Peta is an experienced educator in the Northern Rivers, teaching young people and working with families to help students reach their full potential. A former career in broadcasting, in Australia and internationally, brings a full suite of media and communications skills to WHNR. A proud feminist, Peta is committed to ensuring the best outcomes for women and children across the Bundjalung region.

Shantala considers herself an intersectional feminist and believes in working towards dismantling misogyny and patriarchal systems. Her feminism actively includes women of colour, trans women, sex workers, queer women and differently abled women. Her working life spans the banking and finance sector, running an outdoor education business, teaching and for the last ten years working for Corrective Services NSW. During this time she has taken on numerous leadership roles across the department that include the management of Community Corrections offices from Tweed Heads to Grafton. This, as well as recently completing her master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice, has given her a unique perspective on the impact and sources of men’s violence against women, a cause she has a passion for addressing. Shantala is grateful to live and work on Bundjalung land.

Sarah has more than twenty years’ experience in health and community development across government, universities and the NGO sector. Over the past decade, she has held leadership positions at Healthy North Coast and the Regional Australia Institute, where her work focused on regional health, wellbeing and resilience. She brings experience in governance, research and management to WHNR. Sarah has a Master of Participatory Development and is currently completing a PhD on community participation in regional planning. She is passionate about gender equity and ensuring women’s experiences inform the systems and services that affect their lives.

Amy is Northern Rivers Community Foundation’s Women’s Giving Circle Coordinator. She has been involved in local women’s networks for many years as the previous coordinator of Sourdough Business Women. Amy is also an advocate for local farmers, chefs and food and beverage producers. She has a Master of Gastronomic Tourism and believes supporting our local producers is the key to helping communities thrive for locals and visitors alike.

Jess is an Endorsed Midwife with over 30 years experience in health, including midwifery continuity of care, education, research & project management.  Jess is deeply committed to midwifery care that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive & in partnership with women. She has a Masters in Midwifery, specialising in leadership & management.  Jess currently works for NSW Health as a Clinical Midwifery Specialist supporting Aboriginal women & families across the Richmond Valley, on beautiful Bundjalung Country.