Our board

Andy is passionate about protecting the desert environment for future generations to understand, respect, and enjoy. Andy has a background in natural resource management and community development, both in Australia and internationally. In the NT he has worked with First Nations peoples on caring for country, land rights and Native Title. He is currently studying groundwater science in order to better understand and advocate for groundwater, our most precious asset.

Faron is a Traditional Owner and native holder of Mparntwe (ALice Springs). Faron has lived experiences through the Northern Territory, Central Queensland and Pilbara region of Western Australia. He is actively involved at community and board levels with a recent appointment as a member on the Witjira National Park Co-management Board (South Australia). Faron has worked in government, mining, remote community services, land management and pastoral sectors. These experiences and insights have equipped Faron to engage, manage, develop and implement strategic and operational outcomes to benefit the community and Indigenous people. He enjoys sharing his passion to highlight the needs and opportunities for collaboration for people and community to share a stronger bond for the future in how we collectively respect and look after country. His other passions are his cultural connections with the Wangjangurru, Lower-Southern Arrernte and Dagoman lands.

Harpal Singh Sandhu was born in a small kale farming village at Amritsar Punjab, India. Since arriving in Australia in 2011, Harpal Singh has been an active member of the Gurmat Parchar Sewa Society (GPSS) Australia. He has volunteered with the Arid Lands Environment Centre since 2018 and has been a Board member since 2023. Harpal Singh is also a member of Red Cross Australia and the Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia, who support culturally and linguistically diverse new Centralians.

Dianna arrived in Alice Springs in 2001 and has worked for Ngaanyatjarra Council, the Women's Museum of Australia and currently the Central Land Council. She has been an active member of the Central Australian Frack Free Alliance since 2015.

Andrea is a Paediatrician working across Central Australia. She grew up, studied and worked in rural towns around the country, and enjoys trail running, trekking, camping and bird watching. Andrea is particularly interested in the importance of healthy country, waters and skies to the health and wellbeing of people.

Ned is an environmentalist, social justice advocate, academic, peacebuilder, and historian. Ned has a passion for social and environmental justice and has been involved in community activism and organising since the age of 17. While she has only been in the Territory since 2022, she has a deep love for the place and its people – Ned left behind a career as a lecturer to follow her heart to the Territory on a whim, without a plan or job. She regrets nothing.

Maree works as a Senior Digital Consultant in the field of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, with a background in environmental advocacy as the former Coordinator of the North Queensland Conservation Council. Relatively new to the Central Desert region, she brings a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to community-led campaigns. Maree is inspired by the unique biodiversity of the desert and is passionate about wildflowers, birdwatching, hiking and trail running.

Kim has lived in Central Australia for 16 years, after falling in-love with the country and community. Kim's first job was with ALEC setting up the Eastside Community Garden, which is now a raging success and community hub. Kim have served as an elected member on the Alice Springs Town Council, and currently runs their own business in Mparntwe. Kim is a graduate of the AICD. 

Lauren has lived in the Central Desert region since 2020, after immigrating to Australia in 2016 from the UK. She brings over 10 years of experience in the construction industry across a variety of sectors, along with a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing regional and remote communities. Lauren is passionate about supporting sustainable economic growth while recognising the importance of protecting environmentally and culturally significant areas, and values approaches that balance development with the long term protection of the region.