Starfish Governance

Starfish Initiatives (Starfish Enterprises Network Limited trading as) is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, with tax concessions.

Starfish is governed by a Board of Directors (see their profiles below), who are in turn accountable to the voting members and the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).

Until 30 June 2022, Starfish had also acted as trustee for Starfish Foundation.

A copy of Starfish’s Constitution can be downloaded here.

Director Profiles

Andrew Kirk

President

Andrew is a Chartered Accountant and registered tax agent with more than 20 years experience. He has a Bachelor of Financial Administration from UNE and is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia. Andrew is a Principal with accounting and financial advisory firm Forsyths.

Carol Mackerras

Vice President & Treasurer

Carol brings a broad interest in rural sustainability from a wide range of community roles. Carol has farmed on the Liverpool Plains with her husband for some 30 years, though recently relocated to the New England High Country. Carol has a background in teaching and financial management with roles in accounting, financial and counselling organisations. Carol was also President of SOS (Save Our Soils) Liverpool Plains for two years and was an organiser of the influential and successful ‘Taste of the Liverpool Plains’ events. Carol is a partner in Paddock Pantry.

Martha Saw

Secretary

Martha has a diverse background in communications, fundraising for not-for-profit and private entities, as well as multiple positions within territory and federal government. Martha’s recent experience includes the higher education sector and international timber industry.

Martha brings senior management experience strategy, policy, marketing, fundraising, sponsorship and communications.

Martha holds a Diploma of Agriculture (Animal Health & Welfare) (UNE) and qualifications in public policy, project management, fundraising, bookkeeping and secretarial studies.

Adam Blakester

Director & Sustainability Entrepreneur

Adam is a sustainability entrepreneur and social change strategist with diverse environmental, community, business and government experience.

With qualifications originally in accounting and taxation law, Adam blends strong business and organisational acumen with expertise in leadership, management, community development, facilitation and communication.

adam@starfish-initiatives.org
m: +61 (0) 419 808 900
t: +61 2 6775 2501