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We are a highly skilled, committed team with vast experience in health promotion, policy, research, communication, design and operations.

Caterina Giorgi, CEO of FARE

Caterina Giorgi

chief executive officer

Caterina Giorgi is the CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE). 

Caterina is also a Founding Member of Women in Public Health and Founder of For Purpose.

She is an Ambassador of NOFASD and has also previously served on the Boards of YMCA Canberra and Fair Agenda.

Caterina has an honours degree in public health and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). 

Caterina Giorgi is the CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE). 

Caterina is also a Founding Member of Women in Public Health and Founder of For Purpose.

She is an Ambassador of NOFASD and has also previously served on the Boards of YMCA Canberra and Fair Agenda.

Caterina has an honours degree in public health and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). 

Operations

Ayla Chorley

Operations Director & Company Secretary

Ayla is responsible for leading the Governance, Finance, Risk and HR functions at FARE. She works with the Leadership Team toward organisational sustainability, making sure that FARE has a long-lasting impact.

Ayla has held several senior operations roles across the not-for-profit and corporate sectors. She brings around a decade of experience as a purpose-driven leader in organisational design, people and culture, and HR strategy. She is currently pursuing a degree in medical science from the University of Adelaide.

Ayla is responsible for leading the Governance, Finance, Risk and HR functions at FARE. She works with the Leadership Team toward organisational sustainability, making sure that FARE has a long-lasting impact.

Ayla has held several senior operations roles across the not-for-profit and corporate sectors. She brings around a decade of experience as a purpose-driven leader in organisational design, people and culture, and HR strategy. She is currently pursuing a degree in medical science from the University of Adelaide.

The team

Karen Benedict
Financial Controller

Karen is responsible for maintaining efficient strategies and processes for the delivery of financial operations, such as financial reports, budgets, audits and compliance with statutory obligations.

The most rewarding part of the role is to know that her work contributes to helping people overcome adverse situations in their lives. 

Karen is a member of the CPA Australia and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) UK. She graduated with a Master of Business Administration and has over 15 years of experience in the international development aid sector.

Liam Hoang
Senior Finance Officer

Liam works closely with the Financial Controller to maintain FARE’s financial records. 

For Liam, supporting the team to reach the bigger goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle is the most rewarding part of the role. 

Liam is a member of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Australia. He graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting at Charles Darwin University and a Bachelor of Finance at the University of Toulon, France. 

Gabrielle Kuta
Office Coordinator

Gabrielle is responsible for Executive Assistance to the CEO, office management, governance and HR. 

For Gabrielle, supporting the team as they work to prevent alcohol harm in Australia is the most rewarding part of the role. 

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Classical Studies from the Australian National University in Canberra. 

Annette McCarthy
Executive Officer

Annette is responsible for governance, HR and special projects of the senior leadership team. 

Annette is a Warumungu woman from central Australia and has a strong sense of social justice. The most rewarding part of her role is supporting the team to create change to public policy and improve lives. Annette graduated with an Applied Science Degree from the University of Canberra and is currently studying human resource management. She brings a background in working with government, Aboriginal community controlled organisations, research, and the not-for-profit sector. 

Hannah Lance
Executive Support Officer


Hannah is responsible for executive support to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team across administration, projects, and stakeholder liaison.

For Hannah, the most rewarding part of her role is her involvement in projects and campaigns and witnessing the positive outcomes of this work.

Before joining FARE, Hannah held various governance and program roles in the Federal Government. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature) at Deakin University.

Marketing and Communications

Joanna Le

Joanna Le

Marketing and Communications Director

Joanna is responsible for overseeing communications and partnerships for the organisation.

Joanna has held a range of leadership roles in the not-for-profit and government sectors, with a focus on strategic communication, funding development, and community and stakeholder engagement.

She is a former Board Director of Women’s Legal Centre ACT and YWCA Canberra.

She holds a Master of Strategic Communication from the University of Canberra, and a Bachelor of Digital Media from the University of New South Wales.

Joanna is responsible for overseeing communications and partnerships for the organisation.

Joanna has held a range of leadership roles in the not-for-profit and government sectors, with a focus on strategic communication, funding development, and community and stakeholder engagement.

She is a former Board Director of Women’s Legal Centre ACT and YWCA Canberra.

She holds a Master of Strategic Communication from the University of Canberra, and a Bachelor of Digital Media from the University of New South Wales.

The team

Kristy Tass
Communications Manager 

Kristy is responsible for managing strategic communications and media relations at FARE, sharing the stories of our community, campaigns, and projects.

Kristy is committed in both her work life and personal life to destigmatising social issues and humanising injustice. Kristy has spent the last 14 years working in the community service sector leading strategic communications, fundraising, media, marketing, advocacy and events. 

Kristy holds a Bachelor of Communication (Hons) majoring in journalism and public relations from the University of Newcastle. 

Matthew Johnson
Senior Digital Media Advisor

Matt is responsible for planning and executing FARE’s digital and social media strategies, ensuring every online channel engages existing audiences and appeals to new supporters through considered, impactful and insights-led storytelling.

He is passionate about digital media’s ability to spark influential grassroots movements, give voice to those traditionally sidelined in important public debates and start powerful conversations around social justice and change. 

Before joining FARE, Matt spent seven years working in digital roles across several news organisations – most recently as a social media editor at 10 News First and online journalist at The New Daily. Matt graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism/Communications) from Melbourne’s Monash University.

Steven Rummukainen
Senior Designer

As the Senior Designer, Steven is responsible for graphic design and multimedia content creation, website development, videography, photography and producing publications and other print collateral. 

For Steven, creating design solutions that have the power to create positive change in our world is the most rewarding part of his role. 

He graduated with a Bachelor of Media Arts and Production, majoring in Graphic Design, from the University of Canberra. 

Kathryn Lewis
Senior Community Engagement Advisor

As the Senior Community Engagement Advisor, Kathryn leads FARE’s Voices of Change program and works with lived experience advocates to drive change that will prevent alcohol harms.

Kathryn is passionate about storytelling and working closely with communities to hold industry and government to account.

Before joining FARE, Kathryn was a media advisor with Environmental Justice Australia and was previously a journalist with the Canberra Times.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) from Monash University in Melbourne.

Lucy Smith
Senior Communications Advisor

Lucy is responsible for planning and delivering communications to support our priority projects, campaigns and partnerships.
 
She is passionate about the role of ethical storytelling in making the world a fairer, safer and healthier place.
 
Lucy has worked in communications roles at the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Asylum Seekers Centre, and previously she was a journalist at regional newspapers in Queensland. 
 
She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

Policy and Research

Dr Catherine Earl

Policy and Research director

Catherine is the Director of Policy and Research, where she is responsible for ensuring FARE’s advocacy and other activities are based on quality and up to date evidence about alcohol harms. 

For Catherine, the most rewarding part of the role is working with passionate and knowledgeable colleagues. Catherine has dedicated her career to social justice advocacy and has worked in various fields (NGO, politics and academia) and roles that push to improve systems and social policy.

She has a PhD from the University of South Australia, and holds Bachelor degrees from The University of Adelaide (Arts) and Flinders University (Social Work Hons). 

Catherine is the Director of Policy and Research, where she is responsible for ensuring FARE’s advocacy and other activities are based on quality and up to date evidence about alcohol harms. 

For Catherine, the most rewarding part of the role is working with passionate and knowledgeable colleagues. Catherine has dedicated her career to social justice advocacy and has worked in various fields (NGO, politics and academia) and roles that push to improve systems and social policy.

She has a PhD from the University of South Australia, and holds Bachelor degrees from The University of Adelaide (Arts) and Flinders University (Social Work Hons). 

The team

Dr Aimee Brownbill
Policy and Research Manager

Aimee is responsible for researching and advising on alcohol policy. She is currently leading a portfolio of work on digital marketing by harmful industries such as alcohol, gambling and highly processed unhealthy foods, exploring potential avenues for regulation in this space. 

For Aimee, working at the intersection of research, policy and advocacy is the most rewarding part of the role. 

Aimee has a PhD in Public Health from The University of Adelaide. In her previous roles, she has contributed to collaborative applied public health research projects in the fields of unhealthy food and sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol, and tobacco control.

Dr Jenny Goodare
Research Lead

Jenny leads work across FARE’s research portfolio to interpret data and translate research.

She has worked in policy and research for over a decade in the UK and Australia, including roles in politics, Parliament, academia and NGOs. As a strong advocate for social justice, Jenny is passionate about promoting transparency and accountability in the corporate and public sectors.

Jenny has an honours degree in biology and a PhD in History of Science, Technology and Medicine from the University of Manchester.  

Rodney Holmes
Senior Policy Advisor

Rodney is responsible for analysing, developing, and advocating policy. 

His passion is in researching, modelling, and communicating systemic policy drivers of positive social change, especially for social justice outcomes like preventing harm from alcohol. 

Before joining FARE, Rodney worked in public policy and in the social services sector, including AOD services, child and family support, and social housing. He has a Master of Politics and Policy from Deakin University. 

Dani Hunterford 
Policy and Advocacy Advisor

Dani is a Policy and Advocacy Advisor where she works across the policy and research team to support positive policy outcomes and advocacy strategies.

With a strong passion for social justice, working on policy that contributes to the health and wellbeing of our communities is the most fulfilling part of her role.

Dani graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Canberra in Political Science and International Relations and is pursuing a Master in Public Policy. In her previous roles, Dani has experience across various sectors including the NSW public service and in politics, where she worked on policies to support children and young people with nicotine dependence.

Health Programs

Kristie Cocotis

Health Program Director

Kristie is responsible for overseeing health promotion programs for the organisation.

Kristie has held a range of roles in the non-for-profit and local government sectors, with a focus on community engagement, access and health equity, health literacy and public health advocacy.

She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Melbourne, and a Bachelor of Science from Deakin University.

Kristie is responsible for overseeing health promotion programs for the organisation.

Kristie has held a range of roles in the non-for-profit and local government sectors, with a focus on community engagement, access and health equity, health literacy and public health advocacy.

She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Melbourne, and a Bachelor of Science from Deakin University.

The team

Rosemary White
Health Promotion Manager

Rosemary is responsible for working with stakeholders on the development and evaluation of Every Moment Matters 

For Rosemary, the integration of research, community engagement and stakeholder management to shape this nationwide campaign is the most rewarding part of her role.  

She has a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science (Psychology), and Bachelor of Social Work. 

Cameron Banks
Health Promotion Manager

Cameron works with a range of stakeholders to develop and implement FARE’s state-based health promotion programs and projects.

Cameron has experience working in a range of different sectors, but the not-for-profit sector is where his passion lies. He believes that working with people to deliver programs and projects that make a real difference to the community is what makes the work FARE does so rewarding.

He holds a Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science (Population Health) from University of Wollongong.

Susan Hickson
Senior Health Promotion Advisor

Susan works with a range of stakeholders to deliver projects, campaigns and resources that promote healthy behaviours. 

Health promotion to Susan is the art and science of helping people make healthy choices. This includes providing information in impactful ways, supporting people’s self-efficacy, and building environments that prioritise health over profits. 

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from Curtin University after a long career with NSW Health as a Health Information Manager.   

Claire Margan
Senior Health Promotion Advisor

Claire works with stakeholders on the development and implementation of Every Moment Matters. 

For Claire, working on health promotion programs that promote health equity, social justice and community empowerment is the most rewarding part of the role. 

She graduated with a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics from Griffith University on the Gold Coast. 

Carly Keene
Senior Health Promotion Advisor

Carly is responsible for playing an active role in the development, implementation and evaluation of FARE’s health promotion and behaviour change strategies and activities for Every Moment Matters. 

For Carly working in health promotion and public health is the most rewarding part of her role. 

She graduated with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics from Newcastle University and a Master of Public Health from Flinders University. 

Marie Hobden
Senior Health Promotion Advisor

Marie is responsible for working with stakeholders on the development and implementation of health promotion and behaviour change strategies for Every Moment Matters.

For Marie making a meaningful impact by promoting healthy behaviour and lifestyle choices is the most rewarding part of the role. 

She is an Endorsed Midwife and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with a Bachelor of Midwifery with honors from The University of Hull in the UK. 

Pearl Prabal
Senior Health Promotion Advisor

Pearl is a Senior Health Promotion Advisor responsible for working across teams to develop and implement health promotion and behaviour change strategies, content and activities to support the objectives of FARE’s health promotion programs and projects.

The most rewarding part of the role is driving change and enabling better health outcomes through workforce development, community education and advocacy.

Before joining FARE, Pearl was the Workforce Development Lead at LiverWELL Incorporating Hepatitis Victoria.

She graduated with a Master of Microbiology from India and a Master of Public Health from Monash University in Melbourne.

Angelene Bruce
Lived Experience Advisor

Angelene is a Lived Experience Advisor working within FARE’s National FASD Program. She is responsible for embedding the voice of lived experience in health promotion projects, resources and advocacy.

She is the biological mother to a thriving child diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or FASD. She is also a lived experience expert for NOFASD Australia and a member of the Victorian FASD Special Interest Group as well as a passionate advocate for FASD awareness and prevention.

Ange has extensive experience and training in all aspects of FASD and is dedicated to helping others understand how alcohol harms an unborn child’s brain and body with a strict no blame no shame policy for biological mothers. Ange has been featured in a range of media. Ange is a mentor/coach to parents and caregivers of children with FASD all over the world.

Jessica Birch
Lived Experience Advisor

Jessica is a Lived Experience Advisor working within FARE’s National FASD Program. She is responsible for embedding the voice of lived experience in health promotion projects, resources and advocacy.

For Jessica, awareness and action is key to reducing alcohol harm in this country. Collaborating with dedicated stakeholders, community leaders, and governments, while empowering individuals is the most rewarding part of her role.

Jessica is a representative on a number of national FASD advisory boards, committees and international advocacy groups, as well as contributing to clinical education and training at the University of WA.

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