Chief Executive Officer

Dr Margaret Moreton has had an extensive career spanning 40 years including social policy and advisory roles, program management, and the provision of consultancy services. She has held various leadership positions and undertaken significant projects and contract work within government, and the non-government, business, philanthropy and community sectors. Her roles have included a focus on enhancing Indigenous outcomes, community development, early childhood, mental health and autism, and leading community engagement at the Office for Women (federally).

Dr Moreton undertook original research at the Australian National University, highlighting community lived experience of disaster resilience following fire, flood and cyclone. Most recently Dr Moreton has led the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and was Mission Lead for the Community Resilience Mission as part of the then Minderoo Foundation Fire and Flood Resilience Initiative.

Dr Moreton is a passionate advocate for inclusive and collaborative approaches to building resilience to disasters. She believes strongly that we must take a systemic approach to face the challenge of increasingly intense and frequent disasters. Her commitment is to work so that diverse genders are safe before, during and after disasters, have a voice in building their own disaster resilience and are able to survive, contribute, and thrive in their communities and organisations.

Dr Moreton lives in Ballarat, Victoria, and is a member of the Ballarat Foundation Board, and the Foundation’s Women’s Fund.

Loriana Bethune is the Research and Innovation Manager at Gender and Disaster Australia (GADAus). With almost two decades of experience in the emergency management and public sectors, Loriana is a Senior Board Member for Women and Firefighting Australia and deeply committed to improving disaster responses for people from all walks of life.

Emily Hedger is GADAus’ Executive Services Manager, overseeing the GADAus administrative team, and providing governance and operational support to the GADAus Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors, and the Expert Advisory Committee. With over 20 years experience across the education, union and not-for-profit sectors, Emily is committed to contributing to values-based organisations which work toward social justice and educational outcomes. She is experienced in the management of administrative, executive, project management and governance support functions, and in the review and development of quality and information management systems.

Training Manager

Rachael Mackay is an experienced social work practitioner, facilitator and trainer in gender equity, disaster and the prevention of violence against women. As GADAus’ Training Manager, Rachael has an extensive track record developing and facilitating training with emergency services personnel, local government, as well as local and community organisations. With expertise in homelessness, aged care, child protection, and the domestic violence sectors in Australia and the UK working directly with victim survivors in response and refuge organisations, Rachael is committed to applying a gender lens in leadership settings.

Business Development Manager

Melesa Osborne is the Business Development Manager at Gender and Disaster Australia, bringing a unique blend of strategic leadership, health psychology expertise, and a deep commitment to gender equity in disaster contexts. At GADAus, Melesa has led the scale-up of the national training program and secured further project funding to strengthen the organisation’s reach and impact. With a professional background spanning science, mental health, education, cultural safety, and nonprofit leadership, she is passionate about co-designed, trauma-informed approaches that centre the voices and needs of women and gender-diverse people. Melesa’s work is grounded in the belief that systems change begins with inclusive, evidence-based practice and strong cross-sector collaboration.

Kim Grosser (she/her) is a communications leader, strategist and changmaker who is passionate about advocating for a fairer world for people who are made to be marginalised. Over the last 20 years, Kim has led arts, media, social inclusion and gender equity communications campaigns, in the UK, Singapore and Australia.

She volunteers as a grant assessor for the Community Broadcasting Foundation. She loves traveling, yoga, writing haiku, and galloping on horseback to clear her mind.  

Tracy Cook is the Finance & HR Coordinator at GADAus, where she oversees the delivery of essential finance, human resources and administration services. With over 20 years of experience in roles such as Finance Manager, Office Manager, and Administration Manager, Tracy brings a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for administration to her position.

Tracy has extensive experience in project management administration and is adept at analysing processes, streamlining procedures, and implementing effective systems. Tracy is passionate about making a meaningful contribution and helping to create a better world.

Asminah Cohen is the Business Development Administrator at Gender and Disaster Australia (GADAus). With vast experience across the women’s health and community sectors in office administration, executive support, and event planning, Asminah supports all aspects of GADAus’ growth and development, acting always with grace, warmth and integrity.

Emma Harvey is the Project Officer at Gender and Disaster Australia (GADAus), bringing a strong background in communications, project management, and community engagement. She has extensive experience working in the Asia-Pacific region and has contributed to local and international campaigns advocating for human rights, resource security, social inclusion, and gender equality. Emma holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Community Development and a Master of Environment, specialising in Gender and Development. Her work reflects a commitment to advancing social and environmental justice through collaborative and inclusive approaches.

Kepler Collis (they/them) is GADAus’ Training Administrator, providing project and administrative support for the national delivery of GADAus’ training programs. They are a proud transgender person with vast experience across not-for-profit, health, and legal sectors in administration and event management, and a passion for effective systems and processes.

Andrea Brereton is the Accountant at Gender and Disaster Australia (GADAus). Andrea is a qualified Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) with more than 10 years work experience in the not-for-profit sector. After starting her career as an Auditor at Ernst & Young, Andrea moved into the role of Financial Accountant with the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Following this, Andrea worked for several years in an accounting and business management role in early years education; until her most recent position as Accountant with the Australian Charities & Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Through this most recent role, Andrea was involved in reviewing charities financial statements and supporting them to meet their financial reporting responsibilities. She is glad to bring these skills to her role with GADAus and continue a career focussed on contribution to the community.