as Chair of the board for a three-year term.
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 was 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.
Graham Edwards AM has been appointed as Deputy Chair for a three-year term.
Graham is a former politician, Australian soldier and veterans advocate.
Graham was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Council and served as a minister for 7 years and leader of the opposition.
He held the Federal seat of Cowan for 9 years and was the 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, and is a long term and regular visitor to the Island.
Additional new board members include:
Paula Greten, who brings broad experience in digital strategy and planning from the media and marketing industries; and
Yvonne Parnell, an accomplished CEO in the for-purpose sector and Non-Executive Director on several boards. Yvonne has extensive experience in public health, disability, medical research, and the community sector.
The four new members join reappointed and existing board members: Kate Atkins, Sue Campbell, John McMath, Vicki Taylor, Louise Watson and Simon Williams.
Retiring Members
After 14 years of dedicated service, Chair Jeff King OAM, retired from the Board. Jeff was Chair of the Rottnest Foundation from 2009 - 2022. A popular, well-respected member of the community, he has been widely acknowledged both on and off the island for his volunteering commitments. Duly recognised in 2021 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his service to conservation, Jeff continues to be a passionate member of the Foundation and an advocate for Wadjemup.
A special acknowledgment also to our other retiring Board Member, Phoebe Carre. Phoebe was instrumental in the redevelopment of the Foundation’s website and social media platforms. Her expertise in marketing and digital technology was highly valued.