Our team

John has a PhD in Geography and a Masters in Geography and Environmental Planning. He has worked for over 20 years across academia, government, and community organisations, including leading policy and research teams within the New Zealand government, as well as leading Te Ngira: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Institute for Population Research (formerly NIDEA). John has a specific interest in the research, policy and practice nexus and using research in meaningful ways to support and empower communities.

Sue Grigg has over 25 years’ experience in the social justice arena. She has worked in consulting, in research and for government, but the bulk of her career has been in the not-for-profit sector leading and managing programs with a particular focus on people with the most complex needs. Sue is overseeing Jesuit Social Services’ work in the Northern Territory and New South Wales.

With a PhD in Geography, Haydie has worked for many years in interdisciplinary teams across university and community settings on research projects addressing social and environmental inequities and our complex relationships with place and belonging. She has run a professional editing business since 2009, engaging with a range of contemporary research across the social sciences and arts.

Kate is a health promotion practitioner with experience working across a range of organisations within women’s health, primary care partnerships, community services, and state government agencies. She has led and coordinated a number of local and state-wide projects and programs, supported by her interest and expertise in partnerships and place-based approaches. Kate has a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) and Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours – Health Promotion) and has a strong interest in community-based approaches to supporting climate change and health equity. Kate is also a committee member of the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) Vic/Tas branch. Joining the Centre in 2023, she is looking forward to supporting and growing the Centres’ strategic engagement and impact.

Katrina joined the Centre for Just Places in 2021, bringing experience in social and environmental policy research and project implementation to the role. Katrina has coordinated and contributed to a range of projects with the public and third-sector – from climate change adaptation to energy affordability. Katrina has a particular interest in the capacity of individuals and communities to develop locally responsive solutions to complex problems. Katrina continues to learn and develop her skills, and is passionate about research, action, and advocacy engaging with climate justice. Katrina has a Masters of Public Policy, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours – Politics and International Studies).

Lucy brings over 15 years’ experience working across community programs in the essential services, community health and not for profit sector. With extensive experience in program management, stakeholder and community engagement, Lucy enjoys collaborating with diverse, cross-sector stakeholders to drive meaningful social and organisational outcomes. Using research, data and the voice of lived experience, Lucy is passionate about bringing stakeholders together to facilitate opportunities for collective action.

Jack grew up on four different continents, everywhere witnessing the interconnectedness of social and environmental injustice. This has taken him on a journey from approaching our ecological crisis as a physical problem requiring technical solutions, supporting research and business development in recycling and climate-smart agriculture, to understanding the social drivers of vulnerability and the need for systemic, transformative change. He has a Bachelor of Engineering and a Masters of Environment and is passionate about connecting with and building the capacity of the community sector, local governments and communities to ensure the most marginalised are prioritised in building a just society.

Bianca has a background in community mental health, working directly with participants experiencing intersecting mental health issues, in group facilitation and program development. Bianca’s direct client work has influenced her belief in communities of care, including more than our human relationships, as central to transformative mental wellbeing. Bianca utilises her background in psychology to bring a narrative analysis to human consciousness change and to centre emotions as a path to understanding belonging to the wider network of all things. This led Bianca to pursue voluntary work in communications and facilitation with Psychology for a Safe Climate and as a mentor with urban nature connection program, Firekeepers, which she holds alongside her role with the Centre for Just Places.

Patrick is a demographer and sociologist, and holds degrees from the University of Waikato, New Zealand. His work includes roles at Swinburne University of Technology focused on the evaluation of equity initiatives, and he also holds a research fellowship in the Centre for Health and Social Practice at Waikato Institute of Technology, New Zealand. Patrick is an active researcher in areas including regional inequities, especially in education; tertiary education and training; and ethnic identity and disparities.

Anna is a recognised leader and motivator with a background in community strengthening and primary prevention work in the health and wellbeing sectors. Passionate about working with communities to develop and drive better long-term outcomes, she brings expertise in building trusted stakeholder relationship and empowering local community voices. Anna has experience in both strategic policy development and program design with government, and on the ground implementation with local community organisations. Working with Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations throughout her career has shaped her commitment to community control and bringing strong stakeholder voices to her work.

Ned is the Climate Justice Project Officer for the Northern Territory. She has a PhD in Environmental History & Peace Studies, and a Masters in Environmental Advocacy.  Ned has worked for over twenty years across a range of environmental advocacy roles, including professional roles within academia and the NGO sector, paired with a lifetime of community-based activism – since the age of 17, Ned has been involved with, and has often led, grassroots social and environmental causes. Ned is passionate about cultivating place-based strategies and understandings, uniting theory and practice in her approach to community building and social & environmental justice.