The people behind the passion
We are a tight knit group of passionate individuals, who care about what is happening in our oceans.
We are committed to enacting positive change.
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Peter Smith
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
As an avid surfer and growing up around the ocean, Pete’s vision and steadfast approach to advocating for clean oceans has seen him lead the charge for Clean Ocean Foundation, its mission and achievements spanning the last 24 years.
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John Gemmill
CEO
As a surfer, scuba diver and former chemical engineer, John has had a long-term love affair with the marine environment. He is respected amongst community groups concerned with the marine environment as a thoughtful advocate for both practical and economical environmental reform. He is passionate that the Foundation continues to act as an honest broker to both the environmental community and governmental organisations concerned with outfall pollution.
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Lionel Lauch
FIRST NATIONS ADVISOR/ ARTIST - DREAMTIME COLLECTION
Co-founder of Living Culture, whose mission is to educate people about the importance of keeping Indigenous Culture alive, Lionel is integral to Clean Ocean Foundations mission and ensuring First Nations voices are part of every conversation.
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Dr Andrew Fischer
UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA - NATIONAL OUTFALL DATABASE
Dr Andrew Fischer's research focuses on understanding the interaction between physics and biology in the coastal ocean and estuaries. His work is critical in our ongoing management of the National Outfall Database.
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Gidja Walker (OAM)
ECOLOGIST | EDUCATOR | ARTIST
Gidjas extensive knowledge of natural systems management restoration ecology, threatened species management and endangered ecosystems provides Clean Ocean Foundation with invaluable knowledge on the impacts ocean outfalls have on our coastal environment.
In January 2024, Gidja was awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for her service to conservation and environment.
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Elenore Lannigan
OPERATIONS
El has the ability to understand things at a macro and micro level. Aligning everything back to sound strategy, she is approachable, solutions focused, fun, with a rare 'can do attitude'.
Having a background in project management, her role is to get the right outcomes, and she always manages to inspire people along the way.
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To advocate and champion for an Australia where there is complete closure of all ocean outfalls and discharge of wastewater.
To ensure no further ocean outfalls are created in Australia.
To increase government and public awareness on the impacts of ocean outfalls on the marine environment ensuring we capitalise on the resource value of water and other elements of sewage which is currently wasted.
To achieve the greatest possible environmental benefit per dollar spent or allocated by governments, water authorities and utilities within Australia in the protection, restoration and maintenance of all Australian waterways, beaches and oceans.
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Lobby all levels of government, water and other relevant authorities.
Run high profile media and public campaigns to raise public awareness and to maintain maximum pressure on all relevant decision-makers.
Actively promote the use of recycled water and to encourage and assist water and other relevant authorities to do so.
Actively and publicly promote effective methods for conservation of water.
Actively and publicly promote environmentally friendly and effective products for use in the home.
Actively and publicly promote an awareness and habit in young people, especially of primary and secondary school levels, of conservation of water resources, and of responsible choice, use and methods of disposal of waste products.
