Communications Team
Ilsa Colson
Communications Director
Ilsa brings some 20 years experience in communications, stakeholder relations, community engagement, issues management, media and policy to the CEC.
Having begun her career as a journalist, she went on to become media and policy advisor for then Deputy Premier of Victoria, John Thwaites. Stints heading up communications at Zoos Victoria and Parks Victoria followed, before joining the office of then Climate Change and Water Minister, Penny Wong, as press secretary for the development and introduction of major reforms including the proposed emissions trading scheme.
Ilsa comes to the CEC after leading the Regional Rail Link communications and government relations team. She has also authored two books.
Mark Bretherton
Media Manager
Standing at the frontlines of the clean energy debate is all in a day's work for Mark, who deals directly with journalists, lining up interviews and responding to media inquiries on breaking stories. He also provides briefings and background information for CEC spokespeople ahead of media interviews and assists with the writing of opinion pieces for newspapers.
But Mark is perhaps best loved for his daily media wrap, a.k.a. the 'Bretho Report' highly anticipated by members to kick off each business day.
Prior to the CEC, Mark worked for Brisbane's Courier-Mail newspaper and has contributed to both the Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail as a freelance journalist. He also held a senior communications position with the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency.
Nikki Galovic
Communications Coordinator
Nikki is the Clean Energy Council's Swiss army knife, a fast thinking member of the team who holds one of the organisation's most diverse roles.
On a typical day, she will work on our website and across Facebook and Twitter, project-manage reports, organise communications to members, book advertising on CEC websites and assist with upcoming events. She is also leading work on the appearance and evolution of the Clean Energy Council brand.
Nikki was an invaluable part of the team in the planning and delivery of Clean Energy Week in 2011 and her efficiency and willingness to help makes her much sought-after as a problem solver across the CEC.
Madeleine Brennan
Communications Consultant
Initially contracted to produce the highly popular Daily News at this year's Clean Energy Week, Madeleine quickly became a permanent part-time fixture at the Clean Energy Council. She now supports the media and policy teams to edit reports and fact sheets, write opinion pieces and media releases, produce member communications as well as provide strategic communications advice.
Madeleine has worked as a journalist and editor for regional and community newspapers. She also has experience in government and the environment sector, working in public relations and government liaison. Her previous role at Sustainability Victoria led her to start her own communications consultancy targeting the environment and energy sectors.
Lisa Taylor
Wind Community Engagement Manager
Lisa manages the wind community engagement campaign supported by leading Australian wind companies and has developed a range of online resources that wind developers can use to promote the benefits of wind.
She works with two local project managers in South Western Victoria and the ACT/NSW, as well as members, communities, government agencies and local shires to promote wind energy and to ensure the community's understanding of wind farms is accurate.
She also assists in promoting the benefits of wind to local, state and federal politicians as well as Chambers of Commerce, Local Government, Farmers' and other Associations. Lisa has previously worked with the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission as a Senior Media Advisor and the Queensland Police Service.
Kate Jennings
Events Consultant
As the Sponsorship and Event Manager for Clean Energy Week, Kate is familiar to many of our members.
This monumental event consists of two conference programs - the CEC National Conference and ATRAA - as well as Australia's largest renewable energy trade fair. Kate's day to day business involves brokering clear communications with all key stakeholders including sponsors and exhibitors, speakers and delegates to ensure that the week runs smoothly.
Prior to becoming a regular face at the CEC, Kate managed events within the fashion industry for 15 years. Luckily she caught the renewable energy bug whilst managing the 2009 ATRAA conference in Canberra and we never let her go.
Sasha Pell
Events Coordinator
Sasha has significant experience in the events industry, both locally and in the UK during a five year stint. Upon returning to Australia in 2007, Sasha worked for the Mental Health Professionals Network coordinating workshops around Australia.
At the CEC, Sasha is behind the seamless running of social events at Clean Energy Week, as well as our monthly Member Mixers and other ad hoc events as they arise. Sasha is your contact for all CEC event RSVPs or if you are interested in sponsoring any of our member events.
Sasha has completed a Bachelor of Business degree at Victoria University.
Georgie Roberts
Communications Assistant
Georgie met the CEC team fresh out of university, with a short stint covering reception. It wasn't long before we nabbed her for the communications team for 2012.
Over the last two years, Georgie has been involved in theatre events and arts administration. She hopes to leave the drama behind as she works on Australia's largest clean energy industry event, Clean Energy Week.
Georgie will be working with the Clean Energy Week and ATRAA Advisory Committees to develop the speaker program. She welcomes feedback and suggestions from members and is your first point of contact for any speaker related enquiries.
