Organisation : People and Parks Foundation
Location : Melbourne
Work type : Part-time
Profession : Board & Committee Members
Sector : Conservation & Environment
Salary type : Other
Salary : Voluntary
Application closing date : 22 Aug, 2025
About the organisation
People and Parks Foundation (PPF) is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing public health, strengthening community wellbeing and advancing environmental stewardship through nature-based initiatives.
Vision
The PPF vision is for all people to have access and opportunity to engage with thriving natural environments, now and into the future, and for healthier people, places and, ultimately, the planet.
Mission
Our mission is to raise awareness that it is in our own health, wellbeing and economic interests to care for nature. We work in partnership to develop and resource transformative projects that particularly benefit the health of people and places where most needed. This work includes restoring natural environments damaged by human activity.
Structure
PPF is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and serves as Trustee for the People and Parks Environment Trust and Health Trust. Both Trusts have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR 1) status.
PPF was established in 2004 and, since that time, has worked to foster collaborative and innovative opportunities with communities, philanthropy and governments to better connect people to nature.
Partners
Our principal project partner is Parks Victoria, and we work together to identify, develop, resource and deliver transformative environmental projects on the Parks estate.
In addition to our work with Parks Victoria, we also work beyond the Parks estate with the Federal, State and Local governments and their agencies, the philanthropic community, community groups including Traditional Owners, plus other place-based and special interest organisations.
Projects and Programs
Current key PPF partnership projects include Wilsons Promontory National Park Sanctuary and Live Nature Wise.
Wilson’s Promontory Sanctuary is a globally significant project that will help to restore and protect native flora and fauna across the 50,000-hectare Wilsons Promontory National Park. The vision is for the sanctuary to become one of Australia’s largest predator and pest-free wildlife sanctuaries. As a world-leading protected refuge free from introduced predators and invasive weeds, the Prom Sanctuary will not only provide Victoria’s native species a place to thrive, it will also offer the public an opportunity to be inspired by seeing best practice biodiversity conservation in action.
LiveNatureWise is a framework developed by PPF in recognition of ancient and living First Nations wisdom and is based on the abundance of information and evidence that time spent in nature is beneficial to both physical and mental health. Live NatureWise reminds us that “we are nature” and includes a suite of programs all based on the Nature Dose – connecting with and caring for nature. NatureWise programs typically engage place-based partners across sectors and include:
- NatureScripts – a nature-based social prescription seeking health and wellbeing outcomes, including improved social connection.
- NatureWise at School – a whole-of-school program that engages students, staff and the community to improve access and opportunity to connect with and care for nature.
- NatureWise at Camp – school students and staff learn about NatureWise and how to develop their own personal Nature Dose at camp and take that home with them.
- NatureWise Places and Spaces – creating places and spaces that are climate resilient, sustainable and are demonstrably good for human and environmental health.
About the role
PPF Directors play a key role in supporting PPF’s mission and strategic direction and shaping the organisation’s future.
Key responsibilities include:
- Contributing to the development and achievement of strategic goals, organisational planning, and a safe and healthy culture.
- Ensuring robust governance, financial management and full regulatory compliance.
- Overseeing risk management, financial sustainability, and fiduciary and legal responsibilities.
- Championing PPF’s vision, values and goals in public forums.
PPF Director Preferred Skills and Qualities
We are seeking passionate individuals who share our vision and core values and who are excited to contribute their skills and experience to our work. In addition to their passion, ideal candidates will bring a mix of the following:
- Shared values – A strong commitment to:
- Environmental stewardship – championing the protection, preservation, and restoration of our natural environment.
- Health and wellbeing – supporting prevention-focused approaches and promoting healthy, thriving communities.
- First Nations respect and inclusion – valuing and embedding First Nations knowledge, perspectives and leadership into our work.
- Experience or interest in attracting funding, donations and building sustainable financial support through government, philanthropic, corporate and/or community partnerships.
- Skills or experience in areas such as charitable foundation operations, governance, legal compliance, finance, strategy, marketing, community engagement, environment, health and/or social enterprise.
- A willingness to engage their networks to support our goals, including opening doors, fostering partnerships or helping us expand our reach.
- Availability to attend bi-monthly board meetings and contribute your time, ideas and expertise toward advancing PPF’s mission.
How to apply
Please submit a brief Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining your skills, experience and values to Info@peopleandparks.org
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Ross Passalaqua, Chairperson – People and Parks Foundation
0418 580 514
ross@passalaqua.com
Please quote in application: Non-Executive Director via Pro Bono Australia.
Sector: #Conservation_and_Environment
