The people on our committee have a long connection to, and history with, the City of Port Phillip – as residents, volunteers and activists. They are committed to social justice, the environment, the arts, and the well-being of our neighbourhoods and communities.
They bring a wealth of skills to Progressive Port Phillip’s activities, including organising events, writing articles and submissions, liaising with community groups and supporters, producing videos and working with social media.
“We are interested in local democracy and how we can work together to address local challenges, here and now.”
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| Ann Byrne AM Before retiring Ann worked in the finance sector particularly in the management of superannuation and advocated for the need for effective management of environmental, social and governance investment risk. Also volunteered in the aid sector as Board member of Oxfam Australia and ECAPT International. Involved in the Community Alliance of Port Phillip and a current Board member of Linden New Art. |
 | Bill O’Loughlin Bill O’Loughlin had a long career working in HIV/AIDS, Drug Harm Reduction, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Development both within Australia and other countries. . |
| Brenda Forbath Brenda worked as a teacher, social worker, industrial relations advocate and local government officer in Children’s Services. A long-term resident and advocate committed to the principles of fairness and equity, she is the founding member of the Community Alliance of Port Phillip (CAPP) and Secretary of the South Melbourne Community Chest. |
| Colin Sindall Worked in senior positions at state, national and international levels in public health policy and strategy for nearly three decades, following an earlier career in local government, social planning and community development in the UK and Australia. Resident of St Kilda for more than a decade, and an active member of Port Phillip Emergency Climate Action Network (PECAN). Currently involved in national and international initiatives focused on improving the wellbeing of people and planet, and the sustainable development agenda. |
| Isabelle Oderberg A former journalist who now works in the not-for-profit sector as a media and communications strategist and has worked with Australian Red Cross, St Kilda Mums and the Council to Homeless Persons. She lives in Port Phillip with her husband and two children, as does her extended family. |
| Jack Halliday Co-owner of Melbourne’s original independent bookshop, Cosmos, in Acland St from 1985 to 2005, Jack formed the first Acland Street Traders Association. He has had long involvement in Port Phillip community groups, starting with St Kilda Park Primary School Council and currently Port Phillip Emergency Climate Action Network (PECAN). |
| John Spierings Social policy researcher and analyst, with senior experience in Australian philanthropy. He is a former St Kilda Councillor and Mayor and a former senior policy adviser to The Hon Julia Gillard AC. Holds a PhD in Australian business management 1918-1940. |
 | Peter Moraitis A TAFE and University teacher for many years in Melbourne’s western suburbs. He has taught writing in a range of TAFE courses. More recently, he has campaigned in Port Phillip on the climate crisis. |
 | Rachel Powning Former Councillor and Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Rachel has a long history with NGOs, but now she works as a leader in the Community Justice sector. Rachel lives with her family in East St Kilda. |
| Rhonda Small Public health researcher with a PhD in Maternal Health. Long term local resident. Mother and grandmother and former President of St Kilda Park Primary School and Elwood College Councils. Previously a member and convener of the Community Alliance of Port Phillip and currently Progressive Port Phillip’s representative on PECAN (Port Phillip Emergency Climate Action Network). |
| Simon Kosmer Graphic Designer, wilderness enthusiast and bike wanderer, Simon follows a long legacy of social democrats, fighting injustice and advocating with propaganda for positive change in our community. Being a photographer, Simon doesn’t find himself on the business end of a camera very often, so here is his boat license photo instead. |
if you see any of us on the streets of Port Phillip, feel free to stop and ask us about Progressive Port Phillip!
Anyone living or working in the City of Port Phillip can get involved in Progressive Port Phillip by signing up on our website to receive our e-newsletter, volunteer, participate in our events or donate to our community campaign.