About Us

Simon Copland

Executive Director

Simon was raised in Canberra and has been passionate about the environment for his entire life. He has a long history in the Australian climate movement. Most recently he was the Executive Director at Pedal Power ACT where he led campaigns to boost active travel investment in the territory. He worked for 350.org Australia, where he helped organise a climate tour of Pacific Islanders to Australia, which included a blockade of the Newcastle Coal Port. Simon also has a PhD through the Australian National University. 

In his spare time, Simon does some amateur powerlifting, nature walking and SCUBA diving, and is a David Bowie fanatic.

Grit Schuster

Office Manager

Grit has a background in environmental science and spent most of her career working as a researcher and as an environmental consultant in Germany and Perth. Grit’s big passion is our natural environment and she wants to help protect it in as many ways as possible. She has been part of the Australian Parents for Climate Action Initiative and is working and volunteering in the Canberra community to raise awareness about our impact on the environment and sustainable practices.

Grit loves meeting people from all walks of life, adventures in the great outdoors and exploring Canberra on her yellow cargo bike.

Aoibhinn Crimmins

Campaigner

Aoibhinn is a young Canberran who has been involved in local sustainability and community building efforts since she was in school, most notably in her role organising the 2019 global school strikes for climate here in Canberra and across Australia. Aoibhinn has since completed a double degree in climate and environmental science, and politics, philosophy and economics at the ANU. While Aoibhinn hopes to one day complete further study, she knows we need action now on the expertise we already have, and so she is pursuing a career in activism and community building. Aoibhinn has always been passionate about justice and equality, but she was drawn to the environment and climate movement in particular for its overarching nature and thus ability to be a vehicle for change on all issues facing humanity.

In her down time, Aoibhinn loves to socialise and dance to electronic music!

Emily Shelley

Policy and Advocacy Officer

Emily is passionate about biodiversity conservation and previously worked for the Australian Government advising on environment and water policy.

She is currently undertaking postgraduate study in environmental science at the Australian National University; and has previous tertiary qualifications in journalism and international relations.

In her spare time, Emily loves hiking, birdwatching and gardening.

Kelly Allison

Branching Out Program Officer

Kelly coordinates and leads walks for the Conservation Council’s Branching Out: Canberra Nature Walks program. She enjoys supporting people of all ages and abilities to connect with nature through guided walks and community activities. Kelly is passionate about protecting, conserving and restoring the natural environment.