Our People

Ada Snell

Researchers and Publications Support

Hello. My name is Ada and I started volunteering with HOPE in September 2022. I am happy with the opportunity to join a community of like-minded people to take action for the benefit of the environment, and feel inspired by the work of HOPE’s members.

I have a background in undergraduate International Development and Geography, Environment, and Population. Through volunteering for HOPE, I aim to deepen my knowledge and understanding of particular sustainability issues, as well as developing and using my research and writing skills to inspire positive change in environmental behaviours. I believe that individual daily choices, as well as greater collective action, can be powerful; and would like to make it easier and normal to make better choices for the natural world by providing awareness and information around this. I also look forward to systemic change across multiple sectors.

Anna Kula-Kaczmarski

Researcher (QLD) and Acting Secretary (2022)

Anna moved to Queensland from New Zealand in April 2021 and started volunteering with HOPE in September. Anna has a medical background having completed a Bachelor in Radiation Therapy and Post Graduate Certificate in Public Health. Anna worked as an Advisor at the Ministry of Health in New Zealand and volunteered for humanitarian not-for-profit groups including Crafty Volunteers and TEDx Wellington, prior to moving to Australia.

Growing up in New Zealand Anna has always been keen on exploring the outdoors, bush walking and protecting native wildlife. In recent years Anna has prioritised reducing her household’s carbon footprint, planting a bee friendly garden, installing solar panels and learning about local environmental issues and how to reduce those.

Anna is currently a stay at home mother to her two year old son and is enjoying writing and learning about local environmental NGOs and conservation efforts in Australia.

Dan Bielich

Researcher (WA)

Dan has volunteered with HOPE Inc for 3.5 years now. His major role in the group is to research and write academic articles. He has a Bachelor of Science majoring in Climatology, a Masters in Environment, and is now completing a double Engineering Degree in Renewable Energy and Electrical Power.

Dan continues to volunteer with HOPE Inc. as it provides him the unique opportunity to connect with people through the challenges that they face today as a society. It allows him to voice the issues that are covered in the media and other important issues that are overlooked. Through his academic experience he aims to bring accurate, valid, and logical articles that educate the public on a range of topics.

Daniela Dal’Castel

Newsletter Editor (QLD)

Daniela joined HOPE a little over a year ago as a researcher and have since occupied the role of newsletter editor. She has been working in the field of public health for some years now, however, she has always been interested in science and for this reason, she pursued a Bachelor of Science at university. It is within the last 10 years that she became concerned about the effects of climate change. It became personal about 3 years ago when property developer, MIRVAC, bought local forest land in her residential area to build high-density apartments.

The thought of losing her local paradise ignited a drive within her that she had never experienced. Suddenly, Daniela found myself phoning and emailing her local state members on a daily basis, critically assessing state-set project proposal criteria, researching state and federal legislation, taking part in protests, speaking with local councilors, and communicating with media outlets. From there Daniela was committed to doing all she can to preserve the natural environment and reduce the contribution to climate change, and she has found an outlet to fulfil this vision with HOPE.

Frank Ondrus

President and Office Manager (QLD)

Frank first heard about Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc. in the early1990s and he was immediately drawn to its Charter of advancing ‘environmental stewardship’ on both a personal level and as a community.

Upon moving to Toowoomba, Qld in 1993, he set up a local branch of HOPE to share its philosophy and to encourage greater advocacy for sustainable living.

Over the next decade or so, Frank was able to spread the message of HOPE and Its Charter throughout Queensland – building a strong network of members and supporters.

In 2007, Frank and his local team took steps to formally establish HOPE nationally as an Incorporated Association. 15 years later, Frank is still passionate about safeguarding our environment and helping HOPE achieve its goals!

On a personal note, Frank’s leisure pursuits include listening to music, watching AFL footy matches, gardening, going for walks with his wife Mary; and RESTING, when time permits!

Georgia Eastment

Researcher

Georgia has recently begun volunteering with HOPE in July 2022 as a researcher/writer. She has just finished her Masters of Environment and Sustainability, with a specialisation in International Development and Environment. Volunteering for HOPE enables her to demonstrate and continue building upon her skills and knowledge in the sustainability space. During her studies, Georgia became aware of the major disconnect between scientific evidence, and decision-making in public policy and governance. Volunteering for HOPE provides an opportunity to bridge this gap; she is able to communicate to the public about various sustainability initiatives and provide advice about actions that individuals can take to protect the environment.

Georgia's theory of change is strongly embedded in grassroots action and community mobilisation. To Georgia, values-aligned not-for-profit organisations like HOPE are important agents of change. She is excited to be able to contribute to HOPE's work and continue building strong relationships with the community.

Jason Dingley

Media Officer (VIC)

Jason was originally from the UK and he moved to Australia in 2011. His background is in the biological and environmental sciences (BSc. Joint Honours Biochemistry and Marine Biology; MSc. Environmental Management).

Currently, Jason is working at Federation University in Berwick as a Facilities Officer and he is the President of the Lions Club of Pakenham (another community-based, volunteer organisation). At HOPE, he assists with media activities and writing newsletter articles.

Jason joined HOPE because he is very interested in environmental issues. He wanted to make a contribution towards environmental matters as well as develop skills and knowledge that could be of use elsewhere.

Kerry Kruger

Former Secretary from 2014-2015 to 2021-2022

Kerry has been a member of HOPE for so many years she cannot recall when she joined. She usually fulfils the role of general helper. Currently Kerry is the Secretary, taking minutes at meetings and do whatever Frank asks of her. She has a fairly eclectic background in the education industry so she has a raft of skills that she can use for HOPE from helping to maintain the website, to compiling booklets and pamphlets, and creating art for small projects. And, of course, writing and editing letters, minutes, and other proposals. She is also adept at using Word, Excel, Acrobat, and programs like InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator etc.

Kerry enjoys being part of HOPE. She likes the central tenet of HOPE, which is think globally, act locally. It acknowledges that “the earth is what we all have in common, and that for each of us the link between the earth (or nature) and we human beings should not be broken. The environment is the one thing we all share.”

There is so little that individuals can do when it comes to the big ideas of “sustainability”, “environmental degradation” and so on. But she likes the idea that if she does all that she can in her little patch to be a faithful steward, she can help save this land for future generations. And she is optimistic. She believes that thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. The whole issue of climate change and global warming gives her hope because if it is the result of human activity, then it means humans can change the outcome. That probably means changing peoples’ mindset on many things and for Kerry, that is summed up by something she read about the proper use of science not being to conquer nature but to live in it.

Kerry is retired from the workforce now. She spent the best part of 40 years trying to work out what job she wanted to be when she grew up and it turns out the job, she likes best is being retired. But she likes helping people and that was the most consistent trait in all her varied jobs while working for the bank to pay off the mortgage.

When Kerry is not doing things for HOPE, she enjoys trying new recipes, improving on old ones, sipping red wines (any wines actually), re-reading loved books, watching World Movies, and gardening. Her favourite quote about the garden is from Audrey Hepburn: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

Lauren Dogan

Researcher (NSW)

Lauren has volunteered with HOPE Inc since late 2021 as a researcher/writer. She is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Environmental Science majoring in Applied Earth Sciences and also holds a Diploma of Journalism.

Lauren enjoys volunteering with HOPE Inc. as it enables her to research current environmental issues that impact all of the living things that call Earth home. Lauren enjoys researching how householders can help lessen their impact on the Earth through reducing their carbon footprint, become better recyclers or making greener choices in their home and professional lives.

Sofija Belajcic

Researcher (NSW)

Sofija began volunteering for HOPE in February 2020 and her main role is researching and writing news articles and reviewing reports. She holds a double degree in Arts/Law and currently work as a solicitor and research analyst. Volunteering for HOPE allows her to stay informed about conservation initiatives and use her research and writing skills to broaden her knowledge on a range of issues relating to the environment.

Sofija’s favourite aspect about volunteering for HOPE is learning about new initiatives in environmental protection and sustainability. Since she’s started, she has learnt about different strategies in sustainable agriculture, ways people can recycle their belongings, worm composting and other gardening tips, and much more. The thing she has noticed whilst researching and writing about the conservation efforts of communities and organisations, is that they are all formed on small and simple ideas which any person can replicate in their own lives, even if it is just becoming more environmentally conscious. Learning about how communities and everyday people are addressing environmental issues and implementing conservation practices in their own lives shows that even though these problems are global, addressing them at a local level can have an impact.