Andrew Nicholson

HOPE Senior Researcher QLD

Andrew developed a strong childhood curiosity and love for the natural world as he grew up in 1960s Britain. That led to an early interest in nature conservation and on to study for one of the first interdisciplinary environmental science degrees offered in the UK, in the mid-1970s. Later he trained as a social worker and developed a career in Australian and UK community corrections, juvenile justice, child protection and adult probation sectors.

Throughout his social work career Andrew was often struck by a backdrop of social injustice, poverty and disadvantage and its diverse links to anti-social behaviour. Equally, he never lost sight of his earlier physical environment protection interests. A recurrent theme for him during those years was the search for a social work role which might combine environmental protection and social justice objectives. Although not available during his time in social work it is heartening to see that, finally, there is a growing professional interest in the development of green and eco-social work approaches and roles within his old profession.

Now retired, Andrew maintains his interest in helping our communities progress toward a genuinely sustainable future. In the last few years, he has worked with HOPE and other organisations to develop several podcast series for that purpose. That work has helped outline some of the paths we can take toward a preferred future and away from continued, destructive business as usual.

When not involved with volunteer work Andrew enjoys walking, cycling, reading and occasionally listening to loud rock music.

Andrew’s academic credentials:

• BSc (Hons) Environmental Science, University of East Anglia, UK (1977)
• Master of Arts in Social Work, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK (1984)
• Master of Environmental Education, Griffith University, Brisbane (2000)
• Master of Science by research. The Role of Exhibited Environmental Art in Public Engagement with Environmental Sustainability, University of New England, Armidale (2018)

Anna moved to Queensland from New Zealand in April 2021 and started volunteering with HOPE in the same year. She has a medical background in Radiation Therapy with a Post Graduate Certificate in Public Health. Previously, Anna worked as an Advisor at the Ministry of Health of New Zealand and has volunteered for humanitarian not-for-profit groups on a casual basis.

Anna has always been keen on exploring her own ‘backyard’, first in NZ and now in Queensland. She is passionate about protecting the natural landscape and its inhabitants. In recent years Anna has worked on reducing her household’s carbon footprint, planting a bee, bird and butterfly friendly garden, conserving water by using tank rainwater, installing solar panels and learning more about local environmental issues.

Anna is currently a stay at home mother to her two children and is enjoying writing and learning about local environmental champions and their conservation efforts in Australia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Callum was born in Brisbane and raised in rural Queensland for the majority of his life. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Criminology from the University of Queensland, as well as a Post-Graduate Degree in Public Policy from Queensland University of Technology. His background in policy, justice, and government allows him to engage in environmental issues from a policymaking perspective.

Callum had been engaged in local environmental activity through personal life in rural farming towns, witnessing the struggle between the agricultural industry and environmental practices. He is interested in the promotion of a circular economy, government intervention, and socially responsible labour.

Callum volunteers with a handful of other organisations including an independent school focused on holistic education and community values. He also writes independent research papers in the field of Australian policy and industrial relations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank first heard about Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc. in the early1990s and he was immediately drawn to its Charter of advancing ‘environmental stewardship’ on both a personal level and as a community.

Upon moving to Toowoomba, Qld in 1993, he set up a local branch of HOPE to share its philosophy and to encourage greater advocacy for sustainable living.

Over the next decade or so, Frank was able to spread the message of HOPE and Its Charter throughout Queensland – building a strong network of members and supporters.

In 2007, Frank and his local team took steps to formally establish HOPE nationally as an Incorporated Association. 15 years later, Frank is still passionate about safeguarding our environment and helping HOPE achieve its goals!

On a personal note, Frank’s leisure pursuits include listening to music, watching AFL footy matches, gardening, going for walks with his wife Mary; and RESTING, when time permits!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am an Australian citizen, originally from the UK with a Masters and nascent PhD from Edinburgh University in Informatics. I have three published papers and undertook about 130 evidence summaries for a systematic review organisation (JBI).

With a passion for data and its use in illustrating the way information can and should be used, I have a long-standing commitment to climate concerns. Previous work with Greenpeace and the Wilderness Society adds to my many attendances at peaceful demonstrations from anti-whaling to anti-war protests. Work on fracking as research coordinator when in Western Australia consolidated my views on the dangers of this technology and the risk of seeking profit and productivity ahead of posterity.

My work has been predominantly in the public sector where roles were focussed on information and data governance with some research and policy where found. Whatever my role, I have used skills in data cleansing to analyse and try to describe patterns and inferences. As such I am a critical thinker and don’t bend to pressure if I have evidence-based practice. Now, I am somewhat absorbed in improving my skills in PowerBI and Excel.

Recreationally, I am a news /current affairs follower and try to be engaged in the local state and federal landscape. I also read avidly when not absorbed in job applications. Previously a keen swimmer I cycle locally and walk continuously. I play the violin extremely badly and tried to find a local orchestra without success.

Jason was originally from the UK and he moved to Australia in 2011. His background is in the biological and environmental sciences (BSc. Joint Honours Biochemistry and Marine Biology; MSc. Environmental Management).

Currently, Jason is working at Federation University in Berwick as a Facilities Officer and he is the President of the Lions Club of Pakenham (another community-based, volunteer organisation). At HOPE, he assists with media activities and writing newsletter articles.

Jason joined HOPE because he is very interested in environmental issues. He wanted to make a contribution towards environmental matters as well as develop skills and knowledge that could be of use elsewhere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kerry has been a member of HOPE for so many years she cannot recall when she joined. She usually fulfils the role of general helper. Currently Kerry is the Secretary, taking minutes at meetings and do whatever Frank asks of her. She has a fairly eclectic background in the education industry so she has a raft of skills that she can use for HOPE from helping to maintain the website, to compiling booklets and pamphlets, and creating art for small projects. And, of course, writing and editing letters, minutes, and other proposals. She is also adept at using Word, Excel, Acrobat, and programs like InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator etc.

Kerry enjoys being part of HOPE. She likes the central tenet of HOPE, which is think globally, act locally. It acknowledges that “the earth is what we all have in common, and that for each of us the link between the earth (or nature) and we human beings should not be broken. The environment is the one thing we all share.”

There is so little that individuals can do when it comes to the big ideas of “sustainability”, “environmental degradation” and so on. But she likes the idea that if she does all that she can in her little patch to be a faithful steward, she can help save this land for future generations. And she is optimistic. She believes that thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. The whole issue of climate change and global warming gives her hope because if it is the result of human activity, then it means humans can change the outcome. That probably means changing peoples’ mindset on many things and for Kerry, that is summed up by something she read about the proper use of science not being to conquer nature but to live in it.

Kerry is retired from the workforce now. She spent the best part of 40 years trying to work out what job she wanted to be when she grew up and it turns out the job, she likes best is being retired. But she likes helping people and that was the most consistent trait in all her varied jobs while working for the bank to pay off the mortgage.

When Kerry is not doing things for HOPE, she enjoys trying new recipes, improving on old ones, sipping red wines (any wines actually), re-reading loved books, watching World Movies, and gardening. Her favourite quote about the garden is from Audrey Hepburn: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

Liz Pennington

My name is Lizzie, I’m 25 and from Nottingham, UK. My interest in conservation and sustainability started when I began my biology degree back in 2017 and I am really enjoying getting back into research by writing for the HOPE newsletters!

In my spare time, I love running, reading, travelling and I have recently completed my level 2 freediving certificate in Thailand. I am also keen to complete my scuba diving PADI while I’m here and I am excited to get involved with as much environmental conservation work as possible!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia and have always had an interest in environmental conservation and protection. Growing up, I was involved in various community events such as bushcare groups and Clean Up Australia Day’s. I also always enjoyed gardening and learning about our native environments, locally and worldwide.

After graduating from high school, I moved on to study Marketing at Macquarie University from which I graduated with my Bachelor Degree in early 2024.

I have worked in marketing and customer-oriented roles throughout my career in various industries. This has given me great insights and broadened my perspectives, allowing me to gain knowledge in areas such as modern technology and cloud computing, as well as financial services.

I joined the team at HOPE with a vision to use my education and skillset to further the objectives of the HOPE organisation and give back to society through an area that I am passionate about.

I love to read and enjoy most genres across both fiction and non-fiction. I also love to create art, whether drawing, painting, or digitally. I love to give back to my communities through my volunteer work and advocacy for my areas of interest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am an environmental scientist from Perth, with a strong interest in organics, ecology and botany/wildflowers.

I have worked in conservation and sustainability. I also enjoy going to the gym.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shuri Matsumoto

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yaoyao graduated from Swinburne University of Technology and currently works as a full-time software developer.

She handles website maintenance tasks at HOPE to ensure the smooth operation and functionality of the website. She has been with HOPE for two years and enjoys working in the organization. Yaoyao believes that being part of the organization and supporting its web tasks help raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment.

She is also passionate about tackling challenging tasks and has a strong commitment to continuous learning.