Our Patron

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Janet Holmes à Court, AC

Janet Holmes à Court is owner of the Janet Holmes à Court Collection. She is Chair of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA). She is a Board Member of the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) and the Australian Institute of Architects Foundation (AIAF). Janet is also a member of the Centenary Trust for Women Board of Advisors at the University of Western Australia, the State Buildings Advisory Board Western Australia and Commissioner for Australia for the Venice Architecture Biennale. She has won numerous awards, including a Companion of the Order of Australia and named 2018 Western Australian of the Year Arts & Culture.

Meet the Board

  • Steve Carre, OAM

    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.

  • Graham Edwards, AM

    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.

  • Vicki Taylor

    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.

  • Kate Atkins

    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.

  • Sue Campbell

    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.

  • Paula Greten

    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.”

  • Yvonne Parnell

    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.

  • Simon Williams

    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.

  • John Arthur

    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.

  • Sally Hollis

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE 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.

  • Emma Wilson

    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 Members

  • Pat Barblett, AM

    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.

  • Courtney J Wheatley

    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.

  • Pauline Casey

    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.

  • Jeff King, OAM

    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.

  • Pauline McMullan

    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.

Ambassadors

Jeff King, OAM

Jeff was announced as the very first Ambassador of the Rottnest Foundation Ambassador Program, launched on the 17th October, 2022 by Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Hon Roger Cook MLA.

Rottnest Foundation Ambassadors are selected to help promote the Foundation through the wider community and to assist in securing external funding and support for Foundation projects.

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.

Sandy Barblett

Sandy Barblett, a London-based partner in Ironbridge Capital, was appointed as the Rottnest Foundations second Ambassador in November, 2023.

Sandy has been at the helm of the Rottnest Foundation London Chapter since 2017. Under his guidance, nearly $100,000 has been donated through an annual fundraising event that brings together UK-based Rottnest Island enthusiasts.

He has more than 25 years in senior management within mining, resources, and clean technology.

He has served as a director and advisor to diverse firms on UK and Australian stock exchanges, specialising in private equity, fundraising, market admissions, and strategic management.

His appointment was announced by the chairman of the Rottnest Foundation, Mr Steve Carre, OAM at the 2023 AGM.

“Sandy's infectious personality, unwavering dedication to the Rottnest Foundation (founded by his mother Pat), and genuine love for the island fuel his passionate commitment and translate into valuable funding for the cause as well as awareness of the foundation,” Mr Carre said.

Andy Fethers

Andy Fethers, a former professional sailor who holds two World Sailing titles and has competed for the America’s Cup four times, was appointed as the Rottnest Foundation’s newest Ambassador. 
 
He is currently the CEO of the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, a role he took after four years educating sailors, both corporate and performance, as Swan River Sailing’s Executive Officer and the Regional Manager of Australian Sailing (WA). 

Andy remains the Technical Delegate to World University Sport (FISU) for Sailing and in his position as CEO of the RFBYC oversees one of the largest youth training centres in Australia.  

On his appointment, Andy said, “I am delighted to be offered this Ambassador opportunity. I, too, am passionate about the mission to retain the “Essence of Rottnest”.  As a child, our family religiously came to the island and stayed for three weeks on a tiny 24-foot yacht; for me, that was 500 free hours of sailing which gave me a competitive advantage in my professional sailing career and has cemented a love affair for the island that I am sure we all share.” 

John Langoulant

John is currently based in London as the Agent General for Western Australia in the United Kingdom/Europe regions, however he has a strong connection to Rottnest Island, including chairing the Rottnest Island Authority Board from 2017 to 2021.

A prominent Perth advocate, John has many years’ experience in leadership positions across strategic infrastructure planning, banking, finance and superannuation, the utilities sectors, super-computing, tourism and recreation, higher education, disability services reform, aged care and the arts. This experience has included appointments to a range of well-known organisations including NDIS, WA Parks Foundation, Westpac Group, Curtin University, the Western Australian Ballet, the Lester Prize and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia.

He has also been awarded an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2010 and was made the Western Australian Citizen of the Year for Business in 2011.

Mitch and Greta Marsh

Australian T20 Cricket Captain, Mitch Marsh and his wife Greta were excited to be appointed Ambassadors to the Rottnest Foundation.

“We have always loved Rottnest; it was a holiday destination for both our families when we were children and now plays an important part in our lives together,” said Mitch.

They share a passion, along with our other prominent Ambassadors, to conserve and enhance Wadjemup for future generations of families and visitors.

“We love Rotto for its natural beauty and we want to help keep it like that for future generations to enjoy. We are excited to be Ambassadors for the Rottnest Foundation and are keen to support it in ‘preserving the essence of Rottnest’.”

Karen Jacobs

Karen is a bloodline descendant and a Traditional Owner of Whadjuk Country, within the Noongar Nation.

She is a valued member of the Wadjemup Whadjuk Cultural Authority Reference Group and the Wadjemup Project Steering Group and has a deep understanding of Rottnest Island, its history and cultural significance.

Karen is the Sole Principal of Indigenous Economic Solutions Pty Ltd and has a strong interest and experience in environmental and conservation projects.

Currently Karen is the Chairperson of The Whadjuk Foundation Inc., Director of the Noongar Chamber of Commerce Industry, Vice Chair of the Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health and Panel Member for the State Design Review Panel, among many other important positions.

In the past Karen has served on the RIA Board, Tourism Australia Board and was a Commissioner on the Conservation Commission of WA.

Pro-bono support

  • Trenna Kerr

    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.