Holly began her career specialising in media and issues management, working for several Federal Government agencies and Ministers. While she still loves nothing more than the adrenaline rush of issues management, her real passion lies in ensuring every Australian has their say on what matters to them.
At age 29, Holly pitched an idea to establish a dedicated community engagement team for the NSW Environment Protection Authority to ensure the community’s concerns were treated as a priority, and with care and compassion, when faced with environmental issues. Over 18 months, she grew from 2 people located in Sydney to a team of 10 dedicated specialists located around the State. Holly was recognised for her work engaging the community in 2018 when she was awarded the NSW Government Spokeswomen Young Woman of the Year Award. She is also currently Joint Chair for the Environment and Sustainability Community of Practice with the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2).
Holly recently became Captain of Tamarama Surf Lifesaving Club which sees her responsible for beachgoers and 200 volunteer lifesavers at the most dangerous beach on the East Coast of Australia. At 32, she is the youngest ever Captain of Tamarama Surf Lifesaving Club, and only the second woman to lead the Club’s operations.
Holly is also Secretary of Lifesavers with Pride which advocates Surf Life Saving Australia, their states offices and surf clubs across the country to ensure a welcoming, diverse, inclusive and progressive lifesaving culture.
Holly speaks passionately about her journey from issues management to community engagement, how organisations can embed genuine and timely engagement into their practices, and being a young women in leadership.
Community and Stakeholder for Government Conference 2017
Community and Stakeholder for Government Conference 2018